Milestones - Oct. 27, 2020

Melissa Powell Gay, of Glen Allen, recently released her fourth book, titled Talking To Herself. Set in the City of Richmond at Christmas time, the novel is about life in the future and the unintended consequences of scientific advancements. The story features time travel, robots, and a bit of humor. All of Gay’s books champion self-reliance and independent thinking, which she learned about while growing up in her hometown of Rocky Mount, Va. She is currently working on her third installment of her Mt. Pleasant series. For details, visit melissapowellgay.com.

Housing Families First recently announced the appointment of seven new members to its board of directors, as well as the full slate of officers and board members for 2020-21. Joining the board of directors are Cinnamon Baker, Jovan Burton, Harvey Chambers, Lauren Leggett, Patricia Perry, Altise Street, and Tim Timmons.

Officers are: Kelly Evans, president; Emily Jasper, vice president; Kathy Burke, secretary; Wayne Lee, treasurer; Sarah Brockwell, immediate past president. Directors are: Cinnamon Baker, Sara Blose, Timothy Borchert, Jovan Burton, Harvey Chambers, J. Benjamin English, Lauren Leggett, Monica Lucas, Becky McNeer, Will Melton, Elizabeth Nice, Patricia Perry, Altise Street, Tim Timmons, Tameka Webb, and Mary Beth Yates.

Leadership Metro Richmond (LMR) recently honored two local leaders that have taken numerous actions to make the community a more collaborative and equitable place to live. Both awards were peer-nominated by LMR alumni who recognized the hard work and dedication each honoree has put into various programs and endeavors that are strengthening the region.

The Servant Leader Award, presented to a member of the previous year’s Leadership Quest class, was awarded to Christopher Rashad Green. Green is a community activist, political organizer and health-equity advocate. His current advocacy work includes voting rights restoration to previously incarcerated individuals, legal representation at all court proceedings (including bail hearings), elimination of financially-burdensome elements like cash bail and pretrial services, and coordinating Courtwatch Training, which monitors the compliance of Virginia criminal court process.

The Ukrop Community Vision Award was given to Eric Lin. He has used his knowledge and network to advocate for the Asian, Latino, African, immigrant, and underrepresented communities across the Richmond region. Most recently, he ideated and led the strategy, planning, and implementation of the My Chesterfield and My Henrico Academy programs which help connect immigrants to information and resources within their localities.

Gov. Ralph Northam recently announced additional appointments to his administration. To the Office of New Americans Advisory Board, Northan appointed Kate Ayers and Amelia Castañeda Smith of Henrico. Ayers is executive director of ReEstablish Richmond and Smith is the Welcome Center and Family Advocacy Coordinator for Richmond Public Schools. Northam also appointed Vonda Collins of Henrico to the Virginia Lottery Board. Collins is a CPA with Altria Group, Inc.