Influential Woman · Paralegal / Legal
Victoria Rhodes
Living Kidney Donor and Advocate
Rockville Centre, NY 11570
I chose the long way by changing careers at 45 to become a Legal Assistant. It proved it's never too late to follow your passions and pursue what makes your heart happy.
Victoria Rhodes · In Her Own Words
Her Story
About Victoria
Victoria Rhodes is a seasoned professional who is transitioning into the legal field after earning her Paralegal Certification with honors from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Her new legal position is scheduled to begin September 1. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Technology, Business from Farmingdale State College and brings more than two decades of professional experience in the insurance industry, where she developed a strong foundation in business operations, project coordination, executive support, client service, database administration, and acquisition management.
Prior to pursuing her legal career, Rhodes spent five years with Bethany House, a nonprofit organization serving women and children, where she contributed to fundraising initiatives and led a major project to reorganize and enhance donation storage operations. Her strong organizational skills, attention to detail, resourcefulness, and ability to manage projects from planning through execution have been key strengths throughout her career. She is committed to continuing her professional development and is an active member of the Suffolk County Bar Association and the New York City Paralegal Association.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Rhodes is passionate about service, advocacy, and giving back to others. As a living kidney donor, she actively advocates for living kidney donation by sharing educational resources, supporting individuals navigating the donation process, and engaging with organizations such as the National Kidney Donor Organization. She is also preparing to participate in the Kidney Donor Athletes Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim Hike, reflecting her commitment to raising awareness and inspiring others. Rhodes places a high value on kindness, authenticity, and a strong work ethic, and she encourages young professionals entering the legal field to remain true to themselves, embrace opportunities to learn, and demonstrate their commitment through dedication, professionalism, and consistent effort.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Victoria
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and a consistent commitment to achieving my goals. I believe that dedication, discipline, and a willingness to learn from every experience have been essential to my professional growth and continued success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was to simply be myself. I learned that being authentic, rather than trying to put on a show or appear overly formal, allows genuine connections to develop. By approaching interviews with confidence and authenticity, I was able to have meaningful conversations, build rapport, and ultimately receive multiple job offers because employers saw the real person behind the résumé.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to be authentic, work hard, and build your success through a strong work ethic. Don’t expect opportunities to come easily or rely on others to create them for you; instead, demonstrate your capabilities through dedication, consistency, and a willingness to learn. Be open to stepping outside your comfort zone, including being present in the workplace when needed, and show through your commitment and performance that you are ready to contribute, grow, and take on greater responsibilities.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness is one of the most important values I strive to uphold in both my professional and personal life. I believe in treating everyone with compassion, patience, and respect, regardless of the circumstances, because we never truly know what someone else may be experiencing. Even in stressful or difficult situations, choosing kindness can make a meaningful difference, build stronger relationships, and create a more positive environment. I believe kindness always prevails and has the power to bring out the best in people.
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