We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Valerie Scott a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Valerie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

At age 65, after a successful career in K-12 public school education, I decided to create my own nonprofit. I had no experience working for a nonprofit, no experience as a business owner, and no source of funding. What I did have was strong leadership skills, great health for my age, and the knowledge to be able to provide support services to a population of individuals who are often ignored when they struggle because of their high level of intelligence.
I made the decision to ask a young man named Denis with a masters degree and a physical disability if he would work with me to start a nonprofit with the mission to provide academic support services to individuals classified as twice exceptional being highly intelligent or gifted intellectually and diagnosed with a disability such as autism, ADHD, or a specific learning disability. I then asked my son if he would support me with start up expenses. I asked two parents I knew if I could work with their middle school child for free and together Denis and I walked out on faith to begin this new adventure. Last month I turned 68, and I now know that taking that risk was one of the best decisions of my life.

Dr. Valerie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I have earned BA, MA, & EdS degrees from the University of West Florida in Pensacola and a PhD in Leadership and Exceptional Student Education from Barry University in Miami. I have been an Adjunct Professor for the past 12 years. Prior to working in higher education, I spent 35 years as an educator and administrator in public school districts in the United States and Germany.
In April 2024, my 501c3 nonprofit organization, Gifted & Quirky, was incorporated. Gifted & Quirky is committed to providing individualized Success Support Services to students in elementary, middle, high-school, and college, as well as adults fully engaged in careers and the everyday challenges of adult life who may face challenges related to giftedness, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety disorder, and other diagnoses. We believe that with customized interventions and daily support for the family, every student can be successful.
After working with individuals with disabilities and their families for over 45 years, I have written my first book. The book is a compilation of real-life stories exploring the issues of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as related to individuals with autism who are also highly intelligent. My book gives voice to those with autism while it also aims to dispel preconceived stereotypes about this complex neurodevelopmental condition and transform our thoughts about those living with it. My book is pending publication.
At age 68, I am building the infrastructure for a new nonprofit that will help to improve the lives of a particular group of exceptional, neurodivergent individuals. I am also publishing my first book. I have clearly learned that there are no limits to what you can do if you believe you can do it and you walk out on faith.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

After working with and supporting families of students with various types of neurodiversity for over 40 years, I knew that I was well equipped to take the next step to build the foundation for a new nonprofit organization that would hopefully continue to support these families for many years to come. What has helped and what continues to help to build my reputation now is experiences shared from those who have have worked side by side with me or those who have benefitted from my expertise. From this core population of supporters, I am working to build new connections and new supporters daily. We are still working to create merchandise, an amazing website, and social media experiences to build the Gifted & Quirky brand.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My nonprofit is still very new and still being built so we do not have a huge number of clients yet. Our focus has been on building the foundation, the infrastructure, and the brand, however, the most effective strategy for growing clientele so far has been through personal connections. As the founder and executive director, I take the time to schedule one-on-one visits with new contacts. We meet for coffee, for lunch, or via zoom. These new contacts then introduce me to other new contacts who may end up being clients or end up being someone who might be able to help promote the business because of their position in the community. As we move forward with using social media, I expect to reach a greater number of possible new clients. I expect to begin speaking at special education conferences and setting up vendor tables at these conferences where I will sell my books, my merchandise, and promote my business. I am making connections with leaders of other nonprofits and community agencies who support individuals with neurodiversity. I expect to be able to collaborate with these new connections in an effort to build the Gifted & Quirky brand.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: giftedandquirky
• Other: giftedandquirky@gmail.com – email Dr. Val for a free consultation

Image Credits

Kenya Sancristobal