My Name is… Valeisha Butterfield

The reason you are reading about me is…
I am the Co-founder of the Women in Entertainment Network (WEEN) and serve as the Chair of the National Board of Directors. I am also a political appointee in the Administration of United States President Barack Obama serving as the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce. Also

I attended… Clark Atlanta University

Right now I’m working on…
I am planning the Second Annual WEEN Awards in NYC honoring Soledad O’Brien of CNN, actress Nia Long, HIV activist Hydeia Broadbent and other deserving individuals for their proven commitment to the empowerment of women worldwide.

But if I wasn’t, I’d be…
On a beach in Los Cabos relaxing with someone special

One thing I do every day is…
Pray, work-out and talk to my mom

I can’t stand when people… Judge other people

But I love it when people… Are honest about their challenges in life and how they overcame

If you happen to run into me in the street… Say hello!

The Best piece of advice I ever received was…
Recognition is earned, not given or taken. Stay in your lane, put your head down and do the work. (Russell Simmons, my former boss of six years, gave me this advice)

If I had to coin it, my message would be… Have a purpose bigger than you.

My future plans and projects include…
The development of documentaries and films telling the stories of real women. WEEN summer academies to educate and empower young women to provide them with tools to enter the workforce and compete.

Big Ups to…
God, my loved ones (ya’ll know who you are), and my entire CAU and HBCU family!

Valeisha M. Butterfield is a professional and personal conduit for change. With more than eleven years experience providing strategic planning, marketing and brand development solutions for major brands, Butterfield currently serves as the Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the International Trade Administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce. She is also the Co-founder and Chair of the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN). The former Executive Director of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, founded by Russell Simmons, Butterfield has engaged young adults 18-35 years of age across the U.S. by providing financial literacy, voter education and registration programs.

For more information on the Second Annual WEEN Awards, please visit: www.weenonline.org and to RSVP go to www.weenonline.org/awards.