Dr Faith Valencia-Forrester is an educator, researcher, and creative with a passion for transforming learning into a force for social justice, inclusion, and equity. With a background in media and qualifications in Arts, Law, Business, and a PhD focused on inclusive, university-led work-integrated learning (WIL), Faith brings an interdisciplinary approach to designing impactful educational experiences.
Her work reimagines WIL as more than just preparation for employment—positioning it as a catalyst for transformative learning experiences leading to real-world change. Faith leads innovative programs that embed students in community and industry settings, where their learning directly contributes to addressing disadvantage and creating social impact. She has developed nationally recognised models for inclusive WIL and advocates for a “fourth space” in education: a collaborative zone where students, academics, and partners co-create knowledge and solutions.
Faith is committed to building meaningful partnerships that enhance student employability, strengthen community outcomes, and reshape the role of higher education in society.
