Today we’d like to introduce you to Ana Valdes.
Hi Ana, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Ana, and I’m originally from Miami, Florida. I’m a proud graduate of the University of Miami—Go Canes!—where I earned degrees in Journalism and Spanish.
After college, I moved to West Palm Beach for my first job as a newspaper reporter. I spent nearly a decade there as a writer and journalist covering politics, municipal government, and the stories that shape local communities. It was an incredible formative chapter – fast-paced, unpredictable, and deeply rewarding.
Eventually, I returned to Miami, where my career transitioned from journalism into executive communications. After earning my MBA from Florida International University, I now work in higher education as an executive speechwriter and internal communications director. I am also a proud “Big” with Big Brothers Big Sisters, mentoring high school juniors and seniors, or “Littles,” as they navigate the college application process.
While my professional journey has been meaningful, one of the most transformative parts of my life has been becoming a dog mom and rescue volunteer.
Four years ago, I adopted a young and very spirited basset hound named Chestnut. She was my first dog, and to say she kept me on my toes would be an understatement. But she also changed my life. Because of her, I became involved with South Florida Beagle Rescue, where I now serve as Assistant Director alongside an incredible group of women dedicated to saving homeless and abandoned beagles and hounds, while advocating for responsible pet ownership.
Earlier this year, Chestnut and I welcomed Daisy Valentina, a senior beagle rescued from the euthanasia list. The three of us have since begun a lighthearted social media journey through @chestnutthebasset, where we share our adventures, celebrate the joy of adoption, and help debunk myths about senior dogs through a brand-new series titled “Senior Dog Sundays.”
At this stage of my life, I feel fortunate to have work that challenges me professionally and a passion that continues to ground me in purpose, joy, and community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Professionally, my journey has included incredible moments of success and achievement, as well as periods of doubt and frustration. The same can be said for my volunteer work and, more recently, my role in dog rescue leadership.
The work of saving dogs in such vulnerable circumstances can take an emotional toll, and I’ve learned how important it is to manage expectations, set boundaries, and actively protect against burnout in order to sustain the work long-term.
One of the biggest challenges that overlaps across both my professional and volunteer responsibilities has been learning how to lead effectively while also leading with empathy, especially in high-pressure, emotionally charged environments.
In addition, as a social media content creator, I’ve also had to learn how to balance storytelling and advocacy with authenticity and consistency. Building a platform that raises awareness for rescue work while still keeping content engaging and positive has been both creatively rewarding and an ongoing learning experience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work in executive communications and internal communications in higher education, where I specialize in translating complex ideas, institutional priorities, and leadership messaging into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences. A large part of my work also includes executive speechwriting, helping shape messaging that informs, inspires, and connects.
What I’m known for is my ability to find the human story within complex environments, whether that’s in higher education, government, or community-based work. I bring a journalist’s mindset to everything I do; listening carefully, asking the right questions, and focusing on clarity, accuracy, and meaning.
That same skill set extends beyond my professional role into my volunteer work in animal rescue, where I also support communications efforts. From helping shape messaging around urgent medical cases to sharing adoption stories and educational content, I use storytelling as a tool to drive awareness and ultimately save lives.
More recently, I’ve also stepped into the role of content creator through my social media platform focused on rescue dogs and senior dog adoption. It’s become another extension of my communications work by blending storytelling, advocacy, and creativity to connect with a broader audience in a more personal and accessible way.
What sets me apart is the combination of that newsroom-trained perspective with my bilingual background. Being fluent in both English and Spanish allows me to communicate across audiences in a way that is both culturally and linguistically inclusive, something especially meaningful in a city like Miami.
What I’m most proud of is being able to bridge these worlds—professional communications, journalism, animal rescue, and digital storytelling—while using each space to inform, connect, and create meaningful impact.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
As a communicator, whether in my profession, in animal rescue, or as a digital creator, I define success as the ability to craft a message that truly lands; one that resonates, clarifies, or inspires action. If my words move people, create understanding, or make a meaningful difference, then I consider that success.
I often ask myself: did my words inform, did they help, did they matter?
At the end of the day, if my work helps bridge understanding or drives even a small positive change, I know I’ve succeeded.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chestnutthebasset?igsh=emthMmYwdDV5bHJh&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1c2pKWYrmT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@chestnut.the.basset?_r=1&_t=ZT-95VtIow3o46
