Copyright International Business Times
Victoria B. Thompson steps into a room with an unspoken authority that stems from the quiet confidence of someone who has inherited a legacy and chosen to expand it. As an Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker, she has dedicated her life to empowering others to realize their potential, building generational wealth, and creating pathways for communities that are often overlooked. Thompson knew of her mission long before she began her professional journey, which was informed by her grandfather's story. She discovered, posthumously, that his grandfather was among the last members to achieve emancipation from the transatlantic trade of Africans. But before they became free, she recalls that her grandfather, who worked as a sharecropper, taught himself the trade of an electrician and built a business from scratch later in his life. That same grandfather, decades later, helped rewire her first investment property when she bought it at 22. "I feel like I picked up the baton my grandfather handed me," she reflects. "My responsibility is to carry forward what he started: his resilience, his foresight, his impact on family and community." Growing up with a single mother who instilled fearlessness rather than caution, Thompson learned early that possibility was often limited only by self-belief. Her mother's volunteerism and quiet acts of service laid the groundwork for Thompson's own approach to life: to help others without hesitation, to give generously of her time, and to teach those who follow. Having this familial legacy, combined with her personal drive, drove her to write books and establish multiple ventures aimed at fostering financial literacy, business acumen, and leadership skills. At R & V Investment Properties, she manages long and short-term rentals as the CEO of the company. Similarly, at We Steel Rise, she ran a mission-driven company employing formerly incarcerated women and helping them reintegrate into society. Her lifestyle brand, Unapologetically Peaceful, provides tools for mindfulness, such as scented candles, mugs, selenite wands, and meditation journals. Through Peace & Purity Facilities Services, she is committed to employing military veterans and second-chance citizens while securing corporate and government cleaning contracts. Each initiative is tied to a singular goal: teaching practical skills that outlast her own career and benefit the next generation, including her three children, Jeremiah, Justice, and Carmen, all of whom actively participate in her family businesses. Central to Victoria's philosophy is networking with intention, a concept she reflected in her book Passing the Baton: How to Effectively Network and Win. She defines networking as relational, connecting people to opportunities, fostering collaboration, and elevating others while advancing personal growth. "I look at relationships and ask, how can this benefit everyone involved?" she says. "How can they create moments that are lasting and of mutual value?" Her public speaking amplifies these lessons. Thompson's keynotes, covering her four pillars: Purpose-Driven Networking, Embracing Change with Vision, Unshakable Self-Belief, and Giving the Next Generation a Fighting Chance, aim to empower audiences to navigate career paths with confidence, embrace personal transformation, and understand the impact of generational legacy. She emphasizes the importance of self-belief, a lesson she calls one of the world's greatest needs. "People don't realize what's possible when they truly believe in themselves," she says. Thompson's influence extends beyond the professional. She intentionally embeds her philosophy into her children's upbringing, from structured executive coaching to codes of conduct, ensuring the values she champions, discipline, integrity, and resilience, are passed along in a tangible, actionable way. Her family foundation, the Ritch Legacy Foundation, honors her grandfather by providing scholarships, mentorship, and career development for African American men pursuing trades and entrepreneurship. Whether navigating business, mentoring emerging leaders, or speaking to audiences of aspirational professionals, Victoria B. Thompson is guided by the principle of honoring the past while building the future. In every handshake, in every keynote, and in every strategic investment, she is passing the baton, ensuring that the legacy of resilience and purpose she inherited continues to flourish.
