Valerie is a facilitator, coach, and leader. Over the past 30 years, she has become recognized for facilitating dialogue and partnerships across diverse constituencies, negotiating international coalitions, and coaching leaders to succeed and thrive. Her expertise includes using technology as a tool for economic and social inclusion and brokering innovative public-private sector partnerships.
Valerie specializes in helping women of color become better leaders by increasing agility and resilience; developing an authentic and values-centered presence; staying calm and focused in a dynamic work environment; eliciting stronger team/Board performance; communicating clearly and empathetically; managing conflict gracefully; balancing professional and personal goals; and deepening confidence, mindfulness, awareness, and self-esteem.
In addition to working with Capacity Group, Valerie founded Circle Coaching and Consulting LLC (Circle) to use her experience as a leader, attorney, coach, and facilitator to foster constructive dialogue and a sense of inclusion among all, strategize shared outcomes in a diverse workplace, and coach leaders. Valerie also founded Circle to champion greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in workplaces around the world. Using a warm and empathetic style, she facilitates tough conversations within organizations, through which awareness, agreement, and mutual understanding deepen and grow.
Valerie is certified by the International Coach Federation via Georgetown University’s Leadership Coaching Certification Program. She holds law degrees from the National University of Singapore and University College. London; an Executive MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business; and a Certificate in Building Innovative Organizations from the UC Berkeley Center for Continuing Education. She is also a certified Mindfulness Meditation instructor with the Mindful Leader Organization.
Valerie believes strongly in balancing work and life; she paints, cooks, hikes, and volunteers her time in the Washington DC area for causes she believes in such as race relations, advancing women of color in the workplace, and fostering peaceful and inclusive societies. She volunteers at Higher Achievement, Little Friends for Peace, and Miriam’s Kitchen. She is a member of the Washington D.C. Interfaith Network (WIN), Asian American/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy (AAPIP).