Inspirational Speaker
Truth-telling. Trailblazing. Transformative.
Valerie Rainford is a commanding speaker who brings power, presence, and purpose to every stage. From corporate boardrooms to national conferences and cultural institutions, Valerie speaks with uncommon clarity and heart — helping leaders see what’s possible and inspiring them to act with courage.
Whether sharing her own powerful journey or teaching the unwritten rules of leadership, Valerie invites audiences to think differently, lead boldly, and rise with authenticity.
Expertise
Why Book Valerie
- Seasoned Executive: Valerie brings decades of real-world experience from the Federal Reserve and JPMorgan Chase — not just theory.
- Expert Host & Interviewer: Valerie is a skilled facilitator who brings out the best in others on stage. Her warmth, insight, and preparation make her a powerful host for panels, fireside chats, and executive conversations.
- Master Storyteller: Her lived journey from public housing to the C-suite captivates and connects with audiences at every level.
- Equity Architect: She offers bold, practical frameworks for leading inclusively and shifting culture from the top.
- Customizable Experience: From keynotes to fireside chats and executive sessions, Valerie tailors each talk to meet your audience where they are.
Ideal For
- Conferences and Events
- Executive Retreats and Offsites
- Corporate Speaker Series
- Leadership Development Programs
Signature Topics
- What Leadership Looks Like - An exploration of leadership as a legacy decision. Valerie helps leaders redefine success through authenticity, accountability, and impact — not just position. This talk invites reflection on how we lead, who we elevate, and what we leave behind.
- The Equity Imperative: Leading Boldly in a Changing World - A call to action for leaders ready to move from diversity intention to equity execution — with clarity, courage, and accountability.
- Unwritten Rules: What Every Leader Needs to Know- A revealing look at the hidden codes of leadership, especially for Black and Brown professionals navigating systems of power.
- Leading with Cultural Competence - How executives and leadership teams can cultivate inclusive environments by understanding history, power, and their own blind spots.
- From Trauma to Triumph: My Journey to the Podium Valerie’s powerful life story — from public housing to becoming one of the highest-ranking Black women on Wall Street — is a blueprint for resilience, vision, and leadership with soul.
Feature Talks
Keynotes
Conferences
Conferences
Conferences
Conferences
Conferences
Workshops
Conferences
Workshops
Tyler Perry - Actor, Director, Writer, Filmmaker & Studio Executive (Tyler Perry Studios)
Melody Hobson - President & Co-CEO, Ariel Investments
General Colin Powell - U.S. Secretary of State, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
Reggie Hudlin - American Director, Screenwriter and Producer (Marshall, Django Unchained)
Steve Pemberton - Executive, Speaker, Bestselling Author ("A Chance in the World")
Harold H. Brown - Tuskegee Airman, Author ("Keep Your Airspeed Up")