Maria Fatima Crenshaw loves to cook. On a scale of one to 10, with 10 being tops, the Richmond resident rates herself a nine in preparing scrumptious dishes. Among her favorites, she loves to serve fried chicken and pastelillos, also …

Bessida C. White says she began researching her family genealogy in 1984.

Dr. Charles L. Shannon III sees himself as a man on a divine mission

Debra Sue Sims Fleisher has had a passion for exercising ever since she was a child. “My mother says that, as a little girl, I would dance to the sound of the washing machine. And I do remember dancing with …

It’s hard to believe Lindsey N. Shavers finds enough hours in the day to fulfill all her leadership responsibilities. The senior in Henrico High School’s International Baccalaureate program was a human dynamo this summer, wearing many leadership hats.

Julia Warren believes children in disadvantaged communities should be able to enjoy a big birthday bash in a safe and fun environment.

Monica Smith-Callahan recalls her first public speaking experience at age 5 at Antioch Baptist Church in the Varina community where she grew up.

Donald Ray Raspberry loves playing tennis. “It’s fun, it’s exciting and it teaches you a lot of great life lessons,” says the 65-year-old North Side resident. He also has a passion for teaching children the game.

Give Ke’Aja Jefferson an A-plus for determination. The rising Richmond Community High School senior, who has earned an amazing 4.7 GPA, excels in several areas. Her latest achievement: She finished first in the Transportation Modeling Contest at the 2015 Technology …

Brenda W. Johnson says the golf bug first bit her when a sorority sister from Delta Sigma Theta invited her to take up the sport when she lived in Michigan. “She says, ‘Let’s learn how to play golf,’ ” Mrs. …

Rita Hayes Willis reflects back to when she was a child eagerly leaving for her first day of school each year. She was properly outfitted from head to toe. “There is something about a new pair of shoes for the …

Unbeknownst to many Richmonders, another “mayor” has been serving in the city other than Mayor Dwight C. Jones.

Robin M. Brown seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of children and others in the community. That’s why she joined the Richmond-based Order of the Eastern Star of Virginia at the behest of her mother-in-law, Erma R. …

Michael Ray Pearson Sr. is on speed dial to help others in need. For the past eight years, his Richmond-based nonprofit — Friends Helping Friends — has put on a free summer basketball camp at Armstrong High School in the …

More than 4,000 children in the Greater Richmond community sleep better at night, thanks to the efforts of Jenny J. Jones and a legion of other volunteers at Beds for Kids Inc.