Valerie Walker-Michaux

Valerie Walker-Michaux has made significant contributions over the course of her distinguished career in K-12 education, human services, and higher education. She is a true champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in her community.

As a former member of the Binghamton City School District Board of Education, Ms. Walker-Michaux steadfastly advocated for families and their children’s education, working to improve school programs like the Restorative Practice Program.

Ms. Walker-Michaux also worked for Broome Developmental Services, an agency that supports individuals with developmental disabilities. She began as the founding Affirmative Action Administrator and was promoted to Associate Personnel Administrator. In this role, she helped create and implement programs to support the independence and well-being of people with disabilities.

Ms. Walker-Michaux also served as Director of the Office of Affirmative Action at Binghamton University. As the campus began to develop their new strategic plan, Binghamton University Road Map, their diversity initiatives were recognized. Ms. Walker-Michaux played an integral role in that effort, and was named Binghamton University's first Chief Diversity Officer. She led efforts to create a more inclusive campus culture, fostered diversity in the faculty and staff, and promoted equity and social justice. She retired in 2017, having created a legacy of care, compassion, and mentorship for faculty, students, staff, and alumni.

Ms. Walker-Michaux also provided diversity training to a wide range of organizations, including K-12 education, higher education, social services, law enforcement, and mediation. She holds several certifications, including National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) Trainer and New York State Office of the Advocate ADA Training. She has served as a board member of organizations like County Urban League and Broome-Tioga NAACP, and supported many local non-profit organizations.

Ms. Walker-Michaux has made a significant impact in her community and beyond, and has dedicated her life and career to improving the lives of others. Her commitment to education, social justice, diversity and inclusion serves as an inspiration to others.