CL Magazine
- Jun 30, 2023

Dr. Victory Vernon is an author, mentor, and leader.

dr victory vernon in a red and black suit

She is co-founder of The Word Church and Director of Women’s Ministry, where she creates and oversees programs to recognize, solicit, and celebrate contributions women make for the cause of Christ, in addition to designing events focused on the amplification of women’s voices and ideas.

She is also The Word Church’s event coordinator, where she uses her creativity and administrative expertise to organize various experiences to serve both the proximal and broader communities of The Word Church.

She’s the author of I Am Victory: Kingdom Principles to a Victorious Life, a book she published via Victory Media & Publishing, the multimedia publishing company she co-owns with her husband Dr. R. A. Vernon.

Dr. Victory’s call is ministering to women who feel broken and unseen. She is a champion of women, a supporter, and an advocate, inspiring women everywhere to do the work to be physically, emotionally, and spiritually whole. Her maternal charm and loving nature endear her to women and men alike, but women especially. Following church services, scores of ladies stand in line to hug and have a moment with her, and she covers hundreds more in The Shepherds Connection—a fellowship for senior pastors and leading ladies she co-founded with her husband—with her wisdom, realness, and spiritual guidance.

Dr. Victory has a bachelor’s in social work from Capital University, and both her master’s and doctorate in practical theology from Ashland Theological Seminary. She and Dr. Vernon have been married for over twenty-five years and their close-knit family includes five children and two dogs, Prissy and Marley.

- Jennifer Wainwright

PROFESSIONAL TITLE:

Co-Founder of The Word Church

HOMETOWN:

Cleveland, Ohio

Education:

Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Capital University
Master of Arts (MA) from Ashland University
Doctor of Theology (ThD) from Ashland Theological Seminar

Civic Engagement:

Spokesperson for Cleveland Clinic’s Victory in Pink initiative
Member of The First Star Kent State Academy)

My Mantra

My personal mission, known as “The Vernon’s Big 4,” is to love God, help those in need, make some money, and love and take care of my family.

Early Years:

Reflecting on my early years, there were several individuals who significantly influenced my professional journey. However, I must emphasize the profound impact of my parents, Ocie and Dorothy Williams, as well as my sister, Deloris Carr. Their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering love guided me through my formative years, shaping me into the wife, mother, and servant leader I am today.

Career:

One professional accomplishment that humbles me is the divine calling and faith to serve and lead God’s people in their spiritual journeys. And among the multitude of hard decisions, my toughest one has been to refuse connections and opportunities that didn’t align with the mission and vision of our ministry and calling.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is vital to the longevity and success of any professional. On your most challenging day, where do you draw inspiration to continue feeding your passion for this work?

On my most challenging days, I draw inspiration from the belief that equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental pillars for the longevity and success of any professional endeavor. I am fueled by the understanding that embracing and championing these values leads to positive transformation, equal opportunities, and a stronger, more vibrant community. Ultimately, it is my desire to make a tangible difference and leave a lasting legacy that keeps me motivated and passionate, even during the most challenging times.

What is the toughest decision you’ve made professionally?

The toughest decision I’ve made professionally was having to say no to individuals, places, and positions that did not align with the mission, vision, and goals of our ministry and calling. It is simultaneously both a difficult and simple choice. Because I’m committed to our convictions and what we’ve been called to do, the answer is always simple for me; however, it can be difficult to refuse connections and opportunities when I know others may not understand my why.

Philosophy:

To build and sustain a harmonious work environment, I believe in the power of community and family connections. This involves collaboration on projects, overcoming obstacles, navigating crises, and celebrating victories together. Additionally, I firmly believe in the importance of the three C’s: competency, chemistry, and character, as they contribute to the success of our organizational culture and ensure long-term sustainability.

Through my experiences, I have come to learn that success comes with its own set of challenges. As the saying goes, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” The greater the success, the greater the problems and the potential for a harder fall. But I’ve learned to stay humble, hungry, and holy, understanding that God has the power to give and the power to take away.

Balancing my career and lifestyle has been an ongoing journey for me. Rather than striving for perfect balance, which can sometimes be more daunting and arduous, I channel my energy into being a great manager across all areas assigned to me.

My Confessions:

The greatest joy in my job derives from working alongside my husband to inspire and reshape a generation. One profound lesson I’ve learned and strive to apply is to exude love, honor, and respect to everyone I encounter.