Valerie Coats

Technology Coordinator, DC Jail Site Coordinator

Valerie is a magna cum laude graduate of Howard University, with a degree in Psychology and Business Administration. In her role as Technology Coordinator, Valerie is responsible for the research and procurement of various technological equipment across PJI programs. She is the liaison between PJI and the University’s information services for organizational technology solutions, and she assists with digital literacy training for returning citizens. In her role as the DC Jail Site Director, Valerie manages the daily operations of the Prison Scholars program. She supports the bridging of instructional technology for faculty and students, and provides necessary tools for class participation. Valerie works closely with partners at the DC Department of Corrections and facilitates communications with PJI to ensure program functionality. 

Valerie’s professional background is in retail management and sales. She is also a web and graphic designer with expertise in user experience design. Valerie finds her work with PJI extremely rewarding and is dedicated to empowering incarcerated individuals on the higher education journeys, and supporting their reintegration into society.