I’m Valene
Living Life Passionately…
I was born and raised in Mississauga, a vibrant suburb just outside of Toronto. While I’m proud of my career in healthcare, my journey has been filled with many creative twists and turns that continue to inspire me every day. I attended two incredible Historically Black Colleges—Oakwood University in Alabama for my undergraduate degree in Health Sciences, and Howard University in Washington, D.C., where I earned my Master of Physical Therapy with honours.
I’m the founder Zou Zou Media House, a publishing company that brings powerful, diverse stories to life. I’m a children's book author, a literature and dementia advocate, and I’ve had the honour of serving on the Harvard Medical School Advisory Council for the Dementia Solutions Project as well as the Alzheimer’s Society Canada – NDG Black Community Working Group. In 2022, I was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch—a recognition I hold with deep gratitude.
But outside of work, I’m a curious adventurer at heart. I love trying new restaurants and recreating recipes at home (even if I never make them the same way twice!). I’m always game for a new experience, whether it’s water sports, catching a live concert or play, or connecting with someone whose story I can learn from. Creativity is my joy, I’ve written and arranged skits, played with arts & crafts, and in recent years, rediscovered my love of storytelling.
ALZHEIMER’S
ADVOCATE & SPEAKER
Amplifying the Voices of Black Families Impacted by Dementia
In 2016, after a family vacation with my mother, I noticed troubling changes—her forgetfulness, confusion, and irritability were becoming more apparent. Alarmed, I called a family meeting and insisted on a visit to her doctor. However, our concerns were brushed aside. For nearly two years, we struggled to get answers, navigating a medical system that dismissed our worries and delayed her diagnosis. As a family, we strongly believe racial bias played a role in this neglect, and we faced stigma both within and outside our community. When we finally received the diagnosis—dementia—it was both a relief to have clarity and a devastating confirmation of what we had long suspected.
As a caregiver, this journey has been deeply personal. After my daughter Zuri’s first birthday, I witnessed something remarkable: despite my mother’s diagnosis, she became more engaged with Zuri, forming a bond that was both heartwarming and profound. While Zuri is too young to understand dementia, I wanted to honour their relationship by creating a timepiece that celebrates the love and connection between grandparent and grandchild—a reminder that even amid challenges, there is joy.
The stigma surrounding dementia and mental health is deeply rooted, especially in Black communities and other traditionally marginalized groups. Studies reveal that dementia impacts Black families at significantly higher rates, yet these families often face systemic barriers to care and understanding. This isn’t just a community issue—it’s a global crisis that demands urgent attention.
As a speaker and author, I share my family’s story to break the silence, confront racial bias in healthcare, and empower caregivers to advocate for their loved ones. Whether I’m presenting my children’s book The Amazing Zoe and Grandma’s Memory Box or speaking on the realities of caregiving, my goal is to create safe spaces for dialogue, healing, and hope.
Let’s spark meaningful conversations and challenge the stigma together. Book me for your next event today.
