My roots…

I’m a first-generation American, Asheville native, and proud lifelong Democrat. I graduated from UNC Asheville in 2015 with a degree in Spanish Literature. After working for a decade in Asheville’s service industry, I took a chance, left my cherished restaurant job, and focused on developing my career as a political consultant and communications specialist.

In 2022, I served as Field and Communications Director on the Bo Hess for US Congress primary campaign.

Two years later, I managed Bo’s successful campaign for Asheville City Council—helping elect the city’s first Hispanic and openly LGBTQIA+ councilmember.

Since then, I’ve stayed deeply involved in local politics. I currently serve as Executive Secretary of The Communication Project,

Vice President for the Buncombe County Young Democrats,

And a member of the NCDP State Executive Committee (SEC) representing Buncombe County.

My heart…

I’ve always been the kind of person people turn to when they need to be heard. Whether I was working in a restaurant, a library, or as a Spanish interpreter, I naturally stepped into the role of advocate—someone who could help bridge the gap between people and those in power.

Over time, I realized that what I loved most was helping others feel seen, supported, and capable of making change. Politics felt like a natural extension of that work. I don’t believe campaigns have to be cold, cutthroat operations. I believe they can be collaborative, honest, people-centered, AND win more than one race at a time.

I started Voice for Strategic Progress to help candidates run campaigns that reflect their values, speak to their communities, and build lasting change—not just for election day, but for our collective future.

-Valentina S. Pallin