# Valarie de la Garza

> Valarie de la Garza is the Los Angeles-based CEO of Fenton, a communications agency focused on social change. A UCLA sociology graduate and the Daily Bruin’s first Latina editor-in-chief, she has worked across consumer brands, philanthropy and civic campaigns, and became Fenton’s first woman and first person of color CEO in 2021.

- **Role:** Chief Executive Officer at Fenton
- **Organizations:** Fenton, California Community Foundation, De La Garza PR, The Rogers Group, MSLGROUP, PR Council, Homeboy Industries, Self Help Graphics & Art
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, University of California, Los Angeles
- **Known for:** First Latina editor-in-chief of UCLA’s Daily Bruin., First woman and first person of color to become Fenton CEO., PRSA-LA Sunrise honoree, 2021.

## Career timeline

- **1989–1990** — Served as Daily Bruin editor-in-chief, the first Latina to hold the position.
- **1991** — Graduated from UCLA.
- **1990s** — Began her PR career at emerging Latino communications firms.
- **2010** — Identified as president of Los Angeles consultancy De La Garza PR in The Connection.
- **Before joining Fenton** — Led communications and marketing at California Community Foundation before joining Fenton.
- **2020** — Helped conceive and execute Los Angeles County’s Every Vote In campaign.
- **2021** — Named Fenton CEO on March 8 after serving as interim CEO.
- **2023** — Named a PRWeek Woman of Distinction.
- **2026** — Continued as PR Council secretary.

## Achievements

- First Latina editor-in-chief of UCLA’s Daily Bruin.
- First woman and first person of color to become Fenton CEO.
- PRSA-LA Sunrise honoree, 2021.
- PRWeek Woman of Distinction, 2023.
- Led We Count LA census participation communications.
- Fenton reported doubling revenue and staff in her first two years as CEO; this is a historical 2023 report.

## Latest updates

- **2026-02** — The PR Council confirmed she would continue as secretary on its 2026 executive committee.
- **2025-03** — Her public LinkedIn profile lists certifications in Generative AI for Business Leaders and Using Generative AI in Public Relations.
- **2024-06** — Fenton announced certification as a Most Loved Workplace during her CEO tenure.

## Links

- Website: https://fenton.com/people/?staff=valarie-de-la-garza
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valarie-de-la-garza-530559b

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/valarie-garza
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-06