Victoria Durnell
Victoria Durnell (DHSc – Candidate) is a healthcare and workforce strategy leader based in Indiana with more than 10 years of experience spanning human resources, learning and development, education, and population health. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Health Sciences at Purdue University Global, building on a strong academic foundation that includes a Master of Healthcare Administration and degrees in business administration and health and wellness. Her work focuses on designing and implementing workforce and program strategies that strengthen organizational performance, improve retention, and support long-term talent development.
Throughout her career, Victoria has held leadership roles in education systems, workforce development organizations, and nonprofit youth initiatives. Her experience includes curriculum and program design, HR operations, work-based learning coordination, and youth development programming. She has worked extensively in bridging education and employment pathways, helping students and early-career professionals build skills aligned with workforce needs. Her approach blends data-informed strategy with practical implementation, emphasizing communication, stakeholder engagement, and systems-level thinking.
In addition to her professional roles, Victoria is the founder and operator of Tweenies Kids Spa LLC, a small business offering creative and wellness-focused services for children, where she manages operations and a small team. She is also actively involved in community engagement and mentoring initiatives through organizations such as TeenWorks and Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana. Across her work, she is committed to expanding access to opportunity, strengthening workforce pipelines, and supporting youth and professionals in achieving sustainable career growth.
• Zumba Basics
• Zumba Kids Instructor
• Workday Human Capital Management
• Project Management Fundamentals
• Workday Action Series
Workday Basics Series
• Beauty Culture Nail Technician
• Beauty Culture Cosmetology
• Victoria Durnell
• Purdue Global - MHA
• Tri-Alpha honors student
• SHRM
• Healthcare Administrators Group
• Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana
• SCORE Mentors
• ICouldBe.org
• TeenWorks
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my diverse career path and commitment to lifelong learning. Over the past five years, I transitioned from the restaurant industry into education and workforce development, and my academic background in business administration, health and wellness, and a master’s in administration—along with my current pursuit of a doctorate in Health Science—has strengthened my skills, adaptability, and professional growth.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to keep learning and growing while leading with empathy and kindness.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to identify and embrace your unique strengths while not being afraid to think big. Confidence in your abilities, combined with a willingness to grow and take on new challenges, can open doors to meaningful opportunities and long-term success.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field include the ability to grow through professional organizations like SHRM and expand impact through mentorship and workforce development initiatives. At the same time, balancing multiple roles—including my work in education, my involvement in volunteer mentoring programs, and my weekend business as the owner of a kids’ spa—presents challenges in time management and prioritization. As a licensed cosmetologist and manicurist, I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to use my skills to give back to the community and create positive experiences for children through my spa, Tweenies.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are integrity, honesty, growth, respect, and leadership. I strive to uphold these principles in every role I take on, from my work in education and workforce development to owning and operating a children’s spa. As a licensed cosmetologist, manicurist, and instructor, I also value professionalism and accountability, especially in leading a team of seven employees and ensuring we consistently deliver a safe, positive, and enriching experience for the children and families we serve.
Locations
TeenWorks
Fort Wayne, IN 46804