​​Maria Sophia “Pia” Valencia

Post Assembly Fellow

​​Maria Sophia “Pia” Valencia is a junior at Hunter College majoring in Clinical Psychology. She is a member of the Thomas Hunter Honors Program, where she also has a mini-concentration in Theatre. Pia is passionate about connecting with people, especially through conversation, and learning from the stories and experiences of those around her.

Her experiences in customer service, retail, and working in a nursing home have strengthened her ability to communicate with and understand people from different backgrounds. Through her work with patients, she developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of empathy, listening, and human connection. She also volunteers with New York Cares and currently serves as the Director of the Pilipinos of Hunter Dance Collective, combining her love for community, leadership, and the performing arts.

Through participating as a delegate in the CUNY Climate Assembly Program, Pia gained a new understanding of sustainability and the ways it connects to everyday life. She entered the experience with little to no knowledge of sustainability, but left with a greater appreciation for how much our communities depend on systems that are often taken for granted, including sanitation and public health infrastructure. She was especially inspired by learning about the historical connection between sanitation and medical professionals and how these systems play an essential role in protecting community well-being.

One of Pia’s biggest takeaways from the experience was realizing how a group of 30 people from different backgrounds and perspectives can come together and profoundly change one another’s lives. She also learned that meaningful change requires both technical and creative thinking. From infographics and graphic design to performance and storytelling, creative expression can be just as integral as technical knowledge in communicating ideas and inspiring people to rethink the systems around them.

Pia hopes to pursue a career in clinical psychology, where she can continue building meaningful connections with others and contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities.