Carmela Valles

Carmela Valles is a dedicated community leader and advocate for immigrants, recognized for her exceptional contributions to Peterborough and beyond. Her journey in community service began in 1990 when she arrived in Peterborough as an International Student at Trent University. Since then, Carmela has been deeply involved in various organizations, committed to promoting social justice, multiculturalism, and immigrant integration.

With a Bachelor of Arts (BA, Honours) degree in Sociology and International Development Studies from Trent University and a Certificate of Management from the Schulich School of Business at York University, Carmela possesses a solid academic foundation. In 2009, she established her private Immigration Consulting practice after serving as the Executive Director of the New Canadians Centre Peterborough for nearly a decade.

Carmela's professional expertise extends to her role as a member in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC). Additionally, she has actively contributed to several boards and committees, including the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants (OCASI), the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough (CFGP), and the Kawartha World Issues Centre (KWIC), where she currently serves on the board and has been instrumental in fundraising efforts.

Throughout her tenure on various boards, Carmela has demonstrated strong leadership and strategic vision. As Chair of the KWIC board from 2021 to 2023, she oversaw significant organizational changes and spearheaded impactful projects focused on gender equality and community engagement. Her commitment to empowering marginalized voices, particularly within immigrant communities, is evident in her advocacy efforts and fundraising initiatives.

Carmela's dedication to community building extends beyond her professional endeavors. As an active member of the Filipino community in Peterborough, she organizes cultural events and fundraisers, demonstrating her passion for fostering connections and celebrating diversity.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Carmela was honored as the Business Citizen of the Year by the Greater Peterborough and Area Chamber of Commerce in 2019. Despite her numerous achievements, Carmela remains humble and focused on making a positive impact on the lives of others. Her unwavering commitment to serving newcomers and promoting inclusivity embodies the spirit of compassionate leadership and inspires those around her.

Social Posts

Returning to the stage on February 26th for PTBO Performs VI, meet @georgia.roseofficial ✨

🕐 7:25 PM | Thursday, February 26
📍 the @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre
🎶 a beautiful voice that you’re not going to want to miss!

PTBO Performs: Musicians United to End Homelessness is returning for the SIXTH year! A celebration of talented local musicians with a powerful purpose. Every ticket sold helps support frontline programs right here in our community that provide housing and shelter services🧡.

🎫 Tickets are available online now [link in bio], and at the @ptboshowplace box office.

Grab your tickets today and be part of music that makes a difference!

#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO

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Returning to the stage on February 26th for PTBO Performs VI, meet @georgia.roseofficial ✨ 🕐 7:25 PM | Thursday, February 26 📍 the @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre 🎶 a beautiful voice that you’re not going to want to miss! PTBO Performs: Musicians United to End Homelessness is returning for the SIXTH year! A celebration of talented local musicians with a powerful purpose. Every ticket sold helps support frontline programs right here in our community that provide housing and shelter services🧡. 🎫 Tickets are available online now [link in bio], and at the @ptboshowplace box office. Grab your tickets today and be part of music that makes a difference! #PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO

Only one thing on our minds right now… Peterborough Performs! 🎵🎤

Our favourite music event is back, featuring 14 incredible local artists. They’re coming together to raise awareness and funds in support of our partner agencies and their housing and shelter initiatives right here in our community. 💛

⏰ Feb 26, 2026 | 7 PM
📍 Showplace Performance Centre
🎟️ $50 for 1 | $80 for 2
➡️ Grab your tickets: uwpeterborough.ca/peterborough_performs/

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Only one thing on our minds right now… Peterborough Performs! 🎵🎤 Our favourite music event is back, featuring 14 incredible local artists. They’re coming together to raise awareness and funds in support of our partner agencies and their housing and shelter initiatives right here in our community. 💛 ⏰ Feb 26, 2026 | 7 PM 📍 Showplace Performance Centre 🎟️ $50 for 1 | $80 for 2 ➡️ Grab your tickets: uwpeterborough.ca/peterborough_performs/

It’s hard to believe 2016 was 10 years ago! 🕰️

So much has changed in the last decade and yet, so much has stayed the same. Ten years ago, we were celebrating a major milestone: 75 years of serving Peterborough & County. We were raising funds through fun community events, supporting ongoing initiatives like Backpacks for Success, hitting big team milestones, and making headlines alongside media partners who continue to uplift our work.

Now, as we celebrate 85 years, the most important thing remains the same, we’re still here building community and changing lives for people across the City of Peterborough. 💙

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It’s hard to believe 2016 was 10 years ago! 🕰️ So much has changed in the last decade and yet, so much has stayed the same. Ten years ago, we were celebrating a major milestone: 75 years of serving Peterborough & County. We were raising funds through fun community events, supporting ongoing initiatives like Backpacks for Success, hitting big team milestones, and making headlines alongside media partners who continue to uplift our work. Now, as we celebrate 85 years, the most important thing remains the same, we’re still here building community and changing lives for people across the City of Peterborough. 💙

⏳ The countdown is ON!

Our emcee, @ellabates.joyatwork is getting ready for an unforgettable night of live music in support of our community.

🎫 PTBO Performs VI tickets available now [link in bio], online and at the @ptboshowplace box office!

Thank you to our generous sponsors:
@llf_lawyers_llp
@2ehome
Lancer Electric
@ptbocounty
@shirlsyourgirl
Stephan Ragaz
@kyleharringtondesjardins
@mcdougall_insurance
Rellinger Writing Services
The Glenn Family
@thebig.peterborough
V.K. Patel Distrbution Services Inc.
Herod Financial Services
@kawarthanowcommunity @kawarthanow
@longandmcquade
@wedesignptbo

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⏳ The countdown is ON! Our emcee, @ellabates.joyatwork is getting ready for an unforgettable night of live music in support of our community. 🎫 PTBO Performs VI tickets available now [link in bio], online and at the @ptboshowplace box office! Thank you to our generous sponsors: @llf_lawyers_llp @2ehome Lancer Electric @ptbocounty @shirlsyourgirl Stephan Ragaz @kyleharringtondesjardins @mcdougall_insurance Rellinger Writing Services The Glenn Family @thebig.peterborough V.K. Patel Distrbution Services Inc. Herod Financial Services @kawarthanowcommunity @kawarthanow @longandmcquade @wedesignptbo

A special message form @twpiggott, CEO and Medical Officer of Health for @phlakelands on this cold January morning.

#BuildingCommunity #UnitedWayPTBO

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A special message form @twpiggott, CEO and Medical Officer of Health for @phlakelands on this cold January morning. #BuildingCommunity #UnitedWayPTBO

Did you know❓
The third Monday in January is widely known as Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year.

The holiday season has passed us by, daylight is fleeting, nights are cold, and the weather is chilly. It’s no wonder some of us are feeling low, but it’s important to know you are not alone 🤍

United Way Peterborough & District is proud to partner with 211 to offer support when times get tough
📞💬 You can call or text 2-1-1 today to get free, confidential help, or 🌐 visit 211ontario.ca

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Did you know❓ The third Monday in January is widely known as Blue Monday, the saddest day of the year. The holiday season has passed us by, daylight is fleeting, nights are cold, and the weather is chilly. It’s no wonder some of us are feeling low, but it’s important to know you are not alone 🤍 United Way Peterborough & District is proud to partner with 211 to offer support when times get tough 📞💬 You can call or text 2-1-1 today to get free, confidential help, or 🌐 visit 211ontario.ca

Next up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤✨

Phil Stephenson of Lagan & Derelict!

🕦 9:05 PM | Thursday, February 26
📍 The @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre
🎉 Marking their SIXTH PTBO Performs appearance!

PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homeslessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music featuring 14 amazing local acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our partner agencies providing housing and shelter services.

🎫 Tickets are available online now [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office.

You’re not going to want to miss this!

#PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 17842308336677223
Next up in our PTBO Performs VI artist series 🎤✨ Phil Stephenson of Lagan & Derelict! 🕦 9:05 PM | Thursday, February 26 📍 The @cogeco Studio, Showplace Performance Centre 🎉 Marking their SIXTH PTBO Performs appearance! PTBO Performs VI: Musicians United to End Homeslessness is Peterborough’s biggest night of live music featuring 14 amazing local acts set to take both stages @ptboshowplace in support of our partner agencies providing housing and shelter services. 🎫 Tickets are available online now [link in bio] and at the @ptboshowplace box office. You’re not going to want to miss this! #PTBOPerformsVI #PTBOMusic #LiveMusicPTBO

❄️ Due to inclement weather, our office will be closing early today, (Thursday, January 15)❄️

Our team will remain available remotely and will continue to monitor phones and emails.

Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.

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❄️ Due to inclement weather, our office will be closing early today, (Thursday, January 15)❄️ Our team will remain available remotely and will continue to monitor phones and emails. Thank you for your understanding, and please stay safe.

Buckle up for Peterborough Performs returning February 26th! 🥳

Join us for a night of impact and community as we enjoy 14 local artists at Showplace Performance Centre. All proceeds raised are in support of our partner agencies and the work they do for housing and homelessness initiatives.

🎟️ Get your tickets at showplace.org

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18078317111211076
Buckle up for Peterborough Performs returning February 26th! 🥳 Join us for a night of impact and community as we enjoy 14 local artists at Showplace Performance Centre. All proceeds raised are in support of our partner agencies and the work they do for housing and homelessness initiatives. 🎟️ Get your tickets at showplace.org

☁️If you’re looking for a sign (and the chance to win big, give back and change lives) this is it!

🎟️Our next 50/50 draw takes place on January 30th! Purchase tickets online through the link in our bio.

*Ontario residents only. Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets.

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18554436733027633
☁️If you’re looking for a sign (and the chance to win big, give back and change lives) this is it! 🎟️Our next 50/50 draw takes place on January 30th! Purchase tickets online through the link in our bio. *Ontario residents only. Must be 18 or older to purchase tickets.
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