With nearly a decade of service, Gwendolyn D. Worthy, MS, has established herself as a seasoned professional in the nonprofit sector yet is just getting started. She is a respected leader in veteran advocacy, dedicating her career to supporting and empowering veterans as national commander of the National Association for Black Veterans (NABVETS). The NABVETS is a nationally certified Veterans Service Organization that provides personal advocacy for veterans seeking assistance with claims against the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Their mission includes supporting veterans, their families, and communities by creating positive lifestyles and preserving historical records of minority veterans.
In recent years, Ms. Worthy has led NABVETS in fostering partnerships with organizations, supporting veteran initiatives, and certifying veterans service officers to assist with claims. Her journey with NABVETS began in 2015, and she quickly advanced from deputy commander to vice commander and eventually to Region I commander. Her leadership earned her a place on the National Command Council, where her contributions have been transformative.
Ms. Worthy has also played a pivotal role in establishing a website for the organization and formalizing its operations through legal channels. She takes pride in fostering coherence among chapters, ensuring effective communication through platforms such as social media, literature, and Zoom. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic motivated her to explore innovative communication strategies, ultimately enhancing connectivity across the organization. Prior to her current role, Ms. Worthy worked as a support service specialist at Bonneville Power Administration in Portland from 2015 to 2018. Her career began with six years of military service in the United States Air Force, in which she developed a deep understanding of the challenges veterans face.
Ms. Worthy’s academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Business Administration earned in 2009 and a Master of Science in organizational management and leadership from Warner Pacific University in 2011. She is currently pursuing a PhD in business administration with a concentration in organizational management and leadership. Her educational achievements are complemented by certifications, including journeyman credentials in alternating current and direct current operations from the Department of Energy’s Bonneville Power Administration in 2009 and in navigation lock and hydropower plant operations from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1997.
Throughout her career, Ms. Worthy has engaged with civic organizations such as Leaders Become Legends, Constructing Hope, and the African American Resource Group Pluralism Council at Bonneville Power Administration. In honor of her impressive undertakings in the field, her efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Pioneer in the Trades Award from Women in the Trades in 2004, the Professional Excellence Award from the Portland chapter of June Key Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in 2003, and the Torch Bearer Award from The Oregon Tradeswoman in 2003.
Ms. Worthy credits her success to early opportunities that prepared her for leadership, despite facing challenges and rejections along the way. She is thankful to her mother for nurturing her resilience and determination through activities such as piano lessons, ballet, and art classes. At just 13 years old, she demonstrated remarkable maturity during an interview, setting herself apart and exemplifying the drive that continues to propel her forward today.
Looking ahead, Ms. Worthy is committed to creating models for organizations to emulate, particularly in providing housing solutions and promoting trade professions alongside traditional college education. Her dissertation focuses on African American succession and the challenges businesses face when passed down to the next generation. She plans to conduct seminars emphasizing the importance of incorporating succession planning into business strategies. Beyond her professional pursuits, Ms. Worthy enjoys do-it-yourself projects, interior design, and exploring architecture.