Development Director, MadAveCollective
Valerie Thompson is the Director of Development for MadAveCollective, an agency under MadAveGroup dedicated to serving nonprofit organizations. In her role, she recruits and collaborates with the writers, designers, videographers and other independent creative professionals who help nonprofits tell their stories, strengthen their brands and advance their missions.
Valerie believes the advertising industry shapes how we think, feel, spend and view each other. She is passionate about creating opportunities for talented creatives who may lack access, guidance or the right connections to build meaningful careers. Her goal is to help passionate creatives grow their entrepreneurial dreams into thriving, sustainable freelance businesses while connecting nonprofit organizations with the expertise they need to make a greater impact.
Valerie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Toledo and holds a Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders Certificate from the Yale School of Management. She currently serves as President of AAF Toledo, Mosaic (DEI) Co-Chair for the American Advertising Federation’s Ohio/Kentucky District, a board member on AAF’s national Mosaic Council and a member of the inaugural board for Bowling Green State University’s Advertising program.
Driven by a passion for opening doors for others, Valerie believes in helping people recognize their worth and turn their talents into profitable, meaningful careers.
