Valerie P.

Valerie P. has a diverse range of work experience spanning multiple industries. Currently, they hold the position of Director of Cafe Operations at La Colombe Coffee Roasters starting in January 2022. Prior to their current role, they worked at Whole Foods Market as a Global Culinary Operations Senior Program Manager from October 2021 to January 2022, and as a Global Culinary Program Manager from October 2019 to October 2021. Valerie also gained experience as an Associate Venue Coordinator at Allegro Coffee Company from April 2019 to October 2019 and as a Coffee Program Director at Butcher & Bee from December 2017 to April 2019. Before entering the coffee industry, Valerie worked as an Assistant Store Manager and Food and Beverage Manager at MiiR Inc. from April 2015 to April 2017. Valerie also has previous experience as a Barista/Beertender at Taproom Coffee from April 2014 to April 2015.

Valerie's earlier work experience includes roles at Georgia State University, where they served as a Graduate Research Assistant from August 2012 to May 2014 and as a Writing Across Curriculum Consultant from August 2013 to December 2013. Prior to their time at the university, Valerie worked part-time as a Sales Associate at Pier 1 Imports from October 2011 to April 2012. Valerie also gained experience as a Barista at Starbucks from March 2011 to February 2012. Valerie began their professional career at the University of Missouri, where they worked as the LGBTQ Resource Center Staff and Safe Space Coordinator from January 2010 to December 2010. Valerie also served as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant from August 2010 to November 2010 and from June 2010 to August 2010.

Valerie P. completed their education with a Master of Arts (MA) in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Georgia State University in 2014. Prior to that, they earned two Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees, one in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Women's and Gender Studies and another in Sociology, from the University of Missouri-Columbia, which they completed in 2010. In addition to their academic achievements, Valerie also obtained various certifications. These include Mental Health First Aid- Adult from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in 2023 and certifications in barista skills and brewing from the Specialty Coffee Association in 2018. Valerie also received a Counter Culture Coffee Certified Barista certification in 2014.