As a proud alumnus, Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn exemplifies Virginia Tech’s motto, “That I May Serve,” through her career and community service. She is deeply committed to making a positive impact for the better- ment of her community.

“I want to make a difference,” she said. “I’ve always been committed to community service. I want to make a better world for everyone.”

Growing up in New Jersey, Douglas-Glenn joined the Girl Scouts, where she developed an early interest in community service. Camping, building campfires, and cooking over an open flame taught her valuable survival skills. She believes these learning experiences were essential in shaping her career.

Douglas-Glenn, a higher education academic and practitioner, is an organizer and leader dedicated to advancing racial equity. As the director and associate professor at the Research Institute for Social Equity at the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, she leads initiatives to secure funding aimed at addressing equity gaps across Virginia.

She came to Richmond over 15 years ago to serve as director and associate professor at the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute at VCU. She concedes

it took her a while to gain her footing in Richmond. She had to make connections in the Black community and earn trust. She secured a mentor in the late Grace Harris, the pioneering VCU administrator and namesake for the institute, who helped her acclimate.

“In my work, it’s important that the community trusts me,” she said. “Without the deep family connections of Black Richmond, it was a tough nut to crack. I think Richmond is changing, though. It’s becoming more welcoming.”

Douglas-Glenn met her husband at her sorority’s holiday formal. While chatting at the event, they realized they shared the same birthday. That brief meeting led to phone calls, dates and marriage. The couple will celebrate their 12th anniversary next year.

When not working, Douglas-Glenn and her husband enjoy exploring the dining scene, particularly Taco Tuesdays. Their preference for local restaurants over chains reflects their desire to share an authentic Richmond experience with their out-of-town guests.

Travel is a priority for Douglas-Glenn and her husband. They recently visited London and Paris and plan to visit Italy together next year.

Douglas-Glenn is planning a big trip abroad with friends for their landmark birthday in 2026.

Meet the social change agent who loves to travel and this week’s Personality, Nakeina E. Douglas-Glenn:

Other volunteer positions: Board member for SOAR365, The Links, and lifetime member, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Occupation: Director and faculty, Research Institute for Social Equity in the VCU L. Douglas Wilder School of Government & Public Affairs.

Date and place of birth: Jan. 6 in Philadelphia.

Where I live now: Chester.

Education: Doctoral degree in philosophy, public administration and public affairs, Virginia Tech; race and social policy certificate, Virginia Tech; master’s in social work, Radford University; bachelor’s in political science, Virginia Tech; bachelor’s in sociology, Virginia Tech.

Family: Husband, Howard Glenn.

Health Brigade is: Virginia’s oldest free and charitable clinic offering an array of medical, mental health, community outreach and care coordination services.

Mission: To provide exceptional health services to those least served in a caring and non-judgmental environment.

When, where and why founded: Health Brigade was established in 1970 as a community clinic in conjunction with the free university movement. Partnering with similar efforts in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury neighborhood, it became the first free clinic in Virginia, grounded in social justice to address gaps in care for those in need. Initially serving VCU students and nearby residents with limited access to health services, the clinic championed women’s access to oral contraceptives and primary care for the poor and uninsured. Over time, Health Brigade expanded its services to include HIV/AIDS care in the ’80s, transgender health services at the turn of the new millennium, mental health services and comprehensive, integrated care for a healthy mind, body and spirit.

Previous name: Fan Free Clinic.

Why the name change: With the clinic no longer located in Richmond’s Historic Fan District and unable to sustain 100% free care in a rapidly changing health care system, the 2016 name change reflected its need to evolve with its shifting role in the Greater Richmond area.

Health Brigade symbolizes our legacy of action, from the armbands worn by medical personnel providing first aid during street protests to the inclusion of community health workers on service teams today, ensuring increased engagement and retention in care.

Services we provide: Health Brigade offers primary care, mental health and public health services primarily to low-income individuals and those with Medicaid who have limited care options.

