Victoria Woods, Founder and CEO of ChappelWood Financial Services, has dedicated her career to empowering individuals through financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership. Her passion for mentoring young women was exemplified in the first Oklahoma City Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum, where she played a crucial role in inspiring the next generation of female leaders.
Victoria Woods has always believed that financial education and entrepreneurial thinking are critical to personal and professional success. As the Oklahoma City Chair for the Enterprising Women Foundation’s mentoring forum, she demonstrated her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for young women in STEM fields. This initiative, held at the Meinders School of Business at Oklahoma City University, brought together over 60 high school students with accomplished women business leaders. By fostering an environment of learning, encouragement, and real-world mentorship, Victoria Woods helped pave the way for these young women to envision their futures with confidence and ambition.
The event featured an engaging 90-minute financial literacy session led by behavioral economist Dr. Rebecca Rayburn-Reeves, PhD. Through interactive games and discussions, participants learned valuable financial responsibility skills in a fun and impactful way. Victoria Woods emphasized the importance of such education, stating that equipping young women with financial knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions, take control of their economic futures, and develop the confidence to pursue careers in STEM and business.
Victoria Woods also took center stage as a panelist alongside remarkable leaders, including Major General Rita Aragon, entrepreneur Robin Roberson, Dr. Mautra Staley Jones, and entrepreneur Sharina Perry. Each of these influential women shared insights from their own journeys, offering invaluable wisdom to the young attendees. By sharing her experiences as a financial expert and entrepreneur, Victoria Woods highlighted the power of perseverance, strategic thinking, and resilience in achieving success.
One of the most impactful aspects of the event was the mentoring session, where 16 business leaders, including Victoria Woods, provided one-on-one guidance to the aspiring young women. Through these conversations, students received tailored advice on career development, goal setting, and overcoming obstacles. Victoria Woods understands the importance of mentorship and the significant role it plays in shaping future leaders. She firmly believes that by connecting experienced professionals with aspiring young women, a foundation is built for confidence, ambition, and success.
Victoria Woods expressed her gratitude for the support of the Oklahoma City Public Schools Foundation and its President & CEO, Kendra Horn, who served as the opening speaker alongside Amy Fullbright, STEM Coordinator of the foundation. Their participation and advocacy reinforced the event’s mission to bridge the gender gap in STEM careers. Victoria Woods passionately advocates for young women to pursue STEM opportunities, recognizing that these fields not only offer lucrative careers but also allow women to drive innovation and change in the world.
Through her leadership at ChappelWood Financial Services, Victoria Woods has long championed financial literacy and smart investment strategies. She sees financial independence as a crucial factor in achieving professional and personal success, especially for women. The Oklahoma City Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum was a natural extension of her lifelong mission to empower women through education, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Victoria Woods’ involvement in the event underscored her commitment to ensuring that young women understand their potential is limitless. She believes that by introducing them to female role models who have broken barriers and succeeded in their respective fields, they will feel encouraged to dream bigger and strive harder.
Monica Smiley, President & Founder of Enterprising Women, praised the event’s success, stating that the young women left the forum feeling inspired and excited about their futures. Victoria Woods echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that women remain underrepresented in STEM fields and that more initiatives like this are needed to drive change. She expressed her eagerness to continue supporting and expanding such programs, ensuring that even more young women have access to mentorship and career guidance.
Victoria Woods’ impact extends far beyond this one event. Her career is a testament to the power of knowledge, perseverance, and leadership. Through ChappelWood Financial Services, she has helped countless individuals achieve financial stability and success. Her passion for mentorship and community engagement further highlights her dedication to shaping a brighter future for young women.
Victoria Woods firmly believes that providing strong role models and mentorship opportunities for young women is key to building a generation of confident, ambitious leaders. Her role in the Oklahoma City Young Enterprising Women Mentoring Forum was not just about one event; it was about setting a precedent for continued support and encouragement for young women pursuing careers in STEM and business.
In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and finance, Victoria Woods stands as a beacon of knowledge, strength, and empowerment. Through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to fostering opportunities for young women, she continues to make a profound impact on the world. The future is bright for the young women inspired by Victoria Woods, and with her continued guidance, many will go on to achieve remarkable success in STEM, finance, and beyond.
