Coastal Virginia’s Young Professionals are Ready to Trailblaze a New Path for the Region
Compiled by Arielle Patterson | Photography by David Uhrin | Millennials photographed at the Truitt House in Suffolk
As we look to the future of our region, we turn to Coastal Virginia’s young professionals who are leading the way in several industries. At the forefront are our 21 hardworking and creative honorees for CoVa BIZ’s 2021 Millennials on the Move. While each are distinctive in their industry, background and goals, they offer a glimpse into what Coastal Virginia’s future can hold.
In the responses featured below, this year’s honorees share their greatest professional accomplishment (so far) and provide insight into how Coastal Virginia can improve regional unity. We think you’ll agree that they are representative of a new, united and forward-thinking future for our region.
To choose the 2021 Millennials on the Move, CoVa BIZ held an online nomination period in which colleagues nominated a millennial, or millennials were invited to nominate themselves. All nominations were reviewed by magazine representatives and selections were made based on demonstrated business excellence, community involvement and civic contributions in the Coastal Virginia region. Thank you to our guest contributor on the selection committee, Alisa Crider, Director of Investor & Public Relations with the Hampton Roads Alliance, who was an honoree for the inaugural Millennials on the Move awards.
Special thanks to our 2021 Millennials on the Move sponsor, Insperity.
Hot Links: Stephen Armbruster, Shane M. August, Sam Black, Keith Darrow, Gary Deagle, Rachel Ann Dine, Joe Hamm, Loren Harvey, Kelley T. Healey, Thomas Marsden, Kevin Ordonez, Jenna Outhet, Kimberly Parker, Anthony Piglowski Jr., Sharifa Reynolds, James Scruggs, Amasa Smith, Jazmine Smith, Jasmine Thompson, Elise Tillie, Claire Wulf Winiarek
Stephen Armbruster
Partner, Cherry Bekaert LLP
Age: 37
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
I believe that regional unity and collaboration is already underway, as individual localities have been banding together to attract new companies and increase investment in the region. Targeting companies looking to expand to the area as a collective entity, rather than individual localities, and highlighting our workforce, fantastic colleges and universities, and overall amenities will differentiate Coastal Virginia from the competition.
Young professionals can, and should, continue to be engaged in the process through their memberships and involvement in local professional organizations and always continue to look for other opportunities as they arise.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Making Partner with Cherry Bekaert LLP in May 2017 is by far the professional accomplishment that I am most proud of. My grandfather, co-founder of a CPA Firm in Northern Virginia, was one of my greatest role models and someone whom I looked up to growing up; he played a very influential role in my choice to major in Accounting in college. When I started my public accounting career, the end goal was always to become a partner at the firm where I worked.
From Nomination: “He is an asset to his colleagues and clients, made evitable by his quick elevation through the company, attaining the title of partner at such a young age.” – Makay Carlino, colleague
Shane M. August
Managing Director, August Holding Corporation
Age: 35
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Today, we live in a fast-paced, competitive environment that is ever-changing. Collaboration from the perspective of regional unity, I believe, would create a greater sense of community, a greater sense of belonging and, most importantly, greater collaboration amongst the talent within the various cities located within the region. Coastal Virginia is filled with an immense amount of talent spanning across many different industry sectors.
Young professionals play a key and critical role within the region. Young professionals are the future of this region and this is why it is important to show young professionals that the future is here. We can do this through investment in professional opportunity, technology, housing, transportation and social engagement.
By developing a strong marketing initiative centered around regional unity and specifically targeting the young professionals of the area, both in the private and government sectors, will help foster a sense of unity in the Coastal Virginia region and help establish the region as a hub for talent, development and for innovation amongst the national landscape.
The word needs to get out that you can be successful here and that there are resources and opportunities available to do so.
