In 2017, prompted by two city council members, a group of African American business figures came together to address why there were no Black-led development companies serving Charlottesville’s Black community. This question led to the creation of a Black founded and Black-led community development corporation, inspired by the legacy of Vinegar Hill, a once-thriving Black community destroyed in the 1960s.
Charlottesville is experiencing significant growth and development, but the Black community does not always benefit. We aim to change that by advocating for more Black leadership in development.
New Hill, guided by the needs of the Black community, is committed to advancing this process of restoration.
We will expand economic opportunities to grow wealth and home ownership in the Charlottesville Black community through financial coaching, entrepreneurial support, economic development and asset building.
Before the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation, African Americans made up the majority (52.2%) of Charlottesville and its surroundings. Afterward, “Vinegar Hill” emerged as a vital hub for African American life and commerce. However, in the 1960s, urban renewal efforts demolished Vinegar Hill along with other African American neighborhoods, resulting in the loss of hundreds of homes and businesses.
Today, the estimated value of Vinegar Hill’s land owned by African Americans alone is $80-100 million. This loss has prevented African American families from accumulating and passing on wealth across generations.
We believe that the root cause of the marginalization experienced by Charlottesville’s African American population today is inseparable from its history. When access to home and business ownership was denied, significant opportunities for wealth accumulation were lost. Moreover, the displacement of residents resulted in the erosion of social and cultural capital, fracturing the cohesive fabric of communal support intrinsic to a thriving society.
Originally hails from Alabama (Roll Tide) but grew up predominantly in South Carolina. She has worked, served, and lived in the Charlottesville area for the last 13 years. Yolunda is a Christian, wife, business partner, executive manager, entrepreneur and CEO and Co-Founder of New Hill Development Corporation. As a professional business leader, Yolunda is able to leverage 24 plus years of profit management, staff development, external and internal customer experiences, community engagement, and self-development. Repeatedly hired and promoted to challenging operations to improve asset management, quality of service, employee recruitment and retention, training and development of staff, ultimately leading to increased profitability. Developed and executed strategic revenue, marketing, and business strategies in existing, transitional, and start-up assets from $1mm to $12mm in annual revenues whilst simultaneously leading teams ranging from 15 to 90 members. During her hotel management career, Yolunda oversaw renovations and redevelopment projects ranging from as little as $1mm to upwards of $10mm.
Originally hails from Alabama (Roll Tide) but grew up predominantly in South Carolina. She has worked, served, and lived in the Charlottesville area for the last 13 years. Yolunda is a Christian, wife, business partner, executive manager, entrepreneur and CEO and Co-Founder of New Hill Development Corporation. As a professional business leader, Yolunda is able to leverage 24 plus years of profit management, staff development, external and internal customer experiences, community engagement, and self-development. Repeatedly hired and promoted to challenging operations to improve asset management, quality of service, employee recruitment and retention, training and development of staff, ultimately leading to increased profitability. Developed and executed strategic revenue, marketing, and business strategies in existing, transitional, and start-up assets from $1mm to $12mm in annual revenues whilst simultaneously leading teams ranging from 15 to 90 members. During her hotel management career, Yolunda oversaw renovations and redevelopment projects ranging from as little as $1mm to upwards of $10mm.
Since living in Charlottesville, Yolunda has endeavored to contribute positively to the fabric of what is deemed as “community” by: volunteering as a GED tutor for the Adult Learning Center, acting as a facilitator for Dialogue on Race, community organizing for the City of Promise, and helping to create a social networking organization to connect African Americans in Charlottesville known as the Black Professional Network to name a few.
Yolunda also decided to return to college to get her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration while also participating in and volunteering for an entrepreneur development program known as Community Investment Collaborative which led to the development of her co-owned business, A Taste of Home Southern Cuisine; a food truck and catering business. Yolunda’s desire to work more effectively in her community led to her participation Board Development Academy through the Center for Non-Profit Excellence. Upon completion of her board training Yolunda began serving on the board of Girl Scouts of the Virginia Skyline, Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and BPN. Yolunda was raised to believe in the Golden Rule, to seek to give more than you seek to receive, and to bring forth thoughtful solutions to challenging opportunities. These values are what drive her vision and her purpose.
A passionate mixologist, wine connoisseur, and chef, Givens began his hospitality career as a teenager washing dishes, and eventually worked his way to Executive Chef and then Director of Food and Beverage, having worked for both Hilton and Marriott.
A passionate mixologist, wine connoisseur, and chef, Givens began his hospitality career as a teenager washing dishes, and eventually worked his way to Executive Chef and then Director of Food and Beverage, having worked for both Hilton and Marriott.
