Blair Andrea Durham

Co-Founder & CEO, Black BRAND

Blair Andrea Durham is an award-winning social entrepreneur, author, and dedicated convener recognized for her transformative impact on economic development and community wealth building. As the Co-founder and CEO of Black BRAND, she has spent the last decade revitalizing the landscape of Black entrepreneurship. Since establishing the organization in 2016 alongside her husband, Bashiri Durham, she has successfully positioned it as the premier Black business association and regional chamber of commerce for the Hampton Roads area.

Blair’s work is fueled by a profound belief in the beauty and immense talent of Hampton Roads. A true champion of the region, she is an avid explorer of its hidden gems — from discovering new beaches and parks to supporting emerging boutiques and local businesses. This deep-rooted love for her community serves as the primary engine for her professional mission, driving her to highlight the vibrant attractions and untapped potential that make the area unique.

Economic Impact & Strategic Partnerships

A master of networking, Blair has successfully bridged the gap between national resources and local needs. She has attracted nearly $10 million in investment toward historically disinvested assets by cultivating strategic relationships with global entities such as the Rockefeller Foundation and Google, alongside a growing roster of regional and national brands.

Under her leadership, Black BRAND’s programs have empowered more than 500 Black-owned businesses, helping them secure the social and financial capital essential for sustainable success. Beyond traditional entrepreneurship, her work has been instrumental in building the courage and confidence of intrapreneurs, fostering a new generation of leaders within existing corporate and community structures.

Media, Facilitation & Thought Leadership

Blair’s journey to leadership is rooted in a diverse professional background, having navigated more than 25 different roles before founding Black BRAND. This breadth of experience informs her unique approach to leadership — one that prioritizes grit, adaptability, and “collaboration over competition.” Her insights into resilience are at the heart of her highly anticipated first book, set for release in August 2026.

A powerful voice in the business community, Blair has hosted the live radio program and podcast Black Wall Street Today since 2018, conducting over 300 interviews with business and community leaders. She is frequently called upon to serve as a facilitator, moderator, and keynote speaker for podcasts, live television, and major regional events. Beyond the stage, she leads strategic planning and charrettes for both small and large institutions, specializing in helping nonprofits navigate startup challenges, scale their impact, and develop diversified revenue streams.

Education & Board Leadership

Blair is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech, with degrees in Psychology, Africana Studies, Women’s Studies, and Sociology. Her academic foundation fuels her commitment to systemic change, evidenced by her service on:

  • Virginia Board of Workforce Development (Gubernatorial Appointment)
  • Regional Organizations Presidents Council
  • Innovate Hampton Roads & Volunteer Hampton Roads (Long-time Board Member)

Awards & Recognition

  • Small Business Champion of the Year — Hampton Roads Chamber, 2023
  • Workforce Champion of the Year — Hampton Roads Workforce Council, 2021
  • 3-Time Virginia Business Power List Recognition — Virginia Business Magazine, since 2023
  • Top 100 People to Meet, Rainmaker Category — Virginia Business Magazine, 2022
  • Top 40 Under 40 — Inside Business, 2023
  • Women In Leadership Award — Inside Business, 2024
  • 175 Most Influential People in Coastal Virginia — COVABiz Magazine, 2026
  • CIVIC Leadership Institute Alum (C/O 2022 – Best Class Ever)

Personal

Beyond her professional endeavors, Blair is a devoted wife and mother of three. She is a passionate believer in the art of hospitality and finds balance through international travel, poetry, journaling, and karaoke. Whether dolphin watching on the coast, discovering a new local restaurant, or developing impactful community programs, Blair remains committed to “convening with purpose.”