This profile was provided by the candidate
Valerie Powell has worked in the arts, non-profit organizations and seniors health care and is an active community volunteer. She believes her passion for social and environmental issues is reflected in Green Party.
Valerie is a graduate of the Ontario College of Art and a practising artist. For many years, she operated a retail store in Orillia, then served as Executive Director of the Georgian Bay Lung Association while her weekly column could be heard on Ontario Morning. Her combined passion for art and social issues led her to University of Guelph for a BA in Fine Arts and then an MSc in Gerontology Research.
Valerie’s new path included health research, and Executive Director with the Alzheimer Society. Returning to Oro-Medonte, Valerie worked as a psychogeriatric consultant for over 10 years and as the North Simcoe Muskoka LHIN coordinator of a Behavioural Support System for older adults with cognitive impairment.
Valerie is a dedicated community builder and ardent advocate for the arts and seniors issues. She has served on numerous boards, including a transitional house for women and Mariposa Folk Festival. She was a member of the Severn Sound Sustainability Advisory Team and the Simcoe County Zero Waste Coalition.
She currently volunteers with Sunshine Initiatives in Orillia, Make Every Vote Count 3 Party Coalition, sits on the board of the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County and is chair of the recently formed Orillia Age-Friendly Advisory Committee.
Valerie, who has ran twice federally and provincially for the Greens, is the party’s seniors’ critic. An avid gardener, renovator, and sportswoman, with children in the arts and active grandchildren, Valerie provides support to her husband and 93 year old mother. She believes that being a candidate for the Green Party is an important contribution to improve the quality of life and the environment for all.
