Verlena Mooney-Newell is a woman who truly embodies resilience, strength, and a relentless commitment to living a life of purpose. She’s not just an accomplished corporate executive and visionary entrepreneur—she’s a survivor, a mother, and an advocate for health and wellness who has made it her mission to inspire others to embrace a holistic approach to life. With over two decades of leadership experience in corporate America, including time spent at major companies like Xerox and Comcast Business, Verlena’s career has been extraordinary. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to pivot, combining her corporate expertise with her passion for fitness to create Fit to Live 365, a platform dedicated to empowering women to live their best lives—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Having survived breast cancer for nearly 30 years, Verlena’s approach to wellness goes beyond just physical fitness. “When you’re going through something like cancer, staying active isn’t just about appearance—it’s about maintaining a mindset that no matter what happens, I am moving forward,” she shares. Rather than letting cancer define her, she kept up with her fitness routine, lifting weights and staying active throughout treatment, proving that physical strength and mental resilience are inseparable.
Today, Verlena leads Fit to Live 365, encouraging others to find a form of movement that resonates with them, whether it’s yoga, Pilates, or simply walking. “Movement is life,” she says, underscoring that wellness is not a fleeting trend but a lifelong commitment. With faith as her foundation and resilience as her guide, Verlena inspires others to overcome challenges, prioritize their health, and live their best lives. Revelence sat down exclusively with Verlena to discuss her journey, her passion for wellness, and the powerful mindset that fuels her mission to help women embrace holistic health.
Revelence: Your career has spanned over four decades, and you’ve held executive positions at major companies. How did you start your journey in the corporate world?
Verlena Mooney-Newell: My corporate journey began right out of college at Xerox Corporation. I had the privilege of being recruited by Matthew Knowles, Beyoncé’s dad, who visited my business law class at Prairie View A&M University. I started in sales, which led me to work for other companies like MCI and eventually Comcast Business. After years of corporate success, I felt the pull to transition into something I was passionate about—wellness.
You’ve successfully navigated both the corporate and wellness spaces. What leadership lessons have you learned that apply to both areas?
The most important lessons are discipline and consistency. My background as a track athlete taught me the value of persistence and the mental strength needed to achieve goals. Whether in corporate or wellness, mindset plays a crucial role. If you don’t believe you can succeed, it’s hard to stay on course. Success starts with having the right mindset.
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Speaking of mindset, how do you build a strong, resilient mindset, especially when facing challenges?
Building resilience starts with belief in yourself. Surround yourself with people who support you and have a positive mindset. Take action—don’t wait for things to be perfect. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I focused on following my doctor’s advice, staying active, and maintaining my mental health. It’s about staying proactive, not reactive.
You mentioned your company, Fit to Live 365. What inspired you to turn your wellness journey into a business, and how did you know it was time?
I’ve been involved in fitness since I was 14, and it became an essential part of my life. As I matured, I realized that staying active wasn’t just about looking good—it was about being able to live a full, active life as I grew older. Fit to Live 365 is about helping others—especially women—embrace fitness as a lifestyle that can improve both physical and mental well-being. It’s not about vanity; it’s about living your best life at any age.
Balancing family, faith, career, and wellness can be a challenge, especially for women. How do you prioritize your time and energy?
For me, family is always first. When my children were young, my career often took precedence, but now that they’re adults, I have the space to focus more on Fit to Live 365. It’s about balance, and it’s important to have a family that supports your goals. When I’m active and taking care of myself, I can take better care of my family and my business. It’s a dance, but a worthwhile one.
You’ve also been a breast cancer survivor for nearly 30 years. How did that experience shape your approach to wellness and business?
Being diagnosed with breast cancer was a wake-up call. But instead of succumbing to fear, I chose to stay active and positive. I followed my doctor’s instructions, maintained my fitness routine, and kept my mindset strong. That experience showed me the power of perseverance and reinforced the importance of self-care, both physically and mentally. It’s about continuing to push forward, no matter the obstacle.
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You also mentioned bodybuilding. What inspired you to take up bodybuilding at the age of 62?
It’s all about belief. I’ve always had a desire to challenge myself, and bodybuilding was a natural next step. I wanted to prove to myself that it’s never too late to go after your goals, no matter your age. If you believe in yourself, anything is possible. I set a goal, trained hard, and at 62, I got on stage as a bodybuilder. It’s a reminder that it’s not about when you start; it’s about finishing strong.
Your power mantra seems to be rooted in belief, faith, and resilience. Can you share what your personal mantra is?
My mantra is simple: Believe, have faith, and always have hope. These principles have guided me through challenges and have helped me achieve things I never thought possible. Surround yourself with positive energy, set attainable goals, and never let anyone stop you. Life will throw curveballs, but with belief, faith, and perseverance, you can overcome anything.
Thank you, Verlena, for sharing your powerful story with us. You truly embody the spirit of resilience and empowerment. Where can our audience follow your journey and sign up for Fit to Live 365?
You can find me on Instagram at @FitToLive365WithVerlina and on Facebook at @VerlinaFitToLive. Join us and start your own wellness journey!
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