Vincent Cowling Housing Counselor at VHCDC Vincent Cowling is a Housing Counselor with Virginia Housing and Community Development Corporation, where he delivers pre-purchase, foreclosure prevention, and credit counseling for first-time home buyers in Hampton Roads. Mr. Cowling has numerous credits to his name, including Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES), Seller Representative Specialist (SRS), Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Military Relocation Professional (MRP), Short Sales & Foreclosure (SFR) Specialist, and Virginia licensed Real Estate Broker. He has 33+ years of experience helping clients find the perfect home and dedicates much of his time counseling first-time home buyers. Mr. Cowling is an Air National Guard retiree, Realtor, Realtist, Associate Broker, consultant, and graduate of Old Dominion University. He specializes in resale properties, new homes, custom homes, HUD/VA homes, relocation, and loan application assistance.
Blair Durham President / Co-Founder of Black BRAND
Clarence Harris Owner at ACG Financial
Clarence Harris Owner at ACG Financial Clarence earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting at NSU and a Master of Science in Accounting from ODU. His expertise includes providing financial and tax strategies to Business Startups, Home Based Businesses and MLM Businesses. He also provides financial management strategies for Real Estate Professionals, music professionals and entertainment firms. Clarence also holds the following professional designations which include CPA (Certified Public Accountant), EA (Enrolled Agent), CTRS (Certified Tax Resolution Specialist), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), CFM (Certified Financial Manager) and CIA (Certified Internal Auditor). Clarence grew up in Chesapeake, VA and graduated from Indian River High School and attended Norfolk State University where he was a member of the Marching “Spartan Legion” Band. Clarence is a co-founder at both ACG Financial Group, a local CPA firm operated out of Chesapeake, VA and Hampton Roads Tax & Accounting. He is a member of several other groups including the Institute of Management Accountants, Business Network International (BNI) and the Alumni Band Chapter of the Norfolk State Alumni Association. He is an adjunct faculty member for Strayer University where he teaches accounting to undergraduate and graduate students. He also teaches various accounting classes for NSU and often holds training seminars for Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center. With all of his accomplishments, nothing gives him more joy than spending time with his lovely and talented daughter Maddison who is an aspiring gymnast. Clarence works with the Board at the Jazz Legacy Foundation, a non profit organization that assists in providing scholarships and funding for High School student musicians and Music progra
Danita Hayes Co-Owner at Victory Allegiance Realty / Wall Street Cafe Danita Hayes is the wife of Christopher Hayes and Mother of 3. Nadia, Nia and Chris Jr. She is a graduate of Virginia State University where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in English with a minor in Mass Communications. She is also a graduate of Averett University where she received her Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She is the Co-Owner and Broker of Victory Allegiance Realty which is a full service real estate company serving all of the Hampton Roads Area for all of their Real Estate needs. She is also the Co-Owner of Wall Street Cafe located in Downtown Suffolk. This cafe is not just known for it’s delicious coffee and tasty sandwiches but most importantly for its business atmosphere and the ability for its patrons to network and learn about the stock market, foreign exchange, real estate and all things business. She is the creator of 21 Days of Encouragement Journal for Women Entrepreneurs which is a 21 Day guide for women to keep them uplifted, motivated, and accountable to reach their goals. In addition to the journal, she created a 21 Days of Encouragement Talk show to coincide with the journal to personally guide the women through each day, while inviting other women entrepreneurs as guests to share their experiences as well. Danita is the Founder and Owner of Women Flip Houses Too, which is a business entity she created to educate and coach women in learning how to invest in real estate. She is also the owner of Global Home Investors Inc. which is a real estate investment company that focuses on flipping and wholesaling properties. In addition to entrepreneurship, ministry is the most important part of her life and believes that it is what God has called her to do. She has been a part of the lifeline prayer call ministry as a minister for the past 4 years. This is a prayer call that has been going strong for 12 years every Mon, Wed. and Fri at 6 am Est. time. Danita credits all of her businesses and accomplishments to God. The foundation of her life is Matthew 6:33 which the basis of this scripture is, if you seek the Kingdom of God first, everything else will fall into place. She believes that her life is her ministry and her ultimate goal is to draw people back to God by exhibiting His Glory in her life.
