Minority Business Alliance Announces 2024 Vanguard Award Recipient
The Minority Business Alliance (MBA) of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce today announced that Khalilah Jones has been selected to receive the 2024 John F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award.
The annual award recognizes an outstanding minority business or individual who actively supports and promotes diversity, equity and inclusion within the business community in the Greater Charlottesville area. The award recipient mentors Black and Brown entrepreneurs and business professionals to develop future business leaders who will contribute to the growth of the minority business community and beyond.
"We’ve had another year of strong nominees for the Vanguard Award,” said Andrea Copeland, Chief Operating Officer for the Chamber. “However, consensus was immediate amongst the committee for Khalilah. The work she has done and is doing to bring the business and broader community together to boldly showcase the positive impact our Black community has on the greater Charlottesville community is nothing short of amazing. “
“Khalilah specializes in uplifting everyday individuals, making them feel confident and valued in their personal and professional lives,” said Gina Patterson, the individual who nominated her. “Her work extends beyond fashion, touching on deep community engagement and advocacy, especially for those who have been historically excluded, system impacted, and underrepresented.”
An established wardrobe stylist and image consultant, Khalilah Jones is the owner of Chic & Classy Image Consulting, a company specializing in styling the everyday wife, student, mom, divorcee, and more. She is also the co-founder of the widely popular Soul of Cville Festival and is actively involved in various civic organizations.
The MBA Vanguard Award is named in honor of John F. Bell Sr., founder of J.F. Bell Funeral Home, Charlottesville’s oldest Black-owned business. Bell was a strong, determined and respected business leader who established successful businesses during a time when the larger society wasn’t welcoming to or supportive of the Black business community.
The Minority Business Alliance will present the Vanguard Award during its “Harlem Nights Black Tie Gala,” a celebratory event September 27 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Charlottesville. Tickets for the event are available for purchase at www.CvilleChamber.com/mba. Only a few seats remain.
The funds raised from the gala will further enhance the benefits offered through membership investment. These benefits include professional development and training; informative education sessions; networking and resource connections; and competitive funding opportunities.