Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries

Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. is a nationally recognized faith leader, author of Say Yes to No Debt, and advocate for financial literacy and economic empowerment, dedicated to strengthening communities through leadership, education, and responsible stewardship.

Morgan Stover

Virginia Realtor Morgan Stover specializes in guiding first-time homebuyers through the homeownership journey with clarity, education, and strong client advocacy.

Floyd Miller

Floyd Miller is President and CEO of the Metropolitan Business League, where he leads initiatives that support the growth and sustainability of small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses across the Richmond region. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded dramatically and distributed critical funding to help local businesses thrive.

Michelle Henderson

Michelle Roots Henderson is an entrepreneur and child care professional with more than 30 years of experience who is passionate about empowering others through mentorship, connection, and entrepreneurship. Her work focuses on helping individuals build confidence and pursue opportunities for personal and financial growth.

Dr. Patrice Perry-Rivers

Dr. Patrice Perry-Rivers is a professor at the VCU School of Business and Director of the Small Business Opportunity Center, dedicated to expanding economic opportunity through research, education, and community-driven entrepreneurship programs. Her work focuses on helping emerging entrepreneurs launch and grow sustainable businesses.

Judith Bowles

Judith Bowles is a financial educator and Primerica field representative who helps families understand the fundamentals of money, financial protection, and long-term planning through practical, easy-to-understand financial education.

Dwayne Morris

Dwayne Morris is an internationally recognized, Richmond–based photographer specializing in professional headshots, branding, weddings, and event photography. A former educator, he transitioned into photography after recognizing the need for affordable, high-quality photography that truly reflects people’s personality and story. His work is centered on preserving important life moments and creating lasting visual memories.

Teri Jones

Teri Jones is a real estate professional with Samson Properties who helps first-time buyers navigate the path to homeownership through education, advocacy, and access to financial assistance programs.

Sheila Dye

Sheila Dye is a healthcare professional turned educator and sales leader with a background in radiologic science, pharmaceuticals, and marketing. After retiring in 2015, she continued her passion for teaching in the wine and spirits industry and holds a Level 2 certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust.

Melanie Lee

Melanie M. Lee, Esq. is a Richmond-based estate planning attorney and owner of Lee Law Office who helps individuals and families build, protect, and transfer wealth through thoughtful estate and business planning. She is also a frequent speaker and co-author of Essentials to Planning Your Legacy.

Gary Flowers

Gary Flowers is a Richmond native and nationally recognized civil rights and public policy leader with more than four decades of experience in civil and human rights advocacy, public policy, and leadership development. He has held leadership roles at the state and national levels, including Executive Director of the Old Dominion Bar Association of Virginia and Special Assistant to Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder. He is the founder of Walking the Ward with Gary, a tour that highlights the history, legacy, and leadership of Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward community.

Sharon Boswell

Minister, entrepreneur, and licensed Realtor Sharon Boswell brings together faith-based leadership and practical financial insight to help individuals and families build stability, purpose, and lasting prosperity.

Rebecca Gilmer

Rebecca Brayboy Gilmer is a Manager of Generation Station Projects at Dominion Energy, where she leads project managers in executing capital and demolition projects from inception to completion. She is also an active leader in organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers, the American Association of Blacks in Energy, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Capt. Rosario McWhorter

Captain ​​Rosario D. McWhorter is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, investor, and day trader who has been actively investing in the stock market since 1996. After beginning with traditional brokerage services, he transitioned to managing his own investments. Studied in market behavior, trading strategies, and investment trends, he has built extensive experience in both short-term trading and long-term portfolio growth.

Doreen Land-Sams

Doreen Land-Sams is a paralegal with over a decade of experience in the legal field. She holds degrees in Criminal Justice and Theology, as well as a Master of Divinity. As the founder of Two Women And A Lemon, she travels across North Carolina, Virginia, and beyond, serving communities through her lemonade business, which she views as a ministry rooted in joy, connection, and service.