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Dedicated to Helping RVA
Our team is lean, mean, and full of RVA natives. Because of our passion for ensuring the success of the Greater Richmond community, some of our team have dual roles as board members and volunteers.
Lamesha Gray
Founder and President
In October 2021, Lamesha was inspired by a group of at-risk teens attending a Richmond Public School program to help her community on a larger scale than a Thanksgiving donation. She began trying to find community resources and advocating on the behalf of the struggling teens seeking assistance with SOL prep. When her efforts failed through communications with school district administration, she decided to create something greater than herself that could impact her community. Helping Our Community RVA was then born October 29, 2021.
Tondra Devarel
Board Member
As a Virginia native and a seasoned real estate professional, Tondra recognizes and values the trust, her clients place in her, and she strives every day to exceed their expectations. When it concerns her clients, Tondra believes in a philosophy of transparency. She says, “I feel creating something of value has to lead first with integrity, which creates a solid foundation to do great business together.” Tondra always knew that she wanted to chart a path helping others and found her true calling in real estate, serving her clients and guiding them through one of the most significant investments of their lives.
Janéa Tyler
Executive Secretary
Her learning and experience at VCU landed her a full-time position at ChamberRVA. Her role at the Chamber included providing marketing support for assigned projects and programs and coordinating all activities related to the Chamber’s websites and electronic communications. Janea currently works as a Marketing Specialist at Good360, a nonprofit that placed #23 on the Washington Post Top Workplace list. She is responsible for creating and managing social media, blogs, and impact stories. She works hand in hand with corporate donors to exemplify the impact Good360 does to close the need gap and open opportunities for all.
Michaela Blackwell
Board Member
Mrs. Blackwell has over 11 years of IT integrated audit experience. Relevant experience outside of Truist includes IT Audit manager at Virginia State University and Senior IT auditor at a Virginia CPA firm. Michaela is an active volunteer with the ISACA CISA Exam Certification Committee and a Platinum Excellence Award Winner at Suntrust.