Award-winning marketing and communications strategist Valeisha M. Butterfield is the former deputy director of public affairs for the International Trade Administration, co-founder and chair of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN), national talk radio show host, television personality and recognized expert on global programs designed for minorities and women worldwide.
For more than a decade, Butterfield has been recognized as a professional and personal conduit for change. On Saturday, Aug. 20, 2011, at 11:30 a.m., Butterfield will serve as the keynote speaker for the Texas Business Alliance’s “2011 Back to Basics One Woman Conference” Soaring Heights Awards Brunch in Houston. –alex green
What prompted you to create WEEN, and why do you think it’s been so successful?
In 2007, women worldwide spoke up and demanded respect with the way they were being portrayed in entertainment and society. As a woman working in the entertainment business at the time, I felt it was my responsibility to speak up, speak out and do my part to create more balance. I had a unique advantage and was able to work from the inside out of the business to create change. Nearly four years later, we have more than 43,000 WEEN members worldwide including top executives and celebrities in the entertainment business. Collectively, we have set an agenda and created a platform for change that includes career development, health education, personal advancement and financial literacy. WEEN has been successful because we took a partnership approach with our members and the entertainment industry. We also don’t judge or focus on negativity. We’re all about empowerment.
What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?
The most memorable moment of my career was when I received a phone call letting me know I had been appointed by the White House to the U.S. Department of Commerce. It was a complete honor to serve in the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama from 2009-2011. I was able to do a small part to advance the agenda of an administration that I believe in. My first day at work, I called my grandmother [89 years old] to share that moment with her. Each morning, I wake up completely fulfilled by the work I do each day. My goal is to continue to make each day count and live life to the fullest.
What’s on your reading list or in your Kindle?
Super Rich by Russell Simmons
What projects are you currently working on that our readers should know about?
The WEEN Academy will take place this summer. We selected 35 young women, through a competitive admissions process, to undergo a crash course in business. I am also working on the first WEEN documentary. We will tell a series of compelling stories about real women on issues related to business, health, self-esteem and more.
For more information, please visit http://www.weenonline.org/, www.weenonline.org/academy or http://www.twitter.com/@weenonline
