Valentina Lewis, also known as Tia, was born and raised in Wailuku, Maui, and moved to Oʻahu to pursue a degree in journalism at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa. She previously served as a Civil Beat Sunshine intern, where she reported on a wide range of bills, including fireworks regulation, high school surfing funds, moped safety, and police enforcement.

Excited to be rejoining the team as an intern, Tia remains deeply committed to telling stories that reflect and uplift her community. Through her reporting, she aims to center local voices, elevate underrepresented perspectives, and bring greater visibility to the issues shaping life in Hawaiʻi.