Volunteer Appreciation Week: Linda Valentine
Linda Valentine volunteering at Build It Expo 2026
During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are proud to celebrate the people who make The Works Museum a welcoming and inspiring place. One of those volunteers is Linda Valentine, whose lifelong love of learning and teaching shines through every time she works with kids and families.
Linda grew up in Egan, South Dakota, a small town of about 300 people with a graduating class of just 32 students. Her educational path was not a straight line, but it reflects the persistence and curiosity she now encourages when working with youth.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Dakota with a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology and minors in Political Science and Psychology, she later returned to school to study graphic design at Hennepin Technical College. She went on to spend twenty years teaching technology education at high schools across the Twin Cities Metro.
Today, in retirement, Linda continues helping young people discover new skills and build confidence in STEM through her volunteer work.
Linda first connected with The Works Museum while volunteering at an event a few years ago. She appreciated the opportunity to support the museum’s onsite school programming, such as Family Engineering Nights. “It’s small enough to be very personal,” she shared, and that sense of connection inspires her to continue volunteering with us today.
Her interest in STEM began early. Growing up, Linda’s father challenged her with math problems during car rides, sparking a lifelong appreciation for numbers and problem solving. Later in her career, she used math every day as a Graphic Designer and Computer Applications Instructor, especially working with the precise measurement systems used in design.
Linda believes strongly in the importance of introducing students to skilled trades pathways. She knows these careers can offer strong earning potential, meaningful work, and visible results that bring a sense of accomplishment. She hopes more families recognize that careers in the trades are respected, rewarding, and full of opportunity for growth, from apprenticeships to leadership roles and business ownership.
Her years as an educator continue to shape how she volunteers today. Whether she is working with first graders or high school students, Linda loves seeing the moment when something clicks. “Working with kids brings me joy,” she said. “I love watching the expressions when children get it or are surprised by a result.”
Linda is especially passionate about helping young learners build confidence through hands-on exploration. She encourages students to try, make mistakes, and try again, because those experiences build resilience and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime. Tactile learning, she believes, helps students truly understand concepts and recognize their own abilities.
When asked what advice she would give young people who enjoy building or figuring out how things work, Linda’s answer is simple: stay curious. Take classes that support your interests, ask questions, explore job shadow opportunities, and talk with people about their careers. “The list of jobs is endless,” she says, and discovering what excites you is part of the journey.
We are so grateful for Linda’s dedication, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Volunteers like her help build curiosity in the next generation of problem solvers every single day.
Thank you, Linda, for being such an important part of our community!
