Sierra Valentino

Sierra Valentino is a community development leader and systems builder committed to cultivating dignity, belonging, and sustainability through resident-led change. She is the co-founder of Somos CDC, a community development corporation in Allentown that addresses the poverty paradox through asset-based neighborhood development and inclusive economic systems.

As Executive Director of Garden City, an urban creative arts, learning, and recreation center, Sierra leads programs that promote residents’ physical, social, and emotional well-being through creativity, climate care, and outdoor connection.
Holding a B.S. in Justice Studies with a Certificate in Socio-Legal Studies, Sierra brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work, bridging the civic, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial sectors to design sustainable structures that amplify community voice and strengthen long-term neighborhood resilience.