Valerie Babb's Biography

Valerie Babb is a human resources professional, former education reform advocate and small business owner. She has always had an interest in community engagement and was first exposed to its importance by her grandparents. As a teenager, she was a canvasser for her grandfather’s run for the community school board in Harlem. It was through that experience she learned the impact citizens could have on their community.

As an education reform advocate, Valerie was responsible for leading New York City’s first Charter Parent Action Network, a network of education reformers consisting of parents, educators, elected officials and other community activists who were invested in collaborating with and supporting the betterment of public education. She helped push legislation in both the New York State Assembly and Senate to support the growth of charter schools in New York City, helping get the cap on charter schools lifted in 2010. In 2012, she co-wrote legislation asking for charter schools to be given equal access to special education funding. In 2011, she was listed on City and State’s top “40 Under 40” list.

Valerie is a hiring manager at a small charter school in Manhattan. She is also the host and co-producer of an online show called The Fact Desk, an edutainment and pop culture show. She is the former producer and co-host of Takin’ Care of Business on WHCR 90.3 FM. She is a wine enthusiast, sharing her knowledge of wine with others through private wine tastings where she also sells custom glasses, mugs and apparel.

Valerie attended City College and lives in the Bronx with her husband and two children.