Dr. Faith Wilkerson
Dr. Faith Wilkerson is an educator, entrepreneur, business consultant and a huge cheerleader for all things community driven.
Faith has worked at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) for over 15 years managing many of the University’s annual traditions, as well as, overseeing student centered diversity & inclusion programs. She is currently the Program Director for the Minority Education Center within the School of Education and also serves as an Adjunct professor at both VCU and the University of Richmond.
On the entrepreneurial side, Faith is the Founder and Owner of both UnlockingRVA, an event production company and Unlocking Richmond, the brand's recently launched nonprofit organization aimed at creatively engaging our local communities.
Faith received her Bachelor's in Mass Communications, Masters in Higher Education, as well as, a Doctorate in Educational Leadership all from VCU. Most recently, Faith was a recipient of Style Weekly Magazines 2022 Top 40 under 40 award.
Consulting
If you are looking for someone to detect problems, provide solutions and optimize productivity levels Dr. Wilkerson can offer her assistance. With an expertise ranging from diversity & inclusion to human resources let her provide a fresh outlook your organization isn't seeing.
Event Management
If you are looking for someone to organize and oversee your event look no further. Dr. Wilkerson and her UnlockingRVA team will coordinate all of the details to make sure your event is a success. The team has years of experience in both small and large scale events, plus a ton of contacts to maximize your budget.
Public Speaker|Host
If you are looking for a dynamic speaker or host for your upcoming special event, conference or retreat look no further! Dr. Wilkerson is able to speak on multiple topics ranging from diversity, to entrepreneurship and leadership. She is also available to host both large and small events of all types.
Wedding Officiant
If you are looking for someone to serve as the Wedding Officiant for your big day Dr. Wilkerson is now able to offer those services. She will design a ceremony that is beautiful, elegant and personalized to you, to ensure that your ceremony reflects the personal values and/or spirituality you both share.
Engagements and Professional Updates
HCA Black Colleague Network Event
Dr. Wilkerson is excited to be apart of a Panel Discussion with a Purpose of Building and Strengthening Colleague Relationships and Fostering Inclusion Through Influential Black Leaders.
VCU School of Education Staff Awards
Dr. Wilkerson was the receipt of the VCU School of Education Community Impact Award at this years staff awards.
Top 40 Under 40
The Top 40 under 40 list is always one of our favorite features of the year. The most obvious reason is that most people enjoy learning about inspirational, uplifting people in the Richmond area and the selfless ways they make our city a better place.
This years 2022 class also included Dr. Faith Wilkerson highlighting her work with UnlockingRVA and VCU.
Dr. Wilkerson recently sat down with the folks over at The Ground-Up podcast to discuss her entrepreneurial journey over the last 6 years as the Owner of UnlockingRVA. Catch the full interview on the podcast's Youtube page and make sure you share your thoughts in the comments.
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Black Girl Biz HERstory Panel
The Black Girl Social Club is an inclusive international network of Black women with over 70 chapters across the globe who understand sisterhood, community, and collaboration. They look to cultivate relationships and connections that are impactful; provide a safe space for Black women and change the narrative about how we interact with one another.
JEDI Professional Virtual Learning Series
Dr. Wilkerson was pleased to kick off JEDI professional virtual learning series provided by the Calhoun Area Career Center within the state of Michigan. Her presentation on The Impact of Power & Privilege with Jovana Braxton focused on how participants can understand the complexity of power and privilege exercised by different groups within organized systems.
Somebody's Son Podcast
Dr. Faith Wilkerson shares how Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University created a foundation for her to grow in her career while impacting the city.
VCU Staff Senate Conference
Dr. Wilkerson is excited to be a part of VCU's Human Resources and Staff Senate "Together We Transform” career development series. Each session will offer opportunities for VCU staff to explore a variety of topics, network with peers, and gain invaluable insights from VCU and regional leaders.
On, Monday, March 22, 2021 Dr. Wilkerson will be serving as the keynote speaker discussing the art of
"Leading from Where You Are".
This year's event is scheduled during the entire month of March 2021 and is free to all VCU and VCU Health System employees. Learn more!
Virtual Fundraiser Happy Hour
Nantasha Williams is a community leader, advocate, political organizer and one of Dr. Wilkerson's former student from VCU who is running for New York City Council District 27 later this year!
During this fundraiser you can find out more about Nantasha's platform and how you can help her campaign even if you do not live in NYC. The best part, Dr. Wilkerson will be serving as the virtual bartender for the evening.
Leaders Unleashed
Dr. Wilkerson is excited to be serving as the keynote speaker for th VCU Student Activities Leaders Unleashed conference on October 31, 2020
This is a gateway experience to finding your life-changing experiences, your best friend or mentor, and shaping your role as a leader at VCU, in your community, and beyond.
This conference is open to all student leaders at VCU.
