2005 Influential Women in Business, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Business Ledger Award

American Graphic Design Award of Excellence 2001 & 2002. Selected from over 10,000 submissions by companies, agencies, firms and individuals. The awards are presented to those whose graphic design, communication originality and effectiveness have achieved the highest levels of excellence deserving of recognition.

VR Thinking Media, Inc. My most important personal achievement was the launch of VR Thinking Media, Inc., a multi-sensory literacy company established to address the learning gap of low income, disadvantaged Pre-K to 3rd grade children.  A 2004 Public Policy report revealed that African-American 4th graders are reading 60% below the national average and Hispanic children are reading at 53% below the national average. The core components of the VR Thinking Media program are concept development, character recognition, language development, phonological awareness and character development.

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Harper College Black Teen Summit 2005
Panelist to encourage African American high school students to pursue higher education and share my experience as an entrepreneur.

Illinois Park & Recreation Conference 2004
Speaker for the IPRA to address the issue of minority participates and aquatic recreation. “Let's Make the Water Safe...Jump Into the Aquatic Town Hall Meeting” An open forum to discuss the issues of supervision, safe water environments, and education regarding the changing needs of the aquatic patron. They have different languages, unique cultures and a misinterpretation of water safety. This session is designed to gather data, exchange ideas and to brainstorm solutions. Learning Outcomes: Participants will: (1) Gain insight into the multifaceted strategy of supervision, safe water environments and education; (2) Be able to share experiences and expand their network.)

Chicago Chapter MBA Association 2004
Panelist of African American entrepreneurs to discuss why we choose entrepreneurship and the challenges and obstacles that we face for funding, growing revenue, and staffing.

University of Chicago Hospitals 2003
Maye Foster Thompson Director of Supplier Diversity and former Director of the Chicago Minority Business Development council profiled Hill Rawls Marketing Consultants, LLC in the University of Chicago’s supplier diversity initiative video presentation and vendor expo to promote the organizations commitment to WMBE and MBE supplier development and procurement of minority supplier’s goods and services. HRMC was included because of its quality customer service that the firm marketing communications services it provided to the University of Chicago Hospitals.

Palatine Chamber of Commerce 2002
Luncheon speaker for The Women in Business Advisory Forum, WIBAF, a group designed for women in business that are interested in learning from one another. Discussed the strategic and tactical methods for utilizing marketing to increase brand awareness and increase revenue.

Prudential Insurance Minority Interchange 2000
Keynote speaker for the dinner and awards banquet for the Minority Interchange high-school senior internship program.  This program was developed to expose minority high school student to the various careers in the insurance industry and college tuition scholarships.

The Saint Louis Art Museum
Speaker for the museum’s youth program.  Conducted seminars for juniors and seniors interested in careers in commercial art. The museum provided workshops, seminars, and educational event days for students in St. Louis.

The Elkhart Community High School
Panelist for “The Portrait of Success” – Seven African-American Professional Females. The goal was to illustrate to the middle school and high school students, male and female, the accomplishments of past students and local women that had been impacted by the schools in the community and how that experience helped us to pursue our chosen professions. We encouraged them to utilize all of the resources that the schools had to offer to help them obtain their goals.

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Former Board Member, Schaumburg Business Association

Chicago Chapter Black MBA Association Partnership Committee

Member American Marketing Association

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Imagine 7, Inc.
Atlanta, GA
Valerie Rawls is co-founder and Board President of Imagine 7, Inc., a non-profit golf education and training entity established specifically for girls and women, including LPGA hopefuls, seniors and people with disabilities.

Urban Frontiers Ministry 1999-2001
Lagos, Nigeria
Donated the creative development and execution and sourced donations for printing the collateral material for distribution to assist the volunteers of Urban Frontiers to assist homeless teenagers, prostitutes and aids victims with housing, education and vocational training.  The mission of the organization was to provide the resources required to restore the lives of the under-served in the city and rural communities in Lagos.

Masters Touch International 2000-2001
Marietta, GA
HRMC donated is branding and strategic marketing services to Master Touch International, an outreach ministry in the 10/40 region in Africa.  HRMC developed online and offline strategies of branding and fund raising for the organization.

Horizons for Youth 2001-2003
Chicago, IL
Served as board member of Horizons for Youth, a Chicago based organization that provides tutoring, mentoring and scholarships to K-12 low-income children to assist them with the resources to help them to excel in life through a strong educational experience.

Living Word Christian Center Prison Ministry 1998-2001
Forest Park, IL
As a member of the prison ministry, Valerie participated in responding to letters requesting assistance for inmates’ family and their children's need, including financial, medical or educational support. Also, along with the team she visited prisoners to encourage them to pursue educational and occupational support upon their release.

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