About Valerie
Pronouns: she/her
Valerie Novack is the Senior Manager of Building Code and Land Use at The Kelsey. A policy researcher and advocate with a focus on inclusive infrastructure, she leads initiatives to change policy and practices to increase inclusion and accessibility in housing. Over her career, she has worked at the local, state, and federal levels, partnering with centers for independent living, policy think tanks, housing NGOs, and universities on inclusive infrastructure projects around the country. Valerie graduated from the University of Toledo with degrees in Geography and Urban Planning and Disability Studies. She received her Masters degree from Arkansas State University in Emergency Management.
When she isn’t working, Valerie is active in her local community, co-hosting a monthly skillshare meeting and working with groups addressing food instability, gun violence, and safe drug use in the Greater Cleveland area. She shares a home with her spouse, Chase, sister Evie, and three cats. At home, Valerie can often be found in her garden, playing video games, or making art.
What part of The Kelsey’s mission are you proudest to be part of / support?
I am particularly excited about The Kelsey’s commitment to being groundbreaking and adaptable. Truly accessible spaces and practices require strategic thinking that breaks barriers and norms. I am excited to be part of a team that understands and strives for that.
What does it mean to you to be Disability-Forward? Why does it matter?
Disability-forward to me means putting who is often last, up front. In housing, this means prioritizing access first and beyond a no-step entry. It matters to me personally as a disabled person. It also matters to me as a community member watching as housing opportunities for people with disabilities continue to miss the mark.