Photo Caption: Vika sits on a couch and holds a small dog with long brown and black fur. She wears a zip-up hoodie with her hair tied back. There are two pieces of abstract art on the wall behind her.
As a Clubhouse moderator and frequent facilitator of ACB Next Generation programs, many ACB NextGen members recognize Vika Trussell for her friendly disposition and her care for Next Generation members. She is the co-chair of the Public Relations Committee, and is a member of the Programs Committee. She has been on the ACB Next Generation board since January 2024, and she attended her first ACB national convention earlier this summer.
Outside of ACB Next Generation commitments, Vika has a number of commitments to family and friends. She collaborates with friends on a YouTube channel, which is updated weekly. They specialize in “scam baiting,” where they call scammers to discourage their thievery. The calls take many forms, but one of the keys is to keep the scammer on the phone with them so they are not calling potential victims. Sometimes, they make the scammer so frustrated that the scammer stops making calls for that day. She explained that many people become scammers because they think it is the only option available to them to make good money, when in reality there are other options available to them, and scamming at its core is deceiving and stealing. Thus, the channel has two functions: it educates viewers about scammers, and it discourages scammers.
To improve her JAWS skills, Vika is taking a JAWS training course, which she attends a few times a month. Her instructor has been both trainer and mentor to her, and she is learning a lot.
One of Vika’s biggest passions is encouraging herself and others to seek out the support they need, whether it is technology skills training, mental health resources, or anything that can help better one’s quality of life. She is always offering practical tips to others.
Vika is originally from Latvia, having moved to the United States at age 12 when she was adopted by a family. Her family adopted four additional children as well. She now lives in Georgia, where she attends her local church, spends time with her friends, and visits her friend’s nearby farm to greet the animals. She loves to read and watch TV. Like many millennials and Gen Zers, she fell in love with the very popular Divergent and Hunger Games franchises. She also enjoys fun, relaxed comedy shows, with The Office, New Girl, and Atypical being some of her favorites. She loves trying new types of snacks, so she invites any and all snack recommendations!
Vika is a leader of Next Generation social engagement, so she can be found on the Next Generation social platforms. So ,drop by, say hello, and be ready to tell her your favorite snack!