The creation of the “757 Champions” initiative by the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce is a great start and I encourage everyone who cares about the continued development and advancement of the region to get involved.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Although I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, I consider myself to be an adoptive son of the Commonwealth. I’ve completed college here, I have established my career here and I have also started a family here. I am very thankful for Virginia! That’s on the personal side. Professionally, the accomplishment that I am most proud of thus far in my career is the creation and establishment of the state’s first minority-owned Medication Assisted Treatment facility, The Aspire Treatment & Recovery Center of Virginia. Here, we provide substance abuse treatment services to individuals who are afflicted with various substance use disorders.
This type of work is gratifying because it affords us the opportunity to physically see the results and impact of our hard work on the individuals’ that we serve lives and overall well-being. I could not be prouder of our team.
I strive to be an example to my family, to my community and to my culture. I will continue to work hard serving the region, being a voice for small businesses in legislation, creating employment opportunities and business opportunities with the hopes of opening doors for other business owners similar to myself.
From Nomination: “Shane is particularly skilled in recognizing profitable opportunities and developing the tactical strategies necessary to seize them.” – Roze Merditaj, joint civic group
Sam Black
Marketing and Digital Manager, Downtown Norfolk Council
Age: 33
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
To successfully improve regional unity and collaboration, many puzzle pieces need to all fit together, including addressing rising sea levels in a sustainable way, investing in our arts and education, addressing affordable housing options, enacting an economic development plan for the entire region, and attracting, fostering and/or retaining innovative companies that will offer sought-after career opportunities to inspire local talent to stay here while also drawing in talent from outside the area. These pieces all work together and must involve stakeholders from across the region at every level, including government, businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions and individual communities. Young professionals are in a unique position to help move this needle forward in their respective fields as the future of the region, bringing new energy, innovative approaches and camaraderie amongst their peers to the forefront as they increasingly step into leadership roles.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
I deeply enjoy connecting with my peers while facilitating a monthly roundtable for marketing representatives from Norfolk’s arts, nonprofit and hospitality groups in an environment that is a perfect blend of information sharing and strategic planning with fun and laid-back relationship building. These meetings are an opportunity for all of us to get together face to face (or Zoom to Zoom in this past year) with our peers, helping professional connections get made and supporting camaraderie, collaboration and connection. I have learned so much from the different perspectives represented at each meeting over the years and have enjoyed the consistently strong sense of community that has developed amongst this ever-evolving group. These meetings are truly the highlight of my month, and I always leave them feeling energized to take on the day.
Keith Darrow
Civil Engineer and Project Manager, City of Norfolk Department of Transit
Age: 37
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Coastal Virginia must improve the regional transportation network. Transportation infrastructure is the lifeblood of society, and the best way to connect everyone is with transportation. Each city in the region has done great with individual projects within their respective borders. We need larger projects that truly connect the region, though. These “megaprojects” could be more cohesive transit connections, long trails winding through multiple cities or any sort of multimodal project making better connections. The cities must combine their resources and their knowledge bases to make this happen. Transportation can connect or separate us, and it’s up to the cities to help make that happen.
Young professionals must get involved and insist on a seat at the table. There are a lot of amazing things happening in our region. Young professionals must network, inquire and engage with older professionals to make sure they are involved and provide input. Decisions being made now will affect everyone in Hampton Roads for decades to come, long after other generations have left. We must be engaged and insist on having our voices heard.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
I am most proud of the transportation funding applications that I have submitted over the course of my career. These applications have brought millions of dollars to the region for transportation projects. These projects include critical safety projects, upgrading existing infrastructure and even new roadways.
From Nomination: “Keith is a "lifer" in Hampton Roads. He grew up in Chesapeake and worked for the City of Virginia Beach for a while, so he brings a thorough knowledge and love of the region into all he does.” – Jessica Bedenbaugh, friend
Gary Deagle
Owner, Coastal Strength & Fitness
Age: 36
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
I think Coastal Virginia can improve regional unity and collaboration through building great, unique local businesses that create amazing products and services.
