Meet Dr. Yvanna Pogue Vicks

We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Yvanna Pogue Vicks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Yvanna, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

For much of my life, I compared my accomplishments to others and was always striving for more. I struggled to accept my achievements and constantly focused on what was “next.” It wasn’t until I deepened my relationship with God that my confidence and self-esteem began to grow. I realized that everyone has unique gifts, and criticizing oneself can be hurtful, as it reflects on the creator. Just as it would offend a parent for their child to criticize themselves, it is equally disheartening to God when I do the same. By placing my confidence in Him, I’ve learned to have confidence in myself. Additionally, I’ve come to appreciate my accomplishments more fully by expressing gratitude to God.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

As an Assistant Professor of Counseling, I find great meaning in meeting students where they are. I wasn’t the first to raise my hand in school, nor was I always quick to grasp new concepts. This background allows me to empathize deeply with those who struggle to understand. In my role, I have the opportunity to launch research projects, present at state and national conferences, and advocate for the field of counseling. Recently, I represented my university at a local hospital, where I delivered a presentation on conflict resolution. I am also working on a manuscript about cultural responsiveness in counseling and hope to share these insights on an international stage soon.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Three qualities that have profoundly shaped my journey are faith, resilience, and the ability to celebrate others even when it’s not my turn. For someone starting out, nurturing these qualities means learning to rejoice amid adversity. Trust in God to strengthen your faith, and as you navigate through life’s storms, you’ll eventually witness enough rainbows to realize your own resilience. Lastly, offer encouragement and applause to others generously. By doing so, you’ll forge a supportive community. Those who cheer for you in return, even when they’re not in the spotlight, are the ones who truly belong in your journey.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

God is the source of all of my strength and achievements. God has also blessed me with a supportive husband who is not only a believer in Christ but also a steadfast believer in me. Having someone in your life who truly believes in you is an incredible gift. He provides the encouragement I need to pursue my dreams. Since meeting him, I’ve achieved things I never thought possible, including running a successful private practice, completing a doctoral program, and securing my first full-time assistant professor position. While I’ve had many supporters throughout my journey, it’s my husband who has seen me through tears, frustration, and discouragement, remaining patient, kind, and eager to support me every step of the way