Described an “idea whisperer,” Valaida Fullwood brings unbridled imagination and a gift for harnessing wild ideas to her work as a writer, public speaker and consultant on a variety of projects and events. She is a founding member of NGAAP, Charlotte’s Black philanthropic collective, formed in 2006. In collaboration with Charles Thomas, she is co-creator of the groundbreaking multimedia exhibit The Soul of Philanthropy and award-winning author of Giving Back—both of which chronicle stories of philanthropy among African Americans. Valaida is recognized nationally as a thought leader on collective giving and community-rooted philanthropy.