Summit Speakers
Rev. Dr. DeForest Soaries
Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. is the President and CEO of Corporate Community Connections, Inc., an organization that helps corporations expand and strengthen their corporate social responsibility initiatives. A nationally respected faith leader, author, and community advocate, his ministry and leadership have long focused on spiritual growth, economic empowerment, educational advancement, and faith-based community development.
Dr. Soaries has served in numerous leadership roles across faith, public service, and nonprofit sectors, helping communities develop strategies that promote financial literacy, leadership development, and sustainable economic growth. He is also the author of Say Yes to No Debt, a widely recognized book encouraging individuals and families to pursue financial freedom and responsible stewardship.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Dr. Soaries resides in Sarasota, Florida with his wife, Donna.
Morgan Stover
Morgan Stover has been serving homebuyers and sellers across Virginia since 2018, with a particular passion for guiding first-time buyers through the homeownership process with confidence and clarity. Understanding that purchasing a home can feel overwhelming, Morgan takes a patient and educational approach, walking clients step-by-step through pre-approval, home tours, negotiations, and closing.
Through clear communication and strong advocacy, Morgan ensures that every client understands their options and feels empowered to make informed decisions. As a Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist (CPRES), Morgan also brings specialized knowledge to complex real estate transactions involving inherited property and estate matters.
Morgan is dedicated to providing knowledgeable, supportive service that helps clients navigate one of the most important financial decisions of their lives.
Saajida Chohan
Saajida A. Chohan is an educator, cultural architect, and community engagement strategist, With over 15 years of experience across nonprofit organizations and academic institutions, whose work centers on building inclusive, relationship-driven programming that connects people with empowering experiences and opportunities.
She most recently served as Director of Education & Visitor Experience at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, where she curated mission-aligned educational strategy, public programming, exhibitions, and visitor engagement initiatives designed to strengthen community connectivity. Her professional background also includes roles with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, The Valentine Museum, Virginia State University, Morgan State University, Brightpoint Community College, and Richmond Public Schools.
In addition to her institutional work, Saajida is the founder of a wellness-based business that transforms her entrepreneurial passion into community care and cultural expression. Through ethically sourced herbal and lapidary products inspired by African traditions, her work reflects her commitment to sustainability, self-determination, and holistic well-being.
Dr. Patrice Perry-Rivers
Dr. Patrice Perry-Rivers is a professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Business and Director of the Small Business Opportunity Center, where she leads initiatives that support entrepreneurship, economic development, and small business growth. Her work focuses on expanding access to opportunity through research, education, and innovative programs designed to help emerging entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures.
Throughout her career, Dr. Perry-Rivers has developed entrepreneurship programs, conducted research on minority entrepreneurship and business strategy, and supported hundreds of entrepreneurs through education and mentorship. She previously launched the Minority Small Business Launch Center through a GO Virginia grant, helping more than a thousand aspiring entrepreneurs access resources and training while supporting the launch of hundreds of minority-owned businesses.
Dr. Perry-Rivers holds a Ph.D. in Management from Rutgers Business School, an MBA from Regent University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Virginia.
Judith Bowles
Judith Bowles is a financial educator, entrepreneur, and creator of the You Are Here career guidance and life skills platform. As a field representative with Primerica Financial Services, she works with families to increase financial literacy and help individuals better understand the practical principles behind building financial security and generational wealth.
She holds life and annuities licenses in Virginia, Maryland, and Georgia, securities licenses in Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, and Alabama, and is a licensed Mortgage Loan Officer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Through her work, Bowles is dedicated to helping individuals and families understand the core concepts of how money works and how to apply them to everyday financial decisions.
A proud mother and grandmother, she brings both professional expertise and personal passion to empowering families to take greater ownership of their financial futures.
Teri Jones
Teri Jones is a seasoned real estate professional with more than three decades of experience helping first-time buyers achieve confident and successful homeownership. As an Accredited Buyer Representative and Power Agent with Samson Properties, she specializes in helping clients access down-payment assistance programs and grants that make homeownership more attainable.
Her professional designations also include Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource certification and Certified Probate Real Estate Specialist, allowing her to guide clients through complex real estate transitions with expertise and care.
Known for her client-first approach, Teri is passionate about simplifying the home buying process and equipping families with the knowledge and support they need to build long-term financial stability through homeownership.
Melanie Lee, Esq.
Melanie M. Lee, Esq. is the owner of Lee Law Office, a Richmond-based firm focused on Trusts & Estates, Estate Administration, and Business Law. A graduate of Washington and Lee School of Law, she is an experienced estate planning attorney dedicated to helping individuals and families create, protect, and successfully transfer wealth across generations.
Ms. Lee is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. She also maintains active membership in the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Bar Association (Trusts & Estates and Real Property Sections), the Old Dominion Bar Association, the Metropolitan Richmond Women’s Bar Association, and the American Bar Association.
In addition to her legal practice, Ms. Lee frequently writes and speaks on the importance of estate planning, legacy building, and preparing families for both pre-death planning and estate administration. In 2018, she co-authored the book Essentials to Planning Your Legacy.
Sharon Boswell
Sharon Boswell is a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, licensed Realtor, and seasoned entrepreneur with more than 13 years of experience as the owner of Peace Pieces LLC. She holds an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, combining faith-centered leadership with practical financial and business expertise.
