Dr. Faith A. Wilkerson is an educator, community engagement strategist, entrepreneur, and experiential learning leader with more than 20 years of experience spanning higher education, leadership development, student affairs, and organizational and community engagement. She earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Virginia Commonwealth University, where her research focused on college readiness and student success. She also holds a Master of Education in Adult Education and Human Resource Development and a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications from VCU.
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Dr. Wilkerson serves as an adjunct instructor at both the University of Richmond and Virginia Commonwealth University, teaching undergraduate and graduate students across areas related to communication, leadership, equity, and professional development. As an educator and facilitator, she creates engaging learning experiences that encourage students to think critically, strengthen their communication and leadership skills, and connect classroom learning to real-world experiences.
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Beyond the classroom, Dr. Wilkerson is the founder and owner of UnlockingRVA, an award-winning experiential event production company known for creating innovative, community-centered experiences throughout the Richmond region. Through UnlockingRVA, she has cultivated strategic partnerships with corporations, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, educational institutions, and community stakeholders to develop programs and experiences that foster connection, engagement, civic pride, and economic vitality.
Prior to launching UnlockingRVA, Dr. Wilkerson held numerous leadership positions at Virginia Commonwealth University, working within the School of Education, Division of Community Engagement and the Division of Student Affairs. Across these roles, her work centered on student success, inclusive excellence, strategic partnerships, and leadership development.
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A passionate advocate for community building and lifelong learning, Dr. Wilkerson remains actively engaged in civic and educational leadership. She is a former President of the Virginia Commonwealth University Alumni Council and serves on the Board of Directors for Studio Two Three. Her contributions to higher education and the Richmond community have been recognized through numerous honors, including being named one of Style Weekly's Top 40 Under 40, receiving the Richmond Times-Dispatch Women Who Drive Richmond Award, and earning the VCU Presidential Award for Community Multicultural Enrichment.
Host|Presenter
Book Dr. Wilkerson as your dynamic speaker or host for events of any size with expertise in diversity, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
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Dr. Wilkerson is also a licensed wedding officiant who proudly performs personalized ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds, denominations, beliefs, and sexual orientations.
Need support planning your next event?
Dr. Wilkerson and the UnlockingRVA team will manage every detail to ensure a seamless and impactful experience. With years of expertise across small and large scale events and strong community partnerships, we help you maximize your budget and bring your vision to life.
Business Consulting
If you are looking for someone to identify challenges, provide solutions, and improve productivity, Dr. Wilkerson can help. With expertise in diversity and inclusion and human resources, she offers a fresh perspective your organization may be missing.
Dr. Wilkerson was excited to serve as the emcee for the 2026 VCU Convocation at the Siegel Center.
Dr. Wilkerson is currently offering Event Strategy Sessions. Just send an email to drfaithwilkerson@gmail.com to get started.
Dr. Wilkerson was honored to be in the Table of Resilience documentary, an art exhibition presented by the Liberated Arts Foundation.
Dr. Wilkerson sits down with NBC12 podcast, It Ain't Just Sports to talk about the importance of teaching athletes about public speaking.
Dr. Wilkerson was thrilled to be chosen as a Leader of Impact Nominee raising over $13,000 in support of a world of longer, healthier lives.
Dr. Wilkerson was excited to be the co host of the I am Hip Hop event with Richmond Urban Dance.
Dr. Wilkerson was excited to moderate a networking brunch during the women's A10 tournament in Richmond, VA.
Dr. Wilkerson was proud to deliver her final commencement speech as the VCU Alumni Council President.
Dr. Wilkerson was pleased to be a guest speaker during a meeting for Meeting Professionals Ineternational (MPI) in Richmond, VA.
Dr. Wilkerson was excited to be awarded the VCU President Award for Community Multicultural Enrichment (PACME) in addition to the Riese-Melton Award, which recognizes contributions that advance cross-cultural relations.
Dr. Wilkerson was thrilled to be the keynote speaker for Creative Mornings. Her talk was on the power of touch!
Dr. Wilkerson was honored to be selected as a recipient of the Women who Drive Richmond award.
Dr. Wilkerson was excited to be apart of this amazing entrepreneurship panel.
Dr. Wilkerson was chosen as a session speaker for the 40th annual Small Museum Association conference in Richmond, VA.
Dr. Wilkerson served as the host for the Home Again annual fundraiser.
Dr. Wilkerson was excited to be honored as one of Richmond's Top 40 under 40.
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