Sta$h Symposium

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Save the dateAugust 14, 20239:00 AM - 3:00 PM (EDT) Add to Calendar

Venue Location

Hampton Roads Convention Center

Coliseum Drive 1610
Hampton, Virginia

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Organizer

Organizer: Black BRAND, City of Hampton Economic Development

Phone: +1 7572887400

Contact Person: Courtney Sessoms

Email: courtney.sessoms@blackbrand.biz

Event Details

Continental Breakfast and Lunch Provided

Hampton Roads Convention Center

In Partnership with Hampton Economic Development

Free Event

Agenda

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Welcome/Host Introduction
Welcome/Host Introduction
9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
Fireside Chat:
Fireside Chat:
Starr Armstrong
Executive Director of Clever Communities in Action
Vivian Oden
VP, Special Projects at Hampton Roads Community Foundation
Understanding the Racial Wealth Gap & How to Combat it
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Kick Off Speaker
Kick Off Speaker
Michelle Robinson
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Panel Discussion:
Panel Discussion:
Sheri D. Briggs
SVP, Academy Design Consultant II- Corporate Support Functions at Global Human Resources
Sade' Dotson
Financial Center Manager
Andrea Washington
Vice President, Consumer Bank Market Leader
Curtis Lassiter
Building Your Financial House - Budgeting, Retirement Planning, and Investing
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Ted Talk Style Conversation:
Ted Talk Style Conversation:
Anthony Epps
President at Apex Financial Group of VA, Inc.
Michael Gray
Marketing Director of Apex Financial Group of VA, Inc.
Estate Planning
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Credit Workshop:
Credit Workshop:
Michael Rogers
Building, Consolidation, Repair, and Leverage
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lunch and Learn:
Lunch and Learn:
Charles Holloway
Owner and Operator at Holloway Experience Real Estate
Tricks of the Trade Real Estate and Credit Keys to Build Wealth
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM
Panel Discussion:
Panel Discussion:
Joey Pocan
James Salgado
Linda Carter-Ashby
State Corporation Commission
Building Your Business Foundation
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Business Credit 101
Business Credit 101
Lafayette Judkins
Branch Leader/ Vice President at Truist
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Panel Discussion:
Panel Discussion:
De'Geon Briggs
Deena Moore
Coach/Consultant/Community Advocate at Hands over Hearts for Life - Founder/Executive Director of Do Gooders of Hampton Roads
Bri Smith
CPA & Wealth Strategist at B.D. Smith Financial Services
Randy Williams
President at Talley & Twine
Clarence Harris
Owner at ACG Financial
Entrepreneurship is/is not for Everybody

Speakers

Starr Armstrong

Executive Director of Clever Communities in Action

Starr Armstrong

Executive Director of Clever Communities in Action

Starr Armstrong is the founder and Executive Director of Clever Communities in Action (CCA), a Norfolk based 501c3 nonprofit organization that focuses on improving literacy in African American youth. Having earned a B.A. degree in political science from Jacksonville State University, Starr has spent the past 20 years devoting her time to filling the voids in the community she serves. Raised in Gadsden, Alabama, by grandparents who were Freedom Fighters, as well as in Norfolk, Virginia, by a single father, Starr adopted a spirit of community involvement at an early age.
Starr always knew she wanted to start her own organization which led to the creation of CCA in 2011. She recognized the importance of closing the literacy gap that exists among far too many African American youth as well as providing programs that address the unique challenges they face. Through its Read to Lead program, CCA has placed over 5,000 Black children’s books into the libraries of Title 1 elementary schools in Hampton Roads. Since its inception, the Read to Lead program has introduced over 10,000 students to a newer appreciation of reading.
CCA has also created programs such as Razor Sharp Readers, The Literacy Gang and L.A.A.W Scholars (Literacy as a Weapon). All of which provide a safe space while promoting a love for reading and cultivating leadership skills within African American youth. At the beginning of the COVID-19 Crisis, CCA became a pioneer in virtual program development, creating a virtual teen internship and an online literacy program for children, hosted by children.
Starr Armstrong has become one of this generation’s standout social innovation activists who is addressing the social and political ills that put our communities at financial and educational risks and she remains ready to impact more.

