About Valeriana Chikoti-Bandua Estes

Life

Born in Zambia and at 3 years old subsequently raised in Papua New Guinea where she began  the beginning of a lifelong journey of championing marginalized communities. Supporting Immigrant and refugee populations and interrupting anti-blackness.

Racial Equity, Interrupting anti-Blackness and centering Black Immigrant and refugee voices is not just a trend for her, it’s a calling that has led her to speak, to write to contribute, to host and facilitate conversations and be the lead in many spaces that have been very inequitable.

As a result Valeriana has been carving out a distinct path, that is centering on dismantling, decolonizing and identifying much needed strategies and tools for Individuals,  Non-Profit Executive Directors and Board members, Businesses and Corporations to use in their quest to interrupt anti-Blackness and create equitable hiring practices and environments that center equity for all staff.

Education

Valeriana has a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Systems with a minor in American Government from Oral Roberts University and Masters Degree in Global Governance and International Security from the Florida International University. Valeriana is also a former Human Rights diplomat and former Executive Director from the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. 

Immigrant Journey

Having navigated a plethora of immigration hurdles, Valeriana was able to successfully advocate for herself with the help of an immigration attorney to file for the EB2-visa (National Interest Waiver Visa) and obtain her green card after a 12 year immigration journey. Valeriana is a reputable international speaker, with a TEDx Talk titled Protect the Girl Child. 

If your Institution, business, non-profit, or agency, is looking for a facilitator of workshops, visionary at heart, who thrives in educating others in interrupting oppression and oppressive systems she’d love to work with you.