Charles C. “Chuck” Epes, a founding member of Friends of Bryant Park, is fighting against the construction of the Fall Line Trail, a 43-mile paved bike and pedestrian trail stretching from Ashland to Petersburg. The project is a regional effort, …

Since the 1990s, gentrification has targeted inner city neighborhoods, particularly those with lower income populations. This trend isn’t limited to major U.S. cities; Richmond also has experienced its impact, where new development often takes precedence over preservation.

Richmond native Carlehr Swanson’s pageant journey stemmed from her passion for music. In 2017, her talent and dedication earned her the title of third runner-up and the People’s Choice Award in the Miss Virginia Organization. This past June, Swanson’s perseverance …

According to the National Institutes of Health, more than two-thirds of African American males have directly experienced a traumatic event in their lifetime. NIH also says that 56 to 74% of Black males exposed to traumatic events may have an …

Kenneth Lanelle Ragland grew up in inner-city Philadelphia, an area that struggled with poverty and crime. His positive experience with the Philadelphia Police Athletic League (PAL) inspired him to pursue a career focused on creating opportunities for young people in …

Lloyd Young’s journey began in New Kent County, where he dreamed of playing college football. He achieved this goal and also earned a scholarship to Virginia State University. His success on and off the field led to a degree in …

Cheryl Groce-Wright’s journey with mindfulness began after a work burnout in 2019. Seeking solace, she was guided by a colleague teaching a mindful, self-compassion course. This experience ignited a transformative journey of self-discovery that enhanced her well-being.

Jeremy Scott Hoffman is a forceful climate justice advocate for Scott’s Addition and the city of Richmond. He credits his father with sparking his interest in conservationism, although he says the notion of creating better spaces has been in the …

Michigan native Dwight Jones is deeply committed to the community that welcomed him 17 years ago. As the president of the Richmond Chapter of the National Negro Golf Association, Jones not only enjoys a good game of golf but also …

Women in technology and the executive ranks are not uncommon today, but that wasn’t the case in the early 1980s when Cynthia ‘Cindy’ Buckler began her finance career. That didn’t stop her from rising from branch manager to executive vice …

Jason Pritchard knows rock bottom — and what it takes to lift oneself from the depths of addiction. As the board president of Richmond-based Substance Abuse and Addiction Recovery Alliance (SAARA), he is constantly fighting for the underserved.

As a passionate advocate for older adults, Dr. Jodi Marie Winship’s story is a testament to the power of one person’s determination to make a difference — and it’s her dedication to the health, wellness and quality of life of …

With education as the family business for three generations, Cheryl Lewis Burke’s career path may have been etched from an early age. Both her parents and all of her aunts were educators, but it was her experience growing up in …

Throughout her career, Lindsay Kylene Bunting Eubanks has prioritized service to others. As an attorney with Sands Anderson, a Richmond-based law firm, she supports their Litigation Group. She said her work as a legal ally requires being proactive and remaining …

As the daughter of Indian immigrants, Avanti Kollaram Yamamoto didn’t always dream of becoming a teacher.