Welcome to the fifth edition of Women of Wisdom, where we celebrate extraordinary women thriving in their golden years. Every month, I highlight a woman who exemplifies grace, resilience, and an unwavering zest for life. These women teach us invaluable lessons about faith, courage, and the art of embracing every season of life with a playful spirit and a heart full of wisdom.
This month, I am deeply honored to introduce Vanessa Johnson—a powerhouse of strength, leadership, and community advocacy. Vanessa’s journey is a beautiful example of how building both physical and emotional resilience has shaped her into the inspiring woman she is today. From her impressive transition from social work to real estate, to her dedication to health and fitness, Vanessa has lived a life rooted in service, determination, and giving back.
Vanessa and I share a special bond that dates back to our childhood. We grew up together in the Rollingwood community, spending endless summers swimming, laughing, and creating memories that would last a lifetime. As we reflect on our journeys, we realize how similar we are—both driven by grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to our families and communities. As we step into this new season of life, we continue to strive for our best selves, always learning, giving back, and prioritizing self-care along the way. Our shared values and experiences remind us that with each new chapter, we can grow stronger and more fulfilled, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
Vanessa and her father – Jose Uriegas
Early Journey and Upbringing
Vanessa’s early life was defined by independence and resilience. Growing up in a challenging environment, she faced obstacles head-on from a young age. With her mother in and out of the hospital due to an undiagnosed condition (later revealed as Huntington’s) and her father working demanding hours in Washington, D.C., Vanessa was often left to navigate the world on her own.
By the age of six, Vanessa had already embraced a survival mindset, realizing she had to rely on herself to get through tough times. Her personal mantra became:
“No one is coming to save me, so put on my big girl panties and let’s go.”
Despite the difficulties, Vanessa never viewed herself as a victim. Instead, she saw her early struggles as opportunities to grow stronger and more self-sufficient.
Her father, a kind and loving man, was doing his best to balance work and care for his wife. Vanessa deeply admired him and understood his challenges. She recalls moments when neighbors, especially a couple of moms, would step in to check on her, ensuring she was okay. These small yet meaningful acts of kindness left a lasting impression on her, solidifying her belief in the power of community and relationships.
Vanessa’s determination and resourcefulness shone through even as a child. She remembers walking herself to the swimming pool in the early morning hours, spending the entire day there, and learning the value of hard work and perseverance. These formative experiences shaped her drive, her ability to adapt, and her lifelong appreciation for connection and community.
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Family: The Loves of Her Life
For Vanessa, family isn’t just important—it’s everything. Her husband, Leon and their son, Jaylan, are the loves of her life and the driving forces behind all that she does.
Vanessa met her husband in college, and their love became the foundation of her journey into adulthood. A retired professional football player, he has been her unwavering partner and greatest supporter. Throughout his career, she stood by his side, providing strength and encouragement through every challenge and transition. Their bond is built on mutual respect, deep understanding, and a shared vision for their family. She describes their relationship as her “why”—the reason she works so hard and leads with such intention. Together, they have created a life rooted in love, resilience, and purpose.
Their son, Jaylan, is their pride and joy. At 25, he is carving his own path while embodying the values his mother holds dear—service, integrity, and dedication. Following in her footsteps, he has become an essential part of her team, learning from the best and giving back to his community in meaningful ways.
With their unwavering support, Vanessa finds the strength and motivation to pursue her passions, lead with purpose, and continue advocating for the community she cherishes.
Professional Growth and Leadership
Vanessa’s professional path began in social work, where she learned the true power of advocacy and support.
“In social work, you realize just how much the small things matter. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about being present for someone when they need it the most.”
Her time in social work deepened her commitment to serving others and solidified her belief in the importance of relationships. It was in this field that Vanessa realized the value of building trust and truly listening—principles that would guide her through every professional transition.
After dedicating herself to social work, Vanessa transitioned into real estate, where she saw another opportunity to serve her community. Once she realized that real estate was a relationship business based on helping people, she was all in.
“Real estate isn’t just about business; it’s about helping people find their place in the world, their home.”
