Black BRAND celebrates 10 years with Hidden Figures Honors, recognizing Black women leaders and supporting Black-owned businesses in Hampton Roads.

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Black BRAND, the Hampton Roads Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the inaugural Hidden Figures Honors, recognizing Black women whose leadership has reshaped Virginia’s public, corporate, and cultural life.

Held in Hampton, birthplace of the real-life “Hidden Figures” story, the event highlights women who broke barriers and advanced equity across the state.

Honorees include Charvalla West, the first Black and first female CEO of United Way of the Virginia Peninsula; Tiffany Richardson Harrell, the first African-American female racecar driver at Langley Speedway; and the late Jessie M. Rattley, the first African-American woman to serve a full mayoral term in Virginia as mayor of Newport News.

The honors will be presented during Black Diamond Weekend’s 10th anniversary celebration, which brings together business leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates for Black economic growth and empowerment.

Since 2015, the nonprofit has helped launch and scale hundreds of Black-owned businesses and nonprofits in Hampton Roads. The organization provides mentorship, professional development, access to capital, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs at every stage, whether starting their first business, expanding an enterprise, or leading a nonprofit.

Black BRAND aims to close the racial wealth gap and foster economic justice, positioning Hampton Roads as a hub for Black innovation and business growth.

For more information, visit the Black BRAND website.

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