Sharon currently serves New Canaan Harvest Church as a Trustee and is a member of the Heritage Credit Union Supervisory Board, where she contributes to financial oversight, accountability, and responsible stewardship. She is deeply passionate about helping individuals and families build stability, purpose, and financial confidence.
In addition to her professional and ministry work, Sharon is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who is committed to strengthening families and communities through faith, wisdom, and service.
Rebecca Gilmer
Rebecca Brayboy Gilmer is a Manager of Generation Station Projects at Dominion Energy, where she leads project managers in delivering capital and demolition projects from planning through completion. With more than two decades of experience in the energy industry, she brings a strong background in engineering, operations, and strategic project leadership, with expertise in continuous improvement, performance analysis, and large-scale infrastructure planning. Her career has spanned roles in plant engineering, Six Sigma leadership, and technical support management, where she has led teams, developed long-term capital plans, and ensured operational excellence across multiple power stations.
In addition to her professional work, Rebecca is an active leader in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and creating pathways for others to grow and succeed within technical and professional spaces.
Capt. Rosario McWhorter
Captain Rosario D. McWhorter is a retired U.S. Navy Captain, investor, and experienced day trader who has been active in the stock market since 1996. After beginning his investing journey through a traditional brokerage, he transitioned to managing his own portfolio and developed a disciplined approach to both day trading and long-term investing. He has generated significant returns through years of studying market trends, company performance, and trading strategies.
Captain McWhorter served more than 30 years in the United States Navy in both enlisted and officer roles, holding numerous leadership and technical positions throughout his distinguished career. His military background helped shape his disciplined, research-driven approach to investing, emphasizing preparation, risk management, and informed decision-making.
Today, he is passionate about helping others better understand the stock market, investing, and wealth building so they can make more informed financial decisions and take greater control of their financial futures.
Doreen Land-Sams
Doreen Land-Sams is a seasoned legal professional with over a decade of experience as a paralegal, paired with a strong foundation in faith, education, and entrepreneurship. She holds a degree in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, and a Master of Divinity, reflecting her commitment to both professional excellence and spiritual growth.
Alongside her legal career, Doreen has built and operated multiple small businesses over the years, including ventures in beauty and apparel. Today, she is the owner of Two Women And A Lemon, a growing beverage business that has allowed her to travel and serve communities across North Carolina, the South Hampton Roads region of Virginia, and events throughout Maryland.
More than a business, Doreen views her work as a ministry — creating spaces of joy, connection, and service wherever she goes. She finds purpose in bringing people together, working alongside family and community, and serving others in meaningful ways. As she continues to grow her business, she is expanding into cold coffee offerings, further building her presence at events throughout the region.
Dwayne Morris
Dwayne Morris is a Richmond, Virginia–based photographer specializing in professional headshots, branding, weddings, family, maternity, and event photography. A former teacher, he transitioned into photography after recognizing the need for people to have access to professional, affordable, and reliable photography that truly reflects who they are. From his first photo session, he saw the excitement and confidence his clients gained from seeing themselves captured in a meaningful way, which inspired him to continue building his photography business.
Known for his personable approach and ability to help clients feel comfortable in front of the camera, Dwayne focuses on creating an enjoyable experience while capturing natural, vibrant images that reflect each client’s personality and story. His work is centered on preserving important life moments and creating lasting visual memories for individuals, families, and businesses throughout the Richmond area. He is passionate about using photography to tell stories, build confidence, and document moments that people can cherish for years to come.
Gary Flowers
Gary Flowers is a Richmond, Virginia native and graduate of Richmond Public Schools and the University of Virginia. For more than forty years, he has worked on the front lines of civil and human rights policy, leadership development, and public policy both in the United States and internationally. After training at the law firm of Hill, Tucker & Marsh and serving as a CLEO Fellow at Georgetown University Law Center, he began a career that would span government, nonprofit leadership, public policy, and national advocacy organizations.
Throughout his career, he has served as Executive Director of the Old Dominion Bar Association of Virginia, Special Assistant to Virginia Governor L. Douglas Wilder, Policy Analyst at the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in Washington, D.C., and Vice President and National Field Director of Reverend Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition. He has also been a Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, CEO of the Black Leadership Forum in Washington, D.C., and a Fellow at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond.
He is also the founder of Walking the Ward with Gary, an initiative focused on educating the community about the history, legacy, and leadership of Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward, once known as the “Black Wall Street of America.” Through tours, education, and community engagement, the program highlights the entrepreneurs, institutions, and leaders who built one of the most influential Black business and cultural districts in the country.
Sheila Dye
Sheila Dye attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a degree in Radiologic Science. Although her first love was British literature, she pursued a career in healthcare, building a strong foundation through hands-on work with patients in the hospital setting. She later transitioned into sales and marketing within the radiology equipment and pharmaceutical industries, where she combined her clinical knowledge with a passion for education, training both peers and physicians throughout her career.
After retiring in 2015, Sheila recognized that her desire to teach and connect with others remained strong. She redirected her skills into the wine and spirits industry, where she continues to educate and engage others through sales and marketing. She currently holds a Level 2 certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, reflecting her ongoing commitment to learning and sharing knowledge across industries.
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