Her desire to continue building meaningful relationships translated seamlessly into her new career. Vanessa not only assists her clients in finding their dream homes but also advocates for community development and growth. Through her work, she continues to give back to the city of Oklahoma, ensuring that its growth benefits everyone.
Her leadership in the real estate world expanded further this year when she was named President of the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors (OKCMAR). In this role, she continues to advocate for her community, shaping conversations around real estate policies and community development. For Vanessa, this is more than just a career—it’s a platform to create meaningful change in the city she loves. She also wants to impact younger people, especially minorities, to see being a realtor as a great opportunity and potential profession that does not necessarily require a college degree.
Vanessa Johnson
President of OKCMAR
Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of REALTORS
Health, Fitness, and Wellness: Staying Strong for the Journey
For Vanessa, health and fitness aren’t just about looking good—they’re about staying capable and strong for the people she loves most. A key motivator is her determination to maintain her strength so she can physically support her family, especially her husband.
“If my husband isn’t feeling well and I’m the only one home, I want to know I have the strength to lift him if needed. That’s my ‘why.’ It’s not just a fitness goal; it’s a life goal.”
Her focus on lifting heavy and staying strong is rooted in experience. Vanessa navigated taking care of her mother and brother during difficult times, and those experiences instilled in her the importance of being physically strong and prepared for any challenge. “I want to be able to lift my loved ones if they need me.”
Vanessa’s commitment to her fitness journey led her to compete in a bodybuilding contest when she turned 40. “It was something I had always wanted to do, and I decided, why not? Turning 40 was my chance to push myself to new limits, and it was an incredibly rewarding experience,” she says. This accomplishment reflects her determination and belief in staying strong for herself and her family.
When it comes to nutrition, Vanessa knows the struggle of hitting protein goals, especially as women age. Her go-to meals reflect her practical approach: Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and blueberries, eggs with a side of sourdough bread, and creative ways to incorporate vegetables like broccoli with her favorite hot sauces. She also relies on protein shakes and granola with added protein for a quick boost when needed.
Vanessa is a big fan of sourdough bread—not just for its taste but also for its probiotic benefits. “If I’m eating bread, it’s sourdough, especially homemade from a starter. It feels good in my body, doesn’t weigh me down, and satisfies those cravings.” This balance of nourishing food and enjoying the occasional treat is her recipe for sustainability.
She admits that she does not relax well and sometimes feels like she is in survivor mode all of the time.
“I have two speeds, 150 miles per hour or zero!”
Her way of recharging is getting lymphatic massages, listening to audible books, cooking, and playing with her dogs.
Life Lessons and Wisdom: The Power of Community
Throughout Vanessa’s life and career, the one constant has been the importance of community. Whether in her personal relationships or her professional endeavors, she has always felt the strongest when surrounded by a supportive community.
“The key to success isn’t doing it alone. It’s about bringing others along with you and showing up for one another.”
Vanessa’s life lessons are rooted in the belief that community is the foundation for everything—whether you’re overcoming obstacles, achieving professional success, or simply finding meaning in life.
“The power of community has shaped me in every way. It’s what got me through the tough times, and it’s what drives me to keep giving back.”
From her early upbringing to her professional leadership, Vanessa has always been committed to the idea that we are stronger together. Her journey is a testament to the impact that community has on personal growth, resilience, and success. Through every challenge and triumph, Vanessa has remained steadfast in her belief that when we support each other, we can achieve anything.
My Final Thoughts
Vanessa’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter where we start, our journey is shaped by the choices we make, the relationships we nurture, and the strength we carry within ourselves. From her early years in Rollingwood to becoming a leader in real estate and a tireless advocate for her community, Vanessa has shown us the true power of resilience and giving back.
As we navigate our own paths, there are valuable lessons to take from Vanessa’s journey: the importance of maintaining strong connections with others, of putting in the hard work, and of always striving to be our best selves—no matter the season of life. Whether it’s building muscle or building community, embracing growth and giving back, Vanessa’s story inspires us to live with intention, passion, and grace.
Let us all take a page from Vanessa’s book: with determination and heart, we can continue to evolve, contribute, and thrive. The golden years aren’t just about looking back—they’re about stepping forward with purpose and leaving a lasting impact on the world around us.