2020 Jan. Mag

{PHOTO CREDIT: CERESE DOLMAN - GRAPHIC CREDIT: CERESE DOLMAN}

Valerie Hollingsworth-Baker was born in Brooklyn, NY. She graduated from York Institute as Class Valedictorian at 14 years old and enrolled at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree (majoring in Child Psychology with a minor in theater and drama) and graduated at 18.

Now enjoying early retirement, Valerie began her career in 1989 at New York Life Insurance Company in NY City where she worked in various senior level positions, including Project Manager, Director of the Inforce Systems Division, and Chief Administrator.

Valerie became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated in 1982 and has remained a member of Delta Mu Zeta chapter since her induction. She currently serves the sorority as its 25^th International President and is a Diamond Life Member.

She has received numerous awards from her sorority and has also been recognized in the International “Who’s Who of Information and Technology” and “Outstanding Women of America” publications.

Valerie is a member of St. Augustine’s Church in Brooklyn. She serves as the VP of Hancock T & T Block Association and is a member of the NAACP. For more than 25 years, Valerie volunteered with the March of Dimes, United Way, Red Cross, UNCF, and New York Cares. She believes that things may not happen when you want them to happen, but God provides when the time is right! Valerie resides in NY with her husband, Mr. Douglas Baker.