Valerie Yvette Peterson, an acclaimed poet, playwright, author, and inspirational speaker, has captivated audiences nationwide with her powerful words and inspirational messages. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Valerie has dedicated her life to empowering individuals and helping them change the trajectory of their lives.
Valerie’s impressive background includes a degree in Criminal Justice, as well as 25 years of experience as a Mental Health Professional within the Oregon Department of Corrections. She has played a vital role in assisting inmates at pre-release, working tirelessly to provide them with the tools and support they need to transform their lives. Valerie’s expertise extends to cognitive-behavioral therapy and moral reconation therapy, evidence-based approaches that address various issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, trauma, parenting, and life skills.
Throughout her career, Valerie has shared her profound poetry and spoken word performances with numerous organizations and festivals, leaving a lasting impact on her audiences. She has graced prestigious platforms like the Juneteenth of Oregon, World Arts Foundation Inc.’s Annual MLK Jr. Tribute, and the G.A.R.E. Network’s Annual Conference, among others. Valerie was also selected as a Speaker Panelist for the SHE WINS Conference and received a commission from the Multnomah County Managers of Color Employee Resource Group’s Black History Month series.
Valerie’s work has garnered attention from various publications and media outlets, including the Nashville Herald, Kontrol Magazine, NOWPRmagazine.com, Portland Observer, and more. Her literary contributions can be found in esteemed anthologies such as “Los Angeles Poets for Justice,” “Protest 2021: 100 Thousand Poets for Change Vol.2,” and “Remembering Paul Lawrence Dunbar and Struggle for Liberty,” all published by Moonstone Press. Additionally, her poem titled “To Fly High in Formation” was featured by the Sims Library of Poetry.
Highlighting the intersection between her work and her passion for supporting black men living with mental illness, Valerie recently released an experimental short film titled “The Knowledge of Good and Evil.” Through this thought-provoking project, she sheds light on the urgent need to address misdiagnosed mental illnesses within this community and their disproportionate representation in the criminal justice system.
Valerie’s influence extends beyond her artistic endeavors. She has actively contributed to promoting equity and inclusion in BIPOC artistry, serving on the Poetry Society of New York’s Advisory Council and the Fertile Ground Festival of New Work’s GROW Award Panel. Her stage and filmography works, such as “Sadie” and “Myrtle,” have been selected for the Pacific Northwest Multicultural Readers Festival, receiving accolades for her exceptional writing and directing. Furthermore, Valerie secured the leading role of Baneatta Mabry in Douglas Lyons’ Broadway Comedy “Chicken and Biscuits,” produced by Portland Playhouse.
Adding a melodic touch to her poetry, Valerie has released several singles that combine the power of words with rich musical backing. Her singles, including “When She Dances,” “Earth’s Hue,” “Acorn,” and “He Is,” can be found on all major streaming platforms. Additionally, Valerie’s poems can be heard on the Numberz Radio Station 96.7FM.
Valerie Yvette Peterson is a respected member of the Dramatists Guild, Poets and Writers, the Academy of American Poets, and the Black Speakers Network. Her relentless pursuit of personal growth and spiritual encouragement has led her to establish her organization, PROJECT C.O.C.O.A. (Creating Opportunities, Creating Outcomes through Action). Through her two programs, “It’s Imperative to Write Your Narrative” and “It’s Imperative to Speak Your Narrative,” Valerie empowers individuals to find their voice, achieve self-expression, and embrace self-actualization.
In her workshops, Valerie guides participants to create their own written “map” for living a life with courage and self-respect. By embracing the power of writing and storytelling, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of their journey, identify areas for growth, and redefine their narratives.
Valerie’s personal journey of triumph over adversity, particularly as a domestic violence survivor, has been the driving force behind her passion for empowering others through poetry and spoken word. Her transformative work serves as therapy, fostering self-love and spiritual growth.
Looking ahead, Valerie has ambitious goals for the future. Within the next five years, she envisions publishing her third and fourth books, directing a third short film, and releasing the second installment of her novel-in-verse memoir collection. She also plans to contribute to additional poetry anthologies and establish a Platinum Level Multi-Million Dollar Nationwide Speaking Forum, emphasizing the significance of poetry and its intersection with faith in leading a fulfilling life.
To connect with Valerie Yvette Peterson and experience her empowering work, visit her links on Linktree.