Today Givens is working for New Hill Development Corporation as Director of BEACON Kitchens, helping Black entrepreneurs make their dreams come true.
Malaika Karriem is an award-winning communications strategist, brand strategist, and writer with over a decade of experience in public relations and marketing for small businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and corporations.
Dwayne Gould is a highly skilled and dynamic culinary professional with a rich history of creating, supervising, and managing exceptional culinary experiences. With years of hands-on expertise in the fast-paced world of event catering and fine dining, Dwayne has honed a versatile skill set that spans from high-end event catering to precise kitchen management.
Dwayne Gould is a highly skilled and dynamic culinary professional with a rich history of creating, supervising, and managing exceptional culinary experiences. With years of hands-on expertise in the fast-paced world of event catering and fine dining, Dwayne has honed a versatile skill set that spans from high-end event catering to precise kitchen management.
Priscilla has recently achieved her BA in Political Science from Virginia State University and is now continuing her educational journey at the Frank Batten School at UVA, where she is studying Public Policy and leadership. She is deeply committed to finding practical solutions to enhance community support.
Priscilla has recently achieved her BA in Political Science from Virginia State University and is now continuing her educational journey at the Frank Batten School at UVA, where she is studying Public Policy and leadership. She is deeply committed to finding practical solutions to enhance community support.
We are thrilled to welcome Priscilla to the New Hill team as our new Program Coordinator. In her role, she will focus on cultivating strong and authentic relationships with our client partners, entrepreneurial collaborators, vendors, program partner organizations, and the broader Charlottesville community. Priscilla’s passion for community betterment and academic background make her a valuable addition to our team.
Do the words grant writing, business development, federal procurement, prospecting, proposals, oral presentations, interrogatories, KPI’s, dashboards, impact measurement, data viz, red teams, pink teams, client/donor cultivation, and rebids make you think: how are we ever going to do this?
With full credit to Strategic Coach, ″think who not how″, Carlson Foley Enterprises provides precisely these services for our clients. We have a federal win rate of over 90% for opportunities on which we have consulted, and an even higher win rate for nonprofit clients.
We are a small, responsive consultancy who can help you win the business development battle.
Do the words grant writing, business development, federal procurement, prospecting, proposals, oral presentations, interrogatories, KPI’s, dashboards, impact measurement, data viz, red teams, pink teams, client/donor cultivation, and rebids make you think: how are we ever going to do this?
Scott is a Charlottesville native, and has over 15 years of experience in media production. He currently has his own company, Forezee Marketing Solutions, and is the former Creative Services Director for WVIR-NBC29.
Scott is a father, a husband, and an active member of the community.
Scott is a Charlottesville native, and has over 15 years of experience in media production. He currently has his own company, Forezee Marketing Solutions, and is the former Creative Services Director for WVIR-NBC29.
Scott is a father, a husband, and an active member of the community.
Anne is a lifetime resident of Charlottesville, VA and its surrounding areas. Anne is currently the COO at Abundant Life Ministries, a faith based organization that offers a holistic approach in serving the education and financial needs of the family.
Anne is a lifetime resident of Charlottesville, VA and its surrounding areas. Anne is currently the COO at Abundant Life Ministries, a faith based organization that offers a holistic approach in serving the education and financial needs of the family. ABM and its volunteers focus is primarily within the Prospect Neighborhood.
Anne has served on numerous boards to include Chairing the Chamber of Minority Business Council. Anne is the loving wife of Vic Brown and proud mother of two adult children. Anne has a passion and love for her community which is evidenced by her lifelong work developing the minds and careers of its members both personally and professionally.
Quincy Carpenter joined the Virginia Athletics Foundation in August 2022. He serves as an Assistant Director of the Annual Fund, supporting the VAF by securing gifts to meet Annual Fund goals while assisting in the execution of year-long giving and retention initiatives.
Quincy Carpenter joined the Virginia Athletics Foundation in August 2022. He serves as an Assistant Director of the Annual Fund, supporting the VAF by securing gifts to meet Annual Fund goals while assisting in the execution of year-long giving and retention initiatives.
Prior to joining the VAF, Quincy served as the Ticket Sales Manager at Xavier University. During his time in Cincinnati, Quincy worked part time for the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals. During this time, Quincy was selected to speak at the 2022 NCAA Career in Sports Forum on the Young Professional Panel.
Quincy came to Xavier after working for the Cardinal Athletic Fund for the University of Louisville as an athletic administration intern. During this time, he was selected to speak at the 2021 NCAA Career in Sports Forum on the Young Professional Panel. Prior to his time in Louisville, Quincy served as the community events outreach intern for the Orange Bowl Committee in Miami, Fl.
