Her Story
About Valerie
Valerie has dedicated her career to empowering others through both healthcare and education. With more than 27 years of experience in healthcare, she began her professional journey in 1994 as a certified nursing assistant before earning her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) credentials and building a successful nursing career spanning more than two decades. During her 16 years with Kaiser Permanente, she provided high-quality patient care, coordinated healthcare services, and supported patients through critical transitions, developing a deep commitment to health, wellness, and advocacy.
In 2018, Valerie transitioned into full-time education, bringing her extensive healthcare expertise into the classroom. As a Science Content Lead and Career Technical Education (CTE) Educator at Making Waves Academy in California, she prepares students for careers in healthcare through courses in medical terminology, health sciences, clinical skills, job readiness, and college preparation. Her passion for teaching is rooted in helping young people discover opportunities, build confidence, and develop the skills needed to succeed in both higher education and the workforce. She also serves as a mentor and advisor, guiding students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys.
Committed to lifelong learning, Valerie earned a bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness and a Master of Public Health before pursuing a Doctor of Education degree. As a doctoral candidate, she continues to focus on educational leadership and student success while advocating for equity in healthcare and education. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Valerie is deeply involved in community service, volunteering to support individuals experiencing homelessness and dedicating countless hours to youth mentorship and family-centered activities. Her career reflects a steadfast belief in the power of education, compassion, and service to transform lives.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Valerie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, lifelong learning, and a commitment to serving others through both healthcare and education. Over the past 25 years as a nurse and nine years as a high school educator, I have remained dedicated to helping people grow, heal, and succeed while continuing to challenge myself professionally. I earned my CTE teaching credential and later returned to school to complete my bachelor's and master's degrees in health and public wellness through Purdue Global, and I am now pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership at Marymount University. My journey has taught me that hard work, determination, and a willingness to keep learning can open new doors at any stage of life, and that it is never too late to pursue your goals and achieve success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I have received is to never stop learning and to remain open to growth opportunities. Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to have exceptional mentors, including my school leader, Evangela Ward-Jackson, whose encouragement and guidance inspired me to pursue my doctorate. I am also continually inspired by my students, whose curiosity and resilience motivate me every day. Whether I am leading morning huddles, engaging students through classroom activities, mentoring future healthcare professionals, or advising student organizations, I have learned that passion, purpose, and a commitment to serving others are key to building a meaningful and rewarding career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to remember that your career path does not have to be linear. I spent 25 years in nursing before transitioning into education, and my healthcare background provided a strong foundation for my work as a teacher. As my children grew older, teaching offered me the flexibility to support my family while continuing to make a meaningful impact. Be open to new opportunities, trust that your skills are transferable, and know that it is never too late to change directions and build a successful, fulfilling career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field right now is completing the next chapter of my educational journey. I am preparing to defend my doctoral dissertation later this month as part of my Doctor of Education program, a milestone that reflects years of dedication to both healthcare and education. This achievement will allow me to further expand my impact as an educator, leader, and advocate for student success while continuing to contribute to the advancement of educational leadership.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are mentorship, service, and family. I am passionate about guiding and supporting my students, particularly the seniors I advise, as they prepare for college, careers, and their future goals. Helping young people recognize their potential and build confidence is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. Outside of my professional life, I cherish spending time with my family, celebrating my children’s achievements as they pursue their college education, and creating lasting memories through travel and shared experiences.
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