About the founder
Valerie Hughes | FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Mrs. Valerie Hughes is the Founder, and Executive Director of The Freedom Institute Inc. She created the nonprofit in 2013 when she left her real estate career to become an outreach specialist at the Nehemiah Project in 2012.
With a professional background as a licensed realtor, insurance agent, certified life coach, and tax and accounting specialist, Valerie has always had a passion for helping people. It has been a driving force with her career path.
A native of Georgia, Valerie is mother to daughter Alexis Kimbrough and an extended family with husband Rodney Hughes and sons Rodney Hughes Jr., Brain Hughes, and a second daughter Jalisa Hughes and four grandchildren.
From the very beginning, Valerie had a vision The Freedom Institute would empower people through the essential services the nonprofit provides to help in everyday living. This simple but effective approach to educating and assisting at the same time has allowed people to make better decisions, reduce risks, and create individual success, which is the mission of The Freedom Institute.
Valerie loves to walk, meditate, travel, and spend time with her husband and family. Her greatest joy comes from helping people and leaving an impact in the communities she serves.