Amma Gatty, founder of Cultural Encounters, didn’t experience a culture shock when she moved from Ghana, West Africa, to Richmond — it was more of a “people shock.”

With over three decades in mental health, Dr. Lynda Hyatt has witnessed significant progress in reducing barriers to treatment and services. Yet, she remains steadfast in her fight against the societal stigma surrounding mental illness.

The Richmond Peace Education Center, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting peaceful education, offers workshops on conflict resolution, trauma healing, gun violence reform, and restorative justice. Through its advocacy for nonviolence, the center works to address harmful environments and reduce the …

When doctors told Melissa Weaver the lump she had felt for six months was not cancerous and didn’t need to be removed, they suggested it was due to hormonal changes. However, she wasn’t convinced and sought more conclusive answers.

Rebecca McCray remembers settling in with a good book on her grandmother’s plaid couch as a child.

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 betterment of her community.

Gary L. Flowers, an African American history enthusiast, has devoted over 35 years to civil rights law and activism. He’s worked alongside notable African American trailblazers such as the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson and former Gov. L. Douglas Wilder and …

Over the past 40 years, societal changes have brought greater acceptance and expanded legal protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Despite these advancements, members of the community continue to encounter significant challenges and discrimination.

Climate change poses a fundamental threat to human health, affecting the physical environment and threatening global economic stability, according to the World Health Organization. Laura Schewel is looking for ways to reduce carbon emissions, leading her to green transportation advocacy …

Generational poverty can impact families and communities beyond the apparent financial struggle — there are psychological, educational, health and environmental effects. Black communities suffer from generational poverty at alarmingly high rates.

Last week, Paul Townsend celebrated 31 years as an employee at Capital One. Reflecting on his time with the company, he knows his experience is unlike most in the corporate world today.

Carol Adams was accustomed to being woken at night by yelling and fighting from the next room—an almost nightly pattern. But on Dec. 30, 1980, that pattern took a darker turn. Instead of screams, she heard gunshots. Her mother was …

Maria Dolores “Dhol” Enciso Tuason, a Filipino immigrant, spent most of her life in the U.S. working as a nurse. Since retiring in 2022, she has dedicated her time to sharing her heritage with younger generations by founding Sayaw Diversity, …

Dr. Anthony L. Fludd’s commitment to tackling social justice issues of our time led him to join the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy (VICPP). His involvement with the organization’s advocacy work is a testament to his dedication to service.

Kevin Keogh, a father of two young children, has little spare time. However, he recognizes the value of volunteerism and serves as the board president for CancerLINC, a Richmond area nonprofit dedicated to easing the burden of cancer for patients …