This naturally creates a buzz and interest from customers. Then local business leaders pushing to do better will naturally gravitate to working and collaborating with each other to move things forward.Young professionals are essential to this because they are not afraid of innovation and change.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Providing rewarding careers for others. Nothing has been more gratifying than building my team and seeing them flourish in their own right while loving what they do.
Rachel Ann Dine
Owner/Licensed Professional Counselor, Humanitas Counseling and Consulting, LLC and The Three L’s Solution, LLC
Age: 34
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Because my focus has always been on normalizing mental health care, providing information on how to seek mental health care and assisting in improving mental wellness for others, I believe regional unity and collaboration in the Coastal Virginia area could be improved by creating forums for individuals/business owners/government officials/educational leaders from neighboring cities to meet and discuss barriers (and work on solutions!) to receiving mental healthcare.
Having collaborative meetings with different regions present could allow for better understanding of presenting mental health concerns being observed in each area, potentially encourage use of licensed therapists to hold seminars on mental health for employees and schools, and because we live in such a heavily populated military area, begin to implement trainings for active duty on mental wellness. The new generation of young professionals brings a fresh perspective on mental health and the necessity of such and could set into motion trainings, awareness, bridge the gaps we may be seeing, and continue the process of normalizing mental health treatment for future generations to come.
The Coastal Virginia area is unique in that we are connected in many different ways with individuals living in one area and commuting to work in a neighboring city. I believe coming together to be able to understand where improvements could be made with mental healthcare is vital and could positively impact our immediate area and beyond.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
My career in the mental health field has afforded me with many different opportunities, all that have been instrumental in leading me into my current business ownership. Two of the professional accomplishments I am most grateful for and proud of are starting my mental health private practice, Humanitas Counseling and Consulting, LLC, after working over 10 years for other mental health agencies, and authoring my first book. Writing and publishing my women’s wellness book, “Live. Learn. Love. Real talk tips for the woman who is ready to be her best self,” two years ago was a major goal I had set for myself and remains aligned with my ultimate focus of providing down to earth information on achieving mental wellness.
Being able to help our community by specializing in women’s mental health, specifically anxiety management has been an honor and I am so grateful to the Hampton Roads area for embracing my business and seeking quality counseling services. With my mental health experience, I am also the host of Norfolk Public Library’s Podcast, Living Freely, as well as a host for a local television show and podcast—both media outlets that are focused on providing information on mental health and wellness. Accomplishments do not happen overnight and I continue to be excited and very grateful for these opportunities that allow me to promote mental health awareness.
Joe Hamm
Program and Media Manager, Soundscapes
Age: 35
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Young professionals can improve regional unity and collaborate by organizing concerts, hosting educational programming, and creating social spaces where people can mingle and meet. These can be held in neighborhoods or in centers of community to make the events both convenient and socially relevant. The Park Place Center would be a great example for my neighborhood. When we create these events, it’s critical that we consciously value a broad range of diverse perspectives, including race, sexual orientation and age, to name a few. Finally, we’re a region that lives with the water, and human-caused climate change is affecting sea level rise. We need to take bold action on climate change.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Empowering students, especially those living in economically and socially disadvantaged neighborhoods through music in the Coastal Virginia region is a great opportunity for growth as a city, as a country. When we think of a musician, the common stereotype is dropping singles and touring. The Citizen Artist mindset adds a crucial layer to the musician cake. It applies musical principles of how we play together, how we communicate, and how we balance and blend with one another within the ensemble and is a model micro-society. In musical situations, there are moments when we need to step up and get big, and there are also times to support the greater sound. Every member of the ensemble, like every member of society, is crucial to the overall function and collective success or disaster. I’ve conveyed this concept through photography, filmmaking, collective composition, teaching artistry and performance on stage. Every time a film of mine is publicly premiered in person, I always watch the audience. I love watching the reactions and the way the audience interacts with the films. It’s just like a musical performance.
