Her Story
About Jaimie
Jaimie Valentini is a disability inclusion and nonprofit leadership professional with extensive experience supporting adults and families impacted by disability. She currently serves as Founder and Executive Director of Rising Lights Project, the nonprofit organization she established five years ago in Elburn, Illinois. In this role, she oversees five days of programming at the St. Charles office, leading a team of 15 staff members and a board of 10 while supporting over 100 families through day programming and community advocacy efforts focused on dignity, belonging, and inclusion. Her professional background includes 25 years working with students impacted by disability, during which she served as a special education teacher after completing her undergraduate studies at Monmouth College in Illinois in 2003 and obtaining a certification in elementary and special education. She is also active in her local church as well as chambers and networks in the area. Jaimie attributes her success to the strong support of her community, which has welcomed the mission through financial contributions, actions, and participation, along with the families who have rallied behind the programming.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jaimie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would say the support of our community. We live in an area that has really welcomed our mission and has supported it financially, in actions, showing up, along with the community of our families who have rallied behind the mission and the day programming.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Pursuing your dreams, don't give up. The perseverance behind someone's dream is stronger than anybody can say.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep moving. Connecting, making connections, networking, putting yourself out there even if it feels uncomfortable is a great way to get your dreams out in the world. Don't be shy, get out of your way, and keep sharing.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Balancing fundraising with many nonprofits doing great work. Getting the challenge in front of people's faces so they understand the gaps in disability support, showing it's an every-neighborhood, every school district challenge.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity - being honest and open and upfront. Humor - finding joy and fun in the work. Risk-taking - not being afraid to fail, learning from it and trying again.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.