Quincy proudly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in sports administration management from Hampton University where he was selected for the 2018 Olympic Flame Program and 2017 National Association of Sports Commissioners. Quincy graduated with a master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Arkansas where he proudly served as the student ambassador of the Graduate and International school as well as the Sport Management Program.
Ramona Chapman is a Capacity Development Specialist and Tribal Relations Liaison with the Office of Policy & Strategic Development (PASD), at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
Ramona Chapman is a Capacity Development Specialist and Tribal Relations Liaison with the Office of Policy & Strategic Development (PASD), at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Her professional experience spans 30 years in Community Development and Human Services.
Mona manages State and federally funded Programs and facilitates workshops in topics including Organizational Risk Management, Community Engagement Coaching, Nonprofit Board Governance, Strategic Doing and Strategic Planning, Leadership Transition Planning. She conducts DISC Assessment Training for the workplace and utilizes Gamification principles for organization team building.
Mona grew up in rural Albemarle County and currently lives in Louisa County. She holds a Master’s Degree from James Madison University in Health Sciences & Higher Education Administration. Ramona serves on nonprofit boards and is a member of the M. Stanley Ryan Parliamentarian Association, and recently completed the Virginia State University Sustainable Urban Agriculture Certificate Program.
Shymora Cooper is a lifetime resident of Charlottesville, VA. Shymora’s life experiences as well as her work career have afforded her opportunities and inspired her to educate, advocate, encourage, and support other low income families.
Shymora Cooper is a lifetime resident of Charlottesville, VA. Shymora’s life experiences as well as her work career have afforded her opportunities and inspired her to educate, advocate, encourage, and support other low income families. It is her passion and motivation as a community activist to assure that the oppressed, underserved, and disenfranchised families in her community not be uninformed or misinformed; that they have the same opportunity as all other citizens.
Shymora’s professional and personal history has given her the experience in coordination of family life skills including health and financial services. She takes advantage of workshops, classes and as many informational sessions as possible to remain informed of area resources.
She is the proud mother of three children ranging in ages 10 to 17; they attend Charlottesville Public Schools. A former public housing participant Shymora has been blessed through hard work and financial discipline to become a homeowner. She is employed at Charlottesville Redevelopment & Housing Authority as its Housing Quality Inspector; a job that further allows her to be closely engaged with low income families.
Dr. A. Rashard Dacus has been an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Faculty member at UVA since August of 2007 after completing a fellowship in hand and upper extremity at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. A. Rashard Dacus has been an Orthopaedic Surgeon and Faculty member at UVA since August of 2007 after completing a fellowship in hand and upper extremity at the University of California, San Diego. He is currently working on a research project to study the effect of EMG results on treatment plans/outcomes in patients with carpal and cubital tunnel syndrome.
In 2011, he was appointed the Residency Program Director after serving as the Assistant Residency Director from 2009 to 2011. He is also the co-fellowship director for the Hand and Upper Extremity Division. Dr. Dacus has also enjoyed being an Assistant Team Physician for James Madison University Athletics since 2008 and continues in this capacity. He has been an active member of the community with involvement in the Washington Park Health Fair since 2012.
He is currently on the Board Chair for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central Virginia where serving as acting Secretary.
A native of Suffolk, Virginia, Quinton has served in roles of Procurement & Program Administration of Corporate Credit Cards as well as Business Office & Building Management for Region Ten CSB. He spent his formative years in the D.C. Metropolitan area, where he graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD. Higher education was pursued thereafter with a short stint at Brooklyn College in NYC and a longer stint at Capitol College, in Laurel, MD., where he studied Computer Engineering. After withdrawing from Capitol in ’94, and finding a passion in entrepreneurship, Quinton enjoyed a 14- year career as owner of Charlottesville Players, a well-regarded, urban clothing store in Charlottesville, VA.
A native of Suffolk, Virginia, Quinton has served in roles of Procurement & Program Administration of Corporate Credit Cards as well as Business Office & Building Management for Region Ten CSB. He spent his formative years in the D.C. Metropolitan area, where he graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD. Higher education was pursued thereafter with a short stint at Brooklyn College in NYC and a longer stint at Capitol College, in Laurel, MD., where he studied Computer Engineering. After withdrawing from Capitol in ’94, and finding a passion in entrepreneurship, Quinton enjoyed a 14- year career as owner of Charlottesville Players, a well-regarded, urban clothing store in Charlottesville, VA.
