Valerie Rose Belanger

Biography

An internationalist with two decades of experience, Valerie has problem-solved with municipal leaders in Central America, coached education entrepreneurs in the Middle East, invested in the education and training of aspiring business leaders and executives, as well as convened journalists, artists, environmentalists, diplomats, and venture capitalists from across 80+ countries for impact.

With a background in international development and comparative politics, Valerie holds a deep appreciation for the power of individuals to shape and impact organizations, communities and systems. From her early years as a Peace Corps volunteer in El Salvador, to her more recent culture change work within large global organizations, she maintains a deep fascination and appreciation for the complexities of interpersonal and group dynamics that shape our everyday lived experiences. Valerie is motivated by the belief that leadership is not dependent on position, but instead born from a mindset; it is an everyday practice to renew with each day, each moment, grounded by personal aspirations and in active collaboration with others.

Valerie is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and is an Associate with Cultivating Leadership, a global leadership advisory firm. She is also Senior Facilitator and Program Manager for the Interpersonal and Group Dynamics Program at Yale School of Management (SOM). Valerie has held varied leadership roles across Yale, including directing the Master in Advanced Management Program at the business school and designing and leading the programming for the Yale World Fellows, a unique fellowship program for extraordinary mid-career professionals from across sectors and countries.

Valerie holds a BA from Wesleyan University in Comparative Politics and a MA from Yale University in Global Affairs. She has trained in adult development theory and applications with Cultivating Leadership’s Growth Edge Network and Co-Active Coaching with CTI.

Courses Taught

• Developing Managerial Skills

Academic Background

M.A., Global Affairs, 2006
Yale University

B.A., Government (Honors), 2002
Wesleyan University