TLA Team Member Paul Valdez Receives University Award for Excellence

Paul Valdez, associate director of Student Ventures and a valued member of the Startup Wildcats team at Tech Launch Arizona, has been honored with the prestigious University of Arizona Individual Award for Excellence for 2025. This recognition celebrates Valdez’s exceptional contributions to the university community, outstanding leadership, and commitment to fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus.

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"I'm deeply honored and grateful for this recognition,” he said. “It reflects the incredible work and dedication of the entire Startup Wildcats team and the supportive environment at Tech Launch Arizona. Building a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem for our students and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive has been a true privilege.” 

Kelly King, entrepreneurial mindset development coordinator at TLA, spearheaded Valdez’s nomination. 

“I have had the pleasure of working with many skilled and talented leaders throughout my career,” she said. “Paul Valdez is at the top of the list. The intentionality, service orientation, culture building, and mission-driven approach he brings to the work are second to none. It has been a pure joy to be a part of his team.”

As a driving force behind Startup Wildcats' operations and systems, Valdez has been instrumental in building a student-led team that provides innovative solutions to campus challenges while creating opportunities for students from all backgrounds to engage with entrepreneurship.

"Paul is not only central to the Startup Wildcats team, but he is also a bridge builder, a mentor, and a great leader whose work has transformed our organization and the larger campus community," said Derick Maggard, director of Startup Wildcats. "He’s great at connecting people, creating opportunities, and driving impact. He’s got a personality that brings out the best in others, whether by mentoring our student employees, guiding young entrepreneurs, or offering wisdom and encouragement to colleagues."

Since joining the U of A four years ago, Valdez has demonstrated the ability to anticipate needs, craft solutions, and mobilize action. One of his significant achievements includes the implementation of the Startup Wildcats Platform, a thriving, online ecosystem connecting students across all majors and disciplines with mentors and resources for entrepreneurs.

Former student employee Benjamin Lemon, who worked under Valdez’s guidance for three years, attests to his exceptional mentorship: "He fostered an incredibly robust work environment by consistently checking in with each individual on the team and ensuring that their voice was heard on important matters. Further, he led our program to grow several times over in terms of impact, engagement, and reach."

Beyond his work at TLA, Valdez actively serves the broader Tucson community through his leadership roles with the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona’s LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund. His participation in the University of Arizona Assessment Institute, a highly regarded program in higher education assessment, has been so valuable that he has been invited back for the past two years to serve on the alumni panel.

Valdez’s vision extends beyond campus boundaries. He has helped launch collaborations with the Singleton Foundation for Financial Literacy and Entrepreneurship to bring the Venture Valley Tournament to Tucson and Yuma. He has also connected the W. A. Franke Honors College leadership and the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation (BCII) Program with Creative Machines, launching transformative partnerships that benefit students and the community alike.

“We’re proud of Paul's well-deserved recognition and his embodiment of our mission to create impact through innovation and collaboration,” said TLA Associate Vice President Doug Hockstad. “His ability to build bridges across departments, connect students with mentors and resources, and implement effective solutions to complex challenges makes him a great asset to both Tech Launch Arizona and the U of A community.”