Jay Boone

President at KUSP

Jay Boone

President at KUSP

https://wearekusp.com/

Jay Boone is a food accessibility advocate committed to helping disadvantaged
communities go from surviving to thriving. Growing up a military kid she lived in many different socio economic households that had one thing in common: the humans inside the home all needed to eat to be whole daily. She founded Keeping Us Secure & Prosperous
to focus on the communities that need support most. Her work focuses on creating holistic programs and collaborations that help the community get emergency, in the moment help, linked to a network of support for a longer term. Jay is passionate about creating
increased avenues of accessibility to food and is interested in collaborating with others with that passion to work together to better serve the community.

De'Geon Briggs

Sheri D. Briggs

SVP, Academy Design Consultant II- Corporate Support Functions at Global Human Resources

Sheri D. Briggs

SVP, Academy Design Consultant II- Corporate Support Functions at Global Human Resources

Sheri is a Design Consultant II within the Academy for Corporate Support Functions, aligned to
our Strategic Business Venture segment of Bank of America. In her role, she leads the analysis,
scoping and assessment of Line of Business and Enterprise educational solutions. Sheri is
responsible for developing strong relationships with key partners and stakeholders across lines of
business. In addition, she guides the development of a skilled workforce by designing Academy
programs that are linked directly to the organizational goals and increase employee proficiency.
Sheri began her extensive career with Bank of America in 2005 in our Consumer Credit Card
Services Division and she has held various financial guidance and leadership roles during her
tenure. Prior to her current role in the Academy, she was the Consumer Bank Preferred Market
Leader for the Chesapeake-Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads Market. Sheri was responsible for
managing Financial Centers and driving responsible growth in a client centric and behavioral
growth model through strong leadership, end to end talent development, operational excellence,
and developing end-to end business strategies and processes. Sheri's team focused on the
financial well-being of clients by providing financial guidance and education.
Sheri is passionate about public service, eliminating food and financial disparities, and being an
advocate in the community through mentorship and volunteerism. Sheri is a certified Better
Money Habit Champion for Bank of America. Sheri is also an active member of several virtual
Employee Network Groups within Bank of America (Black Professional Group, L.E.A.D for

Women, PCN (Parents and Caregivers Network) and is ally for LGBTQ+ Pride Employee
Network.
Sheri received her BA from Hampton University and received her MBA with a concentration in
Human Resources Management from Strayer University. Sheri resides in Chesapeake, Virginia
with her husband and two adult sons.

Linda Carter-Ashby

State Corporation Commission

Linda Carter-Ashby

State Corporation Commission

Linda Carter-Ashby is a highly experienced State Corporation Commission representative passionate about supporting small businesses and fostering local economic development. With several years in this role, Linda Carter-Ashby has been a key collaborator with the City of Hampton's Local Economic Development team, actively organizing and facilitating numerous small business events.

Throughout Linda's career with the state corporation commission, her primary focus has been to educate entrepreneurs and start-up businesses on the importance of properly setting up their entities. By sharing in-depth knowledge of the regulatory landscape and legal requirements, Linda empowers aspiring business owners to make informed decisions that lay a solid foundation for their ventures. Her expertise in entity formation, licensing, and compliance has proven invaluable in guiding entrepreneurs through the intricacies of effectively establishing and structuring their businesses.

Linda is committed to fostering a thriving business community by equipping entrepreneurs with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the State Corporation Commission. Her collaboration with the City of Hampton's Local Economic Development team has further solidified their dedication to promoting economic growth, providing educational resources, and ensuring small businesses have the support they need to succeed.

With a proven track record of successful small business events and a deep understanding of the importance of proper entity setup, Linda continues to significantly impact the local business ecosystem. Her expertise, passion, and commitment to helping entrepreneurs thrive position them as an invaluable resource and advocate for small businesses in Hampton Roads.

Sade' Dotson

Financial Center Manager

Sade' Dotson

Financial Center Manager

Sade' Dotson is a Financial Center Manager in the Greater North Carolina/Southern Virginia region and Hampton Roads South Market. In her role, Sade' manages a team of ten associates that operates in network optimization and identifies client-centric solutions that responds to their client's unique financial challenges and priorities.

