Valerie Thompson is a entrepreneur, career educator, creative strategist, and Development Director at MadAveCollective, where she leads a residency program that helps freelance creatives grow their businesses while supporting nonprofits through meaningful marketing. She specializes in teaching people how to land jobs by building real connections, demonstrating their value, and taking initiative—instead of wasting their time applying online.

Valerie’s approach is grounded in lived experience. Her own career has been shaped by the very strategies she teaches—leveraging relationships, volunteering with intention, and creating opportunities that lead to roles she once thought were out of reach. She knows firsthand that confidence isn’t about waiting to feel ready—it’s about getting clear, showing up, and taking action.

She’s especially passionate about helping creatives and career changers overcome imposter syndrome, communicate their strengths, and use their network in ways that feel natural and effective. Valerie brings a blend of empathy, strategy, and straight talk that helps learners move forward with purpose—and get results.