Our Story
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
It’s a question every student or recent graduate asks, but for businesses, the question is just as critical. As a company grows and evolves, great leaders know that the future of the business depends on the talent they invest in today. We know that the key to success lies in supporting the next generation of leaders. Our Ready Set Rise program was developed to help new graduates build the skills and confidence they need to find their first job and launch a sucessful career, while supporting businesses in developing high-potential employees into future leaders.
Mission
To champion emerging talent by equipping them with the tools, resources, and connections they need to succeed, while partnering with businesses to develop and cultivate the next generation of exceptional leaders who will drive organizational growth.
Vision
To build a future where emerging talent is empowered to take control of their careers, and where businesses and individuals grow together, fostering a workforce of leaders who shape and elevate industries for tomorrow.
Values
- Respect
- Integrity
- Service
- Excellence
Community
Be sure to check out the resources at our First Real Job Blog, created to provide students and new graduates support in finding their first job and starting an exciting and fulfilling career.
Leadership
With more than 25 years of C-suite and cross-functional leadership experience, founder Valerie Simon has built an exceptional career defined by innovation, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to developing top-tier talent. Having served on executive committees of both B2B and B2C organizations, she brings a proven track record of driving enterprise-wide transformation, operational excellence, and organizational growth.
Valerie has successfully navigated complex business environments, delivering impactful solutions that extend far beyond her core expertise in marketing and communications. Her leadership has been instrumental in:
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Developing mission-critical strategies in partnership with operations, finance, HR, and technology teams to align organizational goals and maximize impact.
- Enterprise Transformation: Spearheading initiatives that improve operational efficiency, elevate employee engagement, and enhance stakeholder value during periods of growth and change.
- Revenue Growth and Strategic Planning: Designing and implementing comprehensive business strategies that drive top-line growth, improve bottom-line results, and secure multimillion-dollar capital investments.
Her tenure as a Chief Marketing and Communications Officer across sectors such as healthcare, higher education, and insurance has provided her with a deep understanding of how to unify diverse teams around shared goals and create innovative pathways to success. From refining organizational mission and vision to reimagining operational frameworks, she excels at fostering collaboration and building resilient teams capable of delivering sustained results.
As the founder of Rise Consulting, Valerie brings her executive-level expertise to students and recent graduates, helping them navigate the complexities of the workplace with confidence and clarity. By leveraging her insights and lessons learned from years of hiring, mentoring, and developing staff, she empowers aspiring professionals to take ownership of their careers and succeed in competitive industries.
