A powerful testament to resilience and manifestation. From overcoming adversity as a young widow and recovering alcoholic to becoming an influential author and Conway's Most Influential Woman, this inspiring story celebrates limitless potential and the power of dreaming big.
Her Story
About Renee
Renee LeFort Mitchell is a behavioral health professional, recovery advocate, and 100% disabled U.S. Air Force veteran whose life has been shaped by resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to her family. For more than three decades, every decision she made was driven by one purpose: providing a safe, stable, and hopeful future for her children. Today, after receiving her 100% Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU) rating, Renee has entered a new chapter where, for the first time in many years, she is able to focus on her own passions, healing, and personal fulfillment.
Renee's journey has never followed a straight path. After the loss of her husband in 1994, she balanced grief, motherhood, education, and work while raising her family. She earned an Associate of Science in Drug and Alcohol Counseling with highest honors before continuing her education in psychology, counseling, and computer science. She ultimately earned her Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Psychology and Counseling from Charter Oak State College in 2004. Later, she graduated as a Certified Medical Assistant with a 4.0 GPA. Much of her education was made possible through the Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation program, reflecting both her determination and her commitment to building a better future.
Throughout her career, Renee served individuals and families through addiction recovery, behavioral health, youth support, and community outreach. Along the way, she also adapted to life's changing circumstances, working in a variety of roles, including rideshare services, delivery, and federal census work, always doing whatever was necessary to provide for her children.
Now retired, Renee is embracing a season centered on herself for the first time in over 30 years. She enjoys writing poetry, hopes to publish her work, and continues advocating for recovery, veterans, and those facing life's greatest challenges. As a featured 2026 Influential Woman, Renee hopes her story reminds others that resilience is built through perseverance, love, and the courage to keep moving forward. While her children were always her greatest motivation, she now looks ahead to a future dedicated to her own growth, creativity, and well deserved peace.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Renee
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, long-term sobriety, perseverance through adversity, and my commitment to continuous learning. I have transformed difficult experiences into opportunities to support and inspire others. Every challenge I have faced has shaped me and prepared me to serve and make a positive impact in the lives of others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is that life itself can be one of the greatest teachers. My recovery journey, faith, counselors, military experiences, and the people who supported me throughout sobriety have all shaped who I am today. Each experience has provided valuable lessons, resilience, and perspective that continue to guide me in my personal and professional growth.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to never let their past define their future. Stay committed to personal growth, continue learning, and maintain faith through challenging seasons. Some of the greatest opportunities to help and inspire others can come from the struggles we overcome along the way.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field today are addiction, mental illness, and trauma, which continue to impact individuals and communities. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health, expand access to recovery services, and use lived experiences to inspire hope. I believe that sharing my journey can help others see that lasting recovery and positive change are possible.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Renee
My Bucket List
From Survival to Manifestation: How a TDIU Veteran Turned Dreams into Reality at 58
My bucket list was quite small 35+ years ago. I had three babies to raise, and it seemed that just getting through the day or being able to get them school clothes or materials for school was an achievement. AND IT WAS! I RAISED THREE beautiful babies, who are now adults and successful.
TODAY, as I settle into retirement at almost 58, as a 💯 TDIU Veteran who waited 15+ years for my first huge settlement to finally be awarded to me, my bucket list is as endless as the waves in the ocean or the stars in the sky.
I thought BIG and manifested my dreams, desires, and aspirations! If I can go from a broken, recovering alcoholic, who was widowed at 25, to an almost-published poet and soon-to-be-published author (yes, within about three months I will be), AND Conway, SC's Most Influential Woman, then the possibilities are limitless for my next BIG manifestation.
What have you MANIFESTED? DO YOU THINK within the box or outside? DO you believe in limitless potential!?!?
I'm living proof!
I'd love for you to share your thoughts! ❤️
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