The people holding the door open.

DeVantae Dews is committed to strengthening families, empowering individuals, and building thriving communities.

With experience spanning child welfare, population health, nonprofit leadership, program operations, quality assurance, and community engagement, DeVantae brings a systems-focused and people-centered perspective to his work. He is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate complex systems while also improving the programs, partnerships, and processes designed to serve them.

His leadership is grounded in compassion, authenticity, accountability, and a belief that meaningful change happens when people are empowered to recognize their strengths, understand their potential, and have access to systems that help them succeed.

Whether working directly with families, improving program quality, or engaging community partners, DeVantae seeks to turn complex challenges into practical opportunities for growth, connection, and lasting impact.

Jessica P. Hill, LCSW — professionally known as "The Black Man's Therapist" — is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Richmond, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University in 2018 and her Master of Social Work from Morgan State University School of Social Work in 2020.

Using a strengths-based approach, Jessica empowers adolescent and adult Black men to recognize their resilience, rewrite limiting narratives, and develop practical tools to navigate life's challenges. Her mission is to support men in reducing depression, anxiety, and emotional barriers while fostering greater self-awareness, healing, and emotional presence. Jessica believes that although the therapeutic journey can be challenging, no one has to walk it alone.

A Richmond native, Mallorie is a reflection of the impact that community-education partnerships have in the lives of local youth. Once a student and participant, then an arts educator and now a fundraiser, she believes in the collective commitment to removing barriers of access to the arts.

Her experience as a young performer left a permanent impression of devotion to art making and self-expression. After graduating in 2019 with a B.A. in Leadership and Organizational Development from George Mason University, and witnessing the impact of COVID-19 on nonprofits, she found her calling in arts fundraising — with a personal mission to create accessible creative experiences for everyone who wishes to join. She currently serves as Senior Manager of Development at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, and spends her time reading Toni Morrison and rewatching early seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta in equal measure.

Rakira Bostic is an accomplished medical social worker from Richmond, Virginia, with more than 12 years of experience providing comprehensive services to the geriatric population across the healthcare continuum. She currently serves as Social Services Director within a skilled nursing facility, where she oversees psychosocial services, advocates for resident rights and well-being, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality, person-centered care.

Rakira earned her bachelor's degree from Norfolk State University in 2015 and her Master of Social Work from Walden University in 2020, and is currently pursuing licensure as an LCSW. Her expertise spans hospice and palliative care, long-term care, LTSS screenings, and Medicaid coordination. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their families through compassionate advocacy and comprehensive care planning.

Shaquia Anderson is a mental health professional, MSW student, and CSAC-S with a passion for supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from substance use disorders. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from Old Dominion University and has experience across behavioral health, crisis services, and community mental health.

Shaquia is committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. She is especially passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use, advocating for equitable access to care, and creating spaces where healing, connection, and belonging can flourish — because lasting change begins when people feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.