Chamber Board Spotlight: Valerie Giovagnoni

Name: Valerie Giovagnoni

Company: Ting Internet

1.) What does your organization do?

Ting Internet provides symmetrical fiber internet to homes and businesses in the City of Westminster.

2.) What was your first job?

Delivering newspapers for the Capital Gazette in Anne Arundel County.

3.) How did you choose the field you are in?

After 10 years with Carroll County Public Schools, I wanted a change. I love working with people, and the entrepreneurial opportunity that was presented to me by Ting Internet was a challenge that really excited me. Over the past 6 years, I have learned that connecting others to the virtual world around us and then hearing how it has literally changed their life is quite rewarding.

4.) What career highlight or accomplishment are you most proud of?

I’m proud of successfully jumping from education to working for a private company and building their local presence while being a mom! Ting Internet now has a strong presence in our town and I proudly wear the title “Ting girl” when I run into customers around town.

5.) What is one of your favorite local businesses and why?

I love Change Space. When I walk in there, I just feel relaxed and nourished. It’s a much-needed stop for anyone on a wellness journey. Whether you’re looking for wellness products, wellness treatments, or a place to be a part of a community, this is the space for you. Seriously – head in, and tell Cari that Val sent you!

6.) What is one of your favorite nonprofits to volunteer with or to support, and why is it important to you?

I enjoy volunteering with and supporting Habitat for Humanity of Carroll County – helping families on the journey to owning a home of their own.

7.) How do you like to spend your days off?

With my family – watching one of my sons in their sports adventures or supporting the local breweries in Carroll County.

8.) What book, TV show or podcast would you recommend and why?

I really like the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard. He celebrates the messiness of being a human, and it is really nice to listen to people share their honest stories and be vulnerable. This podcast, and many of the people they have interviewed, have provided me tidbits of information that have helped me through my life journey.

9.) If you had a theme song what would it be?

I think Mike McMulllin would say it’s, “She Drives Me Crazy,” by Fine Young Cannibals. 🙂

10.) What is your favorite quote or piece of advice?

If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it. – William Arthur Ward

11.) What do you like about being a Chamber member?

I enjoy collaborating with local business leaders and working toward common goals that make our community an even better place to live, work, shop, eat and more.