Shirvan Joseph Diversity Outreach Manager | Mortgage Loan Officer at Towne Bank Mortgage
Shirvan Joseph Diversity Outreach Manager | Mortgage Loan Officer at Towne Bank Mortgage Shirvan Joseph has been originating and closing loans around the Capitol Beltway in the mortgage industry for 35 + years. He has held positions from Loan officer to Area Manager managing multiple Branches. Mr. Joseph also assists in developing community programs to support the TowneBank Mortgage customer base.
Kit Lockett Kit Lockett Real Estate
Kit Lockett Kit Lockett Real Estate Nationally recognized real estate professional Kit Lockett, has a talent for closing. After graduating from the prestigious College of William and Mary, Kit went on to open a Multi-million-dollar mechanical contracting firm. Within a few years of the exponential growth of her firm, Kit Lockett discovered a passion for all things real estate related. Her exceptional entrepreneurial skills were vital components of her success in real estate and investing. This skillset, along with her client centered approach, allowed her to easily transition to becoming a full-time agent. She quickly gained respect and notoriety amongst her peers and clients alike. With years of real estate experience credited to her resume, Kit Lockett provides expertise and wisdom for her clients. She has personally purchased and sold over 20 of her own properties. This gives her a deep understanding of the real estate process inside and out and distinguishes her from others in the field. She is committed to providing excellence and transparency throughout the buying and selling process. Due to her vast knowledge of the Hampton Roads real estate market and her integrity, Kit is sought out by exclusive professionals for representation. Kit Lockett has appeared on HGTV, other local and national channels showcasing her unique, driven, and uncompromised approach to buying and selling homes. She chairs multiple boards for nonprofit agencies, as well as revenue generating firms. Kit lockett loves to give back and encourages all to attend her free first-time home buyers’ workshops. This is her effort to educate the 757 community in the aspect of making sound real estate purchases. She is renowned in her community and celebrated for her many charitable contributions. This creates a network of support that Kit uses to her client’s advantage.
James Taylor VHCDC
Seko Varner Founder/CEO of Positive Vibes Inc. Brooklyn born, Ohio Raised, and with a heart for Virginia since 1990, Seko Varner describes himself as an Edu-Tainer, which blends the terms, Educator and Entertainer. Seko follows the mission of improving the lives of others. Seko’s bachelor’s degree is from Hampton University, he completed coursework at Old Dominion University, earned a Master’s degree from Regent University, and Endorsement in Educational Leadership from George Washington University. While Seko is best known in Hampton Roads, Virginia as a Disc-Jockey, founding and running a male mentorship program, and a community activist; he recently pandemic-pivoted back into an earlier career in Real Estate. However, instead of returning a real estate agent, Seko now provides private funds for real estate investors and business loans to business owners. Additionally Seko is the Economic Improvement Chairperson of the Hampton Roads Committee of 200+ Men, volunteers with Green Run High School, and ran an unsuccessful bid for Virginia Beach’s School Board. Seko worked as a school counselor/liaison and later as a special education teacher in Portsmouth, Virginia. In Virginia Beach City Public Schools Seko has worked as a Special Education Auditor and a special Educator Teacher’s Assistant. As a college and career counselor with the ACCESS College Foundation, Seko provided support and guidance to families in Norfolk’s Historic Booker T. Washington High School and Virginia Beach’s Green Run High School. Seko also worked for Tidewater Community College as the One-Stop Operator contractor for the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, and reopened the Parent Resource Center for Norfolk Public Schools. Seko has a business background as a Real Estate agent, and Financial Services provider, a construction project manager, an assistant program director for a Norfolk State technology-mentoring grant, and has owned a consulting and special events entertainment firm named Positive Vibes Inc. since 1991. Seko jokingly says that he has put his condition of ADHD to good use.