Valencia’s journey into healthcare began as a diagnostic radiographer, with over 12 years of clinical experience across the NHS and private sector. Her work spanned general radiography and CT, supporting diagnostic decision-making in high-pressure environments and providing care to diverse patient populations. These experiences sparked a growing interest in the structural inequalities that shape health outcomes, particularly for underserved communities.
Motivated by a desire to contribute to more equitable health systems, Valencia pursued postgraduate studies in Public Health and went on to complete a PhD at the University of Bedfordshire. Her doctoral research focused on improving awareness and access to genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer among Black African women in the UK. Through this work, she developed and piloted a culturally responsive intervention known as the “Health Party,” designed to address barriers to care and empower women with knowledge around cancer genetics. Her research has been presented at several national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals including the Journal of Genetic Counseling.
Since joining the University of Birmingham in 2023, Valencia has led on a range of maternal health research projects, including a qualitative evidence synthesis on the acceptability and usability of clinical decision-support tools in maternity care, as well as a mapping review to identify key risk factors contributing to maternal and perinatal mortality in the UK. She contributes to the development of decision-support tools aligned with NHS Core20PLUS5 priorities and plays an active role in mentoring medical students, producing high-impact publications, and engaging with academic and clinical partners.
Alongside her research, Valencia is deeply committed to meaningful public and patient involvement and engagement (PPIE). In addition to her PPI work within the maternal health theme, she has delivered a number of community-based workshops aimed at improving health literacy, promoting well-being, and addressing stigma across a range of topics from sexual health and family wellbeing to trauma healing and mental health in Black communities. She also works closely with Co-Stars at the Institute of Mental Health at the University of Birmingham, delivering mental health literacy sessions across the Black Country through church and community partnerships.
Fluent in French and passionate about tackling health disparities, Valencia’s research interests span women’s health, health inequalities, patient safety, and cancer care. She is especially focused on work that centres on underrepresented voices and bridges the gap between evidence and meaningful change in practice.