Valarie D. Coleman has spent a good portion of her life leading counseling sessions for women victims of abuse, alcoholism, drug addiction and low self-esteem through a ministry. She was described as an encourager, as she would often reach out to those who were silent and reserved in the back of the rooms, leading them to consolation.

The Point Park University graduate said she is going to use that same attitude and grass roots work as a city councilwoman if her candidacy is successful for the District 1 seat.

“Valarie is proactive in terms of being a change agent for anything that she identifies as warranting improvement,” said Pam McGill, Coleman’s colleague in the ministry and Philadelphia resident.

Coleman spoke with these women, ages 18 to 80, twice a month through a sister-to-sister ministry about issues impacting females in society and how they can resolve their own personal past. She helped to establish and revise policy in that same church.

“The city is going through a different shift, and to get results, you have to do something you’ve never done before,” Coleman said. “We need new leadership, administration and processes. We need a leader for the district who can represent everyone and can connect with everyone.”

Coleman has lived in the North Side for the past six years and is from the Pittsburgh area. Coleman grew up in a family that was politics-oriented. Her father taught her the value and power of certain political leaders.

She graduated from Peabody High School where she was always a networker and a social butterfly, said Christine Crawford, Coleman’s friend and employee of the University of Pittsburgh.

“She always knew how to get things done. She was a go-getter,” Crawford said.  “It’s no surprise to me that she is running for city council.”

She graduated in 2005 from Point Park with a degree in corporate communications and has an Associate’s for business administration from the Bradford School. She now works as a PlayBill business consultant. Coleman is continuing her education for a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix and in public administration and public policy from the University of Pittsburgh.

In the past, Coleman has worked on campaigns with Rick Santorum, R-Penn., and Melissa Hart, R-Penn., but has now changed her political affiliation to Democrat.

Coleman has already laid out blueprints for areas such as Brighton Heights, Marshall Shadeland, East Allegheny and Troy Hill. Just as she drew attention to women facing societal issues, she is now planning on turning the city’s spotlight over to what she would consider a somewhat neglected area. She says more police presence is the answer to many growing problems in the North Side.

“It doesn’t matter where you live, who you are, everyone wants to be safe,” Coleman said.
She said owners of businesses are afraid to stay open late because of drugs and crime. There have been inductees for the police, but for Coleman, it is not enough to keep crime down.

Torn down houses, garbage, increasing homelessness and street fights are just a few of the many problems the North Side faces when dealing with a long-standing negative image. Coleman is adamant to change these things. 

“A lot of people don’t trust the police. They come too late, if they come at all,” Coleman said.
There are nicer areas, Coleman said, which receive the needed attention. However, she said the entire district needs to be treated fairly and “one area is no better than the other.”

Crawford said Coleman was a woman who could see things in ways other people would not see. She said issues are being resolved in the North Side in the correct manner, and the area simply needs someone who is not afraid and ready to speak up.

“It’s time for a visionary to be in office,” Coleman said. “That is what I am.”