University of Arizona career coordinator Valeria Alonso recognized as one of Southern Arizona’s 40 Under 40

For Valeria Alonso, being named one of Southern Arizona’s 40 Under 40 is less about the recognition itself and more about the community she has spent years working to strengthen. 

Alonso, the career development coordinator for the University of Arizona’s Department of Computer Science, was among 40 young professionals recognized this year by the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for their leadership, service and contributions to the region. 

A Tucson native and two-time U of A graduate, Alonso said giving back to the community has always been one of her core values. 

“I love giving back to my community,” she said. “Giving back to the community has always been a pillar of my values.”  

Growing up in Tucson, Alonso said she once viewed the city as somewhere she wanted to leave. As she got older, she began to recognize what made the community special and found new ways to contribute to it. 

Her first major involvement came through Tucson Young Professionals, where she spent four years, eventually serving on the board. Through the organization, she helped with professional development and conferences while also volunteering with nonprofits, raising funds and taking on board work. 

That commitment to community service has continued throughout her career at the U of A. 

Alonso has worked in several university departments focused on student success, recruitment and career development. In her current role, she helps computer science students explore careers, find internships and jobs, develop professional skills and connect with employers. 

Her work extends beyond one-on-one career advising. She organizes student workshops, mentoring programs, résumé reviews and interview preparation sessions, while also leading the Computer Science Ambassadors program and coordinating recruiting and outreach events at the U of A and throughout the local community. 

Dr. Ellen Riloff, professor and head of the Department of Computer Science, said Alonso’s dedication to students is evident in the breadth of her work. 

“I am thrilled that Valeria was named a 40 Under 40 Award winner,” Riloff said. “Valeria works incredibly hard and has a real passion for helping our computer science students land great jobs and succeed in their careers. Her leadership, boundless energy and deep commitment to student success are exemplary, so it is gratifying to see her work and talents recognized with this prestigious award.” 

Alonso said that her work is ultimately about meeting students where they are. 

“I think a lot of students come from different pipelines of life,” she said. “I think that the way that I see it is that if I can make a positive impact on that student, regardless of how big the impact, I have already done my job.” 

Students arrive at the university from different backgrounds and with different experiences, Alonso said. Whether a student comes from a small town or a larger city, Alonso tries to make a positive impact, even if it is a small one. 

She also hopes to help students see Southern Arizona as a place where they can begin their careers. Alonso said students in STEM fields sometimes assume they need to leave Tucson because they do not see the region as a technology-centered community. 

She encourages students to consider starting their careers locally, gaining experience and eventually using that experience to contribute to the community. 

Her commitment to Southern Arizona extends beyond her work at the university. Alonso recently participated in the American Heart Association’s Women of Impact Initiative, raising about $4,000 to support efforts to place CPR equipment in elementary schools and expand education about heart disease among women of color. 

Alonso said the 40 Under 40 recognition is a reflection of that work rather than its motivation. 

“It is nice to be recognized, but I don’t do it for the recognition,” she said. 

She hopes students take a similar approach to their own careers by focusing less on how their path compares with someone else’s. 

Looking back at her time as a U of A student, she said she wishes she had understood earlier that career and educational paths do not have to be linear. 

“I think sometimes we get caught up in imposter syndrome and look at our peers and say, ‘I should be doing that,’” Alonso said. “But look at what you are doing and look at the impact that you are making.” 

Her advice to students navigating an uncertain job market is simple: ask for help. 

Alonso encourages students to connect with career professionals at the U of A rather than feeling as though they are expected to figure everything out on their own. 

“You don’t need to do it by yourself,” she said. “Maybe it takes two sessions with two different coaches to see what personality first. Even though you feel uncomfortable, step out of your comfort zone because that is how you grow as a person.” 

For Alonso, helping students find their own path is another way of giving back to the community that raised her. To learn more about Alonso, click here.