Valerie Sarma (she/her)

Senior Program Director, Student Engagement and Special Projects 

Valerie directs the Jean Donovan and Ignatian Fellowships, which provide funding and support for students to work with community-based organizations locally and abroad. Valerie brings a passion for helping students explore their own spirituality, and realize their vocation, through immersive experiences. Valerie joined the Santa Clara community in 2001 and the Ignatian Center staff in 2006. She served as Associate Director for Immersions from 2007 to 2013. Prior to joining the Ignatian Center team, she worked with the Residential Learning Communities where she was a Resident Director in Casa Italiana and Swig Hall. Valerie earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and her Master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Indiana University. Valerie enjoys running, reading, and cooking. She lives with her husband and two daughters in Palo Alto, CA.