Mexican-American Latina Nurtures Children Experiencing Grief
Kimberly Valentin, Hispanic Woman of Distinction, Hospice Liasion, Amedysis Hospice
“Our heritage is one that will continue to raise its voice to make important changes to improve our world and that of our greatest assets: our children.”
Kimberly Valentin has spent the majority of her adult life dedicated to seniors, special needs students, and vulnerable populations. Her passion and heart for helping others to find wellbeing and joy in their daily lives have been a driving force for Kim for as long as she can remember.
For more than two decades she has tirelessly worked in the hospice sector, supporting patients and their families with compassion and dedication during the end-of-life journey. Kim’s involvement as a Hospice Liaison and as a bilingual representative has served as a wonderful asset to the Hispanic community. She is able to convey “the gift of hospice care” with the kindness and empathy needed when difficult decisions must be made.
Kimberly has decennials of experience as an educator. She spent 20 years teaching at the International American School in Caracas, Venezuela. There she implemented a Global Education curriculum and instilled the importance of civic responsibility to students and colleagues alike. At the American Heritage School in Plantation, FL, Kim taught special needs students who were struggling to express themselves. Kim was much loved by her students, and she feels that their academic achievements and personal growth are validation that everyone has it within themselves to soar when guided with love and understanding.
Her impressive Community Outreach participation emphasizes Kim’s non-tiring allegiance to “serve others.” She has sat on the Board of “Tomorrow’s Rainbow,” nurturing emotional wellness for children experiencing grief, loss, and trauma. She serves on the Board of “Elder Services Resource Network”, assisting seniors and providing important health information. She also serves as a Board Member of the “Light of the World Clinic,” which provides free healthcare services to the indigent populations of Broward County. In addition, Kim was an Advisory Board Member of Keiser University, Monarch Care Guardianship Agency, and the Florida Diversity Council.
Kimberly was born in Hollywood, California, and is proud of her Mexican-Native American heritage. She earned a B.A. in Psychology at the University of the Americas in Puebla, Mexico, and holds an M.A. from Kaplan University, Summa Cum Laude.
She currently resides in Plantation, FL as do her three grown children who are her pride and joy. They were born in Venezuela and Kim says that there is no greater experience in life than being a mother. She says it tops anything she has ever done, and to give and receive that type of love is a gift with no limits. Now, Kim gets to relish her grandson, 2-year-old Leonardo, with pride and boundless love that only a grandmother can understand. Of note, are her culinary talents. She often shares her delicious dishes and recipes with friends and family as an appreciation of the ones she cherishes. 
We are proud to announce the 2021 Hispanic Women of Distinction and the Latina Pioneer of the Year: Omaida Velazquez MD 2021 Honorees: MELIDA AKITI, VP Ambulatory & Community Service, Memorial Healthcare Systems (Broward) YINETH SANCHEZ ASLAN – GEICO Staff Counsel, Law offices of George L. Cimballa, III (Broward) MARIA S. ANTUNA – CEO Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County – (Palm Beach) ERBI BLANCO-TRUE – Community Development Manager, IBERIABANK, First Horizon Bank (Miami) THAYRA “Tye” HAUSHEER – Volunteer Community Leader AARP Florida (Miami) HEIDI ALZATE KAUFMAN – Founder/President Heidi Alzate Consuting (Broward) JACQUELINE LOPEZ-DEVINE – Chief Clinical Officer/Chief Nursing Officer, Trustbridge ( Palm Beach) JESSICA MARRA – Attorney, Law Firm of Kelley Kronenberg – (Broward) JAENE MIRANDA – Pres/CEO Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County (Palm Beach) LUBBY NAVARRO – School Board Member Miami-Dade County/Director of Government Affairs Memorial Healthcare Systems (Miami) KIMBERLY VALENTIN – Hospice Liasion Amedisys Hospice (Broward) CAROLINA VEIRA – Dir. Community & Corporate Partnerships IMC Health (Miami) Juliette Ashley Valle, 2021 Hispanic Woman of Distinction Up & Comer Award
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