About Us

Change Thrivers Concept and Methodology:

Change Thrivers concept is based on an elegant model for the cycle and the predictable stages of change. Understanding the emotional responses at each stage and the techniques to work through the stages helps you to hold your power and choose your reaction as you make change work for you.

Change Thrivers Radio:

Afsaneh Noori and Venita Garvin Valdez co- produce and co-hosts the Change Thrivers Radio. The program offers women (and supportive men) information, inspiration and tools that empowers them to live their authentic lives. We present programming that helps the audience ride the waves of life’s changes and challenges. We invite Change Thrivers to share inspiring stories and experts to share Change Thrivers skills so listeners can fulfill their maximum potential for greatness.

Afsaneh Noori:

Afsaneh Noori, published author and expert in the art of thriving through change, has gained her expertise the hard way.  Growing up in one of the oldest, most influential families in Iran, then moving to the United States at age 20 to avoid an unsuitable marriage, learning a new culture and language, watching Iran’s revolution and execution of those she loved, going from a lifestyle of abundance to survival, multiple marriages and divorces, becoming a mother, reinventing her career from Engineering to Holistic teacher, and discovering her sexual orientation at age 48, Afsaneh Noori has seen the impact of change. She teaches others going through the revolution of change resources to build new, powerful lives from change’s debris.

Afsaneh graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering. She then began her career as an Engineer with the Tampa Electric Company (TECO).  The company quickly recognized her capabilities beyond the traditional role of engineer.  Her role grew to that of an Internal Consultant, Trainer, Team Developer and Change Agent. She went on to lead a company-wide education program called Changing Gears, intended to help employees understand the effects of competition and change have within the utility industry and TECO.

Afsaneh left TECO in 1994 to become a professional organizational consultant and trainer. She founded Socio-Tech Systems, Inc., a consulting firm that supported organizations in developing balanced strategies for transformational change. Her client list included Ford, Caterpillar, United States Air force, Nortel, City of Tampa, and FL Recreation & Parks Association, among others.

Afsaneh launched her newest project, Change Thrivers in 2006 based on her book Change Thrivers- Your Resource Guide for Making Change Work. In Change Thrivers, Afsaneh draws upon her 20 years of organizational consulting experience as well as her personal journey towards self-discovery. Through Change Thrivers, Afsaneh teaches individuals how to embrace change and realize their undiscovered potential. From books and keynote speeches to coaching, Tele-seminars, workshops and radio show, Afsaneh’s Change Thrivers empowers people to successfully navigate the uncertainty of change by understanding the nature of change and trusting the process of life.

Please contact Afsaneh at info@ChangeThrivers.com to invite her for a Change Thrivers keynote, workshop or women circle for your group or organization.

Venita Garvin Valdez:

Venita Garvin Valdez is Chief Executive Officer of the Domestic Abuse Shelter, Inc. serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Florida Keys. Venita is also President of the Garvin Valdez Group, LLC  a full service boutique specializing in grant writing, conference  and workshop planning for both adult women and young women ages 12 -16. Venita has a Masters in Liberal Studies from New York University and a Bachelors of Science degree from Tennessee State University in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health.

Venita has co-authored a book, Becoming Your Own Best Friend that was released in April 2010. Venita’s chapter, When the Vows Break, How To Handle Divorce, was a personal account of her divorce  with her first husband and what worked for her in being gentle with herself while on the journey of divorce. Venita’s chapter has been well received by women that have survived divorce as well as for women currently going through divorce.

Venita has been an advocate in the arena of violence against women and children for twenty years.  She is a member of the Professional Woman Network and is certified in Women’s Issues and Cultural Diversity. She is a Past State President of the Florida Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc,  a Board of Trustee of the Business and Professional Women’s Foundation where she is Secretary and Chair of the Development Committee. She is an advisory board member for the Florida Diversity Council and a member of the Blue Ridge Institute, a leadership institute for Southeastern Executives.

Venita  is available for speaking engagements to include topics such as the dynamics of violence against women and children, the cost of domestic violence to employers, life skills for women and management and leadership skills  Venita’s website www.VenitasViewOnline.com Is currently under construction. Launch date for the web site is late September 2010. You can contact Venita at vrgarvin@aol.com.