Chris Lassiter, Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge

Chris is the passionate force behind this collective. Through MANY "lunch and learn" type conversations he's begun to get a real pulse on the Black ecosystem here in the Valley. He is the one that brought us all together! 

Sabrina Burress, LPC, NCC, ARROW Project Inc

Sabrina is the current leader of this collective, keeping us focused on our mission and vision, and identifying a pathway forward for our work, this collective, and our community. 

Tony Davenport, DJL3d

Tony is a new entreprenuer, who brings not just his own lived experience, but also a deep connection the Staunton community. 

Courtney Thompson, Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce

Courtney joins this team bringing experience and expertise in the advancement of large and small businesses, as well as the economic wellness of communities. 

Tom Engle, Building Bridges 

Tom is a member of Building Bridges for the Greater Good, an organization that focuses it's work on educating the community to the needs of the underserved and/or underrepresented, as well as working to fill in the gaps where they are able. He joins the team to be a bridge between the work of BBGG and this collective. 

Keisha Nicholson, Love Forward Foundation

Keisha Nicholson is a Staunton native, licensed cosmetologist instructor, and founder of Love Forward Foundation, a nonprofit she launched to model healing-centered leadership. Her work centers emotional literacy, equity, and creative entrepreneurship, building systems that uplift Black and Brown communities with clarity and care. As a member of the Staunton Black Business Collective, she helps shape a local economy where dignity, strategy, and community care are foundational—not optional.

Susan Venable, Community Partner

Susan worked in the non-profit sector for seven years, and brings with her a wealth of knowledge to support new and existing business entrepreneurs! 

Kenneth Venable, President Staunton Branch NAACP

Kenneth has an extensive professional background in sales and marketing. He is eager to support business owners with his knowledge and expertise in this area and community networking, connecting, and growing your business! 

Anika Horn, Social Ventures 

Anika brings her experience in building entrepreneurial ecosystems to the Collective. She is a fierce advocate for small businesses and wants to see entrepreneurs in the Shenandoah Valley thrive.

Gabrielle Cash, Economic Recovery Corps

Gabrielle Cash is a facilitator, strategist, and Capital Access Navigator who works at the intersection of ecosystem building, capital access, and community healing—supporting Black founders and local partners in creating culturally responsive and sustainable pathways for entrepreneurial success.

Danielle Unique McEwen, CEO of Unique VZSN

Danielle is a Visionary Strategist and Marketing Consultant with 15 years of experience. She is eager to use her holistic signature approach to elevate the Black Business Ecosystem.