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Bio:   Isaiah King is an entrepreneur and streetwear brand owner from Richmond Born and raised in the city, Isaiah attended John Rolfe Middle School and Varina High School before graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School

After high school, Isaiah went on to play college football, but his athletic career was cut short due to an ACL injury. Instead of letting that setback stop him, he shifted his focus toward entrepreneurship.

Isaiah originally started his clothing brand during his senior year of high school. Through consistency, networking, and staying active in the local fashion scene, he continued to grow the brand and build connections within the community.

Today, Isaiah owns two retail storefronts in Richmond, continuing to expand his vision and provide opportunities for designers, resellers, and creatives in the city. His stores are located on West Broad Street at 2707 W Broad St and 902 W Broad St, serving as hubs for streetwear culture, fashion, and collaboration.

Isaiah remains focused on growing his brand, supporting local entrepreneurs, and helping push Richmond’s streetwear scene to a larger platform.

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Floyd E. Miller, II, was appointed as the President & CEO in 2017.  He has over twenty years of nonprofit management experience with a host of nonprofit organizations. He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where he received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice. He later received a Masters Degree in Education from Virginia State University.

He is the recipient of the 2000 Men of Vision Award, given to him by the Virginians Aligned against Sexual Assault, which recognized his incredible work and commitment to preventing sexual assault and crimes against women. He was recognized by Inside Business as one of the Top Forty under Forty professionals in Richmond, Virginia. In 2011, he received the Tom Joyner Morning show Real Fathers, Real Men Award. He received the 2012 Bank of America Heroes award for being a role model and leader in his community. He received the Richmond History Maker Award from the Valentine Museum for Economic Innovation in 2021. Most recently, Floyd was recognized by Virginia Business Magazine to its 2022 list of “Top 100 People” to meet in Virginia and in 2023 Top Black Executives.

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Karen Athy serves as the Director of Finance and has been a part of the MBL team for over 10 years.  She is responsible for overseeing all financial activities of the organization, which includes monitoring the organization’s long-term financial health and growth.

Karen is also the CEO & Principal of K&P Financial, LLC where she has been providing quality, personalized financial guidance and consulting to small business owners, non-profit organizations, and individuals for over twenty years. She is a graduate of Virginia Union University, where she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and later received her Master of Business Administration degree from Averett University.  She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and her personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of those that she serves is her greatest impact to the community.

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Tracy Carter serves as the Operations/Donor Services Specialist at the Metropolitan Business League (MBL). In this position, he assists with the Operations, Development, and Donor Services team processing donations to the MBL Foundation as well as providing administrative support to the entire donor services team. Prior to this assignment, he was a Program Specialist at the MBL.

Tracy holds a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Virginia Tech, has over fifteen years of teaching experience as a mathematics and physics teacher, and has over fifteen years of customer service experience. He has also tutored adults in the fields of mathematics, statistics, chemistry, and physics since his college years at Virginia Tech. Prior to his assignment at the MBL, Tracy was a training and employment specialist at the Richmond, Virginia Project Site Office of the AARP Foundation Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).

Tracy is active in the Usher Ministry and the Media & Technology Ministry at the First African Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia and is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. In his spare time, Tracy enjoys listening to music, walking, bowling, and putt-putt golf.

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Christine Mercado has over ten years of human resource experience. She is a graduate of Marymount College of Fordham University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Building upon this foundation, she later received a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management with Distinction from Long Island University.

Over the course of her career, she has accumulated a diverse and comprehensive background in the field of Human Resources. Her core competencies revolve around policy development, employee relations, HR compliance, and HRIS systems. She has had the privilege of contributing her expertise to companies, including ADP and international retail and fashion brands, where she played a role in streamlining and enhancing organizational processes.

She has a passion for nurturing and empowering people, and a commitment to advancing HR initiatives that drive organizational success.

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With a background in healthcare and sales, Dr. Darricka Carter Alexander, Director of Strategic Events brings a unique blend of expertise to the organization's mission of supporting small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses. She possesses a deep understanding of business which has been instrumental in shaping her approach to events. Darricka is also the owner of Collage Events, LLC, Creating Memorable Moments that Matter.

In addition to her professional role, Darricka is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, International Association of Minister’s Wives and Minister’s Widows (IAMWMW) and Mentoring Association of Professional Christian Women (MAPCW) demonstrating a commitment to community and social engagement.

Darricka was raised in New Jersey, outside of Philadelphia, and relocated to the Richmond area 23 years ago. She is an alumna of Fisk University and the NY College of Podiatric Medicine.

In her spare time, she enjoys mentoring young adults and traveling with her husband Benjamin E. Alexander.

