Valerie graduated from Converse in 2007 with a degree in History and Politics. While a student at Converse, Valerie was a member of the 2003 Converse delegation to the South Carolina Student Legislature that was named Best Small Delegation. Since then, Valerie has worked in the political process from grassroots campaigns to the White House. In 2016, she joined the International Republican Institute as Director of the Women’s Democracy Network where she continues to follow her passion for engaging women in civil and political life.

Previously, she worked at the Republican National Committee as the Director of Women’s Programs and served as Political Director at the National Federation of Republican Women. She also served as the Pennsylvania Coalitions Director with the Romney for President Campaign. Prior to that, she worked in the Bush Administration in Mrs. Bush’s Projects and Policy Office, Presidential Correspondence and Intergovernmental Affairs.

Why did you decide to attend Converse and what stands out about your experience?

Converse was not really on my radar when I started my college search. After an invitation to join the Converse Scholars Day, Converse moved up on my list and, the rest is history! It just took being on campus and seeing how a strong academic environment was complemented by a tight-knit sisterhood for me to feel at home.

What does the Converse community mean to you as an alumna?

The Converse community continues to be a big part of my life in so many ways. I still love keeping up with my professors. I enjoy thinking about how I can work to give back to current Converse students whether it’s through sharing career opportunities or volunteering for events. Most importantly, I am blessed to be surrounded by Converse alumni that I call dear friends. The Converse community just continues to grow with you as an alumna.

“Converse graduates have hands-on leadership experience from the many opportunities students have to learn and lead on campus.”

Valerie Dowling ’07

Why do you feel it’s important to give back to Converse?

Converse is a special place. We all stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. It’s our turn as alumni to lean in and lead our alma mater. There are so many ways that we all can share our time, talents, and resources to give future generations the opportunity to experience all that Converse has given to us.

What excites you most about serving as the 2024-2025 President of the Alumni Association Board?

We have an incredible alumni board that represents a variety of experiences and perspectives of Converse alums. I’m thankful to be able to leverage our diverse board to serve our beloved alma mater and help more alumni come back home to Converse. I’m also excited for the chance to be back on campus more!

How have your continued engagement with Converse as an alumna and your undergraduate experience shaped your life beyond campus?

Converse gave me the confidence to take on the world. Converse graduates have hands-on leadership experience from the many opportunities students have to learn and lead on campus. My time at Converse helped me to think of myself as a leader and how I could continue to grow and give back.

Do you have a favorite Converse memory?

My favorite memories all revolve around the rich traditions that mark the Converse experience; from dance-offs at Peppermint Balls with my classmates to the friendly 1889 competitions (especially powder puff football games) and to the legacy of sisterhood with Big Sis/Little Sis week and all the fun of reveals.

Converse gave me some of my best friends that I am still close to today.