Compiled and Introduced by Beth Hester / Cover photo by David Uhrin
In this much-anticipated annual feature we celebrate the women who are shaping the business, creative, academic, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial landscape of our region.
CoVaBIZ is proud to shine a spotlight on these trailblazing women whose impact extends far beyond their individual achievements.
A special thanks to Alison Byrne and everyone at The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art for graciously opening their doors to us for the cover shoot.
*Some text has been edited for space or clarity
Yvonne Toms Allmond
Yvonne Toms Allmond
Community Financial Engagement Officer
TowneBank
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? I’m motivated by the tremendous sacrifices made by the women and men in my family who survived and overcame obstacles so that I could thrive. Now, I overcome the obstacles that I encounter to make sure that the basic tools needed to achieve and succeed in life are available to everyone. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I hope that those who know and have known me will appreciate now and in the future, my willingness to always teach and share knowledge that will make a difference in their lives. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? I would give my younger self the advice that I now give to younger people: listen while educating yourself. Try to see all sides of issues. Also, recognize who really loves and supports you and your future. That may or may not be immediate family. It’s okay to reset goals as you live your life. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? I would love to collaborate with Michelle Obama on a project to teach young women how to handle life and its many obstacles. A handbook of sorts on all aspects of life to include love, our bodies, careers, expectations and pushing forward in spite of obstacles. Obstacles are opportunities in disguise!
Mary Kate Andris, Ed.D.
Mary Kate Andris, Ed.D.
President & CEO
CIVIC Leadership Institute
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? I’m motivated by the organizations I work for and their missions to improve life in Hampton Roads. I work hard, encourage others to do the same, and take pride in the results we achieve together ensuring the next generation has something to build upon when they reach the same point in their lives. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I hope to leave the nonprofit community better informed about how to run effective and efficient organizations. I enjoy sharing my more than 25 years of nonprofit experience with passionate, emerging nonprofit leaders. They bring incredible vision for serving our community, and I help them shape that vision responsibly and sustainably. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? I would tell myself to listen more and speak less. Listening to learn is key, not just to respond. Many executives speak for the sake of being heard or to repeat what’s already been said. Speaking should contribute to the conversation, not just fill space. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? I wish I could sit down with Josh Darden, who is no longer with us, the founder of CIVIC Leadership Institute, to check in to see how we are doing. It’s our 30th Anniversary this year and I would have liked to check in to see if the organization is what he envisioned it to be.
Amy Markman Goldberg
Amy Markman Goldberg
Owner, Head Chef
Soup Love
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? What motivates me to push boundaries is love and sense of responsibility first as a mother, a daughter and as a contributing partner to my community. As a previous healthcare provider and current wellness-focused chef, I’m inspired by the belief that food served with care heals, empowers, and can help prevent future illness. I push limits to create healthier futures, honor those I love, and lead by example through intention, compassion, and innovative concepts that keep people interested and engaged. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I hope to leave a mark rooted in care, generosity, and connection. Through my work, I want to nourish and support those in need and to provide a source of wellness and comfort. If I can create something that brings comfort, fosters connections, and reminds people that nourishment goes beyond food, then I’ve done what I set out to do. My hope is that this approach of care spreads among our community and in some small way, our world, making it a better place. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? I would tell my younger self to believe the unbelievable and trust that reinvention is always possible at any age or stage in life. I’d remind myself that loving who you are and honoring your passions is not selfish, it’s essential. With hard work, dedication, passion, and commitment, there are no limits to what you can create or become. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? In my current life, it would be Anthony Bourdain. At the core, we share the same belief: “Food is love, and love changes lives.“ Humble meals like soup connects people and honors experiences between others . Sharing meals serves as an act of love, healing, and enhances the human connection. Bourdain understood food, cultural differences, and how food provides comfort. I’m inspired by his honesty and humanity using simple foods like soup to tell powerful stories, connect people and embrace their differences where we become one.
Anna Hickey, Ph.D.
Anna Hickey, Ph.D.
Dean, Luter School of Business
Christopher Newport University
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? To help people and organizations make meaningful contributions. It’s an honor to serve at a regional public university supported by a great community, both within and outside Christopher Newport University, that genuinely cares to develop students so that they can make their own meaningful contributions in society. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? Build upon prior successes by modernizing business offerings at the Luter School of Business with cutting-edge curricula, richer engagement, and robust outreach that builds strong relationships to importantly, cultivate new pathways and opportunities for graduates. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Always be willing to look in the mirror when there are communication and/or knowledge gaps amongst your group, team, etc. I always find that I grow as a leader when I make time to pause and reflect on whether I fully understand a particular dilemma or situation. I truly believe there are better solutions and success when I aim to incorporate the input of others. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project who would it be and why? To engage with a variety of community, higher ed, and business leaders to elevate the importance of smaller/regional business schools in Virginia. I think focused dialogue can generate greater awareness for regional public universities as a whole, as well as create new and shared opportunities for business schools to make an even greater impact in Virginia.
Julia Hillegass
Julia Hillegass
Agricultural Specialist
Suffolk Economic Development Authority/Yes Suffolk
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? Working in Agriculture Economic Development, I’m motivated by the responsibility of helping preserve Suffolk’s agricultural heritage while also creating new opportunities for the future. I’m inspired by our farmers, producers, and agribusiness owners who innovate every day—often with limited resources in a high risk environment. Pushing boundaries means finding creative ways to connect them with markets, resources, partnerships, and visibility so agriculture remains a vibrant economic engine for Suffolk and the region. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I hope my work helps strengthen the bridge between agriculture and economic growth in Suffolk. I want people to see agriculture not just as tradition, but as an evolving industry that fuels jobs, tourism, entrepreneurship, and quality of life. If I can help create programs, partnerships, and success stories that support family farms, encourage innovation, and keep land in productive use, then I’ve contributed to something that benefits generations beyond my own. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? I’d tell my younger self: don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Take time to listen to farmers, business owners, and community partners—their insights will shape better decisions than any report alone. Be patient with the pace of government work, but persistent about moving good ideas forward. And remember: small wins add up to real impact when you stay focused on the long-term health of the community. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project who would it be and why? I love to collaborate with partners who understand both economic development and agriculture—universities, extension services, regional organizations, and innovative agribusiness leaders. Working together on projects like value-added agriculture, ag-tech adoption, local food systems, and farmland preservation would help Suffolk stay competitive while honoring the people who work the land.
Margaret Hu
Margaret Hu
Davison M. Douglas Professor of Law,
Director, Digital Democracy Lab
William & Mary
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? My immigrant parents gave me the gift of believing in the democratic experiment. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I hope that my work as a teacher and researcher on AI law and policy will reinforce our commitment to a rights-based form of governance and the rule of law.What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Embrace the Hail Mary pass—just go for it. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project who would it be and why? My husband was my study partner in law school and now he’s such an invaluable collaborator on everything I write: brutally honest, always. Or my mom. She survived three wars. I would like to help tell her story.
Catarina Johnson
Catarina Johnson
President/CEO
Isle of Wight County Chamber of Commerce
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? I’m deeply motivated by helping others. I love the feeling of making a real impact on the community or directly in someone’s life. Keeping a positive mindset helps me to push boundaries in my life. I look for reasons to say yes instead of defaulting to a “no-first” mentality. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? My work brings people together to create positive changes for the betterment of the community. By connecting business owners, government leaders, and community members, my goal is to foster meaningful dialogue and collective action towards common goals. I hope to leave my community with a legacy rooted in collaboration and service to others. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? I would tell my younger self not to be afraid of change and to approach new opportunities with confidence. Mistakes will happen, but they are essential opportunities to learn, grow, and improve. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? Recently, If I could’ve collaborated with anyone on a specific project, it would have been Mr. Joseph W. Luter III. His ability to grow Smithfield Foods while remaining deeply invested in the Smithfield community is inspiring. I would value his perspective on how leadership and philanthropy can work hand in hand to strengthen a community.
LaShaunda Reese Kay, Ph.D., LPC, LSATP
LaShaunda Reese Kay, Ph.D., LPC, LSATP
CEO
Reese Family Services
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? Our three sons are my greatest motivation to push boundaries in both my personal and professional life. Raised by a resilient single mother, I learned the power of perseverance and strength. Growing up with family members who had disabilities showed me that limitations are often imposed by others, not by ability, inspiring me to challenge barriers in my own life. These experiences led me to work in a helping profession, where my mission is to empower others, build stability for future generations, and cultivate leaders who inspire meaningful change. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I want to be remembered as a relentless advocate for adults and children with all disabilities—someone who turns compassion into action. My mission is to create opportunities, foster true inclusion, and empower every individual to thrive, leaving a lasting impact that transforms lives and communities. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? If I could advise my younger self, I’d say to build financial and business expertise from the start—it’s the foundation for growth, opportunity, and lasting success. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? I’d collaborate with Oprah Winfrey because she turns vision into impact, combining purpose-driven leadership, business acumen, and the power to uplift communities on a global scale.
Rebecca Kleinhample
Rebecca Kleinhample
Director
Virginia Living Museum
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? The awe, beauty and wonder of nature, and the quest to discover. Specifically, empowering students and families to experience nature and science in the most engaging way, and seeing that moment of discovery that sparks the desire to learn more. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? My vision is for students of all ages to discover joy and career possibilities through Virginia’s natural biodiversity, fostering a science-rich community, and building a strong workforce for future careers. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Have courage, seek and schedule challenging new experiences to discover your true interests and passions. Embrace learning by asking questions, always. Befriend experts. Take risks. Be bold and unique. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? Inspiration is an undervalued industry. Creating fun, meaningful experiences for future leaders is not only impactful—it’s sustainable. This is my project. The Virginia Living Museum brings real-world life, earth, physical, and environmental sciences to life, from a 16,000-year-old local Mastodon and regional geology, to beautiful native wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and the awe-inspiring scale of our universe. Collaborations? I’m looking for visionaries who see nature and science education as a current and trending enterprise. Who wants to help?
Danielle Moretti-Langholtz
Danielle Moretti-Langholtz
Teaching Professor, Department of Anthropology & Curator of Native American Art, Muscarelle Museum of Art
William & Mary
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? Surrounding myself with talented and hardworking people motivates and inspires me to push boundaries in my professional and personal life. Working as a team and pulling in the same direction ensures that good ideas become better ideas, and better ideas come to fruition. I have amazing colleagues at the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary, in the Department of Anthropology, and I have extremely supportive family members. I rely on them and I hope they feel that they can rely on me. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? Amplifying Native American culture, history and art, is a consistent theme in my professional work. It has been a privilege to grow the collection of Native American art at the Muscarelle Museum, to establish the academic program in Native Studies at William & Mary, and serve as the Thomasina E. Jordan Director of the American Indian Research Center. All my professional responsibilities are anchored in civic engagement and outreach with citizens from multiple tribal communities. I hope my work has laid a foundation which others can continue to build on to both honor and celebrate the Indigenous history and culture in Virginia and the nation. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Looking backward it would be great to tell my younger self to take more photographs when doing fieldwork! If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? I’d choose to collaborate with the late cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead. She made anthropological concepts understandable to the public. That’s what I want to do.
Kali Luthra
Kali Luthra
Senior Defense Program Manager
757 Collab - Defense
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? I’m motivated by the gap between what exists and what’s possible. At the core of that work is hope and innovation: the belief that better outcomes can be designed, not just imagined. Pushing boundaries, for me, means translating bold ideas into structures that actually work especially in spaces that are slow to change but deeply consequential. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I want to build the Silicon Valley of defense technology, right here in Hampton Roads by making our ecosystem more accessible, entrepreneurial and aligned with real mission needs. My goal is to create durable and lasting pathways that allow startups, talent and government to collaborate faster and smarter. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Trust the process and carry hope. Everything happens for you, not to you. Follow your gut and intuition, even if it doesn’t make sense on paper. The moments that feel uncertain are often the ones redirecting you towards your real work. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? I’m most excited to collaborate with people who are open-minded, curious, and willing to challenge assumptions, regardless of title or industry. The best ideas I’ve seen emerge from unexpected intersections. I value collaborators who are comfortable sitting in uncertainty, come with curiosity, and enjoy building alongside others. Those are the ecosystems that create lasting impact.
Elspeth McMahon, Ph.D.
Elspeth McMahon, Ph.D.
Associate VP, Maritime Initiatives
ODU
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? What motivates me most are the people I work with, including students, faculty, and maritime professionals, whose dedication and curiosity drive progress and innovation in our field. Playing a role in even one student’s career trajectory makes all my efforts worthwhile. This industry is incredibly unique, not without its challenges, but I am driven to navigate them head-on, inspired by the world full of possibilities that continue to emerge. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I hope to contribute to making Hampton Roads a more vibrant and better connected maritime-focused region and to advance Old Dominion University as a globally recognized center of excellence for maritime education, research, and innovation. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Don’t sweat the small stuff. You won’t have everything figured out, and that’s okay. Despite the bumps in the road, you’re on the right path. Buckle up, you’re going to see the world and achieve goals beyond what you’ve ever expected. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? I would choose Nathaniel Philbrick, the renowned American author and maritime scholar. His literary works fueled my adventurous spirit early in my career while helping me stay grounded during long days at sea. Collaborating with him to deepen public understanding and spark awe for our rich maritime history would be an honor.
Bonnie A. Moore
Bonnie A. Moore
President, Breeden Property Management
The Breeden Company
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? Keep reaching for the stars because you’re going to catch them—they really are in reach. I’m motivated by the belief that effort compounds. When the path gets steep, I think about the small, consistent actions that move me forward. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I want my work to be a catalyst for lasting, people-centered impact, the kind that elevates everyday experiences and builds trust over time. Our company’s mission statement, Help Others. Live Better., fits perfectly with my own mission: to serve with integrity, lead with optimism, and turn bold ideas into practical outcomes that improve lives. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? I would tell my younger self to not take things personally, and to not internalize what isn’t yours to carry. Not every reaction, decision, or piece of feedback is a reflection of your worth or your potential. People respond from their own experiences, pressures and perspectives. Learn from what is useful, let go of what is not, and stay anchored in who you are. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? Bing Crosby. His effortless blend of song and dance created pure happiness for me as a child, and that feeling has stayed with me. He’s a classic—warm, wholehearted and all-American—and his presence always reminds me of time spent with my grandparents, the stories they told, and the way music can knit generations together. Collaborating with Crosby would be more than nostalgia—it would be a living celebration of connection, inviting people to smile and remember the moments and people who shaped them.
Nicole Newsome
Nicole Newsome
CEO
Qantm Creative
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? In alignment with the creative, forward-thinking mission of Qantm Creative, my primary driver is the relentless pursuit of the “unexpected”—the desire to innovate beyond established norms and bring novel, impactful ideas to life. The inspiration to push boundaries comes from the belief that creativity isn’t just about expression, but about problem-solving and shaping a better future. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? Through my work, I aim to leave a mark of positive change and growth within the community. The goal is to inspire others to embrace bold risks and to build a legacy of collaborative excellence and meaningful, purpose-driven work. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? The advice I would offer my younger self is simple: Embrace the fear of the unknown. Your most profound growth will occur precisely when you leave your comfort zone and trust your gut instincts. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? As a three-time cancer survivor who successfully worked throughout my own treatments, I would want to collaborate with Dr. Michael Danso, my oncologist at Virginia Oncology Associates, and his fantastic team. I recognize firsthand the critical value of a dedicated support system for working patients.
Linda Peck
Linda Peck
Executive Director
Greater Norfolk Corporation
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? I am guided by the Jewish principle of Tikkun Olam, which roughly translates as “repairing the world.” Our responsibility is not to completely fix the world, an impossible task, but to strive to make it better through acts of kindness, justice, and social action. I like to think that this motivates all my decisions, professional and personal. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? My guiding purpose of my work at Greater Norfolk Corporation and the Norfolk Innovation Corridor has been on expanding opportunity for all Norfolk residents and businesses—whether by supporting technology companies that create well-paying jobs; strengthening our public schools; advancing affordable housing; or building pathways that encourage our graduates to stay in the area. Ultimately, I hope to do my small part to build a vibrant, equitable community where opportunity is not limited by zip code or background but is shared broadly across our city. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. Ask lots of questions and smile at people. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? My dream project would be to collaborate with a group of billionaires to reenvision our education system. I would invite them to underwrite a commitment to pay every K–12 teacher the equivalent of $125,000 a year. Can you imagine the impact on education if we could attract scientists, engineers, technologists, and thought leaders by offering an attractive wage AND a two-month summer vacation? With approximately four to six million K–12 teachers in the United States, this kind of investment is ambitious—but not unimaginable in my dreams! Such a system could educate citizens who are intellectually curious, media-literate, and capable of critical thinking, able to distinguish fact from misinformation. I can’t imagine a better investment that would ensure a healthy democracy and a resilient economy. An aspirational dream, I know, but it is my dream!
Shannon O. Pierce
Shannon O. Pierce
President and CEO
Virginia Natural Gas
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? My family and faith teaches that to whom much is given, much is required. This teaching drives me. In my family and in the communities that helped raise me: Seatack in Virginia Beach, and Surry County, there are so many people who have inspired me with their legacies of boundary-pushing. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? Dr. Maya Angelou said that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you made them feel. I want the communities and the industry in which I work, to feel like I showed up with a spirit to serve others with authenticity, integrity, humility, and empathy. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Give yourself grace. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? After being away from Virginia for 19 years, I am thrilled to be home to collaborate with many incredible leaders. If I had to choose, I would want to collaborate with my maternal grandparents Charles and Omia Robbins who are now deceased. My grandfather is truly one of the most intellectually curious people I have ever known. My grandmother had a strong sense of service and was a grassroots civic leader. Their combined thought leadership and guidance would be wonderful now. I think of them often in my work. Now, my mom is their living legacy. I am blessed to collaborate with her often on projects.
Jolie Spiers
Jolie Spiers
Executive Director
Hampton Roads Small Business Development Center
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? The courage of my convictions. The sense that the boundary or obstacle I am pushing against matters enough to take the risk and get outside of the status quo whatever the outcome may be. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I think my best work is ahead of me and I don’t yet know what my mark may ultimately be. But I’d to think I’ll leave my corner of the world a little brighter, a little bolder, and a little better. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Think big and “stay particular “as we say in the south, is my favorite advice for life in general. It’s a reminder to be daring and to be true to yourself. Regarding a career journey, it doesn’t have to be a straight line so follow your interests and don’t be afraid of the left turns. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? I love stories and I love food. Studs Terkel captured the lived experience of Americans on topics ranging from the Great Depression to World War II to the American Dream to personal faith through his reporting and oral histories. My dream collab would be to work on a project with him which captures the stories and secrets of people’s lives—with recipes too!
Dr. Darlene Sparks Washington
Dr. Darlene Sparks Washington
Executive Director
Portsmouth Volunteers for the Homeless
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? Service Excellence. I believe my purpose and assignments are divinely ordered. I’m intrinsically wired by my desire to excel in my “assignments” to achieve the best possible outcomes. I must show up and put forth every effort to accomplish the task, big or small. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? Fairness. We make a lot of tough decisions in life. I want my engagements with people and my record of actions to reflect fairness. My decisions may be unpopular at times, yet hopefully, people will say that I was thoughtful, objective and fair. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Leverage unexpected opportunities! Prepare to be open and flexible to entertain the possibilities of unexpected opportunities. To thoughtfully explore integrating unanticipated prospects in ways that advance and enrich your journey. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? Former United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Marcia L. Fudge, and Dr. David Satcher, former U.S. Surgeon General. These individuals represent a passion intersection for me—housing as healthcare. I envision a planned housing community development project with supportive services that can also enhance the livelihood of our broader collective community. Everyone deserves the dignity of a roof over their head.
Rachel S. White, Ph.D.
Rachel S. White, Ph.D.
Director
Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? I am driven by the belief that education can be a force for positive change when we’re willing to disrupt what’s “normal.” As a former school administrator, I saw how high expectations, real-world problems, and relationships unlock students’ confidence. Now, as Director of the Aerospace Academy of the Eastern Shore, an ODU lab school, I get to remove barriers for rural learners by bringing aerospace experiences, mentors, and industry-grade tools into their reach. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I hope to leave a durable, inclusive pathway—K–12, higher education, and industry working as one—where curiosity becomes credentials, internships, and family-sustaining careers that strengthen Virginia’s economy. By modeling convergence collaborations, I want educators and employers to co-design curriculum, share data, and improve. The goal is not a program, but a replicable model that expands belonging in STEM—especially for students who have never been told they could lead. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Say yes to courageous opportunities, but don’t do them alone. Seek partners, listen deeply, document decisions, and iterate. Own who you are; you belong. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? I’d collaborate with Sergey Brin and Larry Page to translate entrepreneurial thinking and responsible technology into scalable education redesign that makes advanced learning feel attainable for every student.
Cathy T. Williams
Cathy T. Williams
Director, Business Diversity
Ferguson Enterprises Inc.
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? What motivates and inspires me is to be a vessel to help small, minority, women, and veteran owned businesses fulfil their destiny. I am passionate about helping small businesses become successful and having an impact in their success by breaking down obstacles. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? The mark that I hope to leave on the industry is that I have opened doors for opportunity and access. Ferguson has consistently been a leader in our industry in the support, development, and growth of the small business community. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? The advice I would give to my younger self at the beginning of my career journey would be having more confidence in myself. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? Mellody Hobson, the President of Ariel Investments. She loves business and sports, just like me. She is on my bucket list to meet one day.
Yuzhu Zheng
Yuzhu Zheng
Architectural Photographer
Yuzhu Zheng Architectural Photography
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? After spending a decade working in architectural firms, I could clearly see where that path would lead in 10 or 20 years. My passion for both architecture and photography pushed me to step into a space that blended the two—architectural photography—without knowing exactly where it would take me. That uncertainty became a source of motivation rather than fear. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? Thoughtful architectural photography reveals the value of what architects create and inspires them to push their work even further. I hope my images help elevate projects, bring positive attention to communities, and contribute to work that earns regional, national, or even international recognition—creating a meaningful and sustainable creative loop. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? Seek out high-level workshops early, connect with peers, and learn from those ahead of you. Community and shared learning accelerate both skill and vision. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project, who would it be and why? I would love to collaborate with local cities on a long-term project documenting how architecture shapes daily life—what has been built and how people truly experience it.
Lauren Zuravnsky
Lauren Zuravnsky
Director of Design and Construction
HRSD - SWIFT
What motivates and inspires you to push boundaries in your life and profession? I was inspired as a young child by the beauty and miraculous elements of our natural environment. I found passion in everything from the large scale (vast Atlantic Ocean) to the small scale (creating butterfly habitats). What motivates me professionally is the large scale of work that is needed to protect the natural environment and to enhance our communities. As a civil engineer, I strive to live the mission of building public infrastructure that serves our community. What mark do you hope to leave on your community or industry through you work? I hope to advance the acceptance and investment in safe, resilient, and sustainable reuse of our water resources. Currently, I am working to implement HRSD’s SWIFT program that will provide multiple regional benefits for Hampton Roads including increasing groundwater availability and potentially reducing the impacts of relative sea level rise. I also work nationally to expand water reuse practices to other communities. What advice would you give to your younger self at the beginning of your career journey? I am proud of my younger self for taking on a lot and often running “full steam ahead.” My advice to my younger self would be to start earlier to build the skills needed to communicate a vision and to make time for healthy habits. I love the term resilience, but I didn’t talk about it enough as a younger person. If you could collaborate with anyone on a specific project who would it be and why? I would be excited to collaborate with Elenor Roosevelt. She took on huge initiatives that crossed geopolitical and cultural boundaries. I believe that access to clean water is a basic human right and I would love to strategize with the former UN delegate to move above to fray to update our current systems of funding and access.
