Richmond History Makers

For our 20^th annual Richmond History Makers program, the Valentine is working to align our event’s areas of focus with the Urban Institute’s pillars to improve upward mobility.

This year, our independent Selection Committee will be comprised of members of HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Engage), ChamberRVA’s organization that serves as a hub for young professionals to connect with each other, plug into our community and grow personally and professionally.

Residency in the Richmond region and an agreement to publicity is necessary for eligibility. Nominees may not be an employee or board member of the Valentine or HYPE.

Nominations will be accepted through October 31, 2024.

Looking to nominate a Young Richmond History Maker? See details here.

Questions may be directed to Brent Morris, Deputy Director of Communications at (804) 649-0711 or [email protected]

The updated categories and descriptions are as follows:

Building Inclusive Community Neighborhoods.
Nominee will have worked collaboratively and across sectors to develop solutions that support families’ well-being while also increasing housing access, expanding social and economic opportunities, building community wealth, or paving the way for upward mobility that gives every family the chance to succeed.

Creating High-Quality Educational Opportunities.
Nominee will have helped create high-quality educational opportunities that support students – from prekindergarten to college and beyond – by improving academic achievement, establishing effective learning environments, or developing and supporting high-quality programming that provide a crucial avenue to economic and social mobility.

Establishing Rewarding Work Environments.

Nominee will have demonstrated an innovative approach to building a local workforce that finds meaning and purpose in what they do, creating avenues for wealth-building, professional advancement, skill development, or economic stability, while also improving the economic vitality of the Region and upward mobility for all.

Promoting Access to Healthy Communities.

Nominee will have worked to find solutions to pressing health and environmental issues, increasing access and equity across racial and income barriers, improving educational and economic outcomes, expanding upward mobility, or ensuring the long-term well-being of the region’s families so they can fully participate in their communities.

Inspiring Residents to Thrive.

Nominee will have demonstrated a commitment to serving the Richmond Region, meeting the diverse needs of community members, and promoting progress as a citizen leader – whether it be in the arts & culture, governance, business, or nonprofit sectors – in a way that has substantially contributed to a more vibrant region.

2024
Richmond Tobacco Row Factories

Legend Brewing Company

Wilfred Cutshaw

The James River Association

Monument Avenue Monuments & the Rumors of War Statue

Elisabeth Scott Bocock & the Historic Richmond Foundation

Bev Appleton

Hammond Organ Studios of Richmond

Noah Oddo

Edwin Claiborne Robins, Sr.

Richard S. Reynolds, Sr.

Jim and Bobby Ukrop

Sydney and Frances LewisBarbara Grey

Dr. Carmen Foster

Camp Alkulana

Albert V. Norrell

Adolph Brown IV

Breanna Diaz & Narissa Rahaman

Clarence, Earl, & Chester Hunter

Cornelius Mimms

Elizabeth Johnson Rice & The Richmond 34

Adele Clark

2023
Richmond Public Schools Teachers

2022
JXN Project
Francis Thompson
Art Program Manager, JLL and Community Volunteer

Sheba Williams
Founder and Executive Director NoLef Turns and Community Volunteer

Jocelyn Marencik
Founder and Project Manager, Got Tec Richmond

Innovate Fulton, Inc.

Senior Connections

Rudene Haynes
Co-Founder, “Facts and Faith Fridays”

2021
Chuck English
Virginia STEM Coordinator

Floyd E. Miller, II
President & CEO
Metropolitan Business League

Lloyd “Bud” Vye
Biking & Pedestrian Advocate

Chloe Edwards
Advocacy and Engagement Manager
Voices for Virginia’s Children

Health Brigade
Represented by Executive Director Karen Legato

Hamilton Glass
Muralist and Community Advocate

2020
Ask Childhood Cancer Foundation

Tanya Gonzalez
The Sacred Heart Center

Jeannette Cordor
Faces of HOPE

Charles Rasnick

BLK RVA Action Team

Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia

2019
Charleita M. Richardson
President & CEO
Partnership for the Future

Candice Streett
Executive Director
Virginia Local Initiatives Support Corporation

Bike Walk RVA

Jill Hanken
Health Attorney
Virginia Poverty Law Center

Dolly Hintz
Hospital Hospitality House

Janine Bell
Founder & Artistic Director
Elegba Folklore Society

Richmond Triangle Player

2017-2018
Ashby & Terri Anderson
Richmond Youth Jazz Guild

Kim Mahan
Founder & CEO
MAXX Potential

Pam Mines
President & Founder
JP JumPers Foundation

Diversity Richmond

Duron Chavis
Community Engagement Coordinator
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

CultureWorks

2016
Patty Parks
Richmond Public Libraries

Dr. Edward H. Peeples, Jr.
Civil Rights Leader

Dr. Joann Henry
Dream Academy, Inc.

Chris & Rebecca Dovi
CodeVA

Jack Berry
Richmond Region Tourism