Youth enrichment and college-prep programs for underserved students helped shape Joe Massie, who was raised in Church Hill by a single mother. As a first-generation college graduate, he knows firsthand the impact such programs can have.

“I didn’t realize the importance of the programs that were available to me as a kid,” he said. “It made such a difference in my life because it exposed me to so many different things.”

Though he had a full scholarship to the College of William & Mary, he chose Virginia Military Institute after visiting the campus and seeing successful men he aspired to emulate.

According to a Virginia Department of Education report, Richmond Public Schools had an on-time graduation rate of 78.1% in 2024. The report also found that just over half of those graduates enrolled in a two- or four-year college. That’s 10 to 15 points lower than statewide averages, which can fluctuate, according to the Virginia School Quality Profiles.

As the honorary chair of the 14th Annual Jazz Inside Out, a program that raises money for the Virginia Higher Education Fund, Massie is resolute in his mission to improve the lives of underserved youths.

“It’s an opportunity to give back,” he said. “ The kids are our future, and we must invest in them.”

Massie aims to inspire and support young people on their path to success. While Massie recognizes that a lot has changed since he was in school, he says some key things remain the same. He wants students to know that hard work and focus can go a long way and that they need faith.

“Determination is also important,” Massie said. “I want them to know that a setback is not the end. It’s part of the process, and it’s okay.”

Massie founded his own practice, Massie Law, drawn by the independence that running a small firm provides. He enjoys traveling to the Caribbean, but counts Charleston among his favorite destinations for its rich history and architecture. A student of antebellum history, he takes pride in what his ancestors were able to build there.

Meet the attorney who enjoys working out, bike riding in Bryant Park, neighborhood walks and this week’s Personality, Joe Massie:

Occupation: Attorney.

Date and place of birth: Oct. 7 in Richmond.

Where I live now: Northern Henrico.

Education: Richmond Public Schools, Virginia Military Institute and Wake Forest University.

Family: Wife, Mary; sons, Tavaris and Caleb; stepson, Malik.

What is the Virginia Higher Education Fund (VHEF): It’s a nonprofit dedicated to increasing higher education opportunities for underserved high school students who have experienced obstacles such as poverty and homelessness.

VHEF provides college prep workshops, scholarships, dorm kits, books, and empowering mentoring activities for students in Richmond and other counties.

When founded: Rose M. Giles founded the Virginia Higher Education Fund in Henrico County in 2010.

How I became involved with VHEF: A friend introduced me to the organization.

Why VHEF is meaningful to me: My experience is the same as that of the students who participate in the program.

Why I accepted the position as honorary chair: I want to make a difference.

No. 1 goal as honorary chair: To raise money and awareness for the need for these types of organizations, campaign and champion the organization’s goals.

Details about the upcoming event: The event has a new venue. It will be at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

Featured artists: Plunky & Oneness will headline the event, along with a performance by Ghanaian drummer Babs Mohammed.

Cost: $75 for covered seating and $65 for lawn seating.

What makes this a top pick: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is very picturesque and has charming indoor and outdoor spaces.

How the event will benefit scholarship recipients: All proceeds will provide college prep workshops and scholarships for high school seniors in Richmond and other counties.

The focus in 2025 will be on single-mother households.

How many students will this help: Approximately 25 students will receive college prep workshops and scholarships. An additional 25 students from single-mother households will receive dorm kits that include comforters, pillows and other items.

VHEF partners: The Virginia Lottery, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 12 On your side, Dominion Medical Associates, Davis Brothers Construction Company, Spider Management, Family Life Services and many others.

How VHEF makes a difference in Richmond: VHEF bridges the gap between resources and needs for families, especially the organization’s target population, single-mother households. It provides financial support, life-changing, empowering workshops and mentoring.

How I start my day: Meditation, prayer and coffee.

Three words that describe me: Energetic, passionate and considerate.

Dream dinner party guest: Abraham Lincoln, because I’d like to know how he kept the faith and withstood the pressure.

Top three on my playlist: Fleetwood Mac, Toni Braxton and Aretha Franklin.

Something I love to do: I love being alone and watching Investigation Discovery on TV.

Inspirational quote: It is better to give than to receive.

The person who influenced me the most: My mother.

Inspirational book: “The Autobiography of Malcolm X” by Alex Haley.

Next goal: Continue to make a difference and be a force for good and touch as many lives as possible.