Valeria Chase joined the U.S. Army directly out of high school, serving as a Wheel Vehicle Repairer. After separating from the military, Valeria attended college at Northern Arizona University as a non-traditional, first-generation college student from Nogales, Arizona. While at NAU, she pursued a degree in Spanish with a minor in Social Work.

It was during her time at NAU that she found a passion for student leadership, having been involved as a Resident Assistant in a residence hall, Hall Council, National Residence Hall Honorary, and other clubs and organizations. Following completion of her undergraduate studies, Valeria worked as a victim advocate for Victim Witness Services. A few years later, Valeria returned to NAU where she completed her Master of Education in Human Relations while working as a Residence Hall Director.

Following completion of her graduate studies, she worked at New Mexico State University, and again at Northern Arizona University as a full-time staff member for Housing and Residence Life, Multicultural Student Center, and Institute for Human Development. In 2018, Valeria transitioned into work with off-campus students and neighborhood relations with a joint position between NAU and the City of Flagstaff to help build positive relations among local and student residents.