Summer Search empowers young people from under-resourced communities to lead thriving lives of purpose and chart their own paths to success. Through personalized professional mentoring and fully funded outdoor and experiential learning opportunities, the organization helps high school students build confidence, resilience, practical skills, and a deeper sense of purpose.
Summer Search continues supporting students after high school through mentorship, career guidance, and help exploring college and vocational pathways. From applications and admissions to internships and career preparation, its network of support equips young people to pursue their goals with clarity and confidence.
Hermese Valasquez
A native of Belize, Central America and a first-generation college graduate, Hermese has firsthand experience with the game changing power of education. Hermese’s long-standing commitment to Summer Search spans multiple roles, including participant during her high school years, Alumni Board Chair, and member of the Summer Search Boston Board of Directors.
It has been Hermese’s delight and Summer Search’s great fortune to have her add staff member to that list, serving as Boston Executive Director from December 2016 to May 2024. Now, Hermese is thrilled to step into a new role, Chief Impact Officer.
Before joining the Summer Search staff, Hermese was a results-oriented Project Manager in the travel industry. She has provided project management over several top priority initiatives and enterprise wide implementations, cultivating her skills in data analysis, risk assessment, communication, relationship building, and change management, vital talents for a non-profit leader. While her professional experience is heavy in the project management capacity, her volunteer experience has been dominated by Summer Search! Though Hermese’s after work haven is now her full-time gig, she continues to volunteer as a coach for adults reentering college.
During the warmer months, Hermese enjoys daily 5Ks while listening to Beyoncé and Whitney Houston’s Greatest Hits! She also loves to travel and has visited at least 1 new country a year for the past 5 years; with 5 continents, down and 2 more to go! Hermese and her family live in Boston.
