Valerie Oliver-Durrah has made a career of philanthropic advisement, non-profit management, life coaching and writing. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the Neighborhood Technical Assistance Clinic (NTAC), she utilizes a well-developed, executive skill set in support of organizations and leaders who seek to address the needs of underserved communities. Adept at helping grassroots service providers develop effective programs and navigate the challenging terrain of fundraising, Ms. Oliver-Durrah has aided dozens of organizations in securing the economic and technical resources they need to flourish in difficult economic times.

Hundreds of non-profit and faith-based leaders across the five boroughs of New York City attend NTAC’s annual Meet the Grant Maker conferences to enhance their skills, make direct contact with foundation officers and network with other service providers. Her experience in non-profit management has put her in demand as a guest lecturer or adjunct professor at Borough of Manhattan Community College, Medgar Evers College, and Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus). Ms. Oliver-Durrah’s professional background includes the Vice Presidency of Programs of Citizen’s Committee for New York City, National Project Director for the Association of Junior Leagues and as National Project Director of the Girls Club of America.

Having championed the causes of grassroots organizations in New York City for many years, Ms. Oliver-Durrah has received formal recognition from an array of non-profit organizations, religious organizations, community leaders, and government officials. Her record of merit includes the African American of Distinction Award (1994), provided by Governor Mario Cuomo; Dr. Susan McKinney Humanitarian Award (2004), presented by Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; President’s Award (January 2005), presented by the Support Network of New York City; Dr. Gardner C. Taylor Community Service Award (2005), presented by Concord Family Services; recognition by CaribNews as winner-up for the African American Mother of the Year (2006); In His Service Award (2006), presented by Church Women United in Brooklyn; 2006 ET3TEC Champion Leadership Award, presented at the 2006 Congressional Black Caucus weekend by United States Congressman Major R. Owens, Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Education Brain Trust and senior member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce; Valiant Community Service Award (2007) presented by NAACP Brooklyn Chapter President Karen Boykin-Towns with NAACP Chairman Julian Bond; Sustainer of the Year Award (2007), presented by the Junior League of Brooklyn; Star Award (2008), presented by the New York Women’s Agenda; Founders’ Award (2009), presented by Black Agency Executives; Making A Difference Award (2009), presented at the Apollo Theater by Reverend Dr. Sujay (Suzan Johnson) Cook, Senior Pastor of the Bronx Christian Fellowship Church, as part of Women’s History Month; recognition on The Network Journal’s list of 25 Influential Black Women In Business (2009); Corporate and Partnership Award (2009), presented by the Caribbean-American Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Inc.; and a Legacy Award (2009), presented by Medgar Evers College, CUNY. Ms. Oliver-Durrah is a co-founder of the Black Women for Black Girls Giving Circle, and a visionary behind the report Black Girls in New York City: Untold Strength & Resilience.

Noting her work as a Bridge Builder in the Diaspora, Ms. Oliver-Durrah was presented the Marcus Garvey Award during the 2007 CaribNews Multi-National Business Conference. She has presented workshops for the University of the West Indies Endowment Fund and continues as a bridge-builder for the Caines Family Foundation in support of their work to improve and enhance education initiatives, strengthen economic development and promote healthy families in St. Kitts and Nevis. She has received Community Service Awards from varied non-profit organizations, such as Redeemed Outreach Ministries & Publications International, Inc., the Brooklyn Oldtimers Foundation, Inc., the Moriah Institute and the Historic Weeksville Heritage Center, and similar awards from the New York State Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators, the Boy Scouts of America and the Junior League of Brooklyn.

Ms. Oliver-Durrah serves on the boards of the South Street Seaport Museum and the Brooklyn Historical Society and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She is a member of Bethany Baptist Church and serves as Chair of Shepherd’s Care for Pastor Dr. David A. Hampton. An impressive list of Black Clergy Women across the United States have benefitted from her trainings and counsel.

Ms. Oliver-Durrah is a guest writer for CaribNews, where she submits articles featuring unique locations and best kept secrets in the Caribbean Islands, and she writes articles for "Nonprofit Matters" Business Trends newspaper, serving the non-profit communities of Brooklyn and Staten Island.