Victoria R. Watkins is an attorney in Chicago, specializing in business, legislative, and creative industry law. As Founder and Managing Partner of Inrichmint, she uses her experience in business, private investing, law, and civic engagement to source curated deal flow for high net worth individuals and families. She previously served as Chief of Staff to the Co-CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Ariel Investments, the oldest minority-owned asset management firm in the country. In this role, she oversaw the Office of the Co-CEO's operations, civic engagement, and social justice priorities. Prior to joining Ariel, Victoria worked for the City of Chicago in the Office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel, serving as Senior Advisor, and Deputy Director of Legislative Counsel & Government Affairs.
She is the author of a children's book, "Little Valarie and Her Big World of Options" (littlevalariebigworld.com), and owner of a curated tea line, Joy & Magic (joyandmagictea.com). Victoria serves on the Boards of Youth Guidance, AKR Foundation, and WINGS Program. In addition to her non-profit commitments, Victoria has advised and counseled small businesses on trademark and copyright strategy, business structuring, and organizational operation. She has spent time speaking on fashion law panels, while also authoring the early “fashion law blog” – B.A.F.F.L.E.D. (thebaffledblog.com).
Victoria is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she studied Consumer Economics and Finance. She earned her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law.
