This page is dedicated to our members for their astounding achievements! If you would like to be featured, make sure to send an email that includes a professional head shot, short bio and your achievement(s) for the year to communications@empowerrichmond.org.
December 2020
“Get involved early on in the academic setting and give young students the opportunity to explore the many options that life and different professions have to offer.” “Show them that there are successful people who look like them in S.T.E.M. fields. Also, encourage other young professionals, like me, to get active in the spaces that most benefit them and the community as a whole and not just for monetary gain but for purposeful action and legacy.” Are encouraging words from our December 2020 Member of the Month, Nashira Blackmon, when asked “How do you plan to make a difference in our community and inspire other young professionals like yourself?”
Nashira is a natural motivator and lends her various skills to Richmond YP since joining in January 2018. As a member of the Social Committee she’s assisted with the annual Holiday Party and Empower Hours.
She was an Officer and served as Secretary of the Executive Leadership Council during the 2018-2020 term. Also, she’s been an active participant in NDOE and NDOS while helping with local initiatives. She joined once she met like-minded individuals who were committed to the things that she found important such as increasing awareness of resources that are mostly free and available in the community. She’s passionate about teaching others about public and private services that will benefit and enhance their lives.
Nashira is a Systems Safety Engineer who admires former First Lady Michelle Obama’s grace and poise despite living in the public eye for eight years. Nashira explains that she enjoys the freedom “to be me” in the office and in her work while making an impact as an individual and leaving her ‘mark’ on her product. Although self-described as shy and reserved, Nashira takes every opportunity to speak to teens and young adults about women in S.T.E.M. She encourages them to explore the array of fields and jobs available to women of color.
As we enter the final month in a turbulent year, we asked Nashira how she has dealt with the multitude of changes. She explained that she made herself a priority. She leaned into discovering the cause of her feelings – to learn more about herself and how she reacts to triggers and stressful situations. Nashira loves the Richmond scenery and all of the hidden gems that take you out of your comfort zone and into a space to be uniquely and unapologetically you. She encourages everyone to listen to songs by Ari Lennox, Alex Isley, Jill Scott, and Kali Uchis and to remain optimistic because you never know what’s in store – now is the time to live and manifest.
November 2020
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it.” It’s a quote from Dr. Maya Angelou, a woman who is an inspiration to many including our November 2020 Member of the Month, Joy Pitts. Joy identified Dr. Angelou as a woman who did not allow labels to define her or her meaning of success. It’s an awareness that defies and arouses a sense of greater purpose. It’s fitting that Joy has chosen a mentor of this caliber.
Since joining Richmond YP in September 2019, Joy has been actively engaged in many facets of the organization. She has moderated Salon Talk series and is the current co-chair of the Social and Cultural Development Committee. Joy sought an organization that was committed to the betterment of the community and her people. She joined once she met like-minded individuals who were committed to the things that she found important. Most recently, she coordinated with the other young professional chapters in Virginia, Hampton Roads and Thursday Network (DC), to conduct a Text Bank. Joy led the Eastern Regional Phone Bank Initiative which mobilized NUL’s voting advocacy with volunteers who called and/or texted individuals to encourage them to vote and submit their absentee ballot.
A 2011 graduate of a historically black university, North Carolina A&T State University, Joy received a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Criminal Justice. She attained her M.B.A. with a concentration in Acquisition and Contracts and an M.A. in Management. She works for the Department of Defense where she manages various military contracts that support different avenues within a particular field. Overall, she handles mission essential contracts for four different bases.
In all aspects, Joy is a leader who continues to lead charges in the community and ignites the same desire in others. She stated her desire for her “black and brown brothers and sisters” to find their charges to lead in their community which results in partnering and activating issues together. “I believe that one of the biggest issues in the African American community is access. A lot of times, we are unaware of what we have access to, or we have strategically been placed in a position where we do not have access to various resources, or they have been made unavailable. We have been taught to work twice as hard as peers to gain the same access to positions or even success.” This indoctrination is at odds with Joy’s belief in self-determination.
As we continue to deal with a global pandemic, Joy turns to exercise and affirmations to manage her physical and mental health. She cycles twice a day on her Peloton and places mental health as a top priority. She enjoys the variety of culture that Richmond offers and believes the city is truly one huge history lesson (if you’re willing to learn). Additionally, her mood dictates the music in which she listens. It ranges from Jill Scott, Jay-Z, J.Cole or Megan Thee Stallion. Take time to contact Joy. Congratulate her on this recognition and ask about real estate because it’s her latest venture and she’s excited about the industry.
October 2020
Our October 2020 Member of the Month is Jonathan Goldwire. Jonathan remains an active citizen in many ways. He continues to serve our nation as a member of the military forces; he serves the community as a licensed master social worker (LMSW); and he participates in several Richmond YP committee activities as an engaged member supporting the organization and our various initiatives ranging from health and wellness to advocacy and education.
Jonathan explains that he joined ULGRYP after returning from a tour of duty overseas. At the time, he was looking to grow his social and professional network while exposing himself to other areas of the Richmond community that he hadn’t explored.
He continues to find value in being a member because of the relationships that he has developed and the work that we do in the community. He wants to continue to make an impact and encourages members to mentor young Black men, be a resource and find creative ways to advance mental health support in the Black community.