Musicians play a critical role in our society by advancing social norms, challenging status quos, providing pleasure and relief from a stressful world, and creating community. The past year without live concerts has reminded us how valuable live performances are. The experience of playing and performing music is unmatched both in the enjoyment it can bring to the performer and audience, and the way it can transform the participants’ experience at any age and at any skill level.
From Nomination: “Joe Hamm's charisma and ability to engage with individuals from all walks of life have served him in his roles as educator, musician and civic leader.” – Paige Hamm, Partner
Loren Harvey
CEO, Layer 9
Age: 32
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Regional unity can improve when organizations are willing to come together and share responsibility in the future stability of Coastal Virginia. This can play out when each entity stops focusing on only individual success and more towards how that success can advance the rest of the region. Young professionals can assist these initiatives by joining local advocacy organizations and participating in outreach programs, such as becoming a 757 Champion. However, the biggest impact will be through applying these core values of collaboration within their own businesses.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
I am most proud of the culture we have created at Layer 9. We have created an environment in that every team member feels connected and plays apart in the success of the company. That has fostered so much innovation over the years that turned into the creation of new services for our customers, so that we can better assist local businesses struggling with implementing new technologies.
From Nomination: “Facing issues head-on, Loren tackles each day with strategy, solutions and a team mentality.” – Victoria Browne, coworker
Kelley T. Healey
Smithfield Market Executive and Vice President, Farmers Bank
Age: 34
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
When discussing unity and collaboration, it is best to first look at the formal definitions. “Unity” is defined as the state of being united or joined as a whole and “collaboration” is the action of working with someone to produce or create something. Coastal Virginia is a region that is already full of unique resources from our historic roots, our beautiful beaches, our world-renowned waterways, our military presence and everything in between. In further improving our regional unity and collaboration, we must understand that our largest resources are our people and communities. Our people are the foundation of Coastal Virginia and by embracing the fact that though we may be separated by city, town or county lines, we are one flourishing community containing members from all walks of life. By continuing to further embrace our already unique resources, Coastal Virginia will naturally continue its evolution to becoming a united region with everyone collaborating for its natural growth and success.
Our young professionals are our future leaders in continuing improvements in relations and growth across our region. It has been a pleasure to see more young professionals becoming further engrained in their communities and giving back, from a volunteer and philanthropic perspective. By taking the initiative to better our communities, I believe it allows for a more in-depth understanding of local assets and our regional necessities to assist in defining a unified strategic plan for future years. To all the young professionals out there, you are the future, so I ask that you continue to get involved in your community and embrace opportunities outside of your comfort zone. I recently read a quote by Margaret Drabble that read “When Nothing Is Sure, Everything Is Possible,” so embrace new opportunities and the endless possibilities that it may bring.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
In recent years, I have had the opportunity to redefine and restructure our Consumer Residential Real Estate department for Farmers Bank, which has allowed for a more streamlined and consistent customer experience. This process allowed me a new exposure to formalized operations of our organization and the collaboration needed to ensure the success of this department and products. This experience has also compelled me to become more confident in my abilities as a banker and provided me the ability to redirect that experience as a mentor. It has been a pleasure working closely with other colleagues to provide career exposure to new opportunities and to share my knowledge to, hopefully, benefit them in their future accomplishments.
In a more recent accomplishment, Farmers Bank was a participant in the Paycheck Protection Program as part of the CARES Act for pandemic relief for our local businesses. As a community banker, I was able to assist our customers in uncertain times to ensure they had access to additional support throughout the pandemic. It was truly an honor to work with our local businesses in their time of need, to thoroughly demonstrate our support and commitment to our communities.
