Valerie McDonald, Ed.D
Valerie McDonald, Ed.D., is a B2C Marketing & Sales Customer Trainer at Michelin North America, where she designs and leads customer-focused training programs that strengthen partnerships and equip teams to sell with confidence and purpose. Since stepping into the role in April 2025, she has driven measurable outcomes, including a 10% increase in sales across participating accounts, while fostering cross-functional collaboration between marketing and sales.
With over a decade of experience spanning sales strategy, analytics, and organizational development, Valerie is known for blending data-driven insight with authentic, people-centered leadership to support sustainable growth and organizational impact. Her career includes progressive roles from Territory Business Manager to B2C Category Manager, reflecting both breadth and depth in commercial leadership.
Valerie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a concentration in Television Production and a Design minor from Howard University, a Master’s in Leadership in Educational Organizations from American Intercontinental University, and an Ed.D. in Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University. She also holds a Data Science and Machine Learning certification from MIT, further strengthening her ability to translate insights into actionable strategy.
Beyond her corporate leadership, Valerie is the founder of Effortlessly Fly Group, LLC, specializing in image and brand consulting, and Privy Elite League, LLC, a transformational and confidence coaching practice. A lifelong learner and avid reader, she enjoys research, writing, travel—particularly to Cabo San Lucas—as well as tennis, golf, and intentional self-care. Valerie is most fulfilled by work that creates meaningful impact for people and organizations, approaching every endeavor with curiosity, empathy, and a commitment to helping others reach their fullest potential.
• RCR Group 2: Primary investigator or project Director on a grant-supported project
• Marymount University - EdD
• American InterContinental University - MEd
• Howard University - BA
• Kappa Delta Pi
• National Society of Leadership and Success
• Alpha Sigma Pi
• Howard University Alumni Club of Northern Virginia
• My Sisters' Place
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to God, my upbringing, and the guidance and support of my friends, family, and mentors. Their positive influence has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to be the person I needed when I was younger.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would advise young women entering my industry to first ask themselves: Where do I see myself? What do I want to do? What kind of impact do I want to make? Once you have clarity, focus on manifesting that vision into reality.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is navigating the uncertainties of the economy, which are largely beyond our control.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are maintaining peace and fostering strong, collaborative relationships.
Locations
Privy Elite League, LLC
Alexandria, VA 22304