news article
Valerie Clark elected to UMW Board of Directors
August 18, 2020 / By Shannon Hodson / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
On July 16, 2020, Valerie Clark sat nervously at her dining room table. She was watching the livestream of the Northeastern Jurisdiction elections.
A recognized leader in the Upper New York Conference, Valerie is a member of both the Upper New York Conference Leadership Team and the Genesee Valley District Leadership Team. Valerie is also a strong leader at the national level, serving on the program advisory group for United Methodist Women (UMW).
Valerie felt the call to go further in leadership. She said, “I prayed to God seeking guidance on this calling and God answered, ‘Yes, you are ready.’”
On July 16, Valerie was awaiting the results of the election for the UMW Board of Directors. She was one of the 12 nominees from the 10 Conferences of the Northeastern Jurisdiction of UMW. Of the 12 nominees only four would be elected to be directors for the 2020-2024 quadrennium. Valerie Clark was one of the four women elected!
The UMW Board of Directors consists of 25 women, 20 of whom are elected by their jurisdiction, and five are nominated and elected by the national organization. The board oversees UMW policy, strategic planning, the budget, the care of retirees, and property.
Valerie was so elated with the fact that she had been elected that when her sister called to congratulate her, Valerie responded, “I can’t talk right now, I just have to process this.” It took a few more phone calls from her sister for Valerie to finally be able to talk.
Valerie said, “I am so honored to be elected to serve on the board!”
She continued, “I have always wanted to help others. If something brings happiness or understanding, that’s what I want to do! I feel so blessed; I really wasn’t expecting this because there were so many qualified women nominated.”
Almost a month after being elected to serve on the board, Valerie said, “It’s really an awesome feeling. I still get chills. That’s how I felt when I heard the news and that’s how I still feel.”
Valerie will find out soon what her role on the board will be. Undoubtedly, her infectious enthusiasm and energy along with her leadership experience and strong faith, have prepared her for success in any position she will hold.