Today we’d like to introduce you to Venita Thomas.
Hi Venita, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It is my pleasure being with Voyage Ohio, and thank you for the opportunity, I’m honored. Let me begin with the top three factors that I am extremely grateful to have in my life. First. I am a woman of faith. It is my faith that has taken me through some extremely challenging and testing times during my journey.
Second. I am the product of a large and loving family; I am the daughter of (the late) Willie E. and (the late) Ruth Thomas. I was blessed with three brothers and three sisters, I am an auntie, great auntie and god-mother. I am a Cincinnatian born, bread and buttered on both sides – a graduate of Woodward High School (c/o ’79), University of Cincinnati where I earned my B.A. in Human Resources Management and M.A. in Labor Law & Employment Relations; and Xavier University where I earned my M.Ed. in Education. Currently, I am working on my doctorate degree.
Third. I am a State of Ohio certified Peer Support Recovery Specialist and a Veteran. I served my country via the United States Army and my military career started at U.C. as a student in ROTC (Reserved Officers’ Training Corps), and I completed my military career assigned to HHC, 3rd Infantry Division in Wurzburg, Germany in the Military Intelligence (G2). A great time in my life which has led me to publish several articles about being an African American, female, disabled Veteran. Currently, I serve as an Educator/Lecturer & Public Speaker on Women Issues, and new nonprofit Servant-Leader & Director of Graciously Seasoned Women’s Network Alliance.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has not been smooth. My life journey is consistent with the necessary lessons to make me the woman I am today. I was injured in the line of duty. I still have great difficulty readjusting to being physically challenged. I am honored to serve those, like me, who have barriers and challenges; anyone can use a role model and resolve strategist. I’ve learned how to survive chronic pain issues, depression, divorce, homelessness, underemployment, unemployment, PTSD, and suicidal tendencies. Mental health issues are real, especially with veterans. I had to set new goals for myself. My lessons aren’t isolated, but the curriculum was designed just for me. I gladly, and with honor will assist anyone in the same unfortunate situations. The journey route was unknown, but I knew from the beginning that the destination would be divine and worth it.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’d be happy to serve my global neighbors any way I can, contact me by using any of my contact information. I still publish/write articles with the aim to offer help, hope, and strategies for a better life. I am passionate about helping others feel free from barriers that will block joy and peace. As Chief Servant Officer of Graciously Seasoned Women’s Network I am a voice of advocacy and support for women who need and want the help.
Co-author featured in Rising Voices available on www.amazon.com. Published work: Words of Wisdom with Venita: Covid-19 Courage — Women of Cincy and Venita R. Thomas BrandVoice (forbes.com). I was accepted into the 2023 National Women’s Studies Association-Women of Color Leadership Project (WoCLP), which was founded as a mentoring and support system to train and prepare women of color for leadership roles within the National Women’s Studies Association (NWSA). – https://www.nwsa.org/
Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
Yes. I am an avid reader. I have a special love for autobiographies, books and documentaries related to Leadership. I am very fond of Black Enterprise Magazine, Harvard Business Review, Inc. Magazine, and one of my favorite authors is (the late) Bell Hooks. I have adult coloring books for relaxation, and I’m still grateful for newspapers. I love to turn pages of books, magazines and newspapers. I read all local newspapers and my reading list for 2024 are the following books:
The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness Hardcover by Linda Kaplan Thaler (Author), Robin Koval
Woman of Valor: Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You
by Marilynn Chadwick
You’ve Been Chosen: Thriving Through the Unexpected
by Cynt Marshall.
Contact Info:
- Email: graciouslyseasoned2022@gmail.com
- Website: https://vthomas.academia.edu/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justvenitathomasphdc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justthomasvenitaphd/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venitathomas/
- Youtube: Venita Thomas Consulting Career & Human Resources
Image Credits
EB Photography Glendale, Ohio