Preceding her career starting in 2016 with Bank of America, Sade holds ten years of experience working in the financial industry. After her transition to Bank of America, she has operated in various roles within the organization including being a Relationship Manager as well as a Financial Center Assistant Manager.

While being a valued member of the National Financial Center Management Forum and Regional Financial Manager Forum, Sade has received notable recognition for her contributions to include being one of the first recipients of the Valiant Award in 2020. Sade has significant impact and is very influential in the current climate of her market, while leading a mini market of three financial centers, in the Hampton Roads South market. Additionally, she provides supporting coverage for Market Leaders in their absence in the Southern Virginia area. Sade is very passionate about educating and developing all within her sphere of influence and serves as the New Hire Pod Manager in her market.

As an advocate of diversity and inclusion, Sade is an involved member of the Black Professional Group and one the first leaders to lead the "Power of 10" to expand the employee network in Hampton Roads. She was graced with the honor of being an attendee of the Aaron Levine Top Talent Luncheon, at which time, her question ignited an organic dialogue in the early development of what we now know today as, "Life Plan."

Currently Sade resides in Virginia Beach, Virginia with her husband Tim and their family.

Anthony Epps

President at Apex Financial Group of VA, Inc.

Michael Gray

Marketing Director of Apex Financial Group of VA, Inc.

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 w
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 Insti
tute 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 stude
nts. 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 daugh
ter 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 programs within the Hampton Roads

Charles Holloway

Owner and Operator at Holloway Experience Real Estate

Charles Holloway

Owner and Operator at Holloway Experience Real Estate

Charles Holloway is an energetic, self-motivated serial entrepreneur with 9 years of experience in the real estate industry. He is a licensed broker and real estate agent in Virginia and North Carolina and is a proud native of Newport News, VA.

Charles is the owner and operator of Holloway Experience Real Estate, Elite Title, 1st Choice Property Management VA, Experience University (EU), KW Investor, Clickz 360 Exp, and Beautifully Made Cosmetics. In addition, he owns and manages several investment properties and Airbnbs. Charles has a proven track record of success in sales and property management. While serving Hampton Roads, he has been named the Top Listings Group and the Top Sales Group. He is an award recipient of the 2018, 2019, and 2020 Platinum Outstanding Salesmanship Award, the 2020 Diamond Outstanding Award from Virginia Peninsula Association of REALTORS, the 2021 Quickest to Cap Award, the 2021 Top GCI Group, and the 2021 Millionaire Real Estate Award.

He discovered that his life’s purpose is to serve others by way of his time, talents, and treasures. Charles is a member of the Keller Williams Black Realtors Network and the Virginia Peninsula Association of Realtors.

His favorite pastimes are sports, active church involvement, mentoring youth, and community service. Operating in these capacities bring him the greatest sense of achievement and joy in life. Becoming a real estate agent is his gift to give back. Charles’ mission is simple — build strong, healthy communities, one key turn at a time!

Charles is married to Sharon Holloway and the two share six beautiful children - Chalonda, Chris, Charles Jr., Kennedi, Isaiah and Carson.

Lafayette Judkins

Branch Leader/ Vice President at Truist

Lafayette Judkins

Branch Leader/ Vice President at Truist

Lafayette Judkins is a seasoned banking professional and currently holds the position of Vice President, Branch Leader III at Truist. With an impressive career spanning over a decade in the financial industry, Lafayette has demonstrated remarkable expertise and leadership in various roles.

Lafayette's journey in banking began in August 2009, when he joined BB&T. Through hard work, dedication, and a passion for excellence, he quickly rose through the ranks, proving himself as a valuable asset to the organization. Over the years, he honed his skills in client relationship management, financial analysis, risk assessment, and strategic planning.

His commitment to exceptional customer service and building lasting relationships with clients has been a hallmark of his career. Lafayette's ability to understand the unique financial needs of customers and provide tailored solutions has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor in the banking community.

