Valerie Groth

Valerie Groth is a social innovator who is best known for inspiring possibility through her leadership as a nonprofit founder, executive coach, and internationally acclaimed speaker. She received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Indiana University, attended Dominican University where she received her Master's in Social Work, and received her second Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.

Before starting her business as a coach and speaker, Val worked for many years as a school social worker in the inner city schools of Chicago. She worked with students in crisis, providing individual and group counseling services to students dealing with abuse, neglect, violence, hunger, and mental illness.

Valerie is now spearheading the mission to build Chicago's first boarding school for inner city students. Ryan Banks Academy (named after one of her former students who was shot and killed) seeks to impact the lives of students through a rigorous college and career preparatory education, a supportive boarding program, and a focus on personal development in a positive environment. Valerie has received national attention for her innovative work to transform the educational landscape for urban students.

In addition to her work as founder of Ryan Banks Academy, Valerie currently runs an executive life coaching practice at www.ValerieGroth.com coaching individuals who come to her from around the world. Valerie loves working with her clients on overcoming fear, gaining self-confidence, and making massive positive transformations in their life. She believes that everyone is capable of living an energized and impassioned life, and she loves to make the impossible POSSIBLE. She is also a sought after international speaker who is praised for her dynamic and innovative keynote presentations and for her contagious energy, enthusiasm, and ability to bring transformation to those in the audience.

www.ValerieGroth.com

www.RyanBanksAcademy.org

@valeriegroth