Dr. Valerie Cushman, Ph.D., is a dynamic leader, educator, and consultant with over 40 years of professional experience spanning higher education, nonprofit leadership, constituent engagement and fundraising. As the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement & Inclusion Initiatives at William & Mary, and the Founder and Principal of V. Cushman Consulting, LLC, she has demonstrated her unwavering commitment to fostering equity, empowerment, and transformational change. Valerie’s dedication to advancing women’s leadership and philanthropy has positioned her as a sought-after expert and change agent in her field.
At William & Mary, Valerie is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in founding and leading the Society of 1918, a collective of over 600 women philanthropists who played a pivotal role in the $1 billion For the Bold campaign. Under her leadership, the Society contributed 55% of the campaign funds and established a $5.5 million endowment to sustain women’s engagement, leadership, and philanthropy at the institution. Her efforts have heightened the university’s visibility as a leader in inclusive engagement and philanthropy.
Through her consultancy, V. Cushman Consulting, LLC, Valerie collaborates with nonprofit organizations and higher education institutions to design and implement strategies that grow women’s philanthropy, leadership, and volunteer engagement. By tailoring solutions to fit the unique mission and culture of each client, she has consistently driven measurable outcomes that align with her core values of equity and empowerment.
Valerie’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Syracuse University, an M.S. in Sport Management from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from the State University of New York Cortland. Her educational foundation underpins her expertise in strategic planning, program evaluation, fundraising and leadership development. Her extensive professional experience includes serving in cabinet-level roles at William & Mary and Washington & Lee University, as well as consulting for nonprofit organizations and university advancement teams.
A dedicated volunteer and advocate for social causes, Valerie has served on the boards of YMCA Rockbridge County, the Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, and the Professionals in Women’s Philanthropy. Her current volunteer work includes her role as Co-Chair of the Board of Advisors for the Professionals in Women’s Philanthropy. These experiences reflect her passion for community development, raising funds for nonprofits, diversity, and inclusion.
Valerie is also a thought leader, having authored multiple publications and presented at prestigious conferences such as CASE.org and AcademicImpressions.com. Her works include topics on women’s leadership, LGBTQ advocacy, fundraising and the challenges of managing change in complex organizations. Her expertise and insights have made her a trusted voice in conversations about advancing equity and strategic growth.
Beyond her professional achievements, Valerie’s personal mission—rooted in professional work that brings personal satisfaction, equity, and empowerment—drives her vision for a more inclusive and impactful philanthropic landscape. Her focus on empowering underrepresented communities to drive greater outcomes is a testament to her belief in the transformative power of collaboration and intentionality.
Valerie’s leadership style is characterized by her ability to inspire and galvanize teams toward ambitious goals. Her approach to leadership emphasizes empathy, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to building meaningful relationships. These qualities make her an invaluable partner to organizations seeking to create lasting impact and foster inclusive environments.
As Valerie approaches retirement, she remains deeply committed to staying professionally engaged in supporting institutions and nonprofits. Her high energy, passion, and unparalleled expertise make her a standout candidate for board roles and advisory positions. Through her continued work, she aims to leave a legacy of empowerment, leadership, and philanthropic transformation.
Character:
Dr. Valerie Cushman is driven by a profound sense of integrity, empathy, and commitment to fostering equity and inclusion. Her unwavering dedication to empowering others and building meaningful relationships defines her as a leader of authenticity and impact.
Knowledge:
With a foundation of advanced education and decades of experience, Valerie possesses deep expertise in higher education, nonprofit leadership, and philanthropic strategy. Her knowledge of fundraising, program development, and diversity initiatives equips her to create transformative solutions tailored to organizational needs.
Strategic:
Valerie demonstrates exceptional strategic acumen by aligning vision with actionable plans to achieve measurable outcomes. Her ability to navigate complex systems and implement innovative approaches has consistently driven organizational growth and sustainability.
Communication:
As a skilled communicator, Valerie excels in connecting with diverse audiences through compelling public speaking, clear written communication, and authentic interpersonal engagement. Her ability to inspire, inform, and collaborate strengthens the impact of her leadership and advocacy.
