Valentina Payne

Valentina Payne has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries. In 2021, they are currently working as the Chief of Staff at Bellwether. Prior to that, they held positions at brightbeam, where they served as the Chief Growth Officer from May 2019 to September 2021, and as the Chief of Staff from December 2016 to April 2019. Valentina also worked as the Deputy Director of Policy and Strategy from November 2014 to December 2016. Before joining brightbeam, Valentina worked at StudentsFirst as a Legislative Projects Manager from July 2013 to November 2014, and as a Legislative Analyst from May 2012 to May 2013. Additionally, they gained experience as an Educational Leadership Intern at Ann Arbor Public Schools in early 2012. Valentina also worked at Detroit Public Schools as a Law Clerk and Public Service Law Fellow from January 2011 to August 2011. Valentina has further experience as a Research Assistant at Legal Services of South Central Michigan from September 2009 to April 2010, and as an Investigative Intern at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia from May 2009 to August 2009. Valentina's work history includes a role as an ELL Tutor for Detroit Public Schools with America Reads from September 2008 to April 2009.

Valentina Payne completed their education with a Masters of Educational Studies degree in Policy and Leadership from the University of Michigan in 2012. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish Language and Literature, with a focus in Crime and Justice from the University of Michigan in 2010. In 2008, Valentina participated in a Study Abroad program at Universidad de Guanajuato. Valentina completed their high school education at Dakota High School, receiving a General Education diploma in 2006.