VBD Magazine Celebrates Five Years of Faith, Leadership, and Impact

October 2026 marks five years since VBD Magazine published its first issue. What began in October 2021 with a commitment to share inspiring stories has grown into an international lifestyle and leadership publication celebrating faith, achievement, entrepreneurship, community, and people making a difference.

As we prepare to publish our commemorative fifth-anniversary issue on Thursday, October 22, 2026, we are taking time to reflect on the journey, recognize those who have contributed to our growth, and look ahead with renewed vision.

A JOURNEY BUILT ON PURPOSE

VBD Magazine was created to provide a platform where purpose-driven leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, authors, and creatives could share their experiences, knowledge, and accomplishments.

Through insightful interviews, powerful personal journeys, and practical information, the magazine has remained committed to inspiring readers to pursue their purpose, strengthen their faith, and make a meaningful difference in their communities.

Each person featured in VBD Magazine has brought something valuable to our pages. Some have shared stories of overcoming significant challenges. Others have offered lessons from their work in business, ministry, education, healthcare, publishing, public service, advocacy, and community development. Together, their voices have helped shape the identity and direction of the magazine. 

FIVE YEARS OF INSPIRING STORIES

Over the past five years, VBD Magazine has published 23 issues featuring individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, and locations. We have had the privilege of introducing our readers to established leaders, rising professionals, dedicated community servants, bestselling authors, entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives.

Every issue has strengthened our belief that stories matter. A person’s journey can encourage someone who is struggling, introduce readers to new ideas, create valuable connections, and remind others that faith, perseverance, and purposeful action can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the stories of purpose-driven leaders, professionals, authors, and creatives who have helped shape our journey while looking ahead to our next chapter.

GRATITUDE FOR THE JOURNEY

This fifth anniversary belongs to everyone who has been part of the VBD Magazine community. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our readers, featured guests, writers, editors, creative team, advertisers, sponsors, partners, and supporters. Thank you for trusting us, sharing our work, recommending the magazine, participating in interviews, purchasing issues, and helping us reach new audiences.

We are especially grateful to every person who allowed us to share their story. Your openness, wisdom, courage, and accomplishments have filled our pages with substance and inspiration.

Your support has helped VBD Magazine reach this important milestone, and we do not take it for granted. 

BUILDING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND PURPOSE

Our commemorative fifth-anniversary issue will carry the theme Celebrating the Journey. Building the Future with Faith and Purpose.

The issue will explore the intersection of faith, innovation, education, leadership, and progress. It will highlight people and ideas that are helping to shape the future while remaining grounded in purpose and strong values.

This theme reflects where VBD Magazine is today. We are grateful for everything the past five years have taught us, but we are also ready to grow, create new opportunities, strengthen our reach, and continue serving our readers with excellence.

RECOGNIZING CENTRAL FLORIDA’S VICTORIOUS LEADERS

As part of the anniversary celebration, VBD Magazine is introducing Central Florida’s 25 Victorious Leaders, a special recognition feature honoring individuals whose leadership, service, and impact are strengthening their fields, organizations, and communities.

A victorious leader is someone who leads with purpose, serves with integrity, and creates meaningful impact in their field, organization, or community.

Nominations are open to individuals who live, work, lead, or serve in Brevard, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole, Sumter, or Volusia County. Individuals whose work directly benefits one or more of these counties may also be considered. 

Anyone may submit a nomination, and self-nominations are welcome. There is no fee to nominate someone, to be nominated, or to be selected for the standard recognition feature. The honorees will represent leadership and service across ten areas:

• Education and Youth Development

• Faith and Ministry

• Business and Entrepreneurship

• Healthcare and Wellness

• Public Service and Civic Leadership

• Nonprofit and Community Leadership

• Arts, Culture, and Media

• Emerging and Young Leaders

• Technology and Innovation

• Advocacy and Social Impact

Sponsorship, advertising, and optional promotional opportunities do not influence the nomination, evaluation, or selection process.

JOIN THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

There are several ways to participate in this milestone season.

You may nominate an outstanding leader who is making a difference in Central Florida, become a Founding Sponsor, secure advertising in the commemorative issue, share the anniversary announcement, or follow the celebration through our website and social media platforms.

Businesses, organizations, colleagues, family members, and supporters may also purchase advertising space to promote a brand, business, product, service, or event; celebrate the magazine’s five-year milestone; or congratulate a selected honoree.

Complete information about nominations, sponsorship opportunities, anniversary advertising, honoree promotion packages, eligibility requirements, and frequently asked questions is available on our fifth-anniversary webpage.

LOOKING AHEAD

Our fifth anniversary gives us an opportunity to pause and appreciate how far we have come. It also signals the beginning of a new season for VBD Magazine.

We are strengthening our presence in Central Florida while continuing to maintain the international perspective that has defined the publication. We look forward to developing new relationships, reaching more readers, recognizing additional leaders, and sharing stories that inform, inspire, and encourage meaningful action.

As Founder and Editor-in-Chief, I am deeply grateful for every person who has supported this journey. Thank you for reading, contributing, sharing, encouraging, and believing in the work of VBD Magazine.

We look forward to commemorating this milestone with you and stepping boldly into our next chapter.

Stay victorious!

Dr. Ann Marie Bryan, MBA, GLF

Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Victorious By Design (VBD) Magazine 

LEARN MORE: VBD Magazine Fifth Anniversary

SUBMIT A NOMINATION: Nomination Form

BECOME A FOUNDING SPONSOR: Founding Sponsorship

BECOME A CATEGORY SPONSOR: Category Sponsorship