Valeria Licon grew up in the Brighton/Thornton area of Colorado and attended Northglenn Middle School before embarking on her journey at Arrupe Jesuit High School. As custodians for funeral homes, her parents learned about Arrupe from the business owner, a benefactor of the school.
Looking back, Valeria wishes her freshman self could have known just how wonderfully everything would fall into place. While the transition to Arrupe was initially daunting, she formed a close-knit group of friends throughout high school and these relationships, coupled with the guidance of influential faculty like Mr. Clements, Mr. Dexter, and Ms. Fuchs, provided a strong foundation of support. She especially appreciated the humor and relatability these mentors brought to their interactions with students, making a lasting impact on her journey.
Reflecting on her time at Arrupe, Valeria recalls two standout moments that defined her high school experience. The first was Kairos, a retreat she initially didn’t anticipate loving as much as she did. Her connection to the experience grew so profoundly that she became a Kairos leader during her senior year. The second was planning her senior prom—an event held at the Denver Aquarium. Being the first student to coordinate a prom at such a unique venue was a moment of pride and joy, showcasing her leadership and creativity.
Valeria credits her time at Arrupe with profoundly shaping her life. The opportunities she received there opened doors to college and beyond. Thanks to the strong partnership between Arrupe Jesuit and Regis University, she earned a full-ride scholarship to pursue her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Valeria fondly recalls how her Regis professors expressed admiration for Arrupe Jesuit students, reflecting the school’s outstanding reputation within the academic community.
The Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP) played a pivotal role in Valeria’s professional growth. From her freshman year, she learned how to navigate corporate settings and communicate effectively with seasoned professionals. This experience set her apart, earning her a reputation as a confident and capable team member.
After graduating from Arrupe, Valeria attended Regis University, where she embraced a variety of enriching opportunities. She participated in Habitat for Humanity, traveling to Maui to help build a home for a family in need. She also joined Global Medical Brigades, providing pop-up clinics to indigenous communities in Panama. These experiences broadened her perspective on global health and deepened her commitment to serving others. In 2019, Valeria graduated from Regis University and began her nursing career at Saint Joseph Hospital in the inpatient oncology unit. When COVID-19 struck, she transitioned to a float nurse role and later to the intensive care unit at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Eventually, she moved into outpatient oncology, working with both adult and pediatric patients.
Today, Valeria is pursuing her Master’s degree as a Nurse Practitioner at Regis University, with plans to graduate in May 2026. She continues her work in outpatient oncology and is excited to join a brand-new clinic at the beginning of 2025. Beyond her professional aspirations, Valeria is also preparing for a major personal milestone: she is engaged and planning a summer 2025 wedding.
As Valeria looks ahead, she envisions continuing her work in oncology as a Nurse Practitioner while remaining open to new career opportunities. Her story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and the power of community. Valeria’s journey—from a high school freshman to a thriving healthcare professional—embodies the spirit of Arrupe Jesuit High School and its mission to transform lives through education and unlocking opportunity.
