LaVerne Baker Hotep is director of community education and outreach at the Center for Victims of Violence and Crime, where she oversees school and community-based violence prevention programs. She and her staff develop community training and education programs unique to the violence prevention landscape, which include producing and hosting “Peace It Together Pittsburgh”, a radio talk show focusing on issues of peace building.
Over the past 16 years, Hotep has served as minority outreach specialist for the American Cancer Society, and on the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation‘s National African American Advisory Council. In 1998, she founded SisterTeach Council, an organization that designs and publishes culturally relevant health education materials and programs for women of color. In addition, she is creator, producer and host of “WellWoman Radio Retreat”, a program which focuses on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of women.
She currently sits on the board of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, the South Pittsburgh Peace Coalition, and the steering committee of the Girls Coalition of Southwestern PA. Recognized by the New Pittsburgh Courier as one of Pittsburgh’s 50 African American Women of Influence, Hotep has received numerous awards including the coveted Women in Communications Matrix Award and the YWCA 2004 Racial Justice Award for her work as a community outreach specialist and educator.