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Shanice Boone holds a bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising with a minor in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University. With over six years of experience in marketing, social media, and digital content, she has supported organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals in expanding their brand presence, developing strategic marketing campaigns, and creating engaging digital content. 

Shanice is passionate about connecting people with the resources, businesses, and opportunities that help them succeed. She enjoys turning ideas into content that is visually engaging and meaningful, and making complex topics easier to understand. 

As the Owner & Creative of SDB Creative Agency, Shanice is able to utilize her expertise in marketing, content creation, and brand strategy as a speaker, mentor, and coach.

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Saajida A. Chohan is an educator, cultural architect, and community engagement strategist, With over 15 years of experience across nonprofit organizations and academic institutions, whose work centers on building inclusive, relationship-driven programming that connects people with empowering experiences and opportunities. She most recently served as Director of Education & Visitor Experience at the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia, where she curated mission-aligned educational strategy, public programming, exhibitions, and visitor engagement initiatives designed to strengthen community connectivity. Her professional background also includes roles with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, The Valentine Museum, Virginia State University, Morgan State University, Brightpoint Community College, and Richmond Public Schools.

In addition to her institutional work, Saajida is the founder of a wellness-based business that transforms her entrepreneurial passion into community care and cultural expression. Through ethically sourced herbal and lapidary products inspired by African traditions, her work reflects her commitment to sustainability, self-determination, and holistic well-being.

Saajida holds degrees in Literature from Virginia State University (M.A. & B.A.), along with certifications in Minority Political Leadership (VCU), Grant Writing (UVA), Women’s Entrepreneurship (Cornell University), Sustainable Urban Agriculture (VSU), and Master Gardening (Virginia Cooperative Extension). In 2025, she was recognized as an 804 Woman Making History by Radio One for her leadership and community impact. Across all aspects of her work, she remains committed to strengthening communities through education, innovation and collaboration.

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Alexa Lightfoot, holding a B.A. in Entrepreneurship and Management from Virginia Commonwealth University (2019), currently serves as the Program Manager for the Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP) at the Metropolitan Business League. In this role, she leads a school-based and after-school initiative empowering middle and high school students (grades 6-12) to develop into confident entrepreneurs. YEP instills an entrepreneurial mindset, preparing young individuals for successful careers and future business ownership. Recognizing the critical need for mentorship for aspiring entrepreneurs, MBL is dedicated to providing essential guidance to nurture the next generation of business owners, innovators, and leaders. This commitment underscores MBL's role in shaping the future business landscape.

In addition to her role at the Metropolitan Business League, Alexa is the proud owner of Alexa Lightfoot, LLC, an Event Hosting Company specializing in creating memorable and seamless experiences. Outside her professional commitments, she enjoys exploring Richmond, particularly discovering new hidden gem restaurants in the vibrant food and beverage scene.

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Demetria Harris is a community engagement and small business development professional whose work operates at the intersection of creative placemaking, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. She specializes in designing and advancing initiatives that activate public spaces, elevate local talent, and strengthen small business ecosystems—particularly for minority-owned and underserved enterprises.

A Petersburg, Virginia native, Harris brings a community-centered approach to economic development, using arts-based strategies to foster trust, visibility, and sustainable growth for entrepreneurs. Her experience includes leading public art projects, artist-driven programs, and cultural initiatives that support local businesses, increase community participation, and generate measurable economic impact.

In her role with the Metropolitan Business League, Harris supports entrepreneurs and small businesses through the management of the City Point Innovation Resource Center and coordinates procurement and supplier diversity initiatives associated with the Petersburg Casino Project in partnership with The Cordish Companies. Her work will focus on expanding access to resources, strengthening supplier pipelines, and creating inclusive opportunities for business growth across the Tri-Cities region, including Brunswick County and the City of Emporia.

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Rufus E. Tyler joined the MBL team as our Capital Access Manager for the Richmond and Tri-cities area of Virginia in November of 2024. Rufus comes to the team after working his most previous years in Wealth Management for Scott and Stringfellow, Truist Wealth Management as Jr. Associate Advisor, and Virginia Credit Union as Business Banker. Rufus collegiately attended Southside Virginia Community College, Virginia State University, and Harvard Business School where he pursued his (AAS) Degree in Business Management, (B.A) Business Management, and certificate in management and leadership (CSML). In his spare time, he enjoys serving his community as part of the Chamber of Commerce of Prince George County Virginia, playing piano for my church, and most of all spending family time with Kenzie, Karter, and Rasheva. Rufus favorite quote is " Everyday is a gift that's why its called the present".

