Ava Valdes

Sociology and Economics student

Eager to learn about how the world is socially constructed. Accomplishing this goal by investing her time in a liberal arts education.

Professional image of Ava Valdes

Happy you're here!

This is a photo of Ava in front of the United States Capitol In Washington D.C. where she worked as an intern for former Congresswoman Kay Granger. She is wearing an 'I Heart DC' shirt for the fun of it during her last week on the job.

About Me

When I am from is a little more complicated as my childhood was evenly split across three metroplexes: Dallas, Austin, and Houston. I have resorted to just telling people 'I am a Texas gal at heart' rather than specifying one hometown.

Having grown up in many contexts, I aspire to think about the world analytically and openly. Many of my passions are rooted in exploring different city cultures, different experiences, and learning where I fit in best.

Outside of my academic and research work, I’m excited to be moving to North Carolina to pursue a career in online fraud detection—an area where I can combine analytical thinking with my interest in protecting and improving digital systems. I also have a deep love for politics, shaped by my time working on Capitol Hill, and I’m always energized by conversations about policy, institutions, and how communities function. At heart, I’m a walkable-city enthusiast who believes the best days start with good coffee and end with a long stroll. And as a proud gluten-free girlie, I’m constantly discovering new gluten-free restaurants and testing out new recipes. These interests ground me, give me joy, and inspire me to stay curious, connected, and open to new experiences.

Course Projects

My Skills

Tools & Metrics

Proficient in the use of the following platforms:

Nexidia, Banker Performance, Power BI, Tableau

Leadership & Skills Application

Co-Director of AddRan Ambassadors; Phi Mu Epsilon Iota former executive member; Sociology Department Peer Advisor; John V. Roach Honors College Peer Mentor

Core Competencies

Data collection; Data analysis; Project management; Client relations

Technical Skills & Web Development

HTML5 & Semantic Markup; CSS3 (Flexbox, Grid, Responsive Design, CSS Variables); JavaScript; Data Management (localStorage, fetch() API, JSON); Version Control (Git, GitHub); Deployment (GitHub Pages); Accessibility & Inclusive Design; AI-Assisted Development & Pair Programming

Resume

Work Experience

Wells Fargo

June 2025 - August 2025

Online Fraud Detection Intern

  • Collaborated with interns on a 10-week capstone project designing solutions to reduce call transfers within the department, enhancing operational efficiency and lowering costs to the bank and leveraging relationships with internal and external stakeholders
  • Utilized platforms such as Power BI, Tableau, Nexidia, and Excel to report metrics on internal call data to higher management in Account Takeover and Online Fraud Detection

U.S. House of Representatives

June 2024 - August 2024

Congressional Intern, Office of Congresswoman Kay Granger

  • Researched policies and legislation in House, collaborating with members of the legislative staff to co-sponsor memos and write briefs for the Congresswoman
  • Attended hearings, markups, and briefings, synthesizing findings for senior staff members
  • Met with constituents and lobbyists to catalog information and data for the Congresswoman

Leadership & Involvement

AddRan Ambassadors

Current

Co-Director

  • Lead student ambassador program for AddRan College of Liberal Arts
  • Coordinate events and outreach initiatives
  • Mentor fellow ambassadors in representing the college

Department of Sociology & Anthropology

2024-2025

Peer Advisor

  • Advise students on course selection and academic planning
  • Provide guidance on sociology program requirements and opportunities
  • Facilitate connections between students and faculty

John V. Roach Honors College

Current

Peer Mentor

  • Guide first-year honors students through college transition
  • Share insights on academic excellence and time management
  • Foster community within the honors college

Phi Mu Epsilon Iota

Former

Executive Member

  • Served in leadership role within sorority organization
  • Contributed to chapter operations and member engagement
  • Participated in philanthropic and community service initiatives

Let's Connect

I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out through any of the following channels.