Valerie Leigh

About Valerie Leigh

President/CEO, FreedomFest

Valerie Leigh, MFA has led FreedomFest since 2015, where her creative vision and strategic leadership have helped transform the event into the premier gathering of free minds from around the world. With a background in event design, cultural programming, and movement arts, Valerie brings a unique blend of artistry, precision, and purpose to everything she touches.

Known for her ability to connect dots across disciplines—politics, philosophy, health, entrepreneurship, and the arts—she curates immersive experiences that move people beyond passive listening and into active engagement. Under her leadership, FreedomFest has expanded its reach, deepened its impact, and become a true oasis for the liberty-curious and liberty-committed alike.

Valerie is passionate about cultivating a space where bold ideas, respectful debate, and human flourishing come alive. Whether she’s designing a stage experience, mentoring a team, or guiding the next evolution of FreedomFest, Valerie leads with creativity, clarity, and a deep belief in the power of freedom to transform lives.

Valerie earned a Bachelor's degree in public relations from the University of Florida, a Master of Fine Arts degree in dance from the University of Maryland, and has run several marketing and multimedia development companies. She founded the Isadora Duncan International Symposium, has served as president of Word Dance Theater, was a Teaching Artist for the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and is a member of ICONS. She has been chair of the Montgomery County MD Libertarian Party. She has a forthcoming book entitled "Appleseeds: Life Lessons from Sages, Scribes and Scripture" - a children's primer on life virtues across cultures and spiritual traditions.