Q&A with Board Treasurer Giselle Valdez, USMC (veteran)
On Sunday, October 27, thousands of runners will tour the nation’s most memorable landmarks in one of the largest marathons in the U.S. and the world. Hosted annually in Arlington, VA and the nation’s capital, the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) includes a 10k event, as well. This year, The Foundation for Women Warriors’ Board Treasurer will be among the participants. Giselle Valdez, USMC (veteran), looks forward to joining the fun and supporting fellow veterans, service members, and their families.
We caught up with Giselle to see how she’s training, why she picked this event, and what’s top of mind for her as we wrap up the year and look towards 2025.
What made you decide to participate in the Marine Corp Marathon 10k?
The Marine Corps Marathon lands exactly on my birthday this year, which I believe is a clear sign that it is where I need to be! This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women in Service,” and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the celebration. I know firsthand the many challenges women who serve and have served our country face in and out of uniform.
What are you doing to prepare?
I’m committing to a running training plan to ensure I can run the race comfortably and enjoy my very first Marine Corps Marathon experience. I’m also treating myself to a nice new pair of running sneakers for added motivation and comfort.
What advice would you give other Women Warriors considering a race like this?
Give it a try! I do not particularly enjoy running but I love being a part of something greater than me with a community of service-oriented individuals. What better cause than serving those who served? Everyone is welcome to participate—try volunteering and/or donating.
How did you get involved in Foundation for Women Warriors?
When I first moved to San Francisco from New York, I was introduced to Foundation for Women Warriors’ CEO, Jodie Grenier. Soon after, I participated in a panel discussion about my transition into finance at an event hosted by FFWW in San Diego. It was so awesome to meet Jodie, a fellow Marine Corps sister doing great things on the West Coast, and to be in a room full of women warriors! I wanted to do more to support the organization and a couple of years later the opportunity to join as Board Treasurer was one I gladly accepted.
What do you do for your ‘day job’?
I’m a relationship manager (banker) in Wells Fargo’s Technology Banking Group in San Francisco. I support venture backed start-ups and growth stage companies in a variety of tech sectors. I also lead the Technology Banking Group’s client diversification efforts nationally. We endeavor to be the bank of choice for diverse founders and entrepreneurs – including veterans – so our clients reflect the communities in which we do business.
It’s important for me to work at a company that has a strong history of supporting veterans. Wells Fargo Commercial Banking recently hired a leader entirely dedicated to helping our business better connect with the veteran community. I’ve seen Wells Fargo continue to support veterans through hiring efforts, donations, and event sponsorships. Commitment to military veterans is part of Wells Fargo’s DNA. I like being part of that.
How did you get into finance?
Through a post graduate internship program, I discovered the public finance sector and started my career in investment banking. Public finance is the intersection of the capital markets with the public sector and was a great fit for me because I worked on financial transactions that had tangible social aspects that often benefit people like me. Seeking a community in public finance led to my involvement in various industry organizations and I eventually found a mentor (and veteran spouse) who spurred my move to Wells Fargo in 2014. Wells Fargo’s veteran community is strong and offers me a sense of belonging that I value tremendously. After becoming a mother in 2022, I joined the technology banking group in Wells Fargo’s commercial bank so I could have more time with my daughter while leveraging my presence in tech-centric San Francisco.
What are you most passionate about?
Giving back is important to me. Volunteering and mentoring give me a great sense of purpose and keeps me grounded, especially with organizations that empower minorities, Latinas, and veterans. In addition to serving as Treasurer for the Board of Directors of the Foundation for Women Warriors, I speak and advocate for diversity recruiting and educational events held by Wells Fargo, Veterans on Wall Street, and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
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