Gordana Vincic, MSW, RYT, CSSW
Gordana Vincic, MSW, RYT, CSSW, is a human services and higher education professional based in Phoenix, Arizona, with over five years of experience in clinical social work, education, and community advocacy. She holds a Master of Social Work with a specialization in direct practice, social policy, and administration from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Global Management at the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Her professional background spans K–12 school social work, higher education instruction, nonprofit service, and leadership roles in student recruitment and admissions, all centered on equity, access, and student empowerment.
In her academic career, Gordana serves as an adjunct professor at Paradise Valley Community College, where she developed and teaches an ethics course and supports first-generation college students through mentoring and academic engagement. She also contributes to Thunderbird School of Global Management as a graduate research assistant, campus ambassador, and recruitment and admissions assistant, supporting global education initiatives and student engagement. Her earlier work includes clinical social work in school settings, where she focused on social-emotional learning, crisis intervention, restorative practices, and trauma-informed care for diverse student populations.
Beyond her academic and clinical work, Gordana integrates wellness and leadership through her practice as a Registered Yoga Teacher, specializing in trauma-informed yoga and holistic well-being. She is fluent in English and Serbo-Croatian, with additional language skills in Spanish, and is deeply committed to cross-cultural communication and global leadership. Her work is driven by a mission to mentor and empower women in higher education, strengthen community resources, and create supportive environments where individuals can thrive personally, academically, and professionally.
• Certified School Social Worker
• Certified Curriculum Developer through Quality Matters
• Certified in Crisis Intervention by National Association of School Psychologists
• Certified for Foundations of Leadership
• Foundations of Leadership
• Sound Healing Training
• Yoga Teacher Training RYT200
• Mindfulness & Self-Compassion
• Certified Corporate Yoga Instructor
• Arizona State University - MSW
• Merit Scholar at Thunderbird School of Global Management
• Dean's List
• Puma Paw Leadership Award
• National Society of Leadership and Success
• Yoga Alliance
• Mary Food Bank Association
• UNICEF
• International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my commitment to empowering others, shaped by my experience of learning English as a third language. I’ve learned that success goes beyond external achievements and is rooted in inner growth and using my strengths to uplift others. Although I did not have a mentor during my education, I chose to become the mentor I once needed, and that has guided my purpose and continued growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to never stop believing in myself and to recognize that I deserve more than what others may initially offer or expect of me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to remember that we are more than physical appearance, and our value goes far beyond how we are perceived on the surface. You may not always be recognized or acknowledged for your work right away, but that should not discourage you from continuing to pursue your goals and dreams with confidence and persistence.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the lack of authenticity in everyday life and organizational culture. In many spaces, there is still a gap between what organizations say they value, such as inclusion, well-being, and purpose, and what employees actually experience day to day.
At the same time, this creates a powerful opportunity. People are no longer looking for performative lives. They are seeking transparency, consistency, and humans who are genuinely aligned with their values.
My work focuses on bridging that gap by bringing a more human-centered approach to navigating challenges grounded in both data and lived experience.
I believe the future of leadership lies in authenticity, where people are not only strategic but also self-aware, culturally responsive, and intentional in how they show up. When authenticity is present, it builds trust, strengthens culture, and ultimately drives more sustainable impact.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are authenticity, compassion, and growth. I believe in showing up as my full self and creating spaces where others feel safe to do the same. Authenticity, to me, is the foundation of trust, whether in leadership, relationships, or community.
Compassion is equally important. Coming from a background in social work, I’ve learned that understanding people’s experiences and meeting them with empathy is essential for meaningful impact. It shapes how I show up, collaborate, and make decisions.
Service, to me, is closely connected to authenticity and compassion. It means showing up with integrity, being present, and leading in a way that centers people, not just outcomes. My background in social work has shaped this perspective, teaching me that real impact comes from meeting individuals where they are and walking alongside them as they grow.
Ultimately, I view service as a lifelong commitment to learning, to community, and to using my skills to create positive and lasting change.
Locations
Paradise Valley Community College
Peoria, AZ 85373