Lafayette is known for his innovative approach to problem-solving and his forward-thinking mindset, which have contributed significantly to the continued success and growth of the branches under his leadership. He actively seeks out opportunities to implement new technologies and digital solutions to enhance the banking experience for both clients and employees.

With his extensive banking experience, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Lafayette Judkins continues to make a positive impact in the financial industry and remains a driving force behind Truist's continued success.

Curtis Lassiter

As a Financial Advisor, I am dedicated to playing the role of your personal advisor. I strive to build long-term relationships based on mutual trust and respect. Through a long-term balanced approach, I help clients develop and implement strategies for building wealth and realizing their financial goals.

Before entering the financial services industry, I graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor's degree in Political Science. I was also a member of James Madison University's Men's track and field team. For about the last 12 years, I've been helping clients in the financial industry. Therefore, I've seen, heard and experienced many of the challenges and needs that individuals and businesses have and will encounter in the future.

I have dedicated my practice to helping individuals meet their financial needs by developing investment plans around their long-term goals and risk tolerance. I have an array of experience, throughout major shifts in the markets, which enables me to help my clients structure balanced portfolios to address their specific financial goals.

Away from the office, I spend my free time with my three children Charisma, Curtis and Caleb, along with my wife Denise, who is a second grade teacher.

I follow the deep-seated Merrill tradition of participating in the communities we serve. This drives my interest in spending time volunteering with organizations in our community.

Deena Moore

Coach/Consultant/Community Advocate at Hands over Hearts for Life - Founder/Executive Director of Do Gooders of Hampton Roads

Deena Moore

Coach/Consultant/Community Advocate at Hands over Hearts for Life - Founder/Executive Director of Do Gooders of Hampton Roads

Born in Norfolk,Virginia and raised in Hampton- Deena Moore us a former healthcare professional gone entrepreneur. A proud Hampton Crabber and mom of 5 amazing children, she also raised 3 children in love, has 5 grandchildren and has loved hundreds of children in her 21 years of coaching cheerleading. Deena has an AAS in Medical Assisting and BS in Information Technology. After 30 years in healthcare including cardiovascular technology and health information systems, Deena retired from corporate in 2017 to go into full time entrepreneurship. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Do Gooders of Hampton Roads ,as well as the owner of two businesses, and while taking care of her spunky mother who is 75 years old. She is the owner of Hands over Hearts for Life, and Freedom Enterprises. As a powerful coach, consultant, and community advocate,Deena spends her days working to make life better for everyone. Her strengths include training/facilitating and serving others. She recognizes God is her source and leans into the scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11, 2 Timothy 1:7, 1 Corinthians 13:13 - a sound mind, a hopeful heart, and leading by love.

Vivian Oden

VP, Special Projects at Hampton Roads Community Foundation

Vivian Oden

VP, Special Projects at Hampton Roads Community Foundation

Vivian Oden is the vice president for equity and inclusion at the Hampton Roads
Community Foundation where she leads the foundation in its racial equity work. Oden
was the co-creator of Unmasking Hampton Roads, a three-part learning series designed
to examine the historic and contemporary impact of racism in Hampton Roads in 2019.
She facilitates conversations on race, unconscious bias, stereotypes and racial equity.
She spearheaded Hampton Roads’ first celebration of Black Philanthropy Month in 2018
that continues as a regional event. In 2019, she founded Visionaries for Change, a
giving circle, with other Black business and civic leaders to develop solutions for Black
communities experiencing economic distress.
She earned an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, a master's degree in
Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Old Dominion
University, a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Academy for Nonprofit
Excellence and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University. She is a
graduate of Lead Hampton Roads, the Council on Foundation's Career Pathways
program and Initiatives of Change’s Community Trustbuilding Fellowship aimed to help
communities work creatively to build shared visions for racial equity, healing,
reconciliation and justice.
Currently, she serves as secretary on the State Board of Directors for Virginia Center for
Inclusive Communities and the president for the Hampton Roads Diversity & Inclusion
Consortium. She has been tutoring with the Life Enrichment Center for over seven
years, was named Inside Business Top 40 Under 40 in 2018, Black BRAND’s
Community Ambassador in 2021 and the 2022 Outstanding Innovation in Fundraising
recipient by the Association of Fundraising Professionals – Hampton Roads Chapter.

