Valencia has been with the cable news network for 11 years, starting out as teleprompter operator and working his way up as producer, before getting his big break as a national news reporter in 2013.
He got a title change to correspondent in 2015, when CNN renewed his contract.
“I’m a kid from Northeast LA living his dream. I feel like I’m a normal person who made it, and now has a seat at the table,” Valencia tells Media Moves. “I feel like it’s my job to standup for my community and represent…to make the most of this opportunity that I have been given. To be real, authentic and genuine. That’s what viewers want, that’s what they deserve.”