Meet Valeria Lopez
An ongoing series from The Alumni Society spotlighting its impressive members
Alma mater: Brown | Location: Stamford, CT
Where are you from?
I’m Ecuadorian American and I grew up in Stamford, Connecticut.
What are you up to today?
After a career in education leadership, healthcare, and consulting, I’m building up my own strategy consulting and leadership coaching firm. I started OnBeat Consulting five years ago and now I’m excited to fully invest in growing OnBeat Consulting’s impact in the United States and Latin America.
What is a career accomplishment you’re proud of?
I recently completed a coaching certification program through CoachArt in Puerto Rico. I intentionally chose to participate in a program that not only was rigorous but was fully in Spanish. While I’ve used coach-like tools in my work with leaders and teams through the years, CoachArt’s program transformed the way I listened, asked questions, and partnered with a client in a conversation. My mentors encouraged me to coach not only in Spanish but in English and Brazilian Portuguese, too. After many months of learning, practice, feedback, and some more practice, I’m proud to now call myself a coach. I’m excited to continue to grow as a coach and more deliberately embed coaching into my work with leaders, teams, and organizations.
What benefits or values do you seek in networking platforms such as The Alumni Society?
Throughout my career, I’ve often been in spaces where I’m the “only one” – the only woman, the only Latina, or even the only person of color. Networking platforms like The Alumni Society provide community, fellowship, mentorship, and, above all, the opportunity to meet other Latinos who are trailblazing and making changes in their workplace and community.
What are you passionate about or what drives you?
I’m passionate about changing the narrative that “the way it’s always been done” is the way it has to be done. What drives me is the fervent belief that individuals, teams, and organizations can create more adaptive, vibrant, and human-centered workplaces where everyone, not just certain groups, can thrive. I’m an avid learner and a language enthusiast. My greatest joy is reading and working in three languages (English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese) on any given day of the week.
