A New Kind of Narrative: How One Seasoned Storyteller is Igniting Social Change

Meet Dr. Valerie L. Williams-Sanchez, A Visionary Storyteller Rewriting What Representation Looks Like

Once upon a time in her Grandma Evie’s tiny kitchen in Southern California, a curious and bright-eyed girl named Valerie and her grandmother played Scrabble, discussed “big” ideas, and embarked on myriad adventures in their imaginations to museums, galleries and gardens. It was in the heart of this special and magical bond that a young Valerie developed a love of stories.

That passion for the written word launched Valerie on a lifelong journey that has taken her on a pursuit of literature from her Orange County neighborhood to northern California and UC Berkeley, abroad to the University de Salamanca in Spain, the academic halls of Columbia University in New York City, and St. John’s University where she earned her PhD. She’s traversed the globe as an educator, marketing guru, social justice advocate, and journalist. She’s worked with the bureau chief for the Associated Press, been an interpreter for National Geographic, a graphic researcher at The Los Angeles Times, and a staff writer and reporter for The Miami Herald, and More Magazine. Also an academician, she has presented her work at several major conferences including the World Literacy Summit (WLS), The International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY) International Congress, The Global Summit on Health Literacy, the Annual Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), the International Literacy Association, and has published in academic journals including Early Childhood Education Journal, The Journal of Multicultural Marketing and The Reading Professor.  

Human Connection Begins with Compassionate Narratives

One tenet has always guided her work: “Humans have always told stories to connect, relate and weave together truths that enable us to see one another more clearly with compassion and courage.”

“I’ve always got at least four projects in mind,” Valerie says. “I’ve always had a tremendous curiosity and yearning to learn more. Not rote learning, but really critically understanding issues like sovereignty—in the context of autonomy and self-rule—or what it is like from the other person’s perspective.” Though Valerie’s early career was launched in newsrooms, a deeper calling began to stir—one rooted in imagination, identity, and the childhood wonder she discovered alongside her grandmother.

Years later, with a Ph.D. in literacy and foci on communication, cultural competence and culturally relevant pedagogy, as well as a Project Management Professional (PMP) credential under her belt, she shifted her focus to a different kind of narrative. She’s served as the Communications Officer for Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center, became the creative force behind Valorena Publishing, Valerie’s Vignettes blog and launched her beloved Cocoa Kids Collection®, a whimsical series of picture books designed to reflect and uplift the voices of underrepresented children. As the book series imprimatur states, it is a series of “fictional tales that put multi-racial and minority children center stage in the self-published series that tackles big issues with wit, whimsy, and chocolate.” 

The narratives in the series are drawn from stories she has shared with the children in her family and loved ones in her life—her daughter Lorena, nephew Isaiah, and her beloved, Edwin. Into these personal tales she has woven  techniques, insights, and experiences from her earlier work as an educator for grade school children facing emotional challenges.

Uplifting the Next Generation

Her Cocoa Kids Collection® books are a bridge between generations, offering children and caregivers a chance to bond through story. “I hope readers experience a sense of wonder and whimsy,” she says. “Children’s literature can shape how kids see themselves and the world—it should reflect the richness of that world.”

Valerie’s journey, from her grandmother’s kitchen to global stages, reflects a commitment to love, language, and legacy. She now mentors students, authors, and young professionals, while continuing to publish and consult.

“I’m here to surface the emotional and cultural contexts that need to be addressed to give people the literacy and voice we all need to get the care we deserve.”

First, Second and Third Acts

“Let’s get to it, let’s get through it,” is one of Valerie’s overriding mottos. That and her mission to make an impact with her work. “For me it is more than just the writing, it is getting my hands dirty in the trenches, experiencing and relating to the challenges my readers face regardless of their age, to make a difference where it is needed.”

These days, the Fort Lee, NJ resident wears many hats, including that of a consultant, researcher, publisher, artist, and author. A bilingual marketing, community engagement and impact leader, her LinkedIn profile tagline reads: “Driving value, programs and growth with proven thought leadership and actionable insights.”

One of Valerie’s colleagues described her as “the epitome of a multivalent pioneer; so many irons in the fire!”

Indeed, Valerie’s diverse background—spanning community engagement, strategic communications, and brand development—underscores her role as a social changemaker. Her ability to innovate across disciplines while managing multiple initiatives demonstrates a rare blend of versatility and purpose-driven leadership. By harnessing the power of storytelling to make complex issues relatable, Valerie hopes she not only fosters empathy but also mobilizes action. Whether engaging audiences, advising executives, or strengthening nonprofits, Valerie consistently delivers strategies that expand organizational impact, spark thoughtful discourse and ignite meaningful social change.

“My career – like my life – has been firmly rooted in cultural, educational, and health literacies and decades of cross-industry and cross-cultural experience,” she says.

A Philanthropist and Passionate Advocate for Health Literacy

Valerie parlayed the success of her book series into a for-profit publishing company that she operates today, and advocates for reducing health disparities among diverse communities through her health literacy efforts and activism. Since 2017, she has served on the board of directors of Say Ah!, a non-profit organization that uses education, community partnerships, and advocacy for health literacy to empower individuals to make informed health decisions and navigate the complex healthcare system. Leveraging her organizational management experience, Valerie was a founding collaborator on the "Say Ah Symposium: Racism & Health Literacy, A March to Advance Health Equity" three-day program as well as its “On Equity and Health Literacy with Harriet A. Washington” event.

Her Children’s Book Takeaways

“I hope readers experience a sense of wonder and whimsy,” she says. “I aim to create literacy-empowered moments of connection between children and their caregivers. I wanted to create books that celebrate cultural beauty and help children see themselves as the heroes of their own stories. Children’s literature can shape a child’s understanding of themselves and the world. I believe it should reflect the rich diversity of that world.” And to be both silly and serious in the process.

Her books include interactive guides to encourage meaningful discussions and spark curiosity. “Beyond the stories themselves, I want families to cherish the shared experience of reading and view it as a pathway to learning and bonding. These narratives celebrate family and our collective and shared experiences momentous and mundane, offering young readers and their parents a positive foundation to use reading and storytelling to navigate their worlds.”

Painting a Bright Future of Love, Laughter and Light

In her roles as mother, life partner, auntie, and mentor to countless special needs and at-risk students, Valerie channels her life experiences into everything she writes and teaches. She’s also a breast cancer survivor.

“I’ve learned about the healthcare system through my own experiences and those I write about,” says Valerie. 

Narrative Mindworks Questionnaire

1. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Five things: 1.) Having a happy, healthy family, a trusted circle of friends, 2.) a beautiful home in which to spend time with them, and to rest, 3.) meaningful work, and 4.) & 5.) enough time and money to enjoy it all! 

2. Which living person do you most admire? – My mother, Dr. Frances Marabou Williams, a noted child-psychologist. She's such an inspiration, has accomplished so much, and at 82, is still inspiring me, every day!
3. What do you consider your greatest achievement? – Being a mom is the role that continues to be my most challenging, humbling and rewarding!
4. Who are your favorite writers? There are so many! Today, I'll say Nobel prize- winning author Toni Morrison and Zora Neale Hurston, American writer and anthropologist.
5. Describe yourself in six words. "Always evolving, I am improving every day."
6. What are you most grateful for? I am grateful for so much! So I'll just say, I'm grateful for all of my many blessings and each day I awake and am able to enjoy and put them to use.
7. What’s next on your bucket list? Challenging myself to reach a few of my health and business goals.

Logo and artwork appear courtesy of Valorena Publishing © 2025. All rights reserved.

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