Dr. Valerie Walston

Dr. Valerie WalstonDr. Valerie WalstonDr. Valerie Walston

Dr. Valerie Walston

Dr. Valerie WalstonDr. Valerie WalstonDr. Valerie Walston
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It's Your Time to SOAR

What is SOAR?

SOAR, which stands for Surviving Obstacles & Attaining Rewards, is more than just a phrase—it’s a powerful movement and message birthed from the heart of Dr. Valerie Walston. Originally introduced as the title of her debut book, this inspiring concept has since evolved into one of her signature empowerment programs, the SOAR empowerment program.


Rooted in faith, resilience, and personal growth, the SOAR empowerment program is designed to encourage individuals who are navigating life’s challenges to stay the course. Through this program, participants are reminded to be patient, stay grounded, and keep moving forward—because a reward awaits on the other side of every obstacle.


Whether experienced through her book, leadership workshops, speaking engagements as an emcee keynote speaker, or the soon-to-launch SOAR card game and app, Dr. Valerie Walston’s SOAR brand continues to uplift, inspire, and guide people of all walks of life to live with purpose, power, and perseverance.

Who is Dr. Val?

Woman in a vibrant green coat, red boots, and floral accessories smiling.

Dr. Valerie Walston is a seasoned educator and transformational leader with over 35 years of experience in the K-12 school system and higher education. Throughout her career, she has held executive and senior leadership roles at five diverse institutions, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), large public universities, and small private colleges. Her expertise lies in building strategic partnerships, advancing student success initiatives, and promoting inclusive excellence across educational systems. As an emcee keynote speaker, Dr. Walston has also contributed to faith-based empowerment efforts, leading impactful leadership workshops and the SOAR empowerment program. Her work consistently centers on empowering individuals, fostering innovation, and guiding institutions through change with integrity and purpose.

Signature Services

  1. Keynote Speaker
    Delivers powerful, faith-infused messages on leadership, resilience, wellness, and purpose at conferences, churches, corporate events, and women’s gatherings.
  2. Emcee for Various Events
    Charismatic and professional host for summits, galas, festivals, and community-based programs.
  3. Author-Led Workshops
    Leads interactive sessions based on her book SOAR: Surviving Obstacles, Attaining Rewards, guiding participants in storytelling, healing, and authorship.
  4. Book Signings & Reader Engagements
    Inspirational appearances that foster connection, reflection, and personal growth.
  5. Leadership & Wellness Event Host
    Creator and host of signature events promoting whole-person development, including the SOAR into Purpose Women’s Conference and wellness expos.
  6. Faith-Based Empowerment Sessions
    Spirit-led workshops and prayer gatherings that equip participants to grow in faith and overcome life’s challenges.
  7. Panel Moderator
    Expert at guiding thoughtful conversations on topics such as mental wellness, entrepreneurship, relationships, and spirituality.
  8. Media Engagement
    Available for interviews, podcasts, television, and public commentary—sharing insight with authenticity and impact.
  9. Social Media Influencer
    Daily inspiration and engagement with an audience drawn to her uplifting voice on leadership, wellness..

Request to Book

What People are Saying

Accolades & Credentials

Recent Accolades

  • TEDx Emcee for TEDx Mintstreet, Charlotte, NC, May 2023
  • United Way, Campaign Chair, Utoledo Best in Show 2021-2024
  • Woman of the Month for September 2025 POWER Magazine
  • Leadership & Service Award, Firefly Honoree, Sigma Gamma Rho, August 2025
  • Feature article in Women’s Week, July 2025
  • Feature article in usnews.com, June 2025
  • Feature Article Blade Newspaper, Chair Heart Ball 2024
  • Bold Hearts Award, Campaign Chair for Heart Ball 2024, American Heart Association, November 2024 
  • Leadership & Community Service Award, National Professional Association of Negro Women, April 2024
  • Community Service Advocate Award, Top Ladies of Distinction, March 2024
  • Outstanding Woman of the Year Award, UWC University Women’s Commission – 2023
  • Leadership & Service Award, Toledo Urban Federal Credit Union, June 2023

Academic Credentials

  • B.A. in Sociology – Kent State University
  • M.A. in Counseling – Hampton University
  • ABD (All But Dissertation) in Higher Education Administration – University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
  • Doctorate of Theology – Midwest College of Theology

Where is Dr. Val?

October 12

S.O.A.R. Brand Launch - The Re-Birth!

2-5 pm

Delta Hotel Toledo Toledo, OH

Event Details

October 12

S.O.A.R. Brand Launch - The Re-Birth!

Come celebrate Dr. Val’s favorite things—and favorite people—at the highly anticipated launch of her new brand!

Renew. Restore. Rejuvenate.

Tr...

Event Details

2-5 pm

Delta Hotel Toledo Toledo, OH

August 30

Back to School Rally

St Paul Baptist Church, Toledo, Oh

August 30

Back to School Rally

St Paul Baptist Church, Toledo, Oh

August 30

Forrest City Tennis Club

Crawford Auto Museum, Cleveland, Oh

Event Details

August 30

Forrest City Tennis Club

Emcee
 

Crawford Auto Museum, Cleveland, Oh

August 31

SGRho - Labor Day Gala

6 pm

Heatherdown Country Club Toledo, Oh

Event Details

August 31

SGRho - Labor Day Gala

Featured Speaker / Firefly Honoree


4th Annual Firefly Nights All White Gala, hosted by the lovely ladies of the Iota Theta Sigma Chapter of S...

Event Details

6 pm

Heatherdown Country Club Toledo, Oh

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Copyright © 2025 Dr. Valerie Walston - All Rights Reserved.


Jerimiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Prosperity...Hope......A bright future!

SOAR Brand Launch - the Re-Birth!

Tickets & Sponsorships are now on sale for our
October 12 Launch event!

Learn more

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