About Me
I am a proud first-generation Mexican-American student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at The Ohio State University, with a focus on the Pre-Law track. My passion for law and politics stems from a deep commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and influencing equitable policies that amplify unheard voices.
As a young leader, I bring a proactive approach and a balanced, bipartisan perspective to navigating today’s complex political landscape. Beyond academics, I channel my creativity through photography, managing my own platform to showcase my work and explore the intersection of art and advocacy.
For more details about my experiences and achievements, feel free to explore my work experience page or connect with me on LinkedIn!
@JesusValencia
Resume & Personal Statement
My resume can be viewed here or on my resume page.
JAV_ResumeNotable Highlights
National Gold Medal
I am honored to have received the National Gold Medal in Photography from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in 2023, placing in the top 1% of over 260,000 submissions nationwide. As the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, this award highlights not only technical excellence but also the ability to tell compelling stories through visual art. This achievement reflects my dedication to creativity, attention to detail, and the power of impactful storytelling—qualities I bring to every endeavor. More honors can be found by visiting this link.
Intern: Ohio House of Reps.
I am currently an Intern at the Ohio House of Representatives, where I work under Assistant Minority Leader, Representative Jarrells, serving the 120,000+ constituents of House District 1. In this role, I have gained invaluable professional experience in legislative processes and strengthened my understanding of state government operations. I have also contributed to impactful legislative efforts, such as supporting the passage of the Ohio Paystub Protection Act, which safeguards workers’ rights. This position has sharpened my analytical, communication, and organizational skills, equipping me to navigate complex policy landscapes and make meaningful contributions to the legislative process. More scholarly experiences can be found by visiting this link.
National Convention Member
Through The Ohio State University, I was honored to be 1 of only 3 scholars selected to represent our institution at the National Student Leadership Diversity Convention (NSLDC) in Orlando, FL. As the largest national gathering of student leaders and campus-based advisors, NSLDC focuses on addressing the most pressing issues of diversity, equity, and social justice impacting campuses nationwide. This transformative experience deepened my understanding of these critical topics, expanded my leadership perspective, and equipped me with actionable strategies to foster inclusion and advocate for meaningful change within my community. More educational experiences can be found by visiting this link.
University Senator
As a Senator in Ohio State University's Undergraduate Student Government, I proudly represent over 30,000 commuter and off-campus students at the third-largest university in the nation. I advocate for policies and resources that address their unique challenges and enhance their academic, social, and personal experiences. Through my work on the Student Affairs and Justice and Equity committees, I lead initiatives that promote equity, inclusivity, and belonging across campus. This role has sharpened my leadership, communication, and policy-making skills, enabling me to drive meaningful change and ensure that the diverse needs of the student body are met. More educational experiences can be found by visiting this link.
Social Media Certificate
Through courses taken at Columbus State Community College during my senior year of high school, I successfully completed the requirements to earn my Social Media Certification through HubSpot Academy, which is valid through 2025. This certification provided me with in-depth knowledge of a wide range of social media strategies, equipping me with the tools to effectively manage and optimize digital campaigns across various platforms. More certifications and experiences can be found by visiting this link.
Podcast Co-Founder
Through JAVforchange and JAVmedias, I combine my passion for advocacy, politics, and creativity. JAVforchange fosters dialogue, shares bipartisan insights, and updates on my work as a student government senator, empowering my community and advocating for change. JAVmedias highlights my photography and design, showcasing my ability to communicate powerful stories. Together, these platforms blend leadership, digital strategy, and creativity to engage, inform, and inspire action on important causes. More of my Portfolio can be found by visiting this link.
