The only difference between the successful and unsuccessful, rich and poor, haves and have nots, is the acquisition and application of knowledge.

“No doctor, judge, or CEO can exist without some form of teacher,” says Victoria Green Brackins, an Albany native who has devoted the last 12 years to professional education.  Her life motto and mission?

“Empowering minds to change lives.”

One way to empower minds, she believes, is through travel. It can have a powerful influence on people. Aside from exposing people to new and exciting cultures and opportunities to learn, she says experiencing different varieties of good food from around the world can definitely be a positive. While exploring the world is something she enjoys immensely, Victoria appreciates that Albany is small enough to avoid traffic jams and that everyone knows most everyone else.

“I am in love with traveling to big cities worldwide, but would have it no other way than to live in a small town.”

She admits it is her relationship with God that has allowed her to be successful and to empower students. She likes to say, “As a girl, I saw things that no child should ever see. But as a woman, God has blessed me to see things that most people will never see.”

Victoria and her husband, Patrick, will welcome their first child, Richlannd Isa Brackins, in July.