“An idea is salvation by imagination.” — Frank Lloyd Wright

Described an “idea whisperer,” Valaida Fullwood brings unbridled imagination and a gift for harnessing wild ideas to her work as a writer, public speaker and consultant on various projects and events in the philanthropic sector. Her client base ranges widely and her interests center on social innovation in philanthropy, education and the arts. In short, she helps people and organizations drive bold ideas forward by guiding their projects and by writing their stories.

Valaida is the award-winning author of Giving Back, a 400-page hardcover book profiling stories of philanthropy among African Americans that was developed with photographer Charles Thomas. Giving Back, her first book, was named one of the 10 Best Black Books of 2011 and received the prestigious 2012 McAdam Book Award, which recognizes “the most inspirational and useful new book for the nonprofit sector.”  In 2020, Valaida earned ABFE’s Trailblazer Award as a part of its 29th James A. Joseph Awards. Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC) honored her with its Catherine Ferguson Philanthropy Award in 2026, which recognizes an outstanding woman of color or ally who has demonstrated incredible leadership and generosity to the nonprofit community.

Since the release of Giving Back, Valaida is recognized a thought leader on African American philanthropy and community-led philanthropy and is frequently invited by a variety of groups to write, talk and consult on the topic. In 2014, she delivered a TEDx Talk on philanthropy and was selected a Lake Distinguished Visitor at IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy—the first African American to receive the honor. Valaida was named a “Charlotte Catalyst” by Uptown Magazine in 2012 and served as keynote speaker at the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits 2013 Statewide Conference, delivering the message, Philanthropy For and By The People. 

A born-and-bred North Carolinian, Valaida has deep hometown roots in Morganton and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she majored in International Studies with a focus in Economics. For nearly a decade, she managed international economic development projects for General Electric and other major corporations, living and working overseas prior to establishing a Charlotte-based consulting practice.

Her primary passion is cross-cultural and international exploration. Perpetual wanderlust has led her to more than thirty countries, five continents and counting. Closer to home, she throws delicious parties and thrives from social and philanthropic involvement with wide-ranging community-based groups. Valaida is a founding member of New Generation of African American Philanthropists (NGAAP)—a giving circle that gives back through grantmaking, civic leadership and advancing bold ideas.

She blogs at valaida.com and enjoys social media connections on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram at @ValaidaF. As a writer and public speaker, Valaida enjoys sharing stories, engaging readers and audiences around philanthropy and community impact.

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“All the forces in the world are not so powerful as an idea whose time has come.” — Victor Hugo