Sherman, Texas — Austin College will welcome CEO and Founder of Connect to Joy, LLC, Valerie Hope, as the speaker for the 2024 Cunningham Lecture. The title of her lecture is "The Joy of Human Connection." The event will begin with a reception at 4:30 p.m., followed by the lecture at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, in Wright Campus Center, Mabee Hall. The event, sponsored by Austin College's Cunningham Lectures and the Student Affairs Division, is free and open to the public.
Valerie Hope is a distinguished leadership coach and dynamic speaker with over 25 years of experience helping leaders worldwide foster consciousness, connection, and creativity. Her coaching approach is enriched by her extensive travel to over 30 countries and living with more than 400 host families, giving her a global perspective on leadership.
Through workshops and one-on-one sessions, Valerie helps clients unlock purpose, authentic self-expression, and innovation by addressing subconscious beliefs and behaviors. Since founding her company, Connect to Joy, LLC, in 2018, she has worked with clients across industries such as technology, education, and finance. Certified by UC Berkeley and a master PSYCH-K® facilitator, Valerie brings playfulness and curiosity to everything she does, whether coaching, playing tennis, performing improv, or singing in her community choir. Originally from Panama and a native Spanish speaker, she continues to inspire leaders globally with her joyous and transformative approach.
The Austin College Cunningham Lectures were established by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Shem Cunningham of Wichita Falls so that the Austin College community might benefit from the visits of distinguished speakers. Mr. Cunningham was a 1920 alumnus of Austin College.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 44 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.
