Come Find Your FAB 2017 Panel Discussion

Kathleen Richardson

With a  commitment to local and healthy dining  and a strong background in business, Kathleen opened the Richmond famous Urban Farmhouse restaurant in 2010 with a fast growth track. At this years CFYF, we will have the pleasure of hearing about her journey and how she now inspires others.

Kathleen  spent over 20 years in the foodservice industry, holding senior leadership roles in marketing, sales, general management and operations. Kathleen has worked for leading brands such as Starbucks, Panera and McDonald’s and is known for being an outstanding leader and team builder with a track record of growing businesses profitably in mature and competitive environments. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Kelli Lemon

After 25 years of experience in the corporate world, Kelli decided to take a chance by starting her own business and following her passion. Being told she was clinically depressed motivated Kelli to push harder to find the “brighter” side of every situation. Learn about her journey to success.

Kelli is a “Social Entrepreneur/Consultant” that is passionate about changing how people “LIVE” Richmond, Virginia. Formerly the Business Manager of Mama J’s restaurant, Kelli is now working for herself  to socially connect people through food, sports, arts and education. She is an on air personality for Radio One Richmond’s Kiss FM and iPower Richmond and hosts a weekly podcast and web series called “Coffee with Strangers”. Kelli hosts various social events including The Richmond Jazz Festival, After Hours at The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Family Day at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Kelli got her Bachelor of Science degree from UVA and Master’s in Education from VCU.

Dawn McCoy

When her newborn son was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition, all entrepreneurial aspirations came to a halt. Her love for serving others simmered on the backburner as she was conflicted about how to support his undiagnosed and complex health needs. During this time, she co-founded a regional network for families and hosted regional conferences to help other parents manage a child living with a rare disease. Her marriage buckled under the pressure of caring for her son’s special needs. Thankfully short-term consulting services and part-time jobs paid the bills and allowed me to manage his care.

The Honorable Dawn McCoy, MPP is a nationally-recognized speaker, leadership strategist, & published author. Dawn founded Flourish Leadership Group, LLC to provide strategic services and professional development. From an eager Capitol Hill internship to an elected Sacramento City Unified School Board position and a 20-year career as a non- profit executive, Dawn’s tenacity has empowered and inspired many to realize their potential and creative possibilities.

Sharvette Mitchell, Panel Facilitator

Sharvette holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Virginia Commonwealth University, and has 24+ years experience in corporate America. Her accomplishment include a past recipient of the Richmond Star Award, ACHI Magazine’s Excellence In Journalism – Radio Personality of The Year Award. She’s also been featured in publications such as HOPE for Women Magazine, DIVA By Design Magazine & Sista Sense Magazine.