Member PRofile: Valezka Gil-Wester
Title and company: External Communications Specialist, AdventHealth
Give a brief explanation of your job: As an external communications specialist at AdventHealth, I share stories that highlight our team members and their inspiring journeys. A key part of my role involves managing communications around partnerships, the AdventHealth foundation, health equity, and Hispanic social media. For example, in September, I worked on a story that tied together Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month by interviewing a Hispanic team member who, motivated by his mother's battle with cancer, is now pursuing a career in healthcare management. Through these stories, I connect our mission to the people behind it.
How long have you been a member of FPRA and why did you join? I've been an FPRA member for four months now, after deciding to transition from my 11-year journalism career with Telemundo Orlando. I was seeking two things: a better work-life balance and an opportunity to elevate and grow my communications career. Joining FPRA felt like the perfect next step.
What has been your favorite FPRA event or experience so far? So far, I’ve only had the chance to attend one event, the AdventHealth Career Open House in June. That event ended up being pivotal, as it opened the door for me to connect with my current leaders, who ultimately offered me an opportunity with the organization.
Tell us about an exciting achievement (personal or professional): A personal milestone for me this year was becoming a mom for the second time in January. I now have two daughters: a 3 1/2-year-old and a seven-month-old baby. Professionally, while on maternity leave, I had the honor of winning six journalism awards, including three national ones. One of the highlights was being named Reporter of the Year by the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists.
What was your first job? My first job was as a corps de ballet dancer for the National Ballet Company in my hometown of Caracas, Venezuela. At the time, I believed I would pursue a career as a professional ballerina. That same year, I had the opportunity to perform in productions of Coppélia and Swan Lake and even got paid for it!
What's one fun fact about you? Here’s a fun fact about me: I’m also a mom to two beautiful cats, “André 3000” and “The Snoman.” We rescued them as kittens, when their eyes hadn’t even opened yet, along with two siblings. We found homes for the other two but kept André and Snoman. They’re named after Georgia rappers because my Southern husband is a huge fan of Georgia rap. Since we were their first caretakers, they see us as their parents—and we love them as if we truly are!
