Vicki S. Walker
Vicki Walker is an international development consultant, policy advisor, and advocate whose lifelong commitment to education, empowerment, and global engagement has shaped a distinguished career spanning more than three decades. As the daughter of a U.S. Army officer, she spent her childhood living in diverse places including Oklahoma, Virginia, Arizona, Canada, and Europe, experiences that fostered her global perspective and passion for cross-cultural understanding. After attending school in Switzerland and studying for two years at the University of Maryland Munich Campus, she completed her undergraduate degree in political science at University of Maryland. Her commitment to international service led her to join the Peace Corps, where she spent two years in Senegal, West Africa, teaching English and gaining firsthand experience in community development and education. She later earned a master’s degree in political science from University of New Hampshire, focusing on international relations and global policy.
While raising her two children in the Washington, D.C. area, Vicki combined her love of music and education by teaching piano for nearly a decade and earning an associate degree in piano and music from Northern Virginia Community College. She eventually transitioned into international development work, beginning a 25-year career with Winrock International, where she became a recognized leader in child labor prevention, youth workforce development, agricultural enterprise, and social inclusion. Throughout her career, she has worked extensively with governments, nonprofits, civil society organizations, and private-sector partners to strengthen labor standards, improve educational access, and support sustainable development initiatives around the world. Her expertise includes helping businesses understand supply chains, reduce child labor risks, and implement socially responsible labor practices that create safer opportunities for children and youth.
Today, Vicki is the founder and executive director of PRIME International Social Enterprise, LLC, a woman-owned consulting firm focused on labor issues, agriculture, women’s leadership, and global development. Through her work, she continues to advise both small businesses and multinational organizations on ethical labor practices, supply-chain accountability, and community-centered development strategies. Her professional philosophy centers on the belief that education and empowerment are deeply interconnected, and that meaningful change happens when knowledge, leadership, and opportunity are brought together. Recognized as one of Arlington, Virginia’s Influential Women for 2026, Vicki remains dedicated to advancing social inclusion, protecting children’s rights, and creating pathways for future generations of women and global leaders to thrive.
• Political Science
• Music and Piano
• Business
• University of New Hampshire
MA, Political Science
• University of Maryland
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Government
• I'Institut Britannique, Sorbonne, Paris, France
Certificate in French Civilization
• Le Mesnil International Institute, Montreux/Gstaad, Switzerland
French, Culture
• Consulting Groups
• Women Empowerment Groups
• Military Associations
• Peace Corps - English Teacher in Senegal
• West Africa
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of Peace Corps service, decades of field experience, formal education, and the support of collaborative teams throughout my career. The discipline and perseverance I developed through long term involvement in music and dance have also played an important role in shaping my work ethic, focus, and resilience. Each experience has contributed to my ability to adapt, continue learning, and remain committed to meaningful work that supports communities and creates lasting impact.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most important pieces of career advice I received came from a colleague who asked me whether I wanted to remain someone else’s assistant. That question challenged me to think more seriously about my long term goals and ultimately motivated me to pursue graduate education and continue advancing professionally. It was a turning point that encouraged me to take ownership of my future and pursue leadership opportunities with greater confidence.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this field to make education a priority and to develop a strong understanding of legal rights, policies, and social frameworks that affect the communities they serve. I also believe it is important to pursue leadership opportunities, particularly within agriculture and community development, where women can make a meaningful difference. Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we have, and I encourage others to use it to empower both themselves and those around them.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges in this field involves informal sector labor systems and migrant work environments that can limit access to education and protections for children. At the same time, there are significant opportunities to improve conditions through stronger accountability, expanded educational access, and more responsible supply chain practices. I believe continued collaboration among organizations, communities, and policymakers can help create safer environments and better long term outcomes for vulnerable populations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that matter most to me are education, discipline, community responsibility, and empowerment through knowledge. I strongly believe in protecting children’s safety, well being, and access to schooling, regardless of their circumstances. Both personally and professionally, I try to approach my work with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to creating opportunities that help individuals and communities grow and succeed.