An accomplished Women’s Self-Defense & Empowerment Trainer, Entrepreneur, and Nutritional Education Specialist, Valerie Sanchez embodies the essence of empowerment. Driven by a profound mission to inspire strength, wellness, and potential in others, she creates uplifting environments that champion vulnerability while fostering holistic well-being and emergence.

At the core of Sanchez’s mission lies a steadfast dedication to challenging the status quo and motivating others to harness their inherent power. Celebrated as an MMA Fighter, Kickboxing/Muay Thai National Champion, and 2nd Degree Taekwondo Black Belt, she established the Tequihua Self-Defense program to foster change and empower women in realms traditionally dominated by men. Serving as the Lead Instructor, and through her roles as a Kickboxing Instructor and the founder of a renowned Self-Defense program at DePaul University, Sanchez is carving out space for women to build strength while reshaping the narrative of women within these spaces around the world.

Fueled by an entrepreneurial mindset and desire to change the trajectory of people’s lives, Sanchez founded Yummy Bites, an intentional meal prep solution that addresses the nutritional needs of athletes and counters the challenge of food deserts. Her venture is a testament to her visionary approach, offering not just meals but a foundation for a healthier, more empowered community.

Committed to ensuring every individual has the access, resources, and resolve to become the healthiest version of themselves, Sanchez champions health equity through her volunteer work in community gardens in the neighborhood that helped raise her. By volunteering her time and resources, Sanchez is not just addressing immediate nutritional needs but also sowing the seeds for a sustained movement towards health and wellness equity.

Sanchez’s rich cultural heritage as a Spanish-English bilingual and first-generation Mexican-American deeply influences her work, infusing it with a profound respect for diversity and a commitment to female empowerment. Her life’s work is a reflection of her cultural identity, driving her to create inclusive and empowering spaces for all.

With academic pursuits at DePaul University that are enriched by recognitions like the Blue Demon Spirit Award, Sanchez’s dedication to leadership and community service is brought to the forefront. Her studies in Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication, with a focus on Latino Media and Communications, are supplemented by a minor in Entrepreneurship. These accomplishments not only underscore her multifaceted expertise but also empower her to significantly broaden her impact.

Sanchez’s journey as a martial artist and now as a social entrepreneur showcases her as an unparalleled advocate for holistic well-being, expertly navigating the intersections of self-defense, nutrition, entrepreneurship, and community service. Her unique blend of passion, expertise, and leadership not only positions her as a formidable advocate for change but also underscores the power of uniting personal passion with a mission-driven approach, making her an exemplary figure ready to tackle the next challenge and drive transformation in the realms of self-defense, nutrition, and community empowerment.