The Downtown Long Beach Alliance (DLBA) is gearing up for a new, post-pandemic era in Downtown, with many lessons learned and new opportunities for positive growth beginning to materialize. This is the atmosphere in which our new Administrative Assistant, Eileen Valencia, will be putting her passion for community to work, helping Downtown recover and thrive once again.
“Eileen brings an eagerness to our team that is invaluable,” said DLBA Executive Assistant Kelsey Mader, who is Valencia’s primary mentor. “Her willingness to jump into uncharted territories is exactly what we were hoping to find when searching for a permanent Administrative Assistant. She has integrated herself seamlessly into the DLBA office culture as well.”
Valencia, who works at the front desk and is the first point of contact for guests, is responsible for helping with office needs and functions. Originally from Torrance, Valencia moved to Long Beach to pursue a business curriculum at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). While earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Management, she began working for the Port of Los Angeles and developed her volunteerism, donating her time to the South Bay YWCA. She worked for a credit card company for several months during the pandemic, but soon realized that a data entry job was not for her. At DLBA, she is able to stay engaged with her main focus: being connected with the community.
“This is a great new starting point in my career,” said Valencia. “I love that everyone I work with at DLBA has a passion for helping the community. Everything we do here is community-focused. We are currently trying to figure out the best routes back to ‘normal’ in Downtown, including finding ways to host events where everyone feels safe. We are very excited to have people return to Downtown for shopping, concerts, and other happenings that showcase our ‘big city, small town’ feel.”
During the pandemic, Valencia began volunteering her time fostering puppies that needed homes, and, in the process, adopted a puppy herself, which she named Elle. “I’m about to foster another puppy,” she said. “I hope we can find her a good home.”