Community Highlights: Meet Victoria Jefferson of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers – Nonprofit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Jefferson.

Hi Victoria, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised on the Westside of Detroit during the 80s and 90s — a time that taught me resilience before I even understood the word. I grew up in a broken home with very limited means. My father couldn’t read until I was a teenager, and my mother, who had minimal education, worked long hours to make ends meet. As the eldest of five children, I had to grow up quickly — navigating instability, loss, and trauma while doing my best to protect and support my younger brothers.
Life wasn’t easy. I experienced some deeply painful moments, including family loss to street violence and personal trauma that could have easily hardened me. But I refused to let my circumstances define me. Instead, I poured my energy into growth — learning, working, and finding ways to make a difference. I taught myself computer skills, built a career in real estate and mortgages, and discovered that my true strength was in connecting with people — through coaching, leadership, and service.

That passion eventually led me to Kelly Services, where I now serve as Operations Manager leading executive administrative teams for major clients like JNJ and Astellas Pharma. But my story took a powerful turn when I reconnected with storytelling — something that always lived inside me. December of 2024, I wrote a poem for my grandmother’s funeral. In the audience that day was Satori Shakoor, the founder of The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers®. She later offered me a role with her nonprofit, and that opportunity changed my life.

Working with The Society reignited my love for people, performance, and purpose. Storytelling became not just something I supported — but something that healed and transformed me. A few months later, I was asked to step into the role of Executive Director starting January 2026.

Today, I carry both my professional discipline and my personal story into every room I enter. I stand as proof that no matter where you start, you can rewrite your story — and in doing so, help others find the courage to share theirs.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. My journey has been full of detours, lessons, and painful growth. Coming from a family where no one understood things like loans, credit, or the business world, I had to learn everything the hard way — through trial, error, and a lot of setbacks. There was no safety net or guidebook. Every financial mistake, every job transition, and every hard-earned success came from experience.

Beyond that, I faced challenges that tested my spirit. I experienced domestic violence in relationships and went through periods of deep emotional struggle trying to maintain my mental health while keeping everything else together. There were times when I felt completely alone, trying to balance survival with self-belief.

But every challenge taught me something — resilience, discernment, and the power of starting over. I learned that healing isn’t linear, and growth often comes wrapped in discomfort. Those hard lessons shaped not just my professional discipline, but my empathy and authenti

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers® is a Detroit-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting, healing, and transforming communities through the art of storytelling. We believe in the power of truth — real people telling real stories that move hearts, spark dialogue, and inspire change.

At our core, we specialize in live storytelling events that blend personal narrative, music, and performance into one unforgettable experience. Each month, we curate storytellers from all walks of life — from first-timers to seasoned performers — to share authentic, transformative stories in front of a live audience. Our shows are known for their emotional depth, electric energy, and the way they bring people together across boundaries of race, class, and experience.
What sets us apart is our commitment to authenticity and community. We don’t just put on shows — we create safe spaces for truth-telling. Every story told on our stage has the potential to heal not just the storyteller, but everyone listening. That’s the magic of The Society.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud of our consistency and cultural impact. For over a decade, The Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers® has been a movement — uplifting Detroit voices, amplifying underrepresented stories, and showing that art can be both entertainment and transformation. Our partnership with local artists, musicians, and community leaders continues to make storytelling accessible, relevant, and deeply human.

What I want readers to know is that The Society is more than an event — it’s a celebration of life’s raw truth. Whether you attend a show, share your story, or simply listen, you become part of a community that values empathy, connection, and courage. Every time someone leaves one of our events saying, “I saw myself in that story,” we know we’re fulfilling our mission.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely! I’m a huge fan of resources that feed both my mind and spirit. The Diary of a CEO podcast is one of my favorites — I love how it explores the personal side of success and reminds me that leadership starts with self-awareness and emotional honesty.

Michelle Obama’s The Light We Carry deeply shaped the version of me you see today. Her words reminded me that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s strength, and that showing up authentically can be its own form of power.
My most recent read, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, has also been transformative. It’s a refreshing reminder to release control, stop overexplaining, and allow people to be who they are — something that’s freed up a lot of mental space and peace for me personally.

And honestly, discovering audiobooks has been one of the best things that ever happened to me. Whether I’m driving, working, or winding down, they’ve made it possible for me to keep learning and growing every single day.

Pricing:

• $25 Tickets

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.twistedtellers.org/
• Instagram: thetwistedstorytellers
• Facebook: @TheSecretSocietyOfTwistedStorytellers
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-jefferson-61288a90
• Youtube: @TwistedStorytellers