HI, MY NAME IS… Cheri’ Valentino. I’m of Italian descent but my first name is French. I’m named after my mom’s best friend in high school.
I’VE LIVED IN the area FOR 30 YEARS AND I LOVE IT BECAUSE… it is my dream property where I have space to have horses. It has been my home for the last 30 years, but I grew up in a small town in Oregon.
A TYPICAL DAY IN MY LIFE INCLUDES… conducting investigations and leading my growing business, Valentino Signature Services (valentinosignatureservices.com) in which I do all types of investigations, training, process serving, and consulting for clients in the public and private sector. I’m passionate about helping women in need and serve as an advocate for them. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family, friends, and reflecting on what’s truly important in life.
MY FAMILY IS… my rock, my inspiration, and my joy. I couldn’t imagine my life without them. They are my world and mean everything to me and I’ve become a better person because of them.
ONE THING I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT IS… being in the company of other strong, independent women. My go-to motivation is a quote inspired by Joan of Arc: “I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” I adore the history behind the quote, as it gives me the inspiration of how to clear the route that leads to where I need to go.
MY FAVORITE MOVIE I COULD NEVER GET TIRED OF WATCHING AND WHY IS… “A Haunting in Venice”(2023). It speaks to my passion for investigations and solving mysteries, my admiration for mystery writer Agatha Christie and for celebrated detective Hercule Poirot, as he’s recruited to solve fascinating cases. I also happen to love Halloween and movies that tie with my Italian heritage.
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I WANTED TO BE… a lawyer. But I quickly became obsessed with being a detective.
THE SONG I WOULD SING AT KARAOKE NIGHT IS… I leave karaoke to those with great singing voices. But if I was a karaoke singer, I’d sing “Road Less Traveled” by Lauren Alaina or Katy Perry’s “Firework.”
THE ONE PERSON WHO MOTIVATES ME IS… I don’t think I can name just one! I live my life by always remembering and following my core values of purpose, passion, and integrity. My closest friends and mentors mirror these values, inspiring and motivating me every day.
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LAUGH OUT LOUD WAS… comic Adam Ferrara. I love comedy shows and I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. Laughter is like medicine to the soul!
MY PERFECT DAY IS… working with clients or doing anything outdoors. On the weekends, I like to ride horses, go target shooting, or play a few games of pool with friends.
MY FAVORITE LOCAL NONPROFIT IS… hard to choose! There are so many great nonprofit organizations in Arizona. I’ve worked with Harvest Compassion Center, Arizona Helping Hands, the Scottsdale Chamber, the Greater Phoenix Chamber, as well as Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust because of the invaluable resources, programs, and support it provides for cancer patients. I am a breast cancer survivor! I am also a huge supporter of first responders and sit on several boards and commissions with the Scottsdale Police Department.
MY LIFE IS… busy and satisfying.
THE BEST GIFT I’VE EVER RECEIVED WAS… my children. They keep me grounded and they have a value beyond any monetary price. I think the best gifts you can give someone else is your presence, your love and compassion, and your belief in them.
MY DREAM VACATION WOULD BE… spending time in Italy, connecting with my roots and taking in my heritage. Or a beach vacation, anywhere tropical makes me happy.
THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I’VE EVER RECEIVED IS… trust and follow your intuition!