Residing in Charlottesville the past 24 years, Quinton has owned and operated several business ventures, while taking pride in the opportunity to serve as a role model and inspiration for the African American community. While attaining a Bachelor’s degree in business as a working adult, he has served as a founding member and vice chairman for the City of Promise and also served on Charlottesville’s Citizens Advisory Panel for the Chief of Police. A past Boys & Girls Club volunteer, Big Brother Big Sister mentor, and work group leader for the Community Investment Collaborative, a local entrepreneur incubator; Quinton currently serves as a contributing committee member for the Charlottesville Alliance for Black Male Achievement and vice president of the Black Professionals Network.
Quinton currently co-owns A Taste of Home Southern Cuisine, a food truck and catering business, with his lovely bride Yolunda and is also founder of Heritage United Builders, a start-up service creating value in the construction industry through connecting African American and minority subcontractors to more opportunities.
Quinton believes even though race and racism continue to cultivate and promulgate systemic hurdles and hindrances for African Americans, economic empowerment, financial literacy, spiritual and wealth building strategies are the critical counterbalances and compliments to social justice activism.
Lester, also known as “Nathaniel Star” is a Charlottesville native. His impressionable years were spent in South First Street public housing. Lester’s deep rooted sense of community fuels his desire to see equity within the underserved Black Community.
Lester, also known as “Nathaniel Star” is a Charlottesville native. His impressionable years were spent in South First Street public housing. Lester’s deep rooted sense of community fuels his desire to see equity within the underserved Black Community. He often volunteers his time with at risk youth, usually through music. In addition to serving on several boards within the University, and Charlottesville community, Lester is also an establish songwriter/musician in his own right.
Under the musical moniker Nathaniel Star, he has performance and writing credits with some of the most respected names in the music industry. From Maxine Jones of legendary R&B group En Vogue, to members of the Dave Matthews Band, Wilton Felder Sr. of The Jazz Crusaders and other Grammy Award winning artist. Lester is currently creating music for a few Netflix series, and Feature Films.
Lester’s passion is anything involving the youth, “our future”. -“my goal with any board i sit on is to be a conduit between the community that looks like me, and the one that doesn’t””I love people”
Beth Kennan grew up in Albemarle County. After graduating from college, she moved to the Washington, DC metro area. There she began her career in real estate development, by accident.
Beth Kennan grew up in Albemarle County. After graduating from college, she moved to the Washington, DC metro area. There she began her career in real estate development, by accident. Through her work, Beth was introduced to a non-profit specializing in home improvements for some of Washington DC’s most vulnerable communities. She began to volunteer with this organization. This experience introduced Beth to the true diverse and vibrant fabric which shapes and defines Washington, DC. This experience really educated Beth on the area and its’ residents.
Her professional experience in real estate development in the District included working in Anacostia (Southeast DC), NOMA (North of Mass Northeast DC) and the Navy Yard / Nationals Stadium area (Southeast DC). These work and volunteer efforts reinforced a personal and professional commitment to revitalizing communities through development and thoughtful community engagement.
After thirteen years in the DC area, Beth moved back to Virginia. First to Richmond working in real estate planning and development. She spent time volunteering in Richmond’s East End through her church.
Beth, returned to Charlottesville to initially manage the redevelopment of Friendship Court, in her last year there she also managed the Friendship Court Community Center. This was a highlight of her career which proved to be a truly eye-opening experience. It gave her an opportunity to see what and how the community has historically viewed support to this vulnerable community. Beth recently joined Enterprise Community Development as a Senior Real Estate Development Manager for Southern Virginia.
Beth’s skills which would support New Hill’s mission include fundraising, working with non-profits, real estate development and community engagement. Beth believes success is measured in many ways and is individual to each person and their journey through life. Beth holds a bachelor’s degree from Hollins University, a master’s degree from Georgetown University and is a 2019 graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leaders Program at the University of Virginia. She received additional certificates in Project Management from Virginia Tech and is a certified Housing Development Finance Professional from the National Development Council.
Karen Klick has been serving mission-driven, social purpose businesses for 24 years with a focus on affordable housing, community development, and civil rights.
Karen Klick has been serving mission-driven, social purpose businesses for 24 years with a focus on affordable housing, community development, and civil rights. Karen is an experienced nonprofit professional providing leadership and innovation in strategy and planning, capacity building, resource development, staff support and development, and program evaluation.
Karen earned an Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Georgetown University with a capstone project on Program Impact and Evaluation, and she is a graduate of VCDC’s Nonprofit Sustainability Challenge with a focus on achieving excellence in financial sustainability and mission impact.
