Name: Vonetta McGinnis
City: Benton Harbor, MI
Workplace: Victory Counseling Services
Title: Owner and Mental Health Therapist
How do you think that Bold Women of Business demonstrate being bold?
Bold women in business demonstrate boldness through their confidence, expertise, and visionary leadership. They embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and remain resilient in the face of obstacles. Rather than backing down when difficulties arise, they stay determined, adapt, and push forward to achieve their goals. Bold women lead with courage and inspire those around them to strive for success.
Bold women are often defined by a number of descriptors. Please choose from the following descriptors to produce the top three that you would say most exemplify your personality?
Confident
Courageous
Please provide an example of when you feel you were at your very best in taking action on the job or in your role.
At the beginning of 2020, Victory Counseling was thriving and growing rapidly. However, the pandemic brought unprecedented challenges that impacted how we provided services to the community. During that time, I recognized the need for immediate action to ensure we could continue offering support. I partnered with organizations to develop a plan to address the growing anxiety and uncertainty. Together, we hosted webinars on parenting, stress management, coping during the pandemic, and mental health education and provided valuable resources to the community. As an organization, we also had to quickly adapt and evolve our services to meet the changing needs of those we serve, ensuring that we remained a vital source of support during a difficult time.
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened on your road to success?
The funniest thing that ever happened to me on my road to success was during a parenting group session with clients. I kept running into technical issues—first, the slideshow wouldn’t connect to the monitor, then the video wouldn’t play. My participants found my tech issues amusing and joked about ending the group early because of all the difficulties. But instead of giving up, we adapted on the spot. Each participant took a specific topic, and together, we presented the content to the group. It became an engaging session, and we all laughed about the whole situation!
Who most inspires your personal drive for success every day?
It’s hard for me to narrow it down to just one person because several individuals inspire me for different reasons. My husband inspires me to be a better leader; he brings passion, energy, and purpose to everything he does in his various leadership roles. My mom inspires me to face adversity with grace; I’ve watched her overcome life’s challenges with a smile while also being present to help others in need. My dad (Rest in Heaven) planted the seed in my childhood that I could achieve anything I set my mind to. He always believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself, and for that, I am forever grateful. My children inspire me to show up as the best version of myself, modeling hard work, perseverance, and determination so they can use these tools to reach their own goals and dreams.
What is your best advice to women in Southwest Michigan looking to succeed, as you have, in business?
Being successful is a marathon, not a sprint; there’s no quick path to success. Trust the process, be patient, and embrace the journey as you navigate the ups and downs. Do it scared—taking risks is a part of growth and an opportunity to learn and evolve. Don’t hesitate to ask for help and seek out a mentor in your field. A mentor can provide insights, guidance, and support as you navigate your career. Surround yourself with a strong network of like-minded individuals who uplift and encourage you. Lastly, believe in yourself and your vision. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and remember that every step forward is progress on your journey to success.
What does your selection to the ranks of the Bold Women of Business from Moody on the Market mean to you?
I’m honored and grateful to have been nominated and chosen by the committee. Over the years, my work with adults, children, and families—helping them on their journey toward wellness—has been my motivation to keep moving forward with Victory Counseling’s mission. Being recognized by Moody on the Market is especially meaningful because it validates the positive impact that Victory has on the community. This recognition inspires me to continue empowering others and to serve as a role model for those striving to make a difference in the world. It also reinforces my commitment to staying present and striving for excellence in the mental health field.
