ABOUT ME
Hey there! I’m Valene (pronounced vuh-leen). My pronouns are she/her.
I’ve learned to never define myself by my occupation, or what I do for work so I’ll start with sharing my passions. My personal holy trinity is travel, food, and adventure. Have you said to yourself, “One day I’d like to"….well, I strive to live my wishlist. I’ve played flag football for various leagues, I’ve visited several of my bucket list destinations such as Tahiti, Bora Bora, Italy and Greece. I love trying new foods from various restaurants and trying ‘all of the things’..and then I like to try making those same recipes at home.
I was born and raised in Mississauga, a suburb just outside of Toronto. I’m proud to have attended two Historically Black Colleges (HBCUs), Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL for my undergraduate studies in Health Sciences, and I graduated with a Master of Physical Therapy, with honours from Howard University, Washington, D.C. I’m the founder of a home health care agency, and a publishing house (zouzoumedia.co). I’m an author, a children's literature and dementia advocate who serves on Harvard Medical School Advisory Council for the Dementia Solutions Project and the Alzheimer’s Society Canada—NDG Black Community Working Group. I’m also honoured to have been named one of ‘Canada's Top 100 Black Women to Watch’ in 2022.
I’m happy to have chosen healthcare as my career, however, I enjoy exploring other interests. I have written and arranged various skits, I regularly engage in arts & crafts and in recent years, I have rediscovered the joy of writing. Since 2020 I have penned three bestselling children’s books from The Amazing Zoe series and I plan to continue the series. My stories are engaging and uniquely delve into everyday ‘real-life’ topics that humanize the experiences of children of colour.
MY LITERATURE
I am a dedicated author, presenter, and vocal advocate for diversifying Canadian children's literature. My passion extends to championing Alzheimer’s disease awareness and embodying body positivity for women aged 35-55. My mission is focused on enriching traditionally underrepresented spaces with diverse representation.
The birth of my daughter in 2019 was a pivotal moment that sharpened my focus on children's literature. A thorough examination of her book collection revealed a significant lack of diverse stories, inspiring me to drive change in this genre. In 2020, I authored the 'The Amazing Zoe' series, that boasts 3/3 bestsellers and has been widely received. These books explore real-life scenarios with educational undertones, crafted into stories that resonate with young and older adults alike.
My journey into publishing led to the creation of Zou Zou Media House, an imprint dedicated to lifting up aspiring authors and promoting inclusive storytelling. My goal is to dismantle the invisibility of marginalized authors and to bring their unique stories and perspectives to the forefront of Canadian literature. I firmly believe in the power of literature as a tool for teaching young minds empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
As an advocate for diverse children’s literature, I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child sees themselves reflected in the stories they read. My experiences as a member of an underrepresented community fuel my determination to break racial barriers and create a more inclusive literary world.
Follow the links below to learn more about my work as an author and self-publishing coach.
THE SERIES
Launches Spring 2024
SCHEDULE AN AUTHOR VISIT
Are you looking for an engaging and knowledgeable speaker for your school or organization? My presentations are interactive and tailored to the needs of each audience, ensuring that everyone leaves with practical takeaways and a renewed sense of inspiration. Contact me today to book your next event!
MY ADVOCACY FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
After vacationing with my mother in 2016, I observed her increasing forgetfulness, confusion, and irritability. I knew immediately upon our return home, a family meeting needed to ensue, followed by an appointment with her family doctor. We eventually learned the dreadful news that our once jovial and fiercely independent mother was diagnosed with dementia.
After my daughter’s (Zuri) first birthday, I witnessed a pivotal change. Mom became more engaged with Zuri, which sparked a unique bond. I recognize Zuri is far too young to understand the symptoms of dementia, however, I wanted to create a timepiece that demonstrates their special relationship as grandparent and grandchild.
There is still a great deal of stigma regarding dementia and mental health, and there is a need to have more of these conversations overall, particularly within communities that have been traditionally marginalized. Studies indicate Dementia affects the Black community at an exponential rate compared to other groups, yet, this fact does not dismiss the increasing rate of those who are diagnosed with dementia in all ethnicities. Based on the astounding number of families who are impacted, it is clear we are faced with a worldwide crisis.