A Louisiana native,  Valerie  spent 11 years in New York City as a cook, food stylist and writer, with a side-gig in fashion. She then completed an MA in Food Culture and Communications from the University of Gastronomic Sciences, (which she fondly refers to as "food camp") in Italy.

She became Starwood’s first "Forager" at W Austin Hotel, then formed V. Broussard Consulting in 2014, and counts several James Beard Award nominees among her former clients. Joining ARRIVE Hotels & Restaurants in 2019 led to a role as Director of Sourcing & Purchasing.

Valerie enjoys swimming laps but hasn't yet attempted a flip turn. On a whim, she once hopped a flight to Denmark for a restaurant reservation.