Powerful Advocate: Leavey Alumna Erica Valentine Named to Silicon Valley Business Journal Power 100
Erica Valentine (Paul) is no stranger to building bridges—between business and labor, advocacy and action, strategy and heart. A proud Leavey School of Business alumna twice over (Executive MBA ‘13, BSc ‘05), Erica has spent her career championing equity, policy change, and the voices of working families. Today, she serves as Political and Communications Director for UA Local 393—a union representing plumbers, steamfitters, and HVAC/R service technicians across Santa Clara and San Benito counties—where her leadership continues to drive meaningful impact across Silicon Valley.
This year, Erica was named to the Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Power 100 list under the “Advocates” category, a recognition of the region’s most influential leaders driving change in business, government, and the community.
“My MBA from Leavey equipped me with a strategic vision and ethical leadership skills,” Erica shared. “The collaborative environment and diverse teamwork in the classes created a foundation that strengthened my ability to advocate for policy changes, uplift workers, and drive lasting impact at UA Local 393, while working with leaders who share both varied and similar views.”
Erica’s vision for the construction trades is rooted in values that are both practical and aspirational. “My vision is to ensure fair wages, strong labor rights, and sustainable building practices that support workers, drive environmentally responsible innovation, and contribute to economic development and increased market share in our region.”
Her background—spanning business consulting, law, labor organizing, and education—gives her a powerful, multidimensional perspective. “My diverse background allows me to approach challenges with a balanced and inclusive perspective, blending strategic business insights with labor advocacy,” she said. “This unique combination empowers me to effectively communicate, drive meaningful change, and advance the quality of life for the working class families of UA Local 393.”
“My upbringing and my broad experience allow me to understand many viewpoints, effectively communicate with all stakeholders, and build a level of trust between groups,” she added. “I will continue to take that approach in my relationships with 393’s members, contractors, elected leaders, and community members.”
Today, Erica continues to give back to Santa Clara University as an adjunct professor and as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors—grounded in gratitude for the place where her dream took root and has continued to grow throughout her life and career. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Commerce (Finance) and Executive MBA from the Leavey School of Business, as well as a JD from Santa Clara University School of Law.
“As a first-gen student, graduating from Santa Clara was a dream realized,” she reflects. “It was made possible by the mentors, professors, and friends who supported me every step of the way.”