Special to The Truth
Nearly 50 women gathered at the beautiful Delta Marriott Hotel on May 6, 2026, to witness a powerful moment of leadership, sisterhood and inspiration as Valerie S. Walston, ThD, — affectionately known throughout the community as “Dr. Val”— was officially named president of the American Association of University Women Toledo Chapter.
Known across the region as “The Perseverance Expert,” Walston accepted the role with humility, energy and her signature message of hope: helping women continue to SOAR—Surviving Obstacles, Attaining Rewards.
Her presidential platform, “Let’s ELEVATE Together!” focuses on recruitment, visibility, strategic partnerships, inclusion, leadership development and expanding opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds.
During her remarks, Walston emphasized her desire to recruit more women into the organization while helping members strengthen their leadership skills and community impact.
“Women deserve spaces where they are seen, heard, developed, and celebrated,” Walston shared. “AAUW Toledo has a rich history, and together we will ELEVATE the organization through collaboration, visibility, wellness, mentorship, and purpose.”
Walston has built a regional reputation for strategically creating platforms for others to shine. Whether through community partnerships, leadership development initiatives, wellness programming, or motivational speaking, she is known for giving women a voice, a stage and encouragement to pursue their next chapter with confidence.
Currently serving as coordinator of Community Engagement and Health & Wellness for ProMedica, Walston continues to blend leadership, wellness and community empowerment in every area of her work. A seasoned higher education executive who has worked at five universities—including public, private, HBCU and PWI institutions—she is also the founder and CEO of Next Chapter Enterprises LLC and creator of the SOAR movement.
Her influence continues to grow beyond leadership and speaking engagements. In Summer 2026, Walston will launch the “Slick & Fine” active wear line, a wellness-inspired apparel brand designed to encourage women to have fun while prioritizing movement, confidence, and healthy living.
“Leadership and wellness go hand in hand,” Walston said. “I want women to feel empowered spiritually, mentally, physically, and professionally. Everything I do is centered around helping people soar and giving God the glory for all of it.”
The evening also marked the appointment of two additional leaders to the AAUW Toledo executive board. Shamika Winfree and Ambershaun Byrd were both named officers, adding new energy and vision to the organization’s leadership team.
Longtime AAUW member Michele Radkin, treasurer, provided attendees with an inspiring overview of the organization’s history and its longstanding commitment to advancing women and girls through education, advocacy, and leadership.
Nina Corder, past president of AAUW Toledo, guided attendees through the evening’s program and formally introduced Walston as the organization’s new president.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was filled with excitement, celebration, and anticipation for what many attendees described as “a new season of elevation” for AAUW Toledo.
As the program concluded, one thing became abundantly clear: Dr. Val’s mission remains unwavering—to help women overcome obstacles, discover their voice, prioritize wellness and soar boldly into their future.
