Victoria Nedza, Project Manager/Senior eLearning Developer by profession and a tireless advocate for disability awareness and inclusion, has made it her life’s mission to forge her personal challenges into opportunities for hope and inspiration in her community.

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Celebrating exceptional local women making significant impacts in our community.

Our 2024 Women of Influence Award Winners were nominated by peers and selected by the Family Focus Media team based on their achievements and dedication to creating positive change, as revealed through comprehensive questionnaires. Their profiles showcase their inspiring journeys and accomplishments.

Beyond the awards, our Women of Influence Luncheons and Speed Networking Night attendees form our growing “Women of Influence Network,” a community fostering connections, collaboration, and mutual support. We invite you to explore our Award Winners’ stories and leverage our Network Directory in the Women of Influence Guide. Reach out to fellow members to harness the power of our network through shared growth and support. For further engagement, we welcome business and nonprofit leaders to join our Family Focus Media Community Builders Group on Facebook and our NEW Women of Influence LinkedIn Group.

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A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment

After a 20-year search for answers, Victoria’s story took a significant turn when she received a diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease. “Instead of taking a devastating progressive muscle disease diagnosis and seeking pity, I turned it around into something positive,” Victoria explains. This crucial moment became the catalyst for her extensive community involvement and advocacy work.

Educating and Inspiring the Next Generation

One of Victoria’s most impactful contributions is her work in local schools. She hosts assemblies in various school districts, including Central Bucks, Horsham/Hatboro, and Council Rock, where she promotes kindness, celebrates diversity and inclusion, and emphasizes the importance of respect and empathy. “I am the happiest and proud when I walk into a classroom and can teach young children what it means to be respectful, empathetic and the power of advocacy and acceptance for all,” she shares.

Shaping Future Healthcare Professionals

Expanding her reach to higher education, Victoria has become a guest lecturer at 14 colleges and universities. Her goal is to educate prospective graduates about her rare disease and improve therapeutic interventions in occupational and physical therapy disciplines. This initiative not only raises awareness but also contributes to better healthcare outcomes for individuals with neuromuscular conditions.

Nonprofit Involvement and Leadership

Victoria works with two key nonprofits: the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the Speak Foundation. For the MDA, she serves as an Ambassador for Pennsylvania, a college scholarship committee member, and a career mentor for young adults with neuromuscular conditions. At the Speak Foundation, she contributes as an Editorial Assistant for their magazine.

Advocacy Through Writing and Media

Victoria’s voice reaches a broader audience through her role as a contributing writer and advisory panel member for the Bucks County Herald newspaper. She also maintains a disability community blog, providing free resources to the neuromuscular patient community. “I find solace knowing there is an avenue out there via online support group chats where we can ask the hard questions, but in a safe place without feeling judged,” she reflects.

Championing Representation and Inclusion

Victoria is passionate about improving representation of women with varying abilities, body types, and diverse backgrounds in media. She actively engages with fashion brands to establish dialogues about inclusive design and adaptive clothing for the disabled. “Seeing an accurate version of yourself solidifies your place in this world – and every woman and girl should know that,” she asserts.

Balancing Multiple Roles

As a working mother, Victoria skillfully balances her professional responsibilities with her extensive volunteer work and family life. She often includes her son in her community activities, setting an example of civic engagement and resilience. “I make sure my son can see me command an audience, stand tall and proud, and exercise my right to speak up for what is important,” she says.

Looking to the Future

Victoria’s aspirations continue to focus on education and advocacy. Her immediate goal is to speak to as many college rehabilitative therapy students as possible through in-person engagements and national conferences. She also aims to create a professional development course based on her college speaking tour content.

Victoria Nedza’s tireless efforts in education, community engagement, and advocacy continues to make a lasting impact on her community and beyond, inspiring others to embrace diversity and overcome personal challenges.