About Graciela (“Chela”) P. Valenzuela

Graciela (“Chela”) P. Valenzuela dedicated her life to education—for herself, her children, and her community. Born in Mexico, she commuted across the U.S. border into El Paso, Texas, for elementary school until age 13, when her family immigrated to Los Angeles.

At 18, Chela married Abel Valenzuela. Ten years later, as a mother of three, she earned her Associate of Arts degree from East Los Angeles College (ELAC). She continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Mexican-American Studies and a teaching credential from Cal State L.A.

Chela spent nearly 30 years teaching preschool and parent education in the Montebello Unified School District, empowering Latino families with advocacy skills and centering the immigrant experience in her curriculum. Even after retirement in 2009, she was frequently recognized by former students whose lives she deeply touched.

In recognition of her enduring legacy, the Graciela P. Valenzuela Legacy Endowed Scholarship provides support to ELAC students pursuing their associate degrees. Please join us in honoring her memory by uplifting the next generation of educators and community leaders.