Valerie Yvette Peterson, a distinguished Orator, Poet, Playwright, Author, and Inspirational Storyteller, has dedicated over three decades to crafting powerful words and captivating performances that resonate with audiences across the nation. With a diverse background in criminal justice and mental health, Valerie has channeled her expertise and passion into creating transformative experiences for individuals seeking to change the trajectory of their lives.

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Through her organization, PROJECT C.O.C.O.A. (Creating Opportunities, Creating Outcomes, through Action), Valerie offers innovative programs that combine poetry writing, spoken word recitation and stage performance to foster self-expression, self-reliance, and self-actualization. 

Valerie’s journey as an artist has been shaped by a profound understanding of the struggles faced by individuals in various life situations. Having experienced her own share of personal challenges navigating marriages, divorces, and surviving domestic violence, she discovered solace and empowerment through the art of poetry and spoken word. Now, Valerie is on a mission to inspire and guide others on their own paths of healing and self-discovery. 

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Valerie Yvette Peterson has been writing for over 35 years, performing her work nationwide. Her work has been performed for many organizations and festivals, including Juneteenth of Oregon, World Arts Foundation Inc.'s Annual MLK Jr. Tribute (The 2nd Largest Celebration in the Nation for Dr. King), the G.A.R.E. (Government Alliance on Race and Equity) Network’s Annual Conference, and A Black History Month Speaking Feature as well as a Womens Day Speaking Feature with Black Speakers Network.

Valerie was selected as a Speaker Panelist for the SHE WINS Conference with RJ Jackson as well as received a commission from the Multnomah County Managers of Color Employee Resource Group’s Black History Month series.  Valerie's work has also been featured in: the Nashville Herald, Kontrol Magazine, NOWPRmagazine.com, Stereotypeco.com, Dr. Melinda Silva’s Podcast for Mental Health, Ethically Immoral Podcast, Portland Observer, and many others and she received a feature with Literary Arts in Portland as a Featured Poet.

 

Valerie's literary work can be found in the:

1. Los Angeles Poets for Justice, A Document For The People; An anthology, published by the L.A. Poet Society Press,

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2. Protest 2021, 100 Thousand Poets for Change Vol.2,

3. Remembering Paul Lawrence Dunbar

4. and Struggle For Liberty,

all three anthologies published by Moonstone Press.

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Her poem titled: To Fly High in Formation was selected by the Sims Library of Poetry for a feature in their Poem-A-Day.  

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Valerie's recent experimental Short Film titled: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOOD AND EVIL highlights the necessity of supporting black men living with mental illness, as she believes there is a strong correlation between black men's misdiagnosed mental illness and their vast over-representation in the criminal justice system.  She has worked with the Poetry Society of New York’s Advisory Council and the Fertile Ground Festival of New Work’s GROW Award Panel, where she helped to create a shift toward equity and inclusion in all aspects of BIPOC Artistry. 

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Valerie’s stage/filmography work of SADIE and MYRTLE was selected for the Pacific Northwest Multicultural Readers Festival and she received a commission from the Portland Playhouse Theater Company for her production of WHEN WE CRY. Both shows received astounding accolades for her writing and directing.

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With her newly released musical poetry singles, Valerie infuses a rich musical backing to her POEMS as she has turned the power of words into her source of strength and fortitude. Singles include WHEN SHE DANCES, EARTH’S HUE, ACORN, HE Is, and many others. Her musical Spoken Word POEMS can be found on all streaming platforms. You can also listen to her poems on the Numberz Radio Station 96.7FM. 

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Valerie's most recent published project, a memoir, God’s Seasons, Steadfastly Reaping until the Harvest was published by TBN/Trilogy Christian Publishing.

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Valerie Yvette Peterson is a Member of the (DG) Dramatists Guild, Poets and Writers, the Academy of American Poets, and the (BSN) Black Speakers Network. She holds a Degree in Criminology, is a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Facilitator, and has earned certification in Songwriting and Publishing from the Hezekiah Walker Center for Gospel Music. 

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