Social Justice-Injustice Series
The Social Justice-Injustice Series: Equality in Education is happening from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Oct. 20, 2020
The VCU Alumni Richmond Chapter and the VCU Alumni African American Alumni Council host a series of social justice-injustice panel discussions focused on spreading awareness and spawning conversations around topics of social justice and disparities concerning Black people and people of color.
The first panel dicussion features Tomikia LeGrande, Ed.D., VCU's vice president for strategy, enrollment management and student success, and 2019 National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson (M.Ed.’11/E). Faith Wilkerson, Ed.D. (B.S.’03/MC; M.Ed.’05/E; Ed.D.’15/E), moderates.
Becoming an Anti Racist
The Office of Strategic Engagement is pleased to present the Becoming an Antiracist Educator series. This dynamic professional learning opportunity will intentionally develop skills to engage in practices to dismantle systems that perpetuate racial inequities.
We invite you to join us in an interactive and reflective virtual space to deepen our understanding of race, racism, and systemic inequities. Collectively, we will challenge the underlying structures that uphold racism and will develop dispositions to demonstrate antiracist actions within our personal and professional environments.
Registration includes access to all nine sessions. Dr. Wilkerson will be presenting on January 26th & 28th Register here.
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VCU Women’s Power Lunches
The VCU Alumni Richmond Chapter, in partnership with the VCU Alumni African American Alumni council and other regional alumni chapters, is excited to bring four series of virtual panels to discuss topics ranging from social justice to financial wellness to women empowerment.
Catch Dr. Wilkerson talking live about UnlockingRVA from Noon- 1p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5. Event is free and open to all. Register today
Rebelle Con
This year @RebelleCon is making their conference virtual and I am excited to be among a group of amazing women who are leading the mentor sessions on Tuesday, June 9th!!
If you didn’t know, Rebelle Con is a three-day conference which brings inspiring speakers from across the country, showcases women owned companies, and allows space for attendees to connect with and inspire one another.
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Founders Summit
Dr. Wilkerson was pleased to be asked to join the VCU Da Vinci Centers, Female Founders Summit panel. The summit brought together the best of the region’s female founders and innovators to make change in their communities and cultivate opportunities for the next generation.
LeadHers Amongst Us
Dr. Wilkerson joined the VCU Career Center for a 45-minute virtual panel of women who hold leadership roles in underrepresented career fields speaking to college women about my entrepreneurial journey.
Minority Education Center
Dr. Wilkerson has been recently named the Program Director for the VCU School of Education Minority Educator Recruitment Retention and Equity Center.
Part of her role will be assisting with the recruitment/retention of educators of color through mentorship and co-curricular activities.
Read more about the center here.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Wilkerson was thrilled to serve as the keynote speaker for the City of Richmond's Employee Learning Campaign kick off event. She also facilitated a breakout session on leadership to a group of 50 employees.
Book your 1-1 Session
Dr. Wilkerson is now offering 1-1 brainstorming and mentoring sessions for local entrepreneurs. All sessions come with a 60min face to face meeting, full audit of all digital mediums, business plan review and useful tools to grown your business or idea.
Business Beyond Banking
C&F Bank's ‘Business Beyond Banking’ Speaker Series is a monthly breakfast program designed to provide small business owners access to information and education outside of the realm of banking.
Each month will feature a different expert from various fields relating to small business support and resources, including branding, succession planning, organization, networking, and more.
Dr. Wilkerson is happy to serve as the expert on August 6th and facilitate a discussion on how to 'Effectively Create Mutually Beneficial Partnerships'. For more information and to secure your FREE ticket just click here.
Let's Go V C U!
Dr. Wilkerson is thrilled to announce she is now the newest board member to the VCU Alumni Board of Governors. As the latest addition to the Engagement Committee she hopes to truly make an impact on both current students and graduates. VCU Alumni is led on a volunteer basis with board members serving a renewable, three-year term.
VCU Alumni Network and Learn
Come to one of Richmond’s newest social cafes, Urban Hang Suite, to connect with other alumni business owners and engage in a discussion about the state of women, minority and LGBTQ-owned businesses. All alumni are invited to the inaugural event in the Alumni-owned Business Series to learn from our panelists’ diverse experiences and their lessons on leadership and climbing the entrepreneurial career ladder.
Panelists are:
Rudy Burwell (B.S.’86/MC), president, Encompass Supply
Sarah Milston (M.P.A.’05/GPA), CEO, The Spark Mill
Faith Wilkerson, Ed.D. (B.S.’03/MC; M.Ed.’05/E; Ed.D.’15/E), owner, UnlockingRVA
When: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 25
Where: Urban Hang Suite
Cost: $5. Includes one drink, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a new alumni-owned business decal.
RSVP: Online. Register early. Space is limited.
