Nikki Curry Media Strategist at Black BRAND Experienced Chief Branding Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing, Media and advertising industry. Skilled in Promotions, Talent Booking, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Advertising, Entrepreneurship, Management, and Lead Generation. Strong media and communication professional with a Bachelors focused in Business from Florida A&M University.
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
Elizabeth McCoury Redevelopment Project Manager at City of Newport News Department of Development I am a Redevelopment Program Manager at City of Newport News, where I have been leading and coordinating complex urban redevelopment projects for over five years. My mission is to enhance the economic vitality and livability of the city by working with multiple stakeholders, including city departments, developers, contractors, consultants, community groups, and regulatory agencies.
Ihsane Mouak Economic Development Project Manager at Virginia Beach Economic Development
Ihsane Mouak Economic Development Project Manager at Virginia Beach Economic Development Ihsane Mouak brings over 20 years of extensive experience in engineering, project management, and economic and community development. She has demonstrated expertise in establishing and managing a wide range of functions, including small business programs, and overseeing multi-million-dollar projects. Ihsane is recognized for her intellectual and innovative approach to executing engineering projects in the most cost-effective, time-efficient, and safe manner, consistently producing high-quality results. Her impressive management, research, and analytical skills have uncovered untapped profits and elusive resources.
Brian Owens Program Director of Black BRAND
Brian Owens Program Director of Black BRAND Tech founder and 757 enthusiast, Brian Owens is B-Force Accelerator's Program Manager, operating a 12-week business intensive that facilitates workshops as well as technical assistance. Brian manages a group of more than 50 consultants as well as up 30 participants per cohort. His passion and commitment has led to 7 figure access to capital and government contracts since 2022. Brian enjoys life's thrills, good food, time with family and friends, local music, and chess.
Leonard Sledge Director of Economic Development at City of Hampton Following a nationwide search, Leonard Sledge has been named Hampton’s director of economic development. This is a homecoming for Sledge, who served in the role from 2013 to 2018. He will begin in June.
Steven Wright Director of Economic Development at City of Chesapeake With more than 25 years of experience in Economic & Community Development, Steven Wright currently serves as Director of Economic Development for the City of Chesapeake. Steven has a B.S. degree in Urban Studies and Planning from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma’s Economic Development Institute. This is his second stint in Chesapeake, having served as a Business Development Manager from 1994 to 1999. Before returning to Chesapeake, Steven was the Economic Development Director for Isle of Wight County. Additionally, he has worked in the communities of Richmond, Portsmouth, Suffolk and Chesterfield County, VA
AGRV