From Nomination: “An ‘empathetic banker’ is almost an oxymoron but Kelley has been able to be just that! At a young age Kelley has been able to develop and enforce leadership capabilities.” – Judy Winslow, fellow board member
Thomas Marsden
Vice President, Marathon Consulting
Age: 38
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Improving our unity is all about local discovery. The more you relate to a place—and the whole place, not just the Oceanfront, Phoebus or Ghent—the sooner you can become an ambassador for the region. As #The757 has many people who come through the area, there are opportunities for young professionals to introduce new people to the area and be that ambassador. Also, young professionals excel in collaborative environments and we see connections made in tHRive, a young professional’s organization with the Chamber of Hampton Roads, creating meaningful business and personal connections across different industries and cities.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
The professional accomplishment I am most proud of is my professional progression at Marathon Consulting. Though not one of the original founders, I have been there for 10 years and have been blessed to be able to work with some of the best IT consulting professionals in my life, they are the bedrock that makes Marathon great! From the start, I have been given the opportunity to solve complicated problems for clients, work on internal initiatives and programs, and in the last five years, function as an executive helping steer the company’s direction.
From Nomination: “Tom is one of those rare individuals that says ‘yes’ when no one else will. He isn't afraid to lead, raise his hand and roll up his sleeves to get to work.” – Lauren Bland, fellow board member
Kevin Ordonez
Chef and Restaurateur, Alkaline and Baby Izakaya
Age: 33
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Staying open minded would be a start to help unity and collaboration. Years ago, a few friends and I started a group called Commis with the mission of organizing these underground pop-up dinners that were centered around friendship and collaboration. At the time, we were chefs who didn't have big names and weren't known at all in this area. We wanted to show that this area had a lot to offer especially from young chefs like us. We wanted the dinners to be casual events but offer an experience that, if held in a fancy restaurant in a big city, would easily cost upwards of a couple hundred dollars per guest. However, instead of charging an arm and a leg, at the end of the meal we allowed each guest to decide on their own how much they thought the experience was worth. Our guests picked up on our ability to be completely open minded and think outside the box. It was evident that our mission was to collaborate together and host an event that ultimately was for the betterment of the food scene and because of that, our guests often thanked us by happily paying top dollar.
Young professionals should play a leading role in helping our area see its new full potential. In my opinion, we, as young professionals, are the only ones who can, or maybe should, decide what the fate of our area is. Who better to lead the charge for change than the ones who will benefit the most from it? Millennials somehow have a bad reputation for being lazy, unmotivated, pampered and ill-prepared to face the world as contributing adults. I've seen the complete opposite. I feel the millennial generation is already taking a leading stance in social injustices and outdated systems regarding Black Americans, Asian American and Pacific Islanders, and other BIPOC. To many, these are political issues but to a person of color such as myself, this is my life. Young professionals have the motivation and ability for their voices to be heard, so we have the responsibility to use that to drive unity and change.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
I've worked really hard to not only find my purpose but help my team members do the same. For years, I've always maintained that I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself. At first I thought that meant through food as a chef. I thought I would use my skills and experience to help our area's food culture grow and develop into something more closely resembling that of a bigger city like Richmond or Washington D.C. While that may still be part of my overall career goal, I've learned that I can be meant to accomplish many things. 2020 forced me to learn more about myself and what it really means to be part of something bigger. In the height of the pandemic, while all sit-down restaurants in the state were under a mandatory shut down, I organized a program called ‘Feed 1,500’ with the goal of preparing 1,500 individual meals to donate to local hospitals and first responders, 100% free of charge. The goal was to feed those who were at the frontlines of COVID spikes and also keep my team members employed. Somewhere along the route to 1,500 meals, our mission got noticed by a nonprofit called World Central Kitchen. With their help, our Feed 1,500 program grew to just under 7,500 meals donated to hospitals, first responders, firefighters, churches, COVID hotels and many other food insecure individuals.
Jenna Outhet
Security Officer, United States Navy
Age: 27
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Coastal Virginia can improve regional unity and collaboration through education, leadership and empathy. Leaders should be educating their organizations on the importance of diversity and unity. Young professionals should pioneer the path for inclusiveness and empathetic leadership in the workforce. We should encourage challenging conversations and take a stand to correct any inappropriate behavior. Unity is established when people feel heard, respected and are working toward the same goals. Being open to other’s perspectives, open to understanding them despite any differences, and being willing to be wrong are crucial for collaboration.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Commissioning as a Naval Officer has been my proudest accomplishment thus far. I joined the Navy as an E-1, not knowing what to expect, or where it might take me. Throughout my service, I have found my passion of leading and mentoring sailors. I am very thankful that my current position allows me to lead an extremely talented group of Naval Security Force professionals.
From Nomination: “She is setting groundbreaking precedents as a female officer by helping to establish a brand-new security program…” – Janet Carter, friend
Kimberly Parker
Business Financial Services Specialist, Harbor Group Management Company
Age: 31
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Stop, collaborate and listen! Unity will not happen until every governmental body treats all of the citizens in the seven cities, not just their own, with dignity and respect. Collaboration does not involve reaching out to only one group of people and bringing them together to talk over lunch. It’s not having an agenda that lists superficial topics about building x, y and z, or voting to open a discussion on a controversial topic, only to either shut down the idea or come to the same consensus that they have had for the last 30 years.
How can a region as diverse as ours be unified if we exclude marginalized communities? Collaboration will improve when inclusion happens, where every citizen is given equal opportunity to sit at the table and to speak about the issues that affect them.
Young professionals, Millennials, Generation Z, and anyone with voting rights are the key players. We should not continue going down the same pathway of doing things the safe and easy way. Instead, we need to have the uncomfortable conversations and do the things that benefit the region as a whole. It will not happen until we knock on the door, take a seat at the table, and force the change that we need and deserve.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
My attention to detail, ability to identify problems and consistent follow-up, have given me the opportunity to become one of the go-to subject matter experts in my company.
Through the completion of numerous financial audits, that involved months of research and collaboration with multiple parties, I successfully secured a reduction of expenses and increased financial gain to benefit our organization.
Anthony Piglowski Jr.
Wealth Advisor, Client Relationship Manager, Freedom Street Partners
Age: 25
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
I believe there are many ways Coastal Virginia can improve unity and collaboration. The biggest opportunity, I feel, is promoting social equity within our communities, especially relating to economic, legal, environmental and developmental rights. In my opinion, there tends to be a disproportional allocation of resources within our communities which only further extends economic class division. As young professionals, we can play a vital role in promoting change. We can be a voice for change as well as influence awareness and growth within our own industries.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
Being recognized in CoVa BIZ Magazine, alongside some of the best and brightest young business minds in Coastal Virginia, is a great honor and accomplishment that I am proud of. Along with that, I would say obtaining my FINRA Series 7 was an accomplishment I am extremely proud of as well. It was a strenuous time trying to balance work, family, and preparing for the exam, but it was a challenge I am proud to have conquered.
Sharifa Reynolds
Graphic Designer, Sumitomo Drive Technologies
Founder and Designer, Sweet Bitz
Age: 28
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
I believe a great way for CoVa to improve unity and collaboration in the region is by making opportunities easily available and accessible to everyone. When opportunities are made more accessible, you begin to see more diversity in the places where it was lacking. As young professionals, I believe it’s our job to always move forward with the idea of inclusion and diversity in mind.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
I have created my own online store that has grown from doing simple T-shirt designs to being internationally known for my various apparel and goods, all designed by myself. This was something that I started to just have a creative outlet and it has since blossomed into so much more!
James Scruggs
Dockmaster, County of York
Age: 36
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Coastal Virginia can improve regional unity and collaboration by continuing its efforts to promote the region and provide opportunities for communities to collaborate and partner. There is not one single action that can be taken, rather a process of building on existing programs and initiatives that continue to encourage regionalism. Award programs such as this help garner support from young professionals to provide ideas and information.
As young professionals, we should strive to work together as a cohesive unit to create achievable goals and changes that will improve quality of life in Coastal Virginia. Regional events and programs help everyone understand the challenges we face, as well as develop the path/goals to improve regional unity.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
There are many professional accomplishments that I am proud of, from college degrees to the USCG Captains Licenses and all the awards along the way. These have all been great accomplishments for myself and my employer, but what I am most proud of is being selected on June 23, 2011 for employment with the County of York. It isn’t just being proud and honored to be hired to work here, it is the people and the vision for the future of the Tourism Development Division. Being a part of this team led by a true visionary, Kristi Olsen, and seeing it grow from the beginning to where we are today, and the great future that is ahead of us makes me so proud to be part of this team. It is like a second family and that is very difficult to find in the work field. We build each other up during the tough times and work together to build on our successes for the future. The awards come and go but being a part of an organization that is building for the betterment of Virginia and the Mid Atlantic would make anyone extremely proud to be a part of.
From Nomination: “Captain James Scruggs has spent his whole life on the water and has a true passion for promoting Yorktown as a travel destination via the York River.” – Jessica Wauhop, coworker
Amasa Smith
Director of Programming & Communication, CIVIC Leadership Institute
Age: 26
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Coastal Virginia has made strides in increasing collaboration; however, we still have much work to do. With so many jurisdictions in one region, we often find ourselves duplicating efforts and not routinely working together on complex issues that are impacting all of our communities. Working at a regional nonprofit, I see every day the impact that collaborating can have. Young professionals getting involved through their local government, boards, volunteering and other community engagement has an immensely positive impact on our region. While I know it doesn't always feel like our voices are being heard, continuing to speak up about issues that are important to us individually is essential. We have an opportunity to help shape the narrative for our region. I hope we can all lead by example to show that working across water, cities and sectors will help to strengthen our region as a whole.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
All of my accomplishments have been influenced by the guidance and encouragement of exceptional mentors in both my personal and professional life. At CIVIC Leadership Institute, I have been fortunate to work as part of a highly dedicated and dynamic team that allows me the opportunity to grow, challenge myself and develop as a leader. This past year presented unique challenges, and I am proud to have successfully transitioned CIVIC’s traditional in-person programs to an entirely virtual format. It is more important than ever to have civic-minded leaders who are aware of the challenges and opportunities facing our community and are committed to moving our region forward. Our CIVIC class is engaged and dedicated, and we have continued to provide them with high-quality programming and facilitate meaningful dialogues while expanding our organization's regional partnerships.
From Nomination: “Amasa does not hesitate to have the sometimes-hard conversations about what needs to be done in this region, and she certainly does not hesitate to put in the work to help the cause.” – Amanda Green, friend
Jazmine Smith
Owner, Hive Experience Agency
Age: 34
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Intentional inclusion is the solution to unity and collaboration. What does that look like? Providing opportunities to bring the community together through platforms such as this, highlighting the stories and voices of all the people who reside in this region. Finding balance in between the cities and intentionally working together while understanding the strengths and resources that each city possesses.
Diversity, equity and inclusion re-imagined; not as a program, a day/month, or an event, but truly imbedded into the fabric and foundation of everything we do! Dismantling and reconstructing systems with a new vision to move forward together and without shaming or blaming!
Young professionals can assist by becoming aware and more informed so that they (we) can be truly invested in their (our) community first! Next, getting involved, volunteering on boards and commissions, speaking up in the necessary forums, and voting is very important to ensure that we are represented and respected.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
I’ve shattered company records in nearly every role that I’ve held. My ability to build relationships and identify opportunities mixed with my eagerness to go above and beyond has always made me a sought after voice and resource for company leadership. Beyond the recognition, awards and gifts, I earned the opportunity to participate in several internal and external boards and projects, sharpening my understanding of business and how we interact with the community.
