A Journey of Resilience and Social Impact

Valerie Won Lee’s career path is far from ordinary, driven by a strong sense of purpose in social justice and artistic expression.

Visionary Founder

Founder of World Citizen Artists (WCA), she has created a global community of artists committed to social change, challenging traditional norms in the arts sector.

Valerie’s own journey started in a small Paris apartment where she founded World Citizen Artists (WCA) with no initial funding.

She faced the same challenges that many students encounter today: a desire to contribute to the betterment of the world, juxtaposed against the harsh realities of limited resources and time.

WCA initially started as a passion project by artist and social activist Valerie Won Lee in her 38m2 apartment in Paris in 2014, and rapidly attracted the attention of socially engaged artists and non-profits. It was also the first inclusive organization to launch online global awards that brought together well-known and emerging artists from all over the world.

Mamta Chitnis Sen, the Daily guardian

Collaborative Achievements

Her collaborations include partnerships with reputable organizations like the Bob Marley Foundation and well-known art venues like the Belgravia Gallery, elevating WCA as a beacon of inspiration globally. These partnerships have not only influenced the art world but have also had a significant impact on various communities worldwide.

Paris-based World Citizen Artists (WCA) has made a global call for entries to its 2018 ‘Compete for Peace, not War’ initiative. The awards will be supported by charities that take a stand for peace, including the Bob Marley Foundation, the Gandhi Foundation, and the Belgravia Gallery, which represents Mandela’s artwork.

Shereita Grizzle, The Gleaner

As WCA expanded significantly, Valerie partnered with the Bristol Students Union, which quickly received over 100 volunteer applications. Recognizing the students’ desire to do good while gaining work experience, she offered them mentorship that enabled them to learn how to lead projects within WCA.

This hands-on guidance culminated in the organization’s first student-led initiative, the World Citizen Society global event, which featured prominent artists and climate change experts lending their support to empower the next generation.

Inspirational Speaker

Valerie has inspired students at prestigious educational institutions, including Falmouth University and Bristol University in the UK and the Johns Hopkins Symposium in the USA. Her influence extends beyond borders, touching educational circles in the UK and France as well as on the international stage.

Valerie rounded off the event with some deeply affecting stories of her humanitarian work that married her passion for arts with improving the world in which we live. Founding an organisation that united artists in solidarity across environmental issues, war, and extreme poverty. Also working directly on projects that have challenged social landscapes in the most affected countries on our planet. Valerie’s touching humbleness provoked a heartfelt response from the audience of “how can we help?” 

Helen Tompson, Ada Lovelace Day 2022

She’s equally at home speaking at tech-centric Ada Lovelace Society events as she is at cultural milestones like Bob Marley’s Birthday. Beyond these platforms, Valerie has broadened her impact by sharing her insights on various podcasts and interviews.

Catalyst for Change

Whether through her public speaking engagements in academic settings or her hands-on workshops, Valerie offers experiences that encourage people to view the world differently and to take meaningful action. Her work has empowered a wide range of individuals, from students to artists, and local to global communities.

Valerie’s endeavors make her a valuable resource for universities aiming to nurture future leaders and change-makers. Through her talks and workshops, she aims to develop critical skills like creativity, resilience, and social engagement in students, preparing them for the complex challenges of our fast-paced world.

The Advocate’s Journey

Valerie’s international background has significantly influenced her career. Having lived and worked overseas for over two decades and engaged with individuals from over 100 nationalities, she’s contributed to initiatives for renowned organizations like the United Nations, Amnesty International, and leading research institutes.

Her experiences go beyond traditional boundaries, having volunteered in some of the world’s most remote areas to assist those most in need. She has traversed regions plagued by civil war, witnessed the harrowing face of extreme poverty, and participated in transformative projects like Safe Passage, an educational initiative based in a garbage dump in Guatemala.

Valerie’s eclectic experiences enrich her views and presentations, offering students an invaluable addition to their academic learning. She brings not only theoretical knowledge but also real-world insights from her travels and volunteer work, providing students with a fuller understanding of the global issues that their future careers might address.

One of our former volunteers, artist Valerie Won Lee, recently gave a presentation on her life changing experiences with Safe Passage. We are so grateful for our volunteers and supporters who help change the lives of our students. Thank you Valerie!

SAFE PASSAGE

Multipreneur

In addition to her instrumental work with World Citizen Artists (WCA) and her active advocacy for causes she holds dear, Valerie has founded Stunning Brand, a highly-rated branding consultancy. She also co-founded Brilliantio, a digital publishing platform aimed at nurturing creativity and intelligence. The platform has garnered millions of users, making it a considerable force in shaping contemporary thought.

Complementing her leadership in WCA, Stunning Brand, and Brilliantio, Valerie contributes to a range of articles focused on youth empowerment, volunteering, creativity, and topics of interest to young people. These articles, published under her name Valerie Forgeard, serve as a valuable extension of her multi-faceted ventures.

Through her diverse roles, from leading a major digital platform to authoring insightful articles, Valerie continues to exert a broad influence, making contributions across a multitude of sectors.

Enriching Academia

Valerie’s goal is to supplement formal education with lived experience.

With over 20 years of traveling and living abroad, Valerie has built a reservoir of diverse and enriching experiences. Through her various ventures and presentations, she seeks to share these invaluable experiences with students in academic settings.

Valerie’s ultimate goal is to supplement the richness of formal education with the kind of tangible knowledge and skills that can only be gained through lived experience.

Secure Valerie as the speaker for your upcoming event.

Valerie Won Lee – Talks & Workshops