ABOUT VALENE
Living Life Passionately…
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 Inspiration
I’m a presenter and vocal advocate for diversifying Canadian children's literature. 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, which 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 publishing journey led to creating Zou Zou Media House, an imprint dedicated to lifting aspiring authors and promoting inclusive storytelling. My goal is to dismantle marginalized authors' invisibility and 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.
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!
