Research Consultant
University of Connecticut
Fernando Ricardo Valenzuela (they/he/el) is an interdisciplinary educator, researcher, political organizer, and social worker with international and multicultural experience across various settings. Their educational and research praxis is rooted in Freirean approaches of critical consciousness to better understand and disrupt systems of oppression. Fernando currently engages in research on Connecticut’s criminal legal system, international social work, climate change, and labor organizing in the Nonprofit Industrial Complex.
Some of their international experience includes teaching English in Madrid, Spain; learning about Latin American and Marxist social work theories in Puerto Rico and Vieques; and presenting their research at the 2024 World Joint Conference in Panama City. As an organizer, they spearheaded efforts at Clark County School District that led to substitute teachers receiving their first raises in over 20 years. They currently support various organizing efforts across Connecticut and are a steering committee member of Connecticut Social Workers for Palestine.
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