Let's Unlock RVA
In 2017, I graduated from the Richmond Region Tourism - "I am Tourism" program. As a thank you I was given a pass for myself and 1 guest to experience several Richmond attractions for FREE. I decided to use this opportunity to connect with people outside of my networks by inviting one person to join me as I knock out each location. Will it be you?
Click HERE to sign up.
RVA East End Festival
For the second year in a row Dr. Wilkerson is super excited to be hosting day 2 of the RVA East End Festival. Join her in Chimborazo Park from 1pm-5pm on Sunday, June 9th for this FREE family friendly event featuring live music, food trucks and so much more!
Richmond Urban Dance: I Am Hip Hop
Dr. Wilkerson is set to co-host RUD's annual hip hop dance show on both Friday, June 7th and Saturday, June 8th at Maggie Walker High School. The show serves as a huge fundraising event for their organization and showcases both youth and adult dancers. Tickets will go fast. You can purchases your tickets here.
Work of Art Leadership Conference
Join Dr. Wilkerson at the Work of Art annual Leadership Conference! This year they will be focusing on learning how to lead and how to learn about ourselves through leadership. They will have a panel of women in leadership roles and Dr. Wilkerson along with Shantell Chambliss of Central Virginia's Dress for Success will serve as the events Keynote speakers. This event is free to attend, but you do need to RSVP.
NBC 12 About Town
Dr. Wilkerson is excited for her company UnlockingRVA to once again serve as the lead planner for the Richmond Black Restaurant Experience (RBRE). She recently got a chance to appear on NBC 12's 12 About Town with a member of the RBRE team to chat about her business and the upcoming week of events. Check out the interview here.
The Sydney like Australia Show
Dr. Wilkerson recently completed a fun interview with Sydney Skidmore on her weekly show which airs on WRIR 97.3. In this interview Dr. Wilkerson chats about how she balances her life and business! Check out the full interview at https://www.sydneylikeaustralia.com
Chats with Chelsi
Dr. Wilkerson was recently invited to be on Chelsi Bennet's show, Chats with Chelsi. She had a blast talking about her superpower's and how she leads as a business woman, professor, event planner, and public speaker. You can also watch on LifewithChelsi.com or listen on iTunes or Google Play.
Adjunct Faculty at
University of Richmond
Dr. Wilkerson has recently joined the Rhetoric & Communication Studies department at the University of Richmond as an Adjunct Faculty member! She will be teaching a course on Public Speaking throughout 2019 school year and is truly excited for this brand new opportunity to jump back into the world of higher education!
2018 Central VA Kidney Walk
Dr. Wilkerson is honored to serve as the host of the 2018 Central Virginia Kidney Walk main stage on Saturday, October 20th. The event raises awareness and funds life-saving programs that educate and support patients, their families and those at risk. Want to participate click here for more information.
2018 Women Who Mean Business Summit
Dr. Wilkerson is happy to be serving as the Emcee/Moderator for the Women Who Mean Business Summit is a one-day conference that brings together women professionals for a day of workshops, networking, advice and opportunity. The Summit focuses on leadership and innovative thinking. Click here for more information
Brand Like a Girl
Dr. Wilkerson is happy to be a guest speaker at the Brand Like a Girl event on Sunday, October 7th! This three hour long entrepreneurial seminar is for women who are seeking to gain insight on professional development, goal setting, and how to build and maintain a successful business.
Want attend this event? Purchase tickets here.
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Fortis University Commencement Speaker
Dr. Wilkerson was honored to serve as the commencement speaker for Fortis University's Fall 2018 commencement ceremony. She spoke on knowing your worth and never being afraid of making a few modifications to your life plan over the years.
Newest Member of the Board
Dr. Wilkerson is excited to announce her latest position on the Board of Director's for TheatreLab. TheatreLAB creates unique theatrical experiences that spark a collaborative exchange of ideas between artist and audience.
She is so excited to get to work on this amazing board and to dive into Season 6 of this amazing playhouse!
VCU School of Education Alumni Council
Dr. Wilkerson is proud to have become a member of VCU's School of Education Alumni Council:
The Council has historically focused on providing leadership, services, and activities for alumni and the larger university. The council is organized to:
Advance the cause of education
Stimulate and maintain professional relationships between the School of Education and its alumni
Promote an awareness, understanding and support of the School’s goals, progress, and needs
Embrace the larger purposes of the VCU alumni organization
NACE - Vendor to Vendor Relationships
Dr. Wilkerson was excited to lead a session during NACE's next monthly meeting. The National Association for Catering and Events is the first non-profit national organization for caterers, event planners and event professionals.
Her session will be on teaching the importance of vendor to vendor relationship building. Tickets are open to the public and can be purchased here.
8 Great Dates with Faith
In 2017, Dr. Wilkerson released '8 Great Dates with Faith'. Each week she shared various group and individual activities people could do in and around Richmond exclusively on the OccasionGenius website. Check it out!
Contact
I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to use this contact form to reach out directly with any questions or to inquire about any of my services.
