Meet Veronica Clark

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Veronica Clark. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Veronica, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from a place of knowing what it feels like to be small, overlooked, and misunderstood. As a young child, I was bullied, and those moments stay with you. They shape you. I remember what it felt like to walk into a room and wonder who would have my back—or if anyone would. Instead of hardening me, those experiences softened me. They made me pay attention to the people who sit quietly, the ones who carry their hurt in silence, the ones who don’t know how to ask for help.

Because I know what it feels like to not have a voice, I go out of my way to make sure others feel seen, supported, and valued. My generosity is my way of interrupting the cycle—choosing compassion where there could have been bitterness, extending grace where there once was pain. It’s my reminder to myself and to others that we all deserve kindness, no matter what we’ve been through.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Here’s a polished, authentic response written **in your voice**—warm, grounded, mission-driven, and aligned with who you are and what you do:

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I serve as the West Counselor for the TN APEX Accelerator, where I support small businesses as they navigate the world of government contracting. What I do is part coaching, part strategy, and part encouragement. I meet people right where they are—whether they’re just discovering the possibilities of government work or they’re ready to scale into new opportunities—and I help them understand how to compete with confidence.

What excites me most is watching a business owner realize, often for the first time, *“I belong here.”* There is something powerful about seeing someone step into rooms they once thought were closed to them. Helping others gain access, grow stronger, and build generational impact… that’s the heart of my work. It aligns with who I am: someone who advocates for those whose voices are often overlooked.

Outside of my role, I’m also deeply involved in community advocacy and leadership. I serve on boards, including the ATHENA Awards, where we lift up women who lead with vision and integrity. That work fuels me just as much—it’s another way I get to pour into people and help create spaces where others can shine.

As for what’s new, we’re continuing to expand outreach across West Tennessee, offering more workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one support for small businesses preparing to do business with local, state, and federal agencies. It’s an exciting time—so many entrepreneurs are awakening to the fact that government contracting isn’t out of reach, and I’m honored to walk alongside them as they take those steps.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about my work, it’s this: I’m here to help open doors. My brand is built on service, authenticity, and making sure people feel seen, supported, and capable of greatness. Everything I do grows from that place.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When I look back over my journey, three qualities have carried me farther than anything else: respect, faith, and community.

Respect taught me how to treat people, no matter their title or background. It reminds me that you never know who’s watching, who you might inspire, or whose life you might touch with a simple act of kindness. Respect opened doors for me long before I knew I needed them opened.

Faith grounded me. It held me together during seasons when life felt heavy and uncertain. Faith gave me the courage to keep going after setbacks, to reinvent myself when life shifted, and to trust that purpose can come from even the hardest experiences.

And community—that’s the backbone of everything I do. I wouldn’t be who I am without the people who poured into me, prayed for me, challenged me, and loved me through the storms. Community reminded me I never had to walk alone, and it taught me the power of being that support for someone else.

For those who are early in their journey, my advice is simple:

Lead with respect. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it will carry you everywhere. Listen well, show up with integrity, and treat people the way you want to be treated—especially when no one is looking.

Strengthen your faith. Whatever faith looks like for you, nurture it. You’ll need something strong to anchor you when life doesn’t go according to your plan. Faith gives you resilience, clarity, and peace.

Build your community. Don’t just network—connect. Surround yourself with people who lift you higher, speak honestly, and believe in your potential. Then be that same person for someone else.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was teach me to be kind and to work hard. Those lessons weren’t just words—they lived them. I watched them treat everyone with respect, no matter who they were, and I learned early on that kindness isn’t weakness; it’s strength. It’s how you show people they matter.

They also instilled in me the value of hard work. In our house, you didn’t quit just because something got difficult. You pushed, you prayed, you showed up, and you did your best. That mindset carried me through every chapter of my life—from the moments when opportunity was wide open to the times when I had to rebuild from scratch.

Their example shaped the way I move through the world. It’s why I pour into others, why I lead with compassion, and why I believe every act of kindness has impact. My parents gave me a foundation I still stand on today, and it’s one of the greatest gifts they ever gave me.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-m-clark/