Joey Pocan

Joey has taken on the roll as Economic Development Specialist, Veterans Rep, Lender Relation
Specialist with the Small Business Administration (SBA) Richmond Distract Office in which he
conducts entrepreneur classes and mentoring. Assuring documentation is accurate, and
assisting with business plan, funding plan and market analysis, as well as providing area
resources based on needs assessment. Provides clients mentorship though processes they need
to be successful. Before Joey came to the SBA he coordinated and instructed Boots to Business
classes for the Hampton Roads naval bases (Norfolk Naval Base, Oceana Naval Air Station, Joint
Expeditionary Command Little Creek/Ft. Story) and Newport News Shipyard. He also
Conducted/Instructs Boots to Business Plus up workshops in Delaware and West Virginia. Other
duties where conduct outreach with Hampton Roads area City Economic Development
Authorities to “foster and perpetuate” clients to success. While with the City of Norfolk he
specialized in Veteran Workforce Development activities while working with Economic
Development Office. Which he assisted with the development and implementation of a military
transition support programs to be promoted and delivered though out the Tidewater area. Set
up partnerships with a vast network of businesses though out Tidewater for veteran services,
hiring, and retention. In addition. He is skilled in development and delivery of business training
topics, such as: tax credits, veteran benefits and job search skills, as well as updating existing
programs to parallel current work methods; all of which have a positive impact on growth of a
small business. Joey demonstrated ability to communicate and deliver objectives across all
spectrums of management and knowledgeable in solving complex training, administrative and
personnel concerns while increasing productivity goals. Any active member of the American
Legion at the local State and National level. Participated in Team Norfolk, which won the All-
American City for (2013). Suntrust Banks Veteran of the year award (2013). Carl Brashear
Foundation Award winner (2012). Joey Pocan completed the US Army’s Sapper Leadership
Course (1995) and Ranger School (1997) has also received several military awards during his 17
years of service in the U.S. Army. Joey Pocan was medical retired in 2010 due to injuries
incurred in Iraq while conducting operation during an engagement.
Deployments include: Haiti, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan (multiple tours), and Iraq (multiple
tours).

Michelle Robinson

“We don't know what the future will bring. A good plan,

however, will bring us confidence.””

Michelle brings a unique perspective to financial planning that few advisors offer. With a strong
legal background, experience as a successful entrepreneur, and a keen understanding of the
business cycle through owning and managing multiple businesses, Michelle helps clients plan
for realistic challenges to their planning goals. Michelle has a Master's of Law Degree in Wealth
Management. Prior to her Master's Degree Michelle earned Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Administration. Michelle is one of the few financial advisors in Hampton Roads who is a
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional.
Michelle's drive is infectious. Michelle's colleagues and associates comment on how motivated
they feel to tackle financial and other goals after meeting with her. Michelle enjoys coaching
people through the details of their financial planning. Whether it's the tedious data gathering
process to prepare for goal assessment, balancing a portfolio, hanging on a three-way call to
give clients the courage to weather the next stock market correction, or just make a money
transfer, Michelle is with clients every step of the way.
Michelle deeply understands the ups and downs families can experience with money when they
don’t have a firm plan, and has learned the value of becoming a strong steward for the
resources God has entrusted her with.

“Faithful service for faithful stewardship of your wealth.”

Originally from Jamaica, Michelle moved to the U.S. in 1998 and settled in New York. Using her
international perspective and uncanny work ethic, she started and ran several businesses,
including sales, retail, bookkeeping, and even real estate. Michelle used her positions to

motivate and launch other people on her teams to success. In 2007 Michelle moved to Virginia.
Seeing wealth and poverty in multiple communities gave Michelle the perspective that financial
empowerment has a strong link to financial education. Soon after undergraduate school,
Michelle knew that she wanted to work in the field of Finance.
Michelle's path to Financial Planning in Virginia took her through several accounting
engagements and paralegal work for small businesses and the City of Hampton. It was at these
more process-driven roles that Michelle learned she wanted to interact with clients directly on
a personal level. However, it was not until she served on the Board of Directors for the Financial
Planners Association in 2017 that she connected with her passion. True to her theme of
stewardship, it was in the role of serving Financial Planners, that Michelle learned she wanted
to become one.
When Michelle isn't working with clients, you can find her spending quality time with her family
and tending to her garden. Michelle wants future clients to know:

“When you come to us you will leave with more understanding
about your life, your portfolio, estate planning, and risk.
And I will be with you every step of the way.”

