Foundation Insights
Cherise M. Newsome, Vice President for Communications and Marketing, Named to Inside Business Top Forty Under 40
Now in its 23rd year, Inside Business recognizes forty business people under the age of 40 who have built successful careers, and who are actively involved in the community.
Cherise's feature as reported in the Inside Business special report:
At work: At the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, I’m like a microphone because I amplify the impact of philanthropy by telling stories of generous people and nonprofits using print, video, digital and social media. Because of my commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, I am creating a new narrative to show that philanthropy is for everybody.
Home and family: Born and raised in Norfolk, where I still live with my husband and our three brilliant boys.
Volunteer activities: I’m a PTA mama, serving as president of the Norfolk Council of PTAs and on the board of directors for the Virginia PTA. Other activities include: scholarship committee for the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals; founding member of the Visionaries for Change giving circle; diversity, equity, inclusion committee member of the Public Relations Society of America’s Hampton Roads chapter; and member of the early education group EVMS Minus 9 to 5.
Motivating factor: I’m a good problem-solver, so I like working with data and teams to find solutions to complex community and business challenges.
Advice to young people: Find a mentor in your industry and another outside of it. Listen to them, and let them coach you. Learn all you can. Then, do the same for somebody else.
Professional goal in five years: To finish my Master of Business Administration at The College of William & Mary. I’m halfway there!
The one thing I’d change about Hampton Roads: We need stronger child care and early education opportunities, especially for working families.
Region’s biggest asset: Our communities of faith.
Downtime: I love to sing, journal, and listen to audiobooks.
What really gets under my skin: Insects that hop really creep me out.
