Blair Durham President & Co-Founder of Black BRAND Blair Durham is a Hampton Roads native, a Virginia Tech alum, and the Co-Founder and President of Black BRAND, Hampton Roads’ Regional Black Chamber of Commerce. Under her leadership, the organization has grown to more than 400 individual and corporate members and five impactful programs aimed at narrowing the wealth gap through the provision of social, knowledge, resource, and financial capital. Blair serves on a number of boards throughout the region, lending her thought leadership and expertise in the nonprofit and business development spaces and is the recipient of several honors and distinctions for her efforts. She and her husband, Bashiri, are the proud parents of three children and they make their home in Portsmouth, VA
Mark Johnson Vice President, Community Development Manager at Truist
Mark Johnson Vice President, Community Development Manager at Truist Mark is the Vice President & Community Development Manager at SunTrust, now Truist. In this role, Mr. Johnson is responsible for overseeing the Community Development activities in the state of Virginia.
Jason Inge Director of Community Investments at United Way of South Hampton Roads
Jason Inge Director of Community Investments at United Way of South Hampton Roads Jason Inge serves as the Director of Community Investments for United Way of South
Alfonso Evans CEO of The Real Jewelry Company Alfonso Evans is a driven and innovative business leader who brings a unique combination of military discipline and entrepreneurial spirit to his role as CEO and Creative Director of The Real Jewelry Company in Norfolk, VA. With a background that includes a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Roberts Wesleyan College and a Master's in Cybersecurity from Excelsior College, as well as 12 years of service in the United States Navy, Alfonso is well equipped to navigate the challenges of the business world.
Alexis Highter CEO of Nolani’s Sewing Studio
Alexis Highter CEO of Nolani’s Sewing Studio Nolani’s Sewing Studio focuses on creating memories through the construction of custom made garments! The owner Alexis Highter has 17 years sewing experience and is passionate about her craft! Alexis has created gowns for Kimmy Kreations, Damon Dash wife Raquel Horn, our very own Blair Durham, and many more. She continues to educate herself on industry trends and improved techniques for the business.
Anthony Brown Owner at Kookie’s Cakes & Shakes Anthony Brown is the co-owner of Kookie’s, formerly Cookie’s, Cakes & More. Kookie's is a small business serving the Hampton Roads area of Virginia that creates custom cakes, cupcakes, jar desserts and other sweet treats for any occasion and any budget. Anthony owns the business with his wife Cookie, after whom the business is named. Kookie's was officially established in December 2015. It all originated from a Christmas gift Anthony gave to his wife. After months of sitting with her as she watched cake decorating shows and listening to her make comments about wanting to try it , Anthony decided to buy a cake decorating class from the local craft store. That experiential learning experience grew into a hobby & a passion and grew into a thriving business before their eyes! Kookie’s also creates products and diaper cakes, cupcake bouquets and custom gift baskets.
Philip Harrell Owner at Sundae Scoop Philip Harrell is an Army Veteran originally from Compton, California. He holds an MBA from Saint Leo University and has over 20 years of customer service experience. Philip spent the COVID year attending ice cream classes at Scoop School and Pre-Gel of America. He along with his wife Sibs are the owners of Sundae Scoop, a black and veteran owned ice cream shop located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With 18 daily flavors to include vegan and gluten-free options, all of their ice cream is made in house.
Ronjeanna Harris President at Jeanna's iFeed /Just Jeanna's Skin Care Ronjeanna Harris is a God-fearing ordained Evangelist, intercessor, wife, mother of six, grandmother, Amazon #1 best seller Author, LPN, and award-winning Certified Wellness Coach with over 20 years of experience and skill in the healthcare industry. However, providing natural wellness solutions is the mission Ronjeanna stands by. Ronjeanna is the proud owner of Just Jeanna’s Skin Care LLC. The natural product creator
Antione Hines Senior Black Equity Activist & Black Eco-System Builder at Black Systemic Equity Inc.
Antione Hines Senior Black Equity Activist & Black Eco-System Builder at Black Systemic Equity Inc. Antione’s new mission is to streamline and develop cooperation between faith-based networks, veteran organizations and Black businesses and nonprofits. His vision is to provide a foundation of faith and community service relationships to foster community transformation. He volunteers 60-80 hours a week , 7 days a week with numerous organizations and as well as his own nonprofit, Veterans’s Homefront and his consulting agency, Triple S Consulting LLC and his S-corp Black Systemic Equity System Project, Inc. Antione is recognized as a strategic advisor on the issues of homelessness, community engagement, and black community wealth building. He is also an Advisory Board Member of the Virginia Housing and Community Development Corporation, a member of the Urban League, President of United Ways of South Hampton Roads Project Inclusion Alumni Association and recently named the Virginia State Director for Minorities for MMedical Marijuana Inc.
