Dr. Nicholas Valenzuela, Ph.D.
Bilingual Speaker, Trainer, Coach
DR. NICK VALENZUELA
Dr. Nicholas Valenzuela went from a Spanish-speaking barrio with no college-educated role models to earning a Ph.D. from Stanford and advising executives at Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and Seagate.
A Fulbright Fellow and first-generation college graduate, he now inspires teens and young adults—especially from immigrant and migrant communities—to pursue their own journeys from lost and unfocused to admitted and thriving. For over twenty years, he has helped students gain admission to elite universities through his VIA Success framework, proving that where you start doesn't determine where you finish. Presents in English and Spanish.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS EXPERT COACH
DR. NICK VALENZUELA
Guest Speaker short bio
Dr. Nicholas Valenzuela is a Stanford Ph.D., Fulbright Fellow, and national keynote speaker who empowers teens and young adults to achieve their education and career dreams. Growing up in a low-income, Spanish-speaking barrio where he was told he wasn't smart enough for college, he went on to earn four degrees and advise C-level executives at Fortune 100 companies including Microsoft, Sun Microsystems, and Seagate.
Through his VIA Success process, Dr. Nick has helped countless students gain admission to top universities—including Ivy League schools—by identifying their strengths, building self-esteem, and creating action plans for success. His motto: "If I did it, you can do it too."
Guest Speaker tailored topics
- Student Motivation & Success
- VIA Success: Vision, Inspired, Action
- From Lost to Focused: Finding Your Path
- Becoming Highly Motivated to Succeed
- Goal Setting for Teens & Young Adults
- Creating Your Action Plan for Success
- Self-Esteem & Mindset
- Building Self-Confidence & Self-Esteem
- Overcoming Negative Self-Thoughts
- Reducing Stress & Anxiety in Students
- You Are Smarter Than They Said You Were
- Growth Mindset for Academic Achievement
- College & Career Readiness
- Getting Into Your Dream College
- Ivy League & Top University Admission Strategies
- First-Generation College Success
- Navigating the College Application Process
- From Admission to Graduation: Thriving in Higher Education
- Personal Journey & Inspiration
- From the Barrio to the Boardroom
- If I Did It, You Can Do It Too
- Defying Low Expectations
- Overcoming Cultural, Financial & Personal Barriers
- The Power of Education to Transform Lives
- Strengths & Talent Development
- Identifying Your Unique Strengths & Talents
- Nurturing & Developing Your Abilities
- Turning Talents into Career Success
- Discovering Your Purpose
- Leadership & Professional Development
- Leadership Skills for Young Adults
- Career Success Strategies
- Lessons from Fortune 100 Boardrooms
- Strategic Thinking for Your Life & Career
- Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace
- Immigrant & First-Generation Experience
- Thriving as a First-Generation Student
- Navigating Systems as an Immigrant Family
- Breaking Barriers in Education
- Cultural Identity & Academic Success
- From Spanish-Speaking Barrio to Stanford Ph.D.
- Parent & Family Engagement
- Supporting Your Child's College Dreams
- How Families Can Foster Student Success
- Engaging Parents from Diverse Cultures
- Building a College-Going Culture at Home
- Educator & Staff Topics
- Inspiring & Engaging Diverse Students
- Working with Disenfranchised Communities
- Building Trust Across Cultures
- Strategies for Migrant & Immigrant Student Success
- Creating Inclusive Educational Environments
Guest Speaker for events
Student Assemblies & Programs
Middle School Assemblies
High School Assemblies
College & University Convocations
Student Leadership Conferences
New Student Orientation
Graduation Ceremonies
College Signing Days
Career Day Events
College Access & Readiness Events
College Access Conferences
TRIO & Upward Bound Programs
Gear Up Events
AVID Program Events
College Application Workshops
Financial Aid & Scholarship Nights
Ivy League & Elite University Prep Programs
Transfer Student Events
First-Generation & Underserved Student Events
First-Generation Student Conferences
Boys & Young Men of Color Initiatives
Latino Male Success Programs
At-Risk Youth Programs
Alternative Education Programs
Continuation School Events
Migrant & Immigrant Education Events
Migrant Education Conferences
Newcomer Student Programs
English Learner Family Nights
Immigrant Student Support Events
Migrant Parent Engagement Workshops
Parent & Family Events
Parent Engagement Nights
Parent University Programs
College & Career Family Workshops
Title I Parent Meetings
Bilingual Family Events
Educator & Staff Events
Teacher Professional Development
Faculty & Staff Convocations
Counselor Conferences
Administrator Leadership Retreats
Back-to-School Staff Kickoffs
Equity & Inclusion Training
Cultural & Heritage Celebrations
Hispanic Heritage Month
Latino Leadership Summits
Immigrant Heritage Events
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Juneteenth Programs
Corporate & Professional Events
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summits
Employee Resource Group (ERG) Events
Leadership Development Programs
Career Advancement Workshops
Young Professional Conferences
Mentorship Program Kickoffs
Conference & Association Events
Migrant Education State & National Conferences
NACAC & College Counselor Conferences
Education Equity Summits
Latino Education Conferences
School Counselor Association Events
Youth Development & Nonprofit Events
Youth Leadership Summits
Nonprofit Galas & Fundraisers
Workforce Development Programs
Community Mentorship Events
Boys & Girls Club Programs
YMCA/YWCA Youth Events
Mental Health & Wellness Events
Student Stress & Anxiety Workshops
Self-Esteem Building Programs
Mindset & Motivation Seminars
Student Wellness Days
Business & Entrepreneurship Events
Young Entrepreneur Programs
Business School Events
MBA & Graduate School Prep
Silicon Valley & Tech Industry Events
Career Pathway Programs
Top Latino College Admissions Coach & Speaker
Top Hispanic College Admissions Coach & Speaker
Testimonials
Dr. Nick has successfully developed leaders in education and in corporate.
Testimonial to be updated...
Jane Faber
6 months ago
Testimonial to be updated...
Jane Faber
6 months ago
Testimonial to be updated...
Jane Faber
6 months ago
Testimonial to be updated...
Jane Faber
6 months ago
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