Valerie Romero serves as the Student Rights and Grievances Manager at Saddleback College, where she conducts and supports complex investigations involving Title IX, unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation while helping students navigate challenging institutional processes.
Valerie brings 20 years of combined investigative experience in criminal defense and higher education, including workplace and civil rights investigations. Prior to joining Saddleback College, she served in EEO and Compliance with the North Orange County Community College District, supporting Title IX, unlawful discrimination, and EEO matters involving employees and students. She previously spent 17½ years as a Criminal Defense Investigator with the Orange County Public Defender’s Office, conducting complex investigations involving evidence gathering and review, skip tracing, trial preparation and litigation support, and the protection of individual constitutional rights.
Valerie’s approach to Title IX is grounded in the belief that procedural integrity and humanity can—and should—coexist. Her work focuses on maintaining fair, thorough, and impartial processes while recognizing the emotional impact these proceedings can have on both participants and the professionals who support them.
Valerie holds a Master of Science in Law with an emphasis in Legal Studies, a B.A. in Criminal Justice and Sociology, and an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate. Her professional training includes ATIXA Title IX Investigation and Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI) training. She is committed to equitable processes, trauma-informed support, and fostering resilience and dignity throughout challenging institutional processes.