Our Staff
Natalia Valenzuela Swanson
Senior Program Director
864.584.7282
[email protected]
Natalia Valenzuela Swanson joined the Mary Black Foundation in March 2015, where she serves as Senior Program Director. Prior to joining the Foundation, Natalia worked at the Upstate Workforce Investment Board as the Associate Director. Natalia has a Master of City and Regional Planning Degree from Clemson University. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Columbia College, double majoring in Political Science and French. Natalia proudly serves on the Steering Group of the Alianza Spartanburg network. She was born in Ecuador and her family moved to Kenya when she was a child. She, her husband, and daughter now call Spartanburg home.
Why do you enjoy working at Mary Black Foundation?
The people – we have an incredible team of caring, passionate, smart individuals. I also love working at MBF because it has allowed me to connect with so many others in our communities to advance transformational work. I love the beauty that is created through the gifts that we all bring.
What do you love about living in Spartanburg?
I love that, with all of the growth that is taking place in our community, there are ways for individuals to get plugged in and shape some of the growth. I also love that we are close to mountains.
Fun Facts:
I was born in Quito, Ecuador, which is located in the Andes Mountains. Hence, why I love heading to mountains for the day!