Valeria R. Swope

Valeria R. Swope is an economic inclusion consultant and small business advocate dedicated to helping minority- and women-owned businesses build capacity, access opportunities, and establish meaningful partnerships. Based in Harrison, Ohio, she specializes in identifying growth opportunities for entrepreneurs and connecting businesses with organizations, corporations, and contracting opportunities that support long-term success. Through her consulting work, Valeria helps business owners navigate complex systems, expand their networks, and position themselves for greater visibility and economic advancement.

Valeria’s expertise is built on more than a decade of public-sector leadership in economic development and supplier diversity, including her role as Development Manager for the City of Cincinnati’s Department of Economic Inclusion. During her tenure, she supported businesses in obtaining minority, women, and small business certifications, strengthened vendor pipelines, and facilitated access to municipal and infrastructure contracting opportunities. She previously served in economic development roles for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and spent more than 20 years in television, building a strong foundation in communications, public relations, and community engagement. She holds an MBA from Sullivan University, graduated summa cum laude, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Broadcast News from the University of Alabama, and holds a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University.

Beyond her professional work, Valeria is deeply committed to community empowerment and creating pathways for others to succeed. She serves on the board of the OneSource Center for Nonprofit Excellence, supporting nonprofits throughout the tri-state region through education, resources, and leadership development, and chairs the Cincinnati-area Minority Business Assistance Center board, which helps small businesses across 17 counties access tools for growth. As an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, she contributes to scholarship initiatives that expand educational opportunities for students. Guided by a belief in the power of networking, flexibility, and persistence, Valeria is passionate about helping more women—particularly African American women—gain access to influential positions and opportunities that can transform their futures.