[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”b2f0f903-1884-49cc-91b5-67b0c5cff831″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_direction=”90deg” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 65%|gcid-primary-color 65%” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” use_background_color_gradient_tablet=”on” use_background_color_gradient_phone=”on” background_color_gradient_direction_tablet=”180deg” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 60%|gcid-2a386b1e-9149-40c6-b24d-5e9fedecf039 60%” background_color_gradient_stops_phone=”rgba(255,255,255,0) 60%|gcid-2a386b1e-9149-40c6-b24d-5e9fedecf039 60%” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22background_color_gradient_stops%22%93,%22gcid-76eac27c-c083-49e4-a32b-e6a520b2a2e4%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”100px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”||||false|false” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Debut author” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”4bf2f792-b6a1-4e5d-9516-8791a97ea02f” title_text_color=”gcid-secondary-color” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_heading title=”Valerie Levy” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”4c6e5231-6781-4ecc-8c77-f254a7fb9546″ custom_margin=”||10px||false|false”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ffd25215-b48d-4fbc-a4f2-263d9c118183″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Valerie Levy<\/strong> is a Jamaican-born writer, feminist, and retired registered nurse. After emigrating to Canada in 1972, she remained deeply committed to helping women overcome obstacles and reach their full potential, while staying connected to her cultural roots. Her nursing career began at Toronto General Hospital and continued with roles at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Lakeridge Health, and Providence Healthcare.<\/p>\n Valerie takes great pride in being the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of a wonderful grandson. She completed her nursing career in Kawartha Lakes, where she now resides with her husband and two dogs.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_button button_text=”Available Now” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”92eaccd2-ffea-4ebb-82ff-e123fec0fcc8″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2881BBD4-BD80-4340-A7CC-DC9F5A4B225A.heic” title_text=”2881BBD4-BD80-4340-A7CC-DC9F5A4B225A” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Subscribe” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”b2f0f903-1884-49cc-91b5-67b0c5cff831″ background_color=”#BFC7C2″ custom_padding=”20px||20px||true|false” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Stay Connected for More Stories That Uplift, Inspire, and Empower” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”c33b9c23-46df-4d27-8dd9-9e814c0c1c2d” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_signup mailchimp_list=”elegantthemestest|1ea2bbd026″ first_name_field=”off” last_name_field=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”949995e7-4211-46f1-8ff9-86775adbca34″ hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22form_field_text_color%22,%22form_field_focus_text_color%22%93}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_signup][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”About” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”807abeca-148f-4729-b1fc-9c5d3cd207f8″ custom_padding=”|30px|20px|30px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”|30px|30px|30px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px|20px|20px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/LEVY-FAMILY-FINAL-17-scaled.jpg” title_text=”LEVY FAMILY FINAL–17″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|-30px||-30px|false|true” custom_margin_tablet=”|-30px||-30px|false|true” custom_margin_phone=”|-20px||-20px|false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_heading title=”Valerie Levy” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”a08648e3-3cef-40af-8f87-3b454028a8a8″ title_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_heading title=”Author” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”4bf2f792-b6a1-4e5d-9516-8791a97ea02f” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”gcid-primary-color” custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-primary-color%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”My Story” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”214ff0f0-ebdf-4ebf-b27d-55532042b669″ custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”ffd25215-b48d-4fbc-a4f2-263d9c118183″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n From a young age, I found comfort and inspiration in reading. Books became my escape, my safe place, and eventually, the spark that led me to write. I\u2019ve always had creative passions\u2014sewing, gardening, even singing in my church choir\u2014but it was storytelling that called me the loudest.<\/p>\n Over time, I felt compelled not just to tell my own story, but to honour the voices of others whose experiences mirrored my own. I began writing The Light of Day<\/em>\u2014a book that grew from my deep desire to speak truth, preserve dignity, and reflect the life and resilience of my community.<\/p>\n It took years to complete, with many challenges along the way. But I never gave up. A quiet, persistent hope\u2014a sliver of light\u2014carried me forward.<\/p>\n This book is more than a collection of words. It\u2019s my voice, finally free. It\u2019s a testament to the power of perseverance and purpose. It speaks of my people\u2014Black people and the way of life in our communities\u2014with honesty, dignity, and strength. Through these pages, I\u2019ve claimed space for our stories, for the truth that deserves to be told.<\/p>\n I hope my journey resonates with you. I hope it strengthens and encourages you. And above all, I hope it inspires you to raise your voice, to speak your truth, and to never be silenced.<\/p>\n I\u2019m already looking forward to my next project\u2014and to continuing the work of sharing stories that matter.<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”More About Me” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”92eaccd2-ffea-4ebb-82ff-e123fec0fcc8″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Ebooks” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Testimonial” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”929b8c81-903b-4a6c-affb-2dfcb5397edd” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”547396cd-e47d-45fe-b0c5-99030455d8ac” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”%22There are many disappointments in life, but there are also many possibilities. When things don’t work out, look for the light that will guide you through what seems impossible.%22 ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”a08648e3-3cef-40af-8f87-3b454028a8a8″ title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_heading title=” ” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”bd73ba0e-da11-44cd-9a1a-c654e5c37053″ title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Events” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Upcoming Readings & Events” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”214ff0f0-ebdf-4ebf-b27d-55532042b669″ title_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”5d061f27-fab7-47de-b037-4d59a271a38d” custom_margin=”||40px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||30px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||20px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”April 30″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”bd73ba0e-da11-44cd-9a1a-c654e5c37053″ title_text_color=”gcid-secondary-color” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-secondary-color%22:%91%22title_text_color%22%93}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”ffd25215-b48d-4fbc-a4f2-263d9c118183″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Zoom @ 6:30pm<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Live Reading” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”bd73ba0e-da11-44cd-9a1a-c654e5c37053″ custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” locked=”off”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”ffd25215-b48d-4fbc-a4f2-263d9c118183″ hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Join Valerie Levy for an exclusive live reading. Experience the power and beauty of her words as she offers a glimpse into the heart of her story.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_text=”Get Ticket” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”35f7ea91-998a-4d64-94a4-fe5ba6ae59de” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Valerie Levy is a Jamaican-born writer, feminist, and retired registered nurse. After emigrating to Canada in 1972, she remained deeply committed to helping women overcome obstacles and reach their full potential, while staying connected to her cultural roots. Her nursing career began at Toronto General Hospital and continued with roles at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-57","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/57","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=57"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/57\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":169,"href":"https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/57\/revisions\/169"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valerielevy.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=57"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}