Valerie joined the UUCC staff in August 2019 as Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries and has been UUCC’s Executive Director since January 2022.
She brings a community organizing lens to her ministry work, prioritizing relationship-building and listening. Valerie is a founding organizer of End Medical Debt Maryland, a coalition of 60+ organizations working together to pass comprehensive medical billing reform, educate Marylanders on their rights as patients, and eliminate barriers to healthcare. She is the founder of Movement Monday, a community gathering of Baltimore City activists. Valerie has trained and worked with Industrial Areas Foundation affiliate organizations in Baltimore City and Montgomery County, Maryland.
Valerie has a background in communications, specializing in messaging, content strategy, and project management. She has directed press relations for statewide advocacy campaigns, developed email and social media marketing strategies for national brands, and crafted political messaging on sensitive issues.
Valerie holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Vanderbilt University in piano performance, with minors in English literature and flute performance. She freelances as a collaborative pianist and enjoys performing new music by local composers.
Valerie and her spouse John live in Baltimore City.