MBA selects this year’s Vanguard Award recipient | News

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — A woman who helps others feel and look their best will be recognized next week during the Minority Business Alliance’s gala.The MBA of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce announced this week that Khalilah Jones of Chic and Classy Image Consulting will receive the 2024 John F. Bell, Sr. Vanguard Award.According to a release, this annual award recognizes an outstanding minority business or individual who actively supports and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within the business community in the Greater Charlottesville area.Recipients mentor Black and brown entrepreneurs and business professionals to help develop future business leaders and continue the grown of the minority business community.“Khalilah specializes in uplifting everyday individuals, making them feel confident and valued in their personal and professional lives,” said Gina Patterson, the individual who nominated Jones. “Her work extends beyond fashion, touching on deep community engagement and advocacy, especially for those who have been historically excluded, system impacted, and underrepresented.”Jones is a wardrobe stylist and image consultant and the co-founder of the Soul of Cville Festival. She is also involved in various other civic organizations in the area.The Vanguard Award is named for John F. Bell, Sr., the founder of J.F. Bell Funeral Home, the oldest Black-owned business in Charlottesville.He was a respected business leader in the community during a time period when much of society was not welcoming to or supportive of Black businesses.The Harlem Nights Black Tie Gala will take place Sept. 27 at the DoubleTree Hotel.

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