Karen is a certified coach and a trained mediator. She earned her JD from American University’s Washington College of Law with a focus on public interest law and majored in Economics at the University of Virginia. Karen is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Hollie has a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science from Mary Baldwin University and a Master of Public Administration from James Madison University. She also holds an Executive Certificate in Leadership…
Hollie has a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Political Science from Mary Baldwin University and a Master of Public Administration from James Madison University. She also holds an Executive Certificate in Leadership and Management from Notre Dame University has a Leadership Coaching Certificate from the International Coaching Federation.
She is a graduate of Leadership Charlottesville and the City’s Leadership Development Academy. In addition to former board positions with the Virginia Downtown Development Association, the local Workforce Investment Board, and the Central Virginia Small Business Development Center Advisory Council, Hollie helped launch the Chamber Minority Business Council.
Prior to joining the UVA School of Continuing and Professional Studies in May 2021, Hollie was employed with the City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development for almost 14 years. There, she was instrumental in providing entrepreneurial support services and programing for Charlottesville businesses, establishing the City’s Minority Business Program and Business Equity Fund Loan and Grant programs.
In 2013, her role expanded to include a concentration on workforce development, thus reflecting the City’s efforts to further align workforce and economic development efforts. She oversaw the establishment of the City’s Downtown Job Center, which provides intensive employment services to job seekers; created the City’s first Workforce Advisory Council; and helped with the development of several new workforce development programs including GO Driver, a Commercial Driver’s License training program that prepares low-income City residents for employment with Charlottesville Area Transit. In 2016, this innovative program model received four awards from local, state, and national organizations.
In 2014, Hollie was recognized as a one of Charlottesville Woman Magazine’s 4 under 40 Award recipients at the Quadruplicity Women’s Conference and was presented the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, she received the Excellence in Business Award from Forward/Adelanté, Virginia’s first bi-lingual business journal. She also received the John F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Diversity in Business Award from the Chamber of Commerce in 2018. She was recognized as a local Climate Leader (for Better Business Challenge and GO Solar) by the Community Climate Collaborative in 2019.
Shawn McGowen is the owner of Leather Honey sold online and now in Advance Auto and Auto Zone stores.
Shawn McGowen is the owner of Leather Honey sold online and now in Advance Auto and Auto Zone stores.
Shawn McGowen was the Chief Banking Officer at Leumi. Shawn joined Leumi in 2015.
Prior to joining Leumi, Shawn served as Managing Director and National Head of Upper Middle Market at Citi Commercial Bank. Prior to that, he served as President of Citi Commercial Bank for the West and Central regions where he led Business and Commercial Banking. Previously, Shawn held various leadership roles with Wachovia and Wells Fargo.
Shawn earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Guilford College. Shawn also serves on the Board of Directors for Project Sunshine
VP of Community Outreach, Fulton Bank in Richmond Virginia where she is responsible for delivering and presenting the Fulton Forward initiatives, Affordable Housing and Home Ownership, Job Training and Workforce Development, Financial Education and Economic Empowerment and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Richmond area. Home Buyer and Small Business Roundtables in Richmond and surrounding areas.
VP of Community Outreach, Fulton Bank in Richmond Virginia where she is responsible for delivering and presenting the Fulton Forward initiatives, Affordable Housing and Home Ownership, Job Training and Workforce Development, Financial Education and Economic Empowerment and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Richmond area. Home Buyer and Small Business Roundtables in Richmond and surrounding areas.
Coordinator of Equity and Accountability Albemarle County for the Office of Equity and Inclusion for Albemarle County. In short, she provides data analysis, research, consultation, and education for the community and County leaders and team members.
Co-founder of Boyd & Sipe, a law firm specializing in commercial real estate and land use. Her practice focuses on complex, time-sensitive purchases, sales, loans and leases. Tara also helped start the UVA Nonprofit Clinic, which has brought law students and local charities together to share knowledge for 10+ years.
Tara earned her BA with honors from the College of William & Mary and her JD from the University of Virginia. She lives in Charlottesville.
Co-founder of Boyd & Sipe, a law firm specializing in commercial real estate and land use. Her practice focuses on complex, time-sensitive purchases, sales, loans and leases. Tara also helped start the UVA Nonprofit Clinic, which has brought law students and local charities together to share knowledge for 10+ years.
Tara earned her BA with honors from the College of William & Mary and her JD from the University of Virginia. She lives in Charlottesville.
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We believe through, increasing the capacity of one’s financial capability , development and growth of Black owned businesses, and affordable home ownership, the Black community of Charlottesville can truly prosper.
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