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Heather Lyne has designed, funded, and implemented community and economic development projects and large festivals in Virginia, Colorado, and abroad through her work with the Hopewell Downtown Partnership, the Peace Corps, Embrace Richmond, Virginia Tech, the City of Roanoke, SBG Productions, Inc., Telluride Arts, and the Peace Corps. She is Certified in both Group Dialogue Facilitation and Grassroots Organizing through VT Intercom, Virginia Organizing, and VT Action, respectively. Heather earned a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from her alma mater, the University of Georgia, and a Master’s Degree in Public and International Affairs (MPIA) Degree from Virginia Tech with a focus on creative mechanisms for community change. Heather follows the principles of the asset-based community development movement which, simply put, proposes building on “what’s strong” in a community instead of focusing on “what’s wrong”. Virginia Business named her as one of their “Top 100 People to Meet in Business in 2023” and Richmond’s Style Weekly included her in their 2024 “Top 40 Under 40” list.

She is excited to develop and champion this new ecosystem effort to ensure that resources are meeting small business owners and aspiring small business owners where they are throughout the region.

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Nihal Vasty is a community-minded strategist with a passion for entrepreneurship, economic development, and building systems that create lasting impact. With a background in small business advising, grant administration, and urban revitalization, he’s helped early-stage founders, small businesses, and underserved communities access funding, sharpen their strategies, and grow sustainably. As a U.S. Navy Reservist and an advocate for Gen Z leadership, Nihal brings a disciplined yet forward-thinking approach to civic engagement, workforce development, and inclusive innovation. Whether leading workshops, collaborating with local governments, or amplifying new voices in business, he’s driven by a belief in practical solutions and the power of well-supported entrepreneurs to transform communities.

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Ayanna is a Community Builder, Broker & Believer. In her roles as a Professional Organizer, Business Support Strategist, and Community Engagement Strategist, she strategically empowers individuals, organizations, and communities to focus, flow, and grow through connection, creation, and collaboration. Ayanna is the CEO of Harmony Organizing, an integrated suite of business support and community engagement services, and the Founder of The Network Incubator, the premier creative think tank for business ideas that has supported over 730 under-resourced entrepreneurs in Richmond, VA and beyond. Her work has recognized locally and internationally, including the Metropolitan Business League’s Social Vision Award and the Anthem Award for DEI in 2023. She was honored as the inaugural recipient of Our Village United’s Elevated Community Wealth-Building Initiative in 2024. A Richmond native, Ayanna holds a BA in Political Science and an MPA from Virginia Commonwealth University.

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Bio: Elijah Lee is a 18-year-old student, ordained minister, and community activist who has spent seven years organizing youth-led marches, advocating in the Virginia General Assembly, and speaking nationally on issues such as child abuse, racism, and trauma-informed care. He founded the nonprofit Hear Our Voices to empower young people, raised over $15,000 for pediatric safe rooms, and successfully introduced legislation benefiting young people—earning recognition such as the 2022 Emerging Philanthropic Leader and Youth Entrepreneur of the Year. Elijah has been featured in PEOPLE Magazine, Disney+’s Marvel Hero Project, and Black Panther comics, and in 2024 received the DOJ’s National Crime Victims Award. He also continues to preach and excel academically as he enters his senior year at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. 

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Bio:   Founded at just nine years old, TMooreCreations, LLC began as a simple idea inspired by family and creativity. Today, it has grown into a luxury skincare brand specializing in natural products that promote self-care, confidence, and authenticity. More than a brand, it’s a movement to be naturally and authentically you.

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Bio:   Kenya Sarai is an exceptional public speaker, drummer, and entrepreneur currently attending Hampton University as a first-year Broadcast Journalism major. A versatile media talent, she serves as a reporter and anchor for WHOV-TV a student-led newscast and an on-air radio personality for WHOV 88.1, while also contributing her drumming to the university’s jazz band. Her deep-seated passion for drumming has allowed her to perform alongside industry legends, most notably Sheila E. In 2022, Kenya and her mother founded Sarai Works LLC to bridge her love for music and public speaking, offering services in event curation, content creation, voiceover production, and podcasting. This mission of inspiration extends to her clothing brand, SW Brand Impact, which encourages others to “Be the impact you want to see every day.” Guided by her faith, family, and a commitment to character, Kenya’s unwavering mission is to be a light for others and effect positive change in the world.

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Bio: Dr. Patrice Perry-Rivers is Faculty Director of New Venture Creation and Visiting Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Commonwealth University, with appointments in the da Vinci Center for Innovation and the VCU School of Business. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Small Business Opportunity Center at VCU, a major regional initiative supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs across Virginia.

