University of Advancing Technology's Official Technology Blog

University of Advancing Technology Professor Dapzury Valenzuela discusses her journey and upcoming women empowerment conference with the City of Tempe.

Own Your Brand, Own Your Confidence

Dapzury Valenzuela is a seasoned marketing and design professional with over 25 years of industry experience and more than 20 years as a post-secondary educator. As the Curriculum Integrity & Senior Professor at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), she plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of innovators. Formerly an Art Direction Professor, she now leads the Student Innovation Project, guiding students from all majors in the creation, development, and presentation of tech-based products and services.

Beyond academia, Dapzury is the founder of Haute Pro, a Brand & Marketing Consultancy. Through her LLC, she empowers startups, businesses, and individuals to achieve their goals using her extensive knowledge in brand development, inbound marketing, and visual content creation. Her client base spans from STEM-based academies to virtual reality fashion enterprises.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we sat down with Dapzury to discuss personal branding, advocacy, and the power of marketing your best self.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

I appreciate the recognition of Women’s History Month, but I believe that acknowledging and celebrating women should be a year-round effort. Women should lift each other up consistently, not just in March. It’s about creating a culture of appreciation and empowerment every single day.

Can you share a pivotal moment when you had to rebrand or redefine yourself professionally?

One defining moment was when I transitioned into teaching. I struggled with leaving industry because I loved the creative freedom and challenges of marketing. Then I realized—I didn’t have to choose. By combining my industry work with academia, I became a stronger educator, bringing real-world experiences into the classroom. This shift not only redefined my brand but also reinforced my passion for both fields.

If you could have coffee with young Dapzury, what advice would you give her?

I’d tell her to be very intentional about who she surrounds herself with. Your environment and the people around you shape your opportunities, mindset, and growth. I’d also remind her to continue leveraging technology but to make time to replenish herself in non-digital spaces.

What does 'marketing your best self' mean to you, and how has it shaped your career?

Marketing is the perfect union of creativity and technology. To market your best self, you need to amplify your unique qualities through platforms and channels that align with your values. No one else has your exact story, experiences, and perspective—your brand is uniquely yours.

During my graduate studies, my thesis focused on how marketing influences women’s career aspirations. Historically, media has portrayed women in specific ways, often limiting perceptions of what they can achieve. This realization led me to develop and teach a fashion technology program that integrates technical training with research on women’s representation in media. Technology has always fascinated me, especially its role in storytelling, which is why I’ve dedicated my career to working with cutting-edge companies and institutions like UAT.

What are some of the biggest misconceptions about personal branding?

A major misconception is that personal branding is just about logos and aesthetics. In reality, your brand is what others say about you when you’re not in the room. It’s how you present yourself, how you interact with others, and how consistently you embody your values. Personal branding isn’t just about self-promotion—it’s about authenticity and impact.

How can women effectively advocate for themselves in male-dominated industries?

Women supporting other women is key. Finding mentors and allies—both male and female—who encourage, challenge, and uplift you is essential. I firmly believe in paying it forward by teaching and mentoring students, regardless of gender, to create a more inclusive and empowered future.

What’s your advice for women who struggle with self-promotion?

The best advice I’ve received is to look inward for answers. Technology is constantly evolving, but your unique brand remains solid. Self-reflection and trusting the right people to help you identify your strengths are crucial. Moments of self-doubt are temporary, but resilience and self-awareness will guide you forward.

What’s one action step women can take today to start marketing their best selves?

Start with a simple but powerful step: take a deep breath, reflect in silence, and commit to being intentional about honoring your values. Your story unfolds every day, and how you choose to share it is what makes it uniquely yours.

For those looking to dive deeper into personal branding and leadership, consider attending the Shine Your Light: Empowering Young Women to Lead and Succeed conference. This event, taking place on March 22, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM at the Rio Salado College Conference Center in Tempe, is designed for young women aged 14-22. It will feature dynamic workshops, inspiring speakers, networking opportunities, and even a fashion show with tips on dressing for success. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, grow, and shine your light! Register here.

To learn more about UAT's initiatives in STEM education, visit University of Advancing Technology.