Vickie Campbell
Founder/CEO of Lady Vets 1st LLC; Air Force Veteran
About Me
Vickie Campbell is the driving force behind Lady Vets 1st LLC, a business reflecting her profound commitment to empowering others. With a remarkable 31 years of life and work experience dedicated to helping individuals reach their full potential, Vickie brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her work. She has worked passionately with Veterans for over 15+ years as a Student Success Coach, Resource Manager, Academic Advisor, and Community Career Advisor to help Veterans to pursue their goals to live a better life.
Vickie's dedication to the veteran community isn't limited to her professional roles. She has also actively participated in two significant pieces of legislation signed by Governor Inslee in Washington State that was focused on helping Veterans, and military spouses to get jobs and training. This demonstrates her unwavering commitment to advocacy and her willingness to collaborate with leaders to ensure that veterans and their families receive the support they deserve. Her involvement in these initiatives highlights her deep understanding of the complexities of veteran needs and her proactive approach to creating positive systemic change.
Vickie's life began in the harsh grip of poverty, a reality defined by her mother's limited resources and skills. From her earliest memories, she was exposed to the destructive forces of alcohol, drugs, and domestic violence, a chaotic environment that robbed her of a stable childhood. Living on state assistance became the norm, and the trauma of sexual abuse further complicated her young life. Forced to grow up quickly, Vickie navigated life with a deep-seated sense of self-reliance, constantly having to figure things out on her own. However, amidst the struggle, her mother, though lacking formal education, possessed a strength that shone through. She was a woman of immense generosity, always willing to share what little she had with others. And despite her own struggles, her mother offered Vickie small pieces of wisdom, like anchors in a turbulent sea. One particular instance stood out; when Vickie, frustrated by a lack of support from a teacher, complained to her mother, she was met with a surprising question. "Can you read and write?" her mother asked. Vickie's affirmative answer was met not with sympathy but with a powerful statement, "So long as you can read and write you can be anything you want to be because you can teach yourself how to do it!" This message born from hardship, became a guiding principle for Vickie, a beacon of hope in a world that often felt bleak.
The sudden loss of her mother before she even turned 21 left a gaping hole in Vickie's life. The grief was compounded by a deep-seated regret: she never had the chance to express just how incredibly proud she was to be her daughter. Knowing in her heart that with the proper resources, support, and a gentle nudge in the right direction, her mother might have blossomed into a successful business owner.
Vickie's path was forged from necessity and a fierce determination to escape the grip of poverty. From a young age, she understood that her future required a deliberate and strategic approach. By fifteen, the Air Force had become her chosen vehicle, not just for service, but for self-improvement. Her plan was precise: four years to acquire a marketable skill, then transition into civilian life, equipped to build a secure and independent future. The military, for Vickie, was a stepping stone to self-sufficiency, a means of crafting her own destiny. She takes immense pride in her time in the service and all the doors it subsequently opened for her.
Veteran and Military Family Transition and Readiness Support
Photo of Gov. Inslee signing Executive Order 19-01, Photo courtesy of Legislative Services.
However, Vickie's journey didn't end with personal success. Rooted in a profound respect and love for her mother, she felt a deep calling to give back. She recognized the unique challenges and sacrifices faced by women who had chosen to serve their country. Her vision was clear: to establish a supportive haven where these women could connect, share their experiences, and collectively harness their inherent strength. This isn't just about providing resources, but also a nurturing environment where they can feel seen and heard, empowering them to create individual paths towards personal growth and lasting success. For Vickie, it was a way to honor her mother and to pay forward the opportunities she had been given, ensuring that other women could find their own path to a fulfilling and prosperous life after service.
Vickie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, holding both an Associate of Arts degree in Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management. Her academic background is complemented by a rich and fulfilling personal life. As the proud mother of two wonderful adult children, she’s clearly cultivated a strong sense of family, a value that extends to her fondness for her two "grand-cats." Her passions include spending quality time with loved ones, dancing the night away, exploring new culinary experiences at various restaurants, and finding peaceful solace relaxing on the beach. It's clear that Vickie prioritizes both professional growth and personal well-being, striking a balance that allows her to thrive in all aspects of her life.