Youth Voice: Eve Valdez

At Open Doors, youth voice isn’t an add-on; it’s foundational to everything we do.

Open Doors is a training program that equips youth-serving adults with tools to engage young people in conversations around substance use and other behavioral health issues in a non-judgmental, relationship-centered way.

In this youth spotlight, Open Doors Youth Council member Eve Valdez shares how her lived experience shapes her approach to healing, advocacy, and supporting young people.

We’re proud to share that Eve was recently selected as a recipient of the 2026 Youth Champion Award by the Partnerships for Well-Being Institute. She will be recognized for her commitment to improving outcomes for children and youth at the conference titled “Navigating the Tide: Connecting Our Child, Youth and Family-Serving Systems for a Stronger Future.”

---

Reflections by Eve Valdez

My name is Eve Valdez, and I am a member of the Open Doors Youth Council. Beyond Open Doors, I am a lived experience expert who focuses on foster youth rights, community advocacy, and mothering my three young children.

On Love & Healing

I entered this work because love is deeply important to me. I grew up in severely traumatic environments, which shaped my understanding of what it means to feel broken. I worked very hard to understand what it takes to become whole again.

Through my journey, I discovered that the only true antidote was love.

Loving myself was very difficult at first. I had to confront parts of myself shaped by my experiences and learn what needed to change. That process became the foundation for how I love others.

I came to understand that people who are hurting need to learn that they are worth fighting for.

Shaping Open Doors Through Lived Experience

Being part of the Open Doors Youth Council has allowed us to help shape a curriculum that centers on love rather than discouragement, force, and belittlement.

It provides a platform to ensure we offer real support and encouragement, rather than reprimanding people who are already hurting.

What Young People Need Adults to See

All I ever needed was for someone to tell me that I was born to be greater and that I am capable of becoming.

The Open Doors Youth Council helps instill patience and a different perspective on youth from diverse backgrounds. It creates a space for providers to no longer see young people as a “piece of work,” but as a piece of art — helping youth see that image within themselves and honor their own beauty.

Growing up in foster care and on the streets has taught me to love unconditionally, no matter where someone is in their healing journey.

Some may believe they do not deserve healing. Some may not know how to heal. And some may not think they need healing at all.

The Open Doors Youth Council equips communities with the tools to meet young people with love at every stage of life — through their lowest lows and highest highs.

Hurt people love people because someone loved them first.

— Eve Valdez

About Eve

Eve Valdez is a member of the Open Doors Youth Council and a passionate advocate for foster youth and underserved communities. Drawing from her lived experience, she works across policy, community advocacy, and mentorship to support young people in navigating healing, growth, and opportunity—while also raising her three children.

Note: This piece has been lightly edited for clarity while preserving Eve’s voice and intent.