Valerie's passion for children's rights started when she was a child herself. As the founder of The Validation Project, Valerie has spearheaded a global movement to empower young people worldwide. Now a Department for the Economy funded PhD Candidate in Children's Rights, Valerie currently explores a child's right to seek, receive, and impart information within the United States—the only country that has yet to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Specifically, Valerie's research explores what child-friendly material would look like if children were actively involved in its creation and dissemination. Valerie's PhD project will be the first-ever study about the right to information to involve young children as co-researchers. 

With a Bachelor's in Education Advocacy and a Master's in Children's Rights, Valerie is a Harry S. Truman Scholar, and Point Foundation Scholar. Her dedication to championing children's rights has earned her prestigious accolades, including the National Jefferson Award of Public Service, the L'Oréal Paris Woman of Worth Award, and the Princess Diana Award from former UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

Previously, Valerie was a member of the Harvard Graduate School of Education Advisory Board and served as the U.S. Delegate for Fora (formerly G(irls)20). Notably, two of Valerie's policy proposals for female equity in the workforce were highlighted in the official G20 Declaration.