Valerie Johnson is the Policy and Advocacy Manager for the California EDGE Coalition, a central role in advancing the organization’s state policy and advocacy priorities aimed at expanding economic mobility and ensuring equitable access to education and training for all Californians.
Valerie brings years of experience in legislative and nonprofit advocacy across California’s higher education and policy landscape. Her work has included leading advocacy efforts on key issues such as transfer reform, admissions policies, and equity-focused programs.
Valerie brings experience strengthening student pathways and outcomes and has worked as a California State Senate Field Representative for Senator Nancy Skinner, where she engaged directly with constituents and the community on a wide range of policy issues.
Valerie is deeply committed to advancing college affordability and educational equity, informed by her own lived experience. As a community college graduate who transferred to UC Berkeley, she understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing California students and is dedicated to ensuring more students can achieve their academic and career goals.
Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in public policy from UC Berkeley, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration at California State University, East Bay.