Bernette Hardy-Keyes saw an opportunity when a stranger knocked on her door, inviting her to help charter the National Coalition of 100 Black Women - Richmond Metropolitan Area Chapter (NCBW-RMAC). She had been searching for a community service organization to join, and a neighbor, aware of her work with the local homeowners association, recommended her.

“I don’t usually answer the door when I’m not expecting someone,” Hardy-Keyes said. “But I did that day, and I’m glad I did.”

As Black women in Virginia face disproportionate health and social challenges, NCBW- RMAC is committed to driving change. Through advocacy, leadership development and promoting gender equity in health, education and economic empowerment, the organization makes a meaningful impact— particularly for those affected by poverty, mental illness and domestic violence. Chapter members embrace their role as voices for the voiceless, working to improve the lives of Black women and girls in the Richmond area.

A retired IT professional, Hardy-Keyes moved to Richmond from Williamsburg in the 1980s to work for Dominion Energy, where she retired four years ago. Raised in Surry, she planned to study art at Howard University but chose Virginia State University instead, paving the way for a career in IT.

“I didn’t think the career prospects were that great in art,” she said. “I chose Virginia State because I liked the campus and it was closer to home. I also had friends who were going there.”

Since retiring, Hardy-Keyes has pursued a career in real estate, earning her license and advocating for homeownership.

Her passion for architecture and design, combined with the flexibility of her new profession, allows her to continue learning while spending quality time with her husband doing what they enjoy.

“We eat out a lot, and we like trying new restaurants,” she said. “He likes golf and football, so I watch that with him now.”

Meet an advocate for social change for women and girls of color who serves her church and community, this week’s Personality, Bernette Hardy-Keyes:

Occupation: Realtor with Keller Williams Richmond West.

Date of birth: Nov. 28.

Where I live now: Henrico County.

Education: Master’s in organizational leadership; bachelor’s in business information systems.

Family: Husband, Robert Keyes.

What is the National Coalition of 100 Black Women: We are a 40-year-old nonprofit with over 3,200 members advocating for social change to empower women and girls of color in our community and neighboring metro areas by influencing those who make policy decisions. Our advocacy work complements efforts to address discrimination in all forms, strengthening capacity for self-help and providing relief in emergencies. Our legislation supporting advocacy agenda includes voter education/rights, civil engagement, increasing the number of women candidates running for political office and issuing position papers on public policy platform issues.

Mission: To advocate on behalf of Black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education and economic development.

Founding and purpose: NCBW was founded in New York in 1970 by Edna Beach. She wanted to bring like-minded women together to address problems that impacted their families and communities and to promote racial and gender equity. Jewell Jackson McCabe, one of the original founders, became president of the New York chapter in 1977 and built a national coalition. By 1981, the organization had grown to over 500 members, gaining national recognition.

Founder(s): Edna Beach and 24 visionary African-American women.

When Richmond area chapter was chartered: March 28, 2015.

Founders: An organizing group led by Delta Bowers, chartering president. She was introduced to the National Coalition of 100 Black Women by the late Diane Flannigan Montgomery. Bowers admired the strength and the courage of the women who had undertaken the mission to establish such an organization that empowered women of color.

She went on to establish an organizing group whose meetings led up to the March 28, 2015, Chartering Ceremony of NCBW RMAC.

Number of NCBW-RMAC members: We currently have 31 active members.

Membership requirements: Membership is initiated through referral of active members of the organization or response during recruitment season. A completed application, available on our website, is the first step to becoming a member.

When elected president: October 2021, and I am currently serving my second term, which ends October 2025.

Why I accepted the position: I am a charter member and believe in the mission of the organization. Serving as president allows me to lead efforts in making an impact in the lives of the women and girls we serve, create a sisterhood and encourage leadership development amongst members of the chapter.

Our 2025 top project: Our 10th year Phenomenal Women Gala, “A Decade of Dedication: Celebrating Advocacy and Impact,” will be held April 26, at Virginia Union University. Phenomenal women in the community whose work aligns with our initiatives will be honored. We will award college scholarships to VUU and Virginia State students.

  

Our biggest challenge: To complete all the program initiatives and activities, compile results into a standards report, as outlined by National, and submit it before the end of our fiscal year. We’ve been awarded the “Model Chapter” designation for three years.

How I plan to meet it: Committee chairs and their committees commit to planning and scheduling the required programs at the start of the fiscal year. The community is invited to attend the advocacy and awareness programs. Compilation of the Standards Report is ongoing and it all comes together with review and submission of the report.

Ways I have seen NCBW-RMAC make a difference: We made a big impact on a local high school student recently. She participated in one of our Economic Empowerment workshop series and wants to be an attorney. While there she was introduced to a local attorney and offered to work in their office this summer and next summer. We have gotten persons registered to vote through our voter registration campaigns. We have awarded over $80,000 in college scholarships, to date. We have recognized and honored over 40 phenomenal women in the community for their work that aligns with our program initiatives.

Ways readers can get involved: Donate via our website, ncbw-rma.org, follow us on our social media platforms and attend any of our events, most of which are free to the public (virtual and in-person).

How I start the day: Start with a daily devotional and prayer. I check to see what the weather forecast is for the day.

Three words that describe me: Analytical, honest and kind.

Top three on my music playlist: Whitney Houston, Frankie Beverly and Hezekiah Walker.

Something I love to do that most people would never imagine: I like word find puzzles, drawing and playing mahjong online.

A quote that inspires me: Honesty is the best policy.

Person who influenced me the most: Aside from my parents and grandparents, an aunt (my mother’s sister) was very influential with a strong personality. I often find myself quoting some positive “nugget”she instilled in me growing up.

What I’m reading now: “Be Ready When Luck Happens” by Ina Garten

Next goal: Finish my term as NCBW RMAC president.