Jonathan has been a member of the greater Richmond community for the past 10 years and recently purchased a home. He loves the culture, the diversity, and the professional development opportunities the area has afforded him. As a LMSW, he works to extend mental health support to soldiers in the Virginia Army National Guard and their families by acting as a provider and liaison between service members and other mental healthcare providers throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Jonathan loves his job because he works with a population of people that mean the world to him – Soldiers!
With so much happening in the world, he’s listening to the music of Shirley Caesar while setting realistic expectations in order to manage his mental health. Jonathan feels that running is therapy and helps to manage his physical health. Additionally, he’s given himself plenty of grace during this time and avoids being too hard on himself when certain milestones or tasks aren’t completed as he originally intended. As the Black community is continuously stressed by racial tension and injustice, Jonathan asks that we seek appropriate ways to practice self-care and help others.
September 2020
Jessica B.K. Mason is an encouraging and community minded member who is helping Richmond YP be an impactful force serving our community. We value her connection to the youth because her leadership inspires them to dream. We’re happy to name her as our September 2020 Member of the Month.
Jessica joined Richmond YP in January 2017. She was searching for an opportunity to engage with professional people and found our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/richmondyp. She’s continued to find value in being a member and further explained that when “work gets in the way and I am unable to be as active as I want to be for a few weeks, when I come back I’m welcomed like no time has passed and I greatly appreciate that” aspect in my life.
Jessica is a native of the greater Richmond metropolitan where she graduated from Chesterfield County Public Schools. She received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Norfolk State University and joined Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. before graduating in 2013. She received her Master of Education in Counselor Education from Virginia State University (VSU) in 2016. At VSU she served as Chapter President of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International and two years as Graduate Assistant within the VSU Career Services Office.
Following graduation, Jessica began her career as a High School Counselor within Chesterfield County Public Schools. She sponsors “Girls Code” – a club to encourage high self-esteem and self-awareness within high school young ladies. The club empowers them to become leaders in the world and encourage others to have hope and belief in themselves. As a school counselor she serves students in grades 9-12. Her responsibilities include assisting them with creating academic/career plans and meeting personal/social goals.
Where there’s laughter and 90’s R&B then you’ll find Jessica enjoying time with family and friends. She enjoys food, faith and fellowship. In November 2019, she became a licensed Minister. She currently serves as a Youth and Young Adult Minister at Covenant Fellowship Baptist Church. She leads weekly Youth and Young Adult Bible Studies and serves as a member of the Youth and Young Adult Ministry Advisory Board for the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.
July & August 2020
For the months of July and August we have selected a husband/wife team. Tommie and Stephanie Jefferson have been active members within the chapter since joining in 2017. During the 2018-2020 term, Tommie was Chair of the Social & Cultural Affairs committee and Stephanie was Chair of the Fund Development committee. They are the proud parents of two dynamic kids and find time to successfully integrate their commitment to Richmond YP while raising a young family and leading their business as owners of A Metropolitan Driving School.
As we celebrate Black Business Month, please take time to support and promote our Members of the Month, Tommie and Stephanie Jefferson. Each month, Richmond YP will spotlight a member. Selection criteria will be posted on our website.
Source: http://ametropolitandrivingschool.com/
Tyrone Williams
September 2018
Tyrone got elected to be 7th Ward Chair for Richmond City Democratic Committee, he will be responsible for overseeing operations on voter registration, outreach, education in regards to elections and candidates running for office. On Election Day he will be responsible for poll coverage and making sure there is no voter intimidation happening.
Tyrone is a graduate of Kansas State University where he was a highly active member of several organizations that were focused on the political field.
With his newly appointed position, he is most excited about having the opportunity to dive deeper into the community. He hopes to help spread civic engagement with door-to-door networking to discuss the real issues going on. He is planning on putting his focus towards empowering individuals and increasing voter turnout as we head into midterm election.
November 2018
Join Richmond YP in congratulating our vice president, Ebonie Atkins, on her recent promotion. Formerly a workforce business analyst for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Ebonie is moving from behind the scenes to directly market Virginia to companies looking to expand or relocate in the Commonwealth. As an Associate Business Manager she will promote job growth, primarily in IT-related sectors. Her background in data analysis and business engagement have prepared her well for this role as she continues to support community and economic development efforts across Virginia.
Ayanna McMullen
October 2018
Ayanna McMullen is an Organizing Consultant and CEO Creator of Harmony Organizing. Her company provides professional organization by coaching individuals as well as organizations to help declutter their physical and mental spaces to achieve clarity, balance and productivity. As an eclectic systems thinker, Ayanna empowers her clients to see the big picture and break it down into manageable chunks to achieve their goals.
Ayanna works with clients who are primed for change; those who have a definite and acute desire to change their cluttered situations in order to move towards the next level of living or operating. Her clients include entrepreneurs, professionals, students, artists and more.
In addition to infusing balance into the lives of her clients, Ayanna is a long distance runner, salsa dancer, songstress, family oriented individual who volunteers her time towards community events. She received her B.A. in Political Science and her Masters in Public Administration.
2018 Achievements:
Guest Workshop Facilitator Girls Who Brunch Tour November 2018
Featured in Huami Magazine Huami Magazine
Richmond Edition - July August Issue 2018
Included in R.Home Magazine's "Where To Find It Gude" 2018
Guest Speaker, "Pieces A Celebration of Womanhood" - May 2018