A North Carolina native, Valerie graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a degree in Communication Studies and a minor in Political Science.

During her time in undergrad, Valerie focused on integrated marketing, journalism, and media studies. As a supervisor for UNCW’s call center, she helped raise over $600,000 for scholarships, hurricane relief, and student lead organizations. Valerie has a passion for social justice and the arts, and spent time volunteering as a drama instructor for the African-American Cultural Arts Center in her hometown.

Before SKDK, she was a fellow for Lead for North Carolina working with the Town of Pembroke.