Spotlight: Valeria Garcia – Driving Dreams and Building Community
- Alicia Thompson
- Jul 26, 2025
- 3 min read
At LatinOz QLD, we believe in the power of community, culture, and entrepreneurship. And when those values align with a passionate leader, incredible things happen.
Today, we are thrilled to spotlight Valeria Garcia, the vibrant force behind the QWINBIZ 2025 Program Coordination. Valeria brings not only her extensive experience but also her heart, resilience, and an inspiring spirit that has already made a lasting impact.
About Valeria
Valeria García proudly describes herself as a woman shaped by culture, education, and nature. Born in Manizales, Colombia — a city of magical mountains and breathtaking sunsets — she carries those roots with her in everything she does.
A lover of music, cycling, dance, and the outdoors, Valeria is also a professional Business Administrator, with postgraduate studies in Senior Management and Public Administration. Her passion for creating community spaces led her to Australia in mid-2023, initially on a personal sabbatical. But her drive to connect, build, and contribute soon led her to LatinOz QLD.
Valeria’s journey with us began not as a participant, but as a committed volunteer. With years of experience in strategic planning and consulting for over 100 organisations in the financial sector in Colombia, she quickly made her mark — proposing new ideas, leading with energy, and opening doors wherever she went.
Finding Purpose in Community
What started as a volunteer opportunity at the Latin Kids Fiesta (one of our annual events) soon evolved into something bigger: the coordination of the QWINBIZ program. Valeria’s deep-seated belief in building spaces for growth and empowerment led her to offer workshops, and eventually, to take on the leadership role for QWINBIZ.
For Valeria, QWINBIZ is not just a program. It is a bridge — a bridge between the dreams of Latin American women entrepreneurs and the multicultural ecosystem of Australia. Her personal mission resonates with every step she takes: building community, one meaningful connection at a time.
Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Growth
Coordinating a business accelerator program in a new country, with a new system and in a second language, was no small feat. Valeria immersed herself fully — attending community events, networking with government and innovation hubs, and creating valuable alliances.
Her strategic planning skills, attention to detail, and passion for personal and professional development were key to designing a program that not only supports participants but helps them thrive.
One of the most emotional milestones for Valeria was witnessing the final pitches of the QWINBIZ 2024 participants. Seeing women who had faced so many barriers stand up and present their business dreams with confidence was, as she describes, "an indescribable and unforgettable experience."
And among those achievements, one held special meaning: her own sister participated in QWINBIZ. To offer her a space created with so much love and see her grow was a moment Valeria treasures deeply.
A Message to New and Past Participants
To past participants, Valeria sends a heartfelt message:
“You are our pride, our ambassadors. We invite you to stay connected — as mentors, stall holders, facilitators, or sponsors. Your growth inspires those who are just beginning.”
To new participants of 2025:
“Welcome! Your courage to take this step is admirable. We will support you every step of the way as you build your business and immerse yourself in the Australian multicultural ecosystem.”
An Invitation to the Wider Community
Valeria also shares a powerful message to anyone considering volunteering with LatinOz QLD:
“Step forward with commitment and passion. Find a role that connects with your essence. LatinOz will welcome you with open arms and offer you a space to belong, grow, and contribute.”
And finally, Valeria leaves us with a thought that beautifully captures her spirit:
“Each act of love, commitment, and connection builds the world we dream of living in. Every step we take in QWINBIZ, every story we nurture, every community we strengthen, brings us closer to that dream.”
We are beyond excited to have Valeria leading QWINBIZ 2025. Her journey is a testament to what can happen when passion meets opportunity. We trust that she will continue to inspire, empower, and uplift every woman who joins us on this incredible path.
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