Valarie Kuschel

What do you love about your work as the Communications Director for Save Red Rock?

My favorite part about working for Save Red Rock is being able to preserve a piece of our Valley that everyone enjoys. As a born and raised Nevadan, some of my best memories have been in the canyon. I hope it can be maintained for generations after me to come. 

And what do you see as the value added to your career by a law degree?  

In a previous life, I was a journalist for Vegas PBS and KVVU-FOX5. I decided to pursue law for similar reasons as to why I wanted to be a journalist. I've always been drawn toward helping my community members. For a long time, I wanted to do that through writing and reporting. I believe my law degree will allow me to go to the next level - making Nevada a better place through legal avenues. I am particularly passionate about conserving our environment. I am excited to soak up all the knowledge I can from our wonderful professors like Bret Birdsong and Frank Fritz. 

How goes your first semester in Boyd's part-time evening program?

My first semester is going better than I expected. I was very nervous balancing work, life, and school, but I have some amazing classmates who keep me on track. I also have an unbelievable amount of support from my fellow board members on the Environmental Law Society. I also have to give a shout out to my husband, who has learned how to cook so I can focus on class every night. 

Please complete this sentence: When the pandemic is behind us, the first thing I want to do is....

The first thing I want to do is hug my 9-year-old niece for an hour. I'm not sure I'll ever let go.