As the AADC begins the countdown to our exciting 100th Anniversary in June, 2022, our new “Legacy of Leaders” series highlights and celebrates just some of the many people whose dedicated work and leadership will ensure the future of our sisterhood.

Published on June 24, 2021

Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 has been a loyal supporter of the AADC since her graduation in 1942. Her leadership and generosity over the last 75 years have helped the Associate Alumnae of Douglass College serve alumnae. She is passionate in her support of the AADC.

Victoria is perhaps best known for two memorable things. First, working in the administration of former New Jersey Governor Tom Kean, Victoria inaugurated the “New Jersey & You: Perfect Together,” tourism campaign that introduced visitors to the wonders of the state. Victoria is also known as the benefactor of her namesake
AADC program, the Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace and Professional Development Symposium, now approaching its sixth year. Hundreds of alumnae have participated by leading or attending workshops on topics ranging from how
to identify career opportunities, to networking to managing finances.

A former AADC President and Board member, Victoria is a longstanding member and dedicated advocate and supporter of the AADC. Victoria was honored with the Vanguard Award in 2017 for her 50 years of service to the AADC and she received the AADC Medal in 2020. She previously was inducted into the AADC Society of Excellence in recognition of her professional achievements in her career in fashion, journalism, business, advertising and public relations, where she ran her own firm for 22 years.

An accomplished author, Victoria has written several books about aging and dealing with grief, as well as a novel. She is pictured with a copy of her latest book, “Aging Smart, Victoria’s 100 Secrets to a Happy, Healthy, Long Life,” published in conjunction with her 100th birthday in May, 2021. She shared her experiences and books at a special presentation titled, “Intergenerational Conversations with Douglass Women,” held at the Mabel Smith Douglass Library. She has also done coaching and been featured in a “TED” Talk. She regularly shares her wisdom with countless alumnae and the public on her social media platform, “Victoria’s Secrets.”

Victoria is the recipient of the March of Dimes Virginia Apgar New Jersey Women of Achievement Award and the 2016 Women of Achievement Award from the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs of GFWC.

Victoria is a consistent donor to the AADC Annual Appeal and is a member of the Loree Society in the Mabel Smith Douglass Leadership Circle. She has generously planned an endowed fund to offer the inspiring Victoria Dabrowski Schmidt ’42 Workplace and Professional Symposium through the AADC each year.

Victoria has served the AADC thoughtfully and generously for 70 of her 100 years. Her legacy will help ensure the strength of AADC initiatives and programs for generations to come.

Photo by Tina B. Gordon ’72