At Black BRAND, Hampton Roads’ Black Chamber of Commerce, we are dedicated to empowering Black women entrepreneurs and nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. In proud partnership with Norfolk State University, and with the invaluable support of the Blocker Foundation, Truist Foundation, and Riverside Health System, we recently hosted a transformative experience: the Women Who Lead leadership retreat, marking the vibrant midpoint for our fourth cohort of this impactful Women Who Lead program.
This two-day retreat in Norfolk, VA was designed to deepen mentor connections, explore crucial business strategies such as government contracting, and give these emerging Black women leaders the tools and networks to scale their impact.
A Living Legacy: Real Results in Real Time
We were thrilled to kick off the weekend with an inspiring announcement: Maishia Johnson, President of the Women Who Lead Society, received a standing ovation as she shared that she had just secured a new storefront for Maidlynn’s Chic Boutique. Her success story exemplifies the mission of Women Who Lead—equipping Black women with business tools that create lasting community impact.
A Weekend of Growth, Connection, and Impact
From the moment attendees arrived, the energy was electric. The retreat opened with a symbolic bouquet assembly, with each woman crafting an arrangement that reflected her journey of cultivating change—a perfect metaphor for intentional personal and professional growth.
Day One: Igniting the Spark
The day unfolded with expert-led sessions including:
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Breaking Down Your Own Barriers
Led by Lakysha Laing and Dr. Sandra Williamson Ashe, this powerful workshop offered strategies for confronting internal limitations—an essential foundation for any Black woman in leadership. -
Leveraging Your Career
A powerhouse panel featuring Commissioner of the Revenue Tiffany Boyle, Secretary of the Commonwealth Kelly Gee, and Kimberly Jackson, CEO of United Community Solutions, illuminated pathways to expand leadership influence and navigate upward mobility. -
Sustainable Success
Dr. Cynthia Coy shared frameworks for long-term achievement rooted in self-care and holistic strength. Attendees also received personalized StrengthsFinder assessment results, helping them identify their natural talents to drive success.
Evening brought a twist of fun with a high-energy murder mystery dinner at The Granby Theater. It was more than entertainment—it was a moment to build authentic connections and reinforce community among our Women Who Lead cohort.
Day Two: Nurturing the Leader Within
Sunday focused on the importance of self-care for Black female leaders, beginning with a wellness workshop by LaShawna Epps of A BeYOUtiful Life. Participants learned sustainable daily practices to support mental and physical wellness.
Later, the group traveled to Northwest River Park in Chesapeake for a restorative afternoon of kayaking, paddle boating, and laughter—a refreshing reminder that balance is part of business growth.
For many, having a roommate during the retreat became an unexpected highlight, creating an instant support system and forming lifelong friendships among Black women in business.
Joining a Legacy of Empowered Women
This cohort is now part of a growing legacy—joining 97 Women Who Lead graduates who have launched businesses, grown nonprofits, earned promotions, expanded into new markets, and even pivoted to new industries. Many serve today as program coordinators and Society officers, continuing to uplift the next generation of Black women leaders in Hampton Roads and beyond.
New members are welcome to join this growing movement of changemakers.
A Community Effort, A Collective Future
This retreat would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our partners—Norfolk State University, the Blocker Foundation, Truist Foundation, and Riverside Health System—and our incredible Black BRAND team, led by Program Director Chantel Walton.
Their dedication ensured every detail supported our goal: to cultivate a generation of powerful, prepared, and purpose-driven Black women in leadership.
This retreat is just one part of our greater mission to transform business and community through education, mentorship, and advocacy.
Stay tuned for updates as this fourth cohort continues their Women Who Lead journey—and their legacy of impact unfolds.