Michael Rogers

Michael Rogers is the owner of Forus Company, a company
that thrives on spreading awareness about financial literacy.
Showing people how to leverage credit to start businesses
using OPM (Other People’s Money) has deemed the company
slogan “This company was made For Us”. As of March 2022
over $1.5 million dollars in inaccurate information has been
removed from credit reports serving as a testament of the work
provided by Forus Company.

Not only is Michael an entrepreneur more importantly he is
a man of faith and family. He is the Youth Pastor at Kingdom
Cathedral in Virginia Beach, as well as a father of three and a
husband to one. He has been serving the community now for
11 years, from feeding the hungry in Portsmouth, VA every
Monday to helping families in Jamaica, Africa, and Dominican
Republic.

James Salgado

James Salgado is a highly accomplished Senior Account Manager with Commonwealth Payroll, Inc., boasting an impressive career in the payroll services industry dating back to March 2012. With an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and a strong track record of success, James has established himself as a prominent figure in the payroll management sector.

Upon entering the payroll services arena in 2012, James quickly demonstrated his natural aptitude for finance, accounting, and customer relationship management. He started his journey at ADP. in an Associate District Manager position, but his dedication, analytical acumen, and exceptional communication skills allowed him to swiftly rise through the ranks.

Throughout his career, James has built a reputation for providing top-tier service to his clients. His ability to understand the unique payroll needs of businesses, coupled with his in-depth knowledge of payroll regulations and compliance, has earned him the trust and loyalty of his clients.

As a Senior Account Manager at Commonwealth Payroll, Inc., James leads a team of payroll specialists and ensures that the organization delivers seamless and accurate payroll solutions to businesses of all sizes. His leadership style, characterized by empathy and a focus on employee growth, has cultivated a cohesive and motivated team.

Apart from his remarkable contributions to the world of finance, James Salgado is also an entrepreneur and the proud owner of Backyard Sports Club. As an avid sports enthusiast, James combined his passion for sports and business acumen to create an engaging and community-oriented sports club. Under his guidance, Backyard Sports Club has thrived as a hub for recreational sports, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition among participants.

With an extensive background, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a heart for community engagement, James Salgado continues to make a positive impact on the business landscape and the lives of those around him. His dedication to excellence and his commitment to creating meaningful connections have positioned him as a true leader in both the financial services and sports communities.

Bri Smith

CPA & Wealth Strategist at B.D. Smith Financial Services

Andrea Washington

Vice President, Consumer Bank Market Leader

Andrea Washington

Vice President, Consumer Bank Market Leader

Andrea Washington joined Bank of America as an Consumer Risk Collections Analyst in February 2005. She has over 20 years of experience in banking. Prior to her current role she held several positions throughout various lines of businesses – Marketing, Customer Service and Global Regulatory & Risk. As a Financial Center Manager she achieved numerous recognition around exceeding strategic responsible growth initiatives. Andrea was promoted to Consumer Bank Market Leader in November 2020, currently leading over 100 direct/indirect reports within 16 financial centers. Andrea and her team are adamant about being strategic in managing economic growth across the Hampton Roads communities.

Andrea was awarded the 2021 Valiant and 2022 Diamond Pinnacle awards for outstanding performance in executing local strategies and tactics surrounding client experience, client relationships, deepening financial knowledge and operational excellence at the market and financial center levels. She also builds partnerships across the organization, integrating and driving tactical management.

Andrea maintains an active involvement in several community service organizations. She is a fierce advocate for Diversity and Inclusion in which she co-chairs the Divisional Courageous action counsel leading on such subjects as social injustices. She has led and co-facilitated several courageous conversations, both internally and externally for the advancement of racial equality. Andrea serves as a co-chair of the region EEIC council. Andrea is also is heavily invested in advocating for victims of Domestic Violence.

