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���ϲ����� is proud to spotlight the accomplishments of our academic community. This year, graduates, employees and friends again earned coveted spots on Inside Business’s Top Forty Under 40 list. Here is a round-up of this year’s winners.  

 

Kymisa Bishop, (B.A. ’21), is a systems analyst and assistant vice president with TowneBank. She oversees consumer digital technology platforms and serves as the system administrator responsible for their maintenance and performance. Bishop ensures systems run smoothly, maintains positive relationships with vendors and acts as a strategic link between business needs and technology solutions. Of the Inside Business honor she said, "I’m honored to be named among Inside Business’s Top Forty Under 40. As an African American woman in information technology, I’m proud to represent diversity in this field. I hope to inspire others to identify their passions, pursue their dreams and capitalize on their unique talents.” 

 

Brittney Brown, (B.A. ’15, M.S.Ed. ’24), is the founder and CEO of ME! Positive Alternatives & Outcomes where she works as therapist, mentor and entrepreneur, providing clinical services to youth and families, managing mentoring programs and creating opportunities through nonprofit initiatives, such as college/career readiness programs, CPR/first-aid training, and youth employment projects. Of the Top Forty Under 40 honor, she said, “Being named in the Inside Business Forty Under 40 list means more than recognition — it’s a reminder that purpose and hard work go hand-in-hand. I’m honored to be seen for the work I do in my community and grateful for every young person, family and partner who trusted me along the way.”  

Camille Croften Cherry, an advisory council member for ���ϲ�����’s School of Supply Chain, Logistics and Maritime Operations, is the business development director at Crofton, a construction/marine services company. Cherry provides connectivity across business divisions and works on marketing, communications, organizational and business development and the strategic plan of the 75-year-old family business. Of the Top Forty Under 40 recognition, she said, “It was an honor to be recognized amongst so many talented individuals in our region. Hopefully my inclusion helps shine more light on the maritime industry that keeps our region buzzing!” 

  

Cory Gerwe, (B.A. and M.A., ’14, Ph.D. ’19) director of coaching, leadership and well-being and assistant professor of psychiatry at Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ���ϲ�����, helps physician residents grow as leaders through executive coaching, teaching compassionate communication skills and the intentional use of simulation. He also leads innovation initiatives in K-12 education at the University and focuses on increasing resident wellness, strengthening professional growth and streamlining physician teamwork to improve patient outcomes. Of the honor he said, “I’m grateful for this recognition. Hampton Roads is home, and I’m proud of the work we’re doing at ���ϲ����� to develop compassionate, confident clinician-leaders who serve our community.”  

  

Joe Harmon III, (M.A. ’20) coordinator of secondary performing arts with Portsmouth Public Schools, leads programs in music, dance and theater while directing Porte Towne Magic!, an elite performing arts group. He serves on the Portsmouth Economic Development Authority, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra board and the Parks and Recreation Commission, where he works to connect arts, culture and economic development. Reflecting on the honor, he said, “Receiving the Top Forty Under 40 recognition is truly humbling. I view it as a reflection of the power of community collaboration, creative leadership and the belief that the arts can transform both people and places. It’s an honor to be counted among others who are working to move our region forward.” 

  

Sarah Hughes, (B.S. ’12) vice president of marketing and communications at VisitNorfolk, brings awareness to the visitor economy while showcasing everything that makes Norfolk special — its natural beauty, world-class attractions and performances, local restaurants and businesses. She’s the vice chair of the Coastal Virginia Tourism Alliance, serves on the Hampton Roads Chamber’s communications committee and sits on the communications committee for Destinations International. Of the Inside Business honor she said, “This recognition is a reminder of how many people have supported and inspired me along the way — from mentors and colleagues to friends who’ve encouraged me through every step. I’m proud to carry those lessons forward in the work I do every day.” 

  

Kevin Leslie, Ph.D., associate vice president for innovation and commercialization at ���ϲ�����, helps increase the impact of its research, provides support to local entrepreneurs and grows its partnerships with industry and government. Through the technology transfer team, he collaborates with innovators at the University to protect their intellectual property, connect them with the partners and resources necessary to move their technologies forward, and shape programs and policies to accelerate that work. Of the recognition, he said, "It was an honor to have been included in a group of incredible awardees who are all making a difference in our region. I look forward to continuing to collaborate across the ecosystem to create shared successes."  

  

Lauren Robins, (B.S. ’14) clinical assistant professor and online counseling program coordinator in the Department of Counseling & Human Services, leads the design and delivery of the online counseling program, developing courses that are not only aligned with accreditation standards but also infused with experiential learning, multicultural perspectives and technology integration. She serves on editorial boards for national counseling journals, mentoring emerging scholars and supporting first-time authors. She also mentors graduate students nationwide, encouraging them to pursue research, leadership and professional growth. Of the inclusion she said, “It’s an honor to be recognized among Hampton Roads’ changemakers. At ���ϲ�����, I’m continually inspired by our students’ passion for service and the collective commitment to advancing counseling, equity, and community well-being.” 

  

Katherine Schaffer, MD (M.S. ’18, MD ’22, Emergency Medicine Residency ’25) serves as an attending physician in the Emergency Department at Emergency Physicians of Tidewater. She is also the co-facilitator of the Street Health Team and Blue Heart Clinic at Eastern Virginia Medical School at ���ϲ�����. Street Health brings medicine to the streets of Norfolk, providing primary care for the uninsured and underserved population. The Blue Heart Clinic focuses on providing primary care, women’s health and mental health to those who have been impacted by human trafficking, domestic assault and sexual violence. “I’m deeply honored to be in this group of remarkable people. I hope to have the opportunity to work with them because I know that together we can drive even greater change.”  

 

Sierrah Chavis, (M.S.Ed. ’21) a member of the 2023 Top Forty Under 40 class, founder of Bossy Girl Inc., and director of strategic initiatives at United Way South Hampton Roads, (M.Ed. ’22), served as a judge for this year’s Top Forty Under 40 list.