Events
March 27, 2026
CLS Alumni Engage with Community Leaders at Annual Power of Women Luncheon
Standing from left to right: Robin Richardson ’26, Kathy Howell, ’24,
Jessica Davila ’26, Melinda Morgan ’18, Eloise Branden ’18,
Cathy Eldridge ’26, Ellen Allen ’26, Terry Weisz ’24, Leisa Schultz ’24,
Kim Moreau ’26, Connie Harshaw ’24, Lorna Triplett ’24,
Barbara Ramsey ‘18
Seated from left to right: Ann Ruble ’26, Keynote Speaker, W&M Basketball “Coach E” - Erin Dickerson Davis, Cathy Siefert ‘26
Fifteen CLS alumni were among the attendees at the sold-out 6th Annual Power of Women Keynote Luncheon, hosted by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Business Council. This signature event brought together professionals from across the region for an afternoon focused on leadership, connection, and inspiration.
This year’s keynote speaker, Erin Davis Dickerson, Head Coach of the William and Mary Women’s Basketball team, shared insights on resilience, leadership, and success, continuing the event’s tradition of featuring accomplished female leaders. The program also highlighted the importance of mentorship, with students from local schools and organizations in attendance, reinforcing a shared commitment to developing future leaders.
For CLS alumni, the luncheon offered a meaningful opportunity to reconnect, expand their networks, and continue engaging with the broader Williamsburg community in a setting that reflects the spirit of leadership and service at the heart of the program..
Members of the CLS Class of 2026, following their graduation earlier that week, gathered prