Board Members

Rev. Cozy Bailey, Chair

Rev. Cozy Bailey currently lives in Dumfries. He serves as the President of the Prince William County Chapter, NAACP, and as the Associate Minister of First Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dumfries, Virginia. He has served as an ordained minister since June 2010 which was preceded by his twenty-year service as a deacon. Rev. Bailey served as a Commissioned Officer in the United States Marine Corps (USMC) This tenure, he earned several accolades. He served in Operation Desert Storm, received the Navy Commendation Medal, Defense Meritorious Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit before later retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Rev. Bailey received his bachelor’s degree from the Naval Academy and he later obtained his master’s degree from Boston University both while actively serving in the military. Rev. Bailey is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.

Shannon Kendrick, Vice Chair

As a public servant, Shannon Kendrick presently serves as a Member of the School Board of the City of Virginia Beach. As an International Affairs professional, Shannon Kendrick currently works in development for International Cooperating Ministries, a Christian nonprofit organization with a mission to build healthy churches within walking distance of everyone worldwide. Shannon previously served at the Peace Corps, directing strategic partnerships, and managing intergovernmental affairs.

A public speaker and specialist in government and community relations, Shannon Kendrick is the President of the Kendrick Consulting Group, and has also held senior executive roles in federal government, economic development, international affairs, and nonprofit organizations. She is recognized nationally as MAVPAC's "Future 40" and was Virginia Leadership Institute's Trailblazer, Inside Business's "Top 40 Under 40," and YWCA's Woman of Distinction.

Shannon earned her MBA from Regent University and her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Law from Oral Roberts University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and The Links, Incorporated.

C.J. Sailor, Secretary

C.J. Sailor, a Detroit native earned his BA in Political Science from Morehouse College and serves as State Director of Americans for Prosperity-Virginia. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, Henrico Chapter and serves on the Board of Southside Community Development and Housing Corporation. C.J. and his family reside in Chesterfield County, Virginia.  

Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green

Dr. Cheryl Ivey Green currently lives in Chesterfield and serves as the Executive Minister of First Baptist Church of South Richmond. Prior to serving as Executive Minister, she served as a computer professional at Bank of America. She has also previously served as a member and chaplain of Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. She has completed several terms on the Board of Directors of the Southside Child Development Center and has served on the board of Richmond Behavioral Health Authority. She received her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, master’s degree from Virginia Union University, and doctoral degree from United Theological Seminary. Cheryl is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Bill Cleveland

Bill Cleveland was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  From November, 1974 to 2004 he was a member of the U.S. Capitol Police Department.  He began his career as an officer on the House Division working the midnight shift.  Bill has served in the Communication Section, the Capitol Division, Physical Security Section and the House Division.

He was elected to the Alexandria City Council in 1988 and served as Vice Mayor from 1991-1993 and 2000-2004.  He was active on council committees and the Council of Governments.  He has worked with Virginia State Governors and has been appointed to state commissions as well as worked with members of congress.

Bill worked as a consultant with the Center for Neighborhood Enterprise (a non-profit organization in Washington, DC).  As a mentor, he worked on the Weed & Seed Youth Leadership Council, the Youth Leadership Summer Camp program and the Violence-Free Zone Project.

The Northern Virginia Health Foundation, The Parent Leadership Training Institute, The Northern Virginia Community College Foundation Board, The Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association and The Virginia State Martin Luther King Commission. 

Currently Mr. Cleveland serves as the President of the friends of the Untouchables Male Youth Club of Alexandria, Outreach coordinator for the Douglass Leadership Institute and the Frederick Douglass Foundation, Member of Virginia Crime Commission and Governors African American Advisory Board.

Sheila Dixon

Sheila Dixon is an energetic community outreach and business advocate driving impact for business innovation and growth in our Northern Virginia Community. Throughout her experience in the non-profit sector, she assists organizations to enhance their community engagement objectives. A combination of leadership qualities, fierce determination and a process-driven, strategic mindset has labeled her as an enterprising change maker in the Northern Virginia Community. Sheila has assisted more than 2,000 business and non-profit business owners in the region and abroad.  An agile business leader, she understands as the economy is changing, business models may need a shift to remain relevant. Sheila serves on the Fairfax County Economic Advisory Commission, Loudoun County Economic Development Advisory Commission-Small and Minority Business-Ad Hoc Committee. She is a graduate of Duquesne University.

Keren Charles Dongo

Keren Charles Dongo currently resides in Alexandria, Virginia. She is the State Director for United States Senator Tim Kaine, where she oversees all his state and constituency operations. She most recently served as the Campaign Manager for the Senator’s 2018 re-election. Prior to her role as State Director, Keren worked as the Deputy State Director and Legislative Assistant in Senator Kaine’s Washington DC Office, where she served an essential role in helping Senator Kaine draft and generate support for the 400 Years of African American History Act. Keren has over 15 years of experience and involvement in Virginia politics. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree from the Robertson School of Government at Regent University, and her Juris Doctor degree from UDC David A. Clarke School of Law. She resides in Alexandria with her husband and daughter.

MonicaFaye Hall

MonicaFaye Hall is a seasoned e-commerce and digital marketing expert with over 18 years of experience. With a Fortune 500 healthcare company for over twelve years, she was the E-Commerce Director before transitioning fully into business ownership. In 2022, she founded The Digital Hall, a Google Partner agency. With over twenty years of hands-on experience, Hall holds advanced certifications in Google Analytics, Search, Display, SEO, content marketing, and Microsoft Advertising.

MonicaFaye is renowned for her innovative approach to digital strategy and her ability to drive success for her clients. Her expertise extends to high-profile applications such as Magento, Microsoft Dynamics (D365), Microsoft Visual Studio, Microsoft Power Apps, and Adobe Creative Cloud. The Digital Hall focuses on providing comprehensive digital solutions to businesses, with services including SEO, content creation, social media strategy, and analytics.

Mrs. Hall's professional achievements go beyond her role as an e-commerce and digital marketing expert. She is a published author, and her book, E-commerce Management: A Simplified Guide to Manage Your Online Store Successfully, is a testament to her extensive experience and insights. But her impact doesn't stop there. Through her writing, consulting services, and online platform, she empowers entrepreneurs and e-commerce professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary for success in the competitive online marketplace.

MonicaFaye has been married for 29 years and is a proud mother of two adult children who are also married.

Deventae Mooney

Mr. Deventae Mooney is a 2013 graduate of Eastside High School in Coeburn. He obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from UVA-Wise in 2016, a Master's Degree in School Counseling from The University of West Alabama in 2020, and an Educational Specialist Degree in Instructional Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University in 2022.

Mr. Mooney began his teaching career in 2016 at LF Addington. He most recently served as School Counselor at Coeburn Primary School. Mr. Mooney also serves as Mayor of the Town of Coeburn. He became the assistant principal at Central High School in 2023.

Clarence Neely

Mr. Neely lives in Virginia Beach, He is a business and media consultant. Mr. Neely was appointed in 2022 by Governor Youngkin to the Virginia African American Advisory Board.

Tamara Wilkerson-Dias

Dr. Tamara Wilkerson Dias is a DEI Educator and leader with a background in leadership development across corporate, nonprofit, and K-12 educational spaces. She began her career in education, shifting into leadership development, professional coaching, and consulting. Dr. Dias serves as the CEO of a grassroots nonprofit, committed to the retention of Black educators. Her expertise and leadership garnered national recognition, and she was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2017.  Each of these experiences required knowledge around shifting company culture, managing human capital, and harnessing talents to move teams forward. Dr. Dias is certified in DiSC Assessment and DEI in the Workplace.

Her background works at the intersection of equity and justice and corporate settings, with years of experience working alongside senior leaders in corporate settings to evaluate their readiness for DEI initiatives and give feedback to make safe and equitable spaces for marginalized employees. Dr. Dias holds a Bachelor’s in Spanish Linguistics and Philology and a Master’s in Foreign Language Education, both from the University of Virginia. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Morgan State University. Dr. Dias is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and serves on the board for several nonprofit organizations.

Gilbert Wilkerson Sr.

Gilbert Wilkerson Sr. is the Founder and C.E.O of Black Society for Economic & Social Transformation. Black Society's mission is to assist in elevating the health and welfare of the Black community by providing financial literacy and social stability through political, grassroots, cultural and educational development.

Black Society was founded out of a profound passion and tenacious commitment to circumnavigating the various obstacles precluding Foundational Black Americans from excelling financially and socially. Gilbert's steadfast commitment to economic development and social transformation are evidenced by his consistent action to bring about change in the Black community. Gilbert is also a member of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team.

For 34 years Gilbert served as a Judge’s Assistant at the Richmond Circuit Court.  Post-retirement, Gilbert continues his commitment to the Black community by maintaining his crucial role as Police Chaplain, 25 years at Henrico Police Department; 3 years at Richmond Police Department. As Chaplain.  Gilbert continues to promote Black excellence within the community through his proactive participation as: President for the 'Coalition Against Violence, Board member for Students Reaching Students Former Chairman of the Board, for the East End Pregnancy Center. Gilbert is a Published Author and Conference Speaker.

Gilbert is graduate of National Business College, Roanoke Virginia.

Gilbert and his wife of over four decades are Blessed with four  children and reside in Glen Allen, VA.

Ellen Luckey

Ellen Victoria Luckey is the Founder & CEO of Victoria's Kitchen & Southern Spreads. She is married to her best friend and Business Partner Romell Luckey & Mother of three Amazing Daughters: Arianna, Jasmine and Rachel. She has over 15 years of Corporate Experience in Legal, Finance, Accounting & Public Speaking & over 10 years of Entrepreneurship under her belt. Ellen Victoria's passions in life are her Family, Her Faith, Youth, Community, Teaching, Culinary Arts & Public Speaking. Recently - Victoria was sworn into Office as a Board Member of The African American Advisory Board to Governor Glenn Youngkin. She has also been awarded the following prestigious recognitions: 2024 Emerging Leader under 40 by Richmond BizSense & Edward Brown, 2023 Young Entrepreneur of The Year by ChamberRVA & HYPE ICON & 2019 Community Front Runner by ChamberRVA & HYPE ICON.

After having two successful marketing and advertising businesses - in which she started while in college at Virginia Commonwealth University - Ellen Victoria continued to pursue her Corporate Career while still attending Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2016 Ellen Victoria Embarked on her next round of Entrepreneurship - Victoria's Kitchen. Victoria’s Kitchen is a Cooking School, Licensed Kitchen Rental Facility & Food Manufacturer Facility - with an Event Space coming soon.

It was after helping one of her children through a rough food intolerance and digestive issue journey - as well as seeing how well her concoction of academics in the kitchen worked for her own children that she began to realize her next calling in life - to teach children, their families and her community about the importance of using food and being together in the kitchen - to bridge gaps between generations and to create that missing fellowship.

In 2019 Victoria & Romell launched Southern Spreads - prepackaged homemade sides. Soon after starting Southern Spreads - Victoria had to make the hard decision to pause Southern Spreads - due to the Pandemic Shutdown. Later in 2023 - Victoria & Romell Relaunched Southern Spreads in two local grocery stores: The Market at 25th & Good Foods Grocery - with more stores to come!

Victoria also realized another calling for her was to help encourage fellow entrepreneurs along their specific journeys - to help provide them with a "Safe Space" and to share her business journey as a stepping stool for others. For this reason she created her brand: Victoria_Inspires. Victoria_Inspires provides Motivational & Business Workshops with a focus on helping Food Businesses launch in her Victoria’s Kitchen Commissary Kitchen & Food Manufacturing Facility.

Ernisha Hall

Ernisha Hall is a dynamic leader whose vision and dedication to empowering socioeconomically disadvantaged groups have made her a pivotal figure in the fight to close the racial wealth gap. As the Founder, President & CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, she has consistently demonstrated her commitment to enhancing economic sustainability and capacity for Black business owners.

In 2020, Ernisha and her wife, Tracey Hall, co-founded the 501c3 nonprofit organization, the Virginia Black Business Directory (VABBD). The VABBD has grown into an influential voice for Black business owners across Virginia, boasting nearly 1200 members and leading to the establishment of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (VABCC). The Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce provides indispensable resources such as access to resources and capital, technical assistance, education, and community engagement, all with the aim of bolstering the visibility and resilience of black-owned businesses.

Ernisha's strategic and forward-thinking approach has paved the way for the development of groundbreaking initiatives and programs that empower these businesses. Her leadership has garnered recognition and accolades, including the Unsung Hero Award from Dumfries Mayor Derrick Woods, a Resolution from the Town of Dumfries, and two Resolutions presented by the Virginia House of Delegates.

Beyond her work with the VABCC, Ernisha also serves as the Board-President of Fredericksburg Area Health Support Services (FAHASS). She has been acknowledged as one of the most influential women in Stafford’s region, reflecting her tireless dedication to advancing economic justice issues in Virginia.

Ernisha's educational background is as impressive as her professional achievements. She holds a BA in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, a Master of Business, and a Master of Social Work. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD with a specialization in Entrepreneurship at Walden University.

Originally hailing from New York City, Ernisha now calls Virginia home. Outside of her professional life, she is a proud wife and mother who cherishes spending time with her family.

Ernisha Hall's ambition, drive, and success make her an inspiration for all aspiring leaders. Her tireless advocacy for the Black community and her leadership of the VABBD are making significant strides towards economic empowerment for Black business owners. Ernisha Hall is a role model whose impact will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.

Bishop Ron D. Willis

Bishop Ron D. Willis is an innovative and multi-culture visionary who serves as Senior Pastor of Vision Community Church of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He serves as the First Assistant Presiding Prelate for Global Empowerment Fellowship of Christian Churches Inc. Bishop Willis is a US Army Veteran and retired federal government employee with a distinguish and illustrious career with the Department of Defense. He is the CEO of R&D Acquisition Consultants, which provides research and development expertise in emerging technologies.

Bishop Willis received his Bachelor of Business Management and Master of Business Administration and Logistics from Trinity College and University. He also received his Doctorate in Divinity from St. Thomas Christian University. Bishop Willis is a Certified Life Coach and Counselor of The Healing Station Counseling Center. He serves on various advisory boards and is recognized for exemplary business and organization executive leadership.

Tori Mabry

Tori Mabry, a native of Richmond, Virginia, and a first-generation college graduate, earned her Bachelor’s in Social Work from Liberty University. She plans to further her education at the University of Kentucky in 2025. She currently serves as the Manager of Government Affairs for the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association (VHHA).  

Tori is known as a servant leader and an avid solutionist, dedicated to transforming communities from merely surviving to truly thriving. Tori’s passion for public service was ignited by her lived experiences and the many individuals who touched her life in profound ways.  

Public service began within city government as a foster care social worker, and her most recent role involved serving in state government at the Office of the Governor, where she supported senior officials. 

With an unwavering passion for breaking down barriers and fostering strong, interconnected communities, Tori has made it her mission to create a trauma-informed culture that supports and uplifts all individuals. She is a certified trainer on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), aiming to raise awareness about the impact of childhood trauma and promote strategies for healing and resilience. She believes that every individual has the potential to make a positive impact on their community and is dedicated to creating pathways for others to achieve their fullest potential. 

Beyond her professional pursuits, Tori enjoys volunteering, reading, concerts, spending time in nature, and being with family and friends. 

Princess Philomena Desmond-Ogugua

Princess Philomena Desmond-Ogugua currently resides on Woodbridge and serves as an International Consultant on Trade, Investment, Business Development, Government Relations and Diplomacy

Bishop Joe Chase

Bishop Joe A. Chase Jr., is a native of Washington, D.C. received a B.A. degree from Virginia Union University, MMin. from Richmond Virginia Seminary, a Th.D. from Norfolk Seminary and currently seeking his D.Min. from Virginia University of Lynchburg. He retired after 20 years of military service in the United States Navy and he is the owner of Faith Broadcasting Company consisting of several radio stations throughout the U.S.A and a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. Bishop Chase was installed as Pastor of Friendship Cathedral COGIC on February 7, 1998. He was consecrated Bishop of Greater Jamaica Jurisdiction which consists of 32 churches. Bishop Chase is serving his fourth term as a board member of the National Trustees of the C.O.G.I.C. and has held the position of Secretary, Assistant Secretary, former Superintendent of National Properties, Secretary of the National Publishing Board, member of the Constitutional Committee of the General Assembly and National Overseer. Bishop Chase is Second Administrative Assistant to Bishop G. Wesley Hardy, Virginia Fourth Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, Chairman of the Budget Committee and Founder of the Solid Rock District. Most recently he was appointed by Governor Glen Youngkin to the Virginia African American Advisory Board.

Tia Yancey

Tia’s higher education experience includes an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Consumer Marketing Specialization and Business Management from Danville Community College; a Bachelor of Applied Science in Leadership from Averett University; and receiving a Master of Arts Degree in Nonprofit Leadership from the University of Lynchburg. Since 2014, The Center for Community Engagement and Career Competitiveness (CCECC) has allowed Tia to engage, empower and transform students, faculty, staff and community members through volunteer efforts, service projects and diverse programming. By increasing partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders, the CCECC continues to develop active citizens and leaders within our region. Tia proudly serves as an inaugural Presidential Taskforce Member on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Averett University to enhance my footprint and bring multicultural awareness to our campus and community. As an engaged member in her community, she serves as a Third Chance Housing Board Member by sharing the mission of “Developing and implementing asset-based solutions to complex housing problems in ways that prioritize people and families.”

Dr. Owen Cardwell

Bio coming soon.