Life Outside of STACK is our feature series that introduces you to some of the faces behind the brand. Today we are featuring our HR Administrator, Validia Valenzuela.
Tell us your job title, how long you’ve been at STACK, and briefly describe a typical day at work for you.
I am the HR Administrator at STACK! I have been with STACK for 10 months. I love the people aspect of companies. Especially when they are as cool and successful as this one. From onboarding to enrolling in benefits and planning company outings, my goal at STACK is to make sure employees are comfortable and understanding of their role here at STACK. Sales team to engineering, I love to know all employees at more than a coworker level, HR is here to help.
What is the best piece of career advice you ever received?
Nothing is impossible. Which I believe I have lived and learned. Never did I think I would end up with the amazing opportunity that STACK has given me.
Do you have any funny or embarrassing stories related to work (and safe for work)?
At our golf outing last fall, I hit a pretty good putt that some of the guys on the team missed lol.
We know you’re great – hey, that’s why you work at STACK! Tell us about the great things (in detail) you do outside of work. Hobbies, interests, secret lives…
Besides being super awesome at work … lol I really enjoy being outside. I love to be active. Growing up as an athlete, I love to play soccer, tennis, and sand volleyball. I love to hike and be in nature - that is something my mom, sister, and I loved to do together when I lived back in Louisville, KY. I am very family oriented. Going back to Louisville to see my and my boyfriend’s family is something I truly enjoy. I also love attending the Indy 500 every year, and I am a foodie who loves to try new places and types of food!
What’s your favorite local spot and why (restaurant, bar, music venue, whatever you want to share about your hood!)?
My favorite place since moving to Ohio is Bakersfield in OTR (downtown Cincy). They have the best margaritas and tacos.
What song have you completely memorized? Will you sing it for us? What about playing it on an instrument? How about a little dance instead?
I am a HUGE Morgan Wallen fan. I don’t always listen to country, but I do love it. People also say I am a good singer... maybe at the next company party I can hop on karaoke 😉.
What makes you truly happy?
Something that truly makes me happy is starting my new life in Cincinnati and my 3-year-old nephew Avery. I moved here when I first started at STACK, which can be a little scary. New city, new job ... scary things. But I am truly happy about where I am and who I have met. My boyfriend tagged along for the move, and I am also truly grateful for him joining me on this experience. Avery being the first baby in the family means so much to me. He is growing WAY too fast, and it breaks my heart a little that I live so far!
If your life was a movie, what songs would be on the soundtrack?
"Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus
"Back to Back" by Drake
Any Morgan Wallen song
Christian music
Lauren Spencer Smith songs
"Best Friend" by Doja Cat and Saweetie (it’s a sister thing)
If you could choose your own nickname, what would it be?
Nicknames are funny, lol. Have you seen my name? I have wanted to change my name before, but there are nicknames that I have been given:
-Vanilla
-VV
-V
What causes are you passionate about?
I am passionate about mental health awareness and animal rescues. My grandmother suffered from mental illness, and she was my best friend growing up and in my adult life. She passed recently and in her honor I really want to make some sort of impact on mental health. Animal rescues are obviously common, but the number of animals that are neglected and abused makes me fume. I want to own 100 acres of land and adopt and rescue any animal at any amount to help them find the homes and lives that they all deserve.
What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
I got a tattoo when I turned 18 and hid it for 2 years from my parents. I also rode in a helicopter over the ocean in South Carolina. 😊
