Valerie Daniels-Carter is one of the best known fast-food operators in the United States. Daniels-Carter started V & J Foods with a single Burger King restaurant in 1982, and within sixteen years, nurtured the company into a 137-unit, multi-brand operation.
In addition to owning and running successful brands for two of the largest fast-food operations, she has served on numerous financial and corporate boards, and led civic and business organizations. She has been recognized by Essence Magazine as one of the 50 most admired African-Americans in the United States, joining the company of Oprah Winfrey and Colin Powell.
Daniels-Carter began her career with First Wisconsin National Bank (now USbank) as a retail and commercial lender.  She later served as an auditor for MGIC Investment Corporation in the financial underwriting division.
Mrs. Daniels-Carter currently serves on numerous boards and committees, and has held numerous seats of distinction including President of the Minority Franchise Association of Burger King Corporation; Executive Board Member of the National Franchisee Association, among others.  Additionally, Daniels-Carter has been awarded honors including the 2006 Business Woman of the Year from the Frazier Network; Entrepreneurial Spirit Award presented at the Multicultural Prism Awards; Essence magazine's Top 10 Black Female Entrepreneurs; and the Business Award given by the National Rainbow Coalition. Her company, V & J Foods has received awards including the Top 500 Women-Owned Businesses (Working Woman Magazine); Top 200 Restaurants in the U.S. (Restaurant Finance Monitor); and numerous other accolades, both locally and nationally.
Daniels-Carter received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Lincoln University, and a Master's of Science degree in Management from Cardinal Stritch University.