🌍✨ From Fort Wayne to Africa: Valerie Bowden’s Inspiring Journey

Have you ever felt an inexplicable pull toward a place you’ve never been? For Valerie Bowden, that place was Africa. Growing up in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Valerie always dreamed of visiting the African continent. But unlike many of us who have fleeting dreams, she turned hers into reality and, in the process, discovered her life’s mission.

Discovering Africa Beyond Stereotypes

Valerie’s first journey to Ethiopia after college was through a volunteer program. Initially motivated by a desire to give back, she quickly realized that the stereotypical views of Africa she grew up with didn’t reflect the vibrant and complex reality of the continent. “Nobody needed me,” she admits, recognizing that the nonprofit she was involved with wasn’t quite living up to its promises. But what struck her more than anything was her deep connection with Ethiopia.

Despite returning to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s in social work, Ethiopia and Africa as a whole were never far from her mind. Valerie’s curiosity led her back, not just to Ethiopia, but on an ambitious seven-month backpacking journey across 13 African countries. 🌍 Equipped with nothing more than a backpack and a tent, she experienced firsthand the warmth, hospitality, and incredible diversity of the continent—dispelling all the myths she had heard growing up.

Valerie recounts her journey vividly: from gorilla trekking to whitewater rafting on the Nile and getting lost only to be helped by the kind locals. Every day was a new adventure, proving that Africa is far more than the sum of its challenges.

Cradle: A Vision Realized

After her travels, Valerie settled in Ethiopia for eight years, where she began working for a U.S. outsourcing company. It was here she discovered her calling. She saw firsthand the immense talent on the continent and recognized that what African communities needed was not charity, but jobs—sustainable, meaningful work that could lift communities out of poverty.

And thus, Cradle was born. Valerie’s company focuses on connecting U.S. businesses with talented professionals across Africa. The mission is simple but powerful: provide African professionals with better pay and career opportunities, while offering U.S. companies access to a skilled and dedicated workforce that’s often overlooked.

Valerie’s passion for her work is palpable as she describes how the company grew quickly, even during a global pandemic. “Within three months, we tripled,” she says, attributing much of that growth to hiring the right people and giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For those in the short-term rental space or any entrepreneurial venture, Valerie’s story is a lesson in following your intuition, even when others don’t see your vision. “If you feel it in your gut, you have to listen to that voice,” she advises.

Valerie’s journey also underscores the importance of knowing when to delegate. As she expanded Cradle, she realized she couldn’t do it all. By hiring a team, including her first operations manager Helena, Valerie was able to focus on what she does best—sales and marketing—while leaving the operational details to those better suited for the task.

For anyone considering hiring a virtual assistant, Valerie offers practical advice: don’t wait until everything is perfect. Instead, hire someone who can help you organize and streamline your processes, even if things are a bit chaotic at the start.

Conclusion

Valerie Bowden’s journey from Fort Wayne to Africa, and from social work to entrepreneurship, is a testament to the power of following your passion and building bridges between cultures. Her work with Cradle not only provides jobs for African professionals but also educates U.S. businesses about the untapped potential on the continent.

If you’re inspired by Valerie’s story and want to learn more about how Cradle can help your business, you can connect with her on LinkedIn or visit her website at cradle.cap.

Remember: Your dreams are valid, and sometimes, they take you to unexpected places. Don’t be afraid to follow them.