The Chamber is delighted to introduce a fresh spotlight series that focuses on showcasing the accomplishments, narratives, and significant contributions of our members to the community. In March, for Women’s History Month, we are focusing on a number of women who contribute to the Frederick County business and nonprofit community
A conversation with Valerie Pearson, Associate Director of Recruitment for the Division of Continuing Studies, Mount St. Mary’s University
Chamber Committee(s) you Volunteer on:
Generation Connect
How long have you been a member of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce?
Since I joined the Mount in April 2022
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
In my role at Mount St. Mary’s University, I recruit students for our undergraduate and graduate programs that were built specifically for working adults through our campus in Frederick. I am currently in Leadership Frederick County (2024 – best class ever) and enjoying every minute of it. I also serve on the Generation Connect Committee through the Chamber. My husband and I live in Frederick and love the community we’ve found here.
Please share what motivated you to become a volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce. What inspired you to get involved?
When I joined the team at the Mount, I had just recently moved to Frederick County and therefore did not have any connections in the area. The Mount had been an active member of the Chamber for many years before, so I attended a Chamber event in my first few months in my role with another coworker. From the very first event I attended, I saw how powerful the networking connections could be through the Chamber. As a young professional looking for ways to connect with the Frederick community, the opportunity to join the Generation Connect Committee was an enormous blessing. I love being part of a team that creates space for other young professionals in Frederick County to network and learn together in a comfortable and non-intimidating environment.
Volunteering often provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. In what ways has your experience as a Chamber volunteer helped you develop new skills, expand your knowledge or further your career?
Serving on the Generation Connect Committee has definitely contributed to my personal and professional growth. I have developed new skills in event planning that I now use when organizing recruitment events for the Mount. Each time the Generation Connect Committee plans a new educational event, I always walk away having learned something new. Of course, my involvement with the committee has also greatly helped me to expand my network in Frederick County and meet other young professionals that I may not have met otherwise.
How has your volunteer experience enriched your connection to the local business community?
By serving on the Generation Connect Committee, I quickly gained a community of friends and colleagues representing a wide array of different fields and industries. It accelerated my access to more people and therefore more businesses and organizations. We also collaborate with local businesses frequently for events and sponsorships, so it broadened my network past those who serve on the committee with me and into the greater Frederick County community as well.
Reflecting on your volunteer activities, what has been the most rewarding experience or achievement during your time with the Chamber? Can you share a specific moment that stands out to you?
I am really proud of the Generation Connect Committee for our most recent event, Networking with Your Deaf Community. The event was a collaboration with the Maryland Deaf Community Center and the Business Equity Coalition. It was an educational event that taught some basic American Sign Language as well as information on deaf culture. It was completely sold out and was a huge success. Additionally, the committee makes sure to volunteer as a group multiple times a year. We recently volunteered together at the Frederick City Food Bank. It’s been a huge blessing to be able to work together as a team to serve the community so directly.
Any advice for people who are thinking of getting more involved with the Chamber?
My number one piece of advice is to come to as many Chamber events as you can! If you are considering joining a committee, make it a point to go to their events and/or connect with some of their current committee members. Joining a committee is a fantastic way to serve the community while forging relationships with other leaders in Frederick County. If you are too busy to join a committee right now, definitely still come to as many Chamber events as you can and you’ll still be able to connect with the Frederick County community in a really impactful way.
Favorite quote or advice that are inspired or live by:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.