Dr. Perry-Rivers holds a Ph.D. in Management from Rutgers Business School, an MBA from Regent University, and a B.A. in Government from the University of Virginia. Across her career, she has served as a professor, researcher, college administrator, and entrepreneurship center builder, helping launch impactful academic programs and secure millions in grant and donor funding.

Her research focuses on entrepreneurship, minority entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, and strategic management, with work published in leading journals and presented at major academic conferences. She has also produced studies for Virginia state agencies that support economic development.

Before joining VCU, she founded and led entrepreneurship centers at other universities, including Virginia State University’s Minority Small Business Launch Center, which significantly exceeded its goals in supporting new minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. With both academic and real-world business experience, Dr. Perry-Rivers is deeply committed to expanding opportunity, advancing innovation, and creating lasting community impact.

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Bio: Charm Bullard | Senior Advisor to the CEO

Charm Bullard, M. Ed., serves as the Senior Advisor to the CEO at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), an organization that works with schools, businesses, and communities to achieve success through inclusion. In her role, Charm designs and facilitates educational programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for institutions across Virginia, with a specialization in workplace and community programs.

Since joining VCIC in 2016, Charm has successfully conducted over 950 workshops across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her facilitation is distinguished by her warmth and humor, making complex DEI concepts accessible and engaging. As a certified Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator, Charm guides organizations in assessing and improving their intercultural competence. The IDI is a theory-based assessment tool that measures intercultural competence, allowing individuals and groups to see their progression along the Intercultural Development Continuum©. This certification enables Charm to provide actionable results through customized Intercultural Development Plans (IDPs).

Charm’s dedication to DEI began during her 13 years in various student affairs roles on collegiate campuses throughout the Southeast. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for fostering diversity and inclusion. Among her significant achievements is the founding of the Connecting Women of Color Conference at the University of Richmond, which garnered recognition in Women in Higher Education and Essence magazines.

Charm holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Lander University and a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia.

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Alyssa.wheaton@pjunited.com

Bio: I am the Assistant Marketing Manager for Papa Johns in Central Virginia, where I support marketing strategy, communications, and community engagement efforts. I have been with PJ United for two years and am passionate about using marketing to make a positive local impact. With five years of experience in marketing and public relations, I have enjoyed building meaningful connections between brands and the communities they serve. I’m a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where I earned bachelor’s degrees in mass communications and criminal justice, along with a minor in Political Science. In my free time, I enjoy staying active at the gym or relaxing on outdoor patios with my dog, Loki.

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LMelton@fultonbank.com

FULTON BANK

9030 Stony Point Parkway Suite 230 Richmond, VA  23235 | fultonbank.com | LinkedIn

Bio: Linda was born in Charlottesville, VA and now resides in Henrico County.

Education:  Virginia State University, Master of Education 1999

Virginia State College (now University) Bachelor of Science 1979

Experience:  Linda is currently the Community Outreach Officer, VP, at Fulton Bank (November 2016-present).  She was a mortgage Loan Officer and Vice President at SunTrust Mortgage for 31 years and has been in the banking industry for over 40 years.

Civic Activities:

  • Appointed to the State of Virginia Fair Housing Board by Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014 and reappointed by Governor Ralph Northam.
  • Appointed to the City of Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversite Board by Mayor Dwight C. Jones and reappointed by Mayor Lavar Stoney
  • Virginia State University Reginald F Lewis School of Business Industry Council
  • Past member of the Human Kind Board of Directors
  • Member of Richmond Chapter of The Links, Inc.
  • Member of Richmond Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Personal: Linda enjoys gardening, jewelry making and baking

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Christine Mercado has over ten years of human resource experience. She is a graduate of Marymount College of Fordham University, where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. Building upon this foundation, she later received a Master of Science Degree in Human Resource Management with Distinction from Long Island University.

Over the course of her career, she has accumulated a diverse and comprehensive background in the field of Human Resources. Her core competencies revolve around policy development, employee relations, HR compliance, and HRIS systems. She has had the privilege of contributing her expertise to companies, including ADP and international retail and fashion brands, where she played a role in streamlining and enhancing organizational processes.

She has a passion for nurturing and empowering people, and a commitment to advancing HR initiatives that drive organizational success.

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Stacy Hicks serves as Administrative Assistant with the Metropolitan Business League, bringing decades of experience in sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, ministry, and community service. She supports the organization’s administrative operations, social media engagement, events, and entrepreneurial programming.

A passionate advocate for small businesses and community empowerment, Stacy is also an entrepreneur and the founder of Sacred Vows, where she serves as a wedding officiant and mobile notary. She brings to MBL a heart for service, a gift for connecting people, and a commitment to helping entrepreneurs and communities thrive.

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