During her free time, Andrea is a mother of three children and five grandchildren. She has a passion for dancing and fellowship with friends and family.

Randy Williams

President at Talley & Twine

Randy Williams

President at Talley & Twine

Camilla, Ga. native Randy D. Williams was born an entrepreneur. He spent his
childhood pursuing various startups, including attempts to sell pages from his favorite
magazines. In 2014,
he
started his most successful business to date: Talley & Twine
Watch Company.
With a love for watches
and
his
simple sketches, the Albany State
University alum launched a renowned line of watches and accessories for men and
women.
Randy and Talley & Twine h
ave been featured by
The New York Times
, CBS
News, the Associated Press,
AT&T Business,
Black Enterprise
,
Essence
,
Men’s Health
,
Cosmopolitan
,
Ebony
, and other national and international media outlets.
When Randy designed the Talley & Twine
w
atches, he
did away with most of the
numbers, leaving each watch face with a lone 7. The number 7 represents completion
and serves as a reminder to start what you finish. For Randy, Talley & Twine is the
culmination of decades of hard work, determination, and trial a
nd error. After earning a
bachelor’s degree from Albany State University
—
where he was active in
several
organizations including Delta Mu Delta National Business Honor Society and Kappa
Alpha Psi Fraternity
, Inc.
—
Randy
worked in
sales and embarked upon several business
ventures in real
e
state and eCommerce.
In 2010, he self
-
published his first book,
Be a
King
, to inspire young men to lives of leadership and purpose. His second book,
7
Questions Every Young Leader Must Answer
, was
published in 2013. He paired his
books with his personal experiences to speak to college students and organizations
about leadership and personal development.
Not only is Randy a business leader, but
he is also a commercial real estate investor
and
has a
lso devoted his life to philanthropy and community service. He was named
Hampton
Roads Black Chamber Entrepreneur of the Year
and has earned numerous
awards, including the CoVA Biz Community Impact Award. He is also a founding
member of Visionaries for Cha
nge,
a
giving circle
and endowed fund
of the Hampton
Roads Community Foundation that provides support for charitable causes in the Black
community.
Most recently, Talley & Twine established a $10,000 business scholarship
at Albany State University.
Randy l
ives in Portsmouth, Va. with his wife, DeAnne, and
their daughter, Nyla.

Sponsors and Partners

Community

Welcome/Host Introduction

Welcome/Host Introduction

Fireside Chat:

Fireside Chat:

Kick Off Speaker

Kick Off Speaker

Panel Discussion:

Panel Discussion:

Ted Talk Style Conversation:

Ted Talk Style Conversation:

Credit Workshop:

Credit Workshop:

Lunch and Learn:

Lunch and Learn:

Panel Discussion:

Panel Discussion:

Business Credit 101

Business Credit 101

Panel Discussion:

Panel Discussion:

Starr Armstrong

Executive Director of Clever Communities in Action

Jay Boone

President at KUSP

De'Geon Briggs

Sheri D. Briggs

SVP, Academy Design Consultant II- Corporate Support Functions at Global Human Resources

Linda Carter-Ashby

State Corporation Commission

Sade' Dotson

Financial Center Manager

Anthony Epps

President at Apex Financial Group of VA, Inc.

Michael Gray

Marketing Director of Apex Financial Group of VA, Inc.

Clarence Harris

Owner at ACG Financial

Charles Holloway

Owner and Operator at Holloway Experience Real Estate

Lafayette Judkins

Branch Leader/ Vice President at Truist

Curtis Lassiter

Deena Moore

Coach/Consultant/Community Advocate at Hands over Hearts for Life - Founder/Executive Director of Do Gooders of Hampton Roads

Vivian Oden

VP, Special Projects at Hampton Roads Community Foundation

Joey Pocan

Michelle Robinson

Michael Rogers

James Salgado

Bri Smith

CPA & Wealth Strategist at B.D. Smith Financial Services

Andrea Washington

Vice President, Consumer Bank Market Leader

Randy Williams

President at Talley & Twine

Organizer

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