As a Black American woman who is a single mother and has experienced many forms of trauma, racism, sexism and microaggressions, I stood firm in ensuring that all types of voices and experiences were included in as many aspects of my work that I could, humanizing the experience for employees. As a leader, I was able to leverage my experiences and knowledge helping drive key metrics responsible for the reconstruction and development of policies, initiatives, and training methodologies that are still informing business decisions today.
From Nomination: “Jazmine has an amazing story to tell. She understands what it feels like to lack/not have, so she is very resourceful and always willing to help others in any way that she can.” – Chloe Bennett, assistant
Jasmine Thompson
Founder, Brand 1ON1
Age: 36
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Currently, I believe that Coastal Virginia is doing a great job working on improving unity and collaboration. From the Peninsula to the Southside, organizations are coming together to represent the region as a whole. Young professionals can play a part in making sure that we are reaching out to our peers in other localities for projects and make sure that we are constantly supporting one another in all of our endeavors.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
My professional accomplishment that I am most proud of is starting a freight transportation company with my husband five years ago called Thompson Freight Solutions. We currently own trucks that deliver cargo back and forth to the local ports in our area. We started out with one truck and we now have four. We are excited to continue to expand in the future.
Elise Tillie
Human Resources Team Leader, Damuth Trane
Age: 36
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
To bring more industry professionals together, networking groups should combine “Peninsula chapters” and “Southside chapters” to join as one “Coastal Virginia Chapter.” I was promoted to HR Team Leader, lost my father and was blessed with my daughter all in a span of one year – talk about trying to have work-life balance! I understand that balancing life events and one’s professional life is a struggle for all young professionals.
To expect people to drive through the tunnels to attend chapter meetings or socials (when they are allowed again) is not always realistic. We need to continue to embrace the technological engagement that we have all had access to during the pandemic. If professional groups don’t let rivers act as borders, I think there would be more regional unity among industry professionals.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
I am most proud of being an advocate to our associates. I am proud to acknowledge that I am continuously working with my teammates to advance our workforce at an individual level. I believe the success of Damuth is due to the sum of its associates’ abilities, be it job knowledge, industry skills, or emotional intelligence. I am a strong believer that one should always be growing and learning. I like to think that I am an advocate for our associates, giving them the resources and support they need to be the best they can be, for both the company and themselves.
An example of my involvement with advancing our company is working to have a State Approved HVAC Apprenticeship program, we are expecting our first round of graduates in 2022!
I have also been the Senior Leader Advocate for the Culture Committee since its inception two years ago. I have been able to guide the Committee and implement monthly companywide “pulse surveys” to better manage associate engagement and drive the associate experience journey.
From Nomination: “In a year that has been ‘unprecedented’ in many ways, Elise’s leadership has remained steadfast. We at Damuth Trane appreciate her ability to pivot.” – Clint Damuth, President
Claire Wulf Winiarek
Vice President of Policy, Pharmaceutical Care Management Association
Age: 35
How can Coastal Virginia improve regional unity and collaboration? What role would young professionals play?
Regional unity and collaboration can fast become concepts without meaning, or worse. Municipal and regional goals, reliant on specific local governments’ commitments, often lack motivation and wind up unsustainable.
What we’re really asking is: how do we build meaningful and lasting relationships between our communities? This is a fundamentally human question, a question of the human connection. Efforts across our region that bring people together, encourage dialogue and are intentional about relationship building – like the short-lived Young Leaders Roundtable – are more likely to seed the rapport from which concrete regional unity and collaboration efforts can grow.
What professional accomplishment are you most proud of so far?
While I love what I do professionally, and the incredibly smart folks that I am fortunate to work alongside, I am most proud of the collaborations that our work is driving. Like any challenge, we can rise to meet it best when we work together. Connecting people, bridging differences and prioritizing shared paths forward are essential to truly solving the health care challenges of today. It is incredible what smart, passionate people can do when we work toward a common goal.