Who qualifies for services: Qualification for services depends upon the programs offered. Visit healthbrigade.org to make an appointment to see the vast array of comprehensive services we provide.

Funding: Traditionally, we’ve depended on funds from multiple sources, including contributions from the state. However, as state resources decline and demand continues to rise, private donors and foundations are becoming increasingly vital.

The Health Brigade’s funding sources are diverse. Shifting political priorities have required a broader range of funding sources and strategies to address the community’s expanding health care needs.

We partner with: Many organizations, including hospitals, other nonprofits, state and local health departments, universities, training programs, private businesses, foundations and donors.

Why I became affiliated with Health Brigade: I joined the Health Brigade in 2014 because of my governance and leadership experience. I found Health Brigade to be a place that lives out the equity agenda it champions. Aligning my social justice values and the belief that health care is a fundamental right of every person, regardless of their lot in life, provided me with an opportunity to contribute my expertise to an organization doing meaningful, mission-oriented work.

When elected board chair: January 2024.

Why I accepted the position: It further exemplifies my commitment to the organization and its work giving me a unique opportunity to lead and amplify Health Brigade’s mission of providing compassionate and accessible healthcare to those who need it.

No. 1 goal or project as chair: To leverage the expertise of our board members and other stakeholders to strengthen Health Brigade’s mission and impact on the community through compelling stories and meaningful relationships.

Strategy for achieving goal or project: I want to continue to ensure that we have a board that is informed and fully engaged on critical issues impacting the organization and the communities we serve and support our executive director, Karen Legato, and her amazing team in their work while building strong relationships with key stakeholders in policy, the community, nonprofit, public and private entities to advocate for systemic change.

Our biggest challenge: Funding and sustaining staff and volunteers to meet the growing health care needs of the community. With state resources more limited than ever and the changing health care landscape impacting service delivery, ensuring sustainable financial support is vital to maintaining our services.

Ways I have seen Health Brigade make a difference in Richmond: Health Brigade continues to maintain its reputation as a vital responder to public health needs, from providing testing and vaccines during the HIV/ AIDS pandemic in the 1980s to standing up public testing and vaccination sites for COVID-19. The clinic has been instrumental in addressing the effects of drug use through its Comprehensive Harm Reduction Program, which has served over 6,500 people and reduced overdose reversal by nearly 50%. It remains the largest Syringe Exchange Program in the state. Today, Health Brigade’s primary and mental health care has significantly grown to serve diverse populations, including LGBTQ+, Latine, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and soon Afghan refugees, in person and through telehealth.

Additionally, its work in HIV and Hepatitis C Prevention services has contributed to reducing HIV in the community and linking thousands to care.

Upcoming events and how to support Health Brigade: Art Brigade is a special event every other month that showcases local artists’ work to foster an environment of health and healing for our patients, clients, volunteers and staff. Urge your local representatives to continue to support funding for free and charitable clinics within our state. Become a donor, organize a small fundraiser with your friends and networks or donate water and snacks for those we serve. Every contribution helps us deliver quality care to those in need and drive health equity in our communities.

How I start my day: Hopeful. 

The three words that best describe me: Relatable, deliberative and disciplined.

My dream dinner party guest: My Mother. She passed away before I could fully appreciate the woman she was beyond being my mother.

Best late-night snack: Pretzels.

Top three on my musical playlist: Blessing Offor, whose feel-good music I recently discovered. It’s the holiday season, so of course there’s Mariah Carey. And the soulful sounds of Toni Braxton.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I sew.

A quote that inspires me: “In the end, everything will be alright. If it’s not alright, then it’s not the end.” – Unknown

The best thing my parents taught me: Be. Still. You have to find the moments to just be still and wait for your gut and God to reveal the path forward.

Most influential person: My mother. As I have gotten older, I have come to understand the magnitude of the sacrifices she made for her children.

What I’m reading now: “Take Care of Them Like My Own” by Ala Stanford, M.D. My takeaway is that when things don’t work out the way they are supposed to, you take charge and create what should be.