Hispanic Heritage Awards 2009: Dr. Jorge Valerdi
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September 29, 2009 – Dr. Jorge Valerdi is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). As a CASA volunteer, Dr. Valerdi was appointed by the San Diego Juvenile Court as an advocate for children in dependency court who have suffered physical and emotional neglect. He has transformed the lives of many children. Prior to becoming a CASA volunteer, Dr. Valerdi was the CEO of a Chula Vista based telecommunications company where he deployed technologies in disadvantaged countries in South America, Africa and Asia. He is currently on the speakers’ bureau for Voices for Children and motivates others to become advocates for the community’s youth. The Mexican Embassy in Washington, D.C. nominated Dr. Valerdi for the 1982 International Marconi Award.
Video Transcript:
PIERRE HABIS (Union Bank of California): Hello, I'm Pierre Habis of Union Bank. Diversity is one of Union Bank's most closely held values. This is why we are proud to honor local heroes in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Now, let's meet one of our honorees. DR. JORGE VALERDI(Court Appointed Special Advocate): My name is Jorge Valerdi and I took another retirement nine years ago to change my career from high-tech engineering to a community volunteer to work with children and for the human rights of minors. Voices for Children volunteers work with minors that have been removed from their homes because they has been abuse or violation of their rights. Once we go to trial, we are the voice of the minors. We have over 300 cases on the wait list. My suprise has been that 45 percent of those cases are hispanic communities. My hope is to be able to invite hispanics to participate as volunteers in this organization and help us. My best reward has been always from the children. Once the case is closed and the child looks at you and says, "Thank-you." That is a reward. ANNOUNCER: This moment is made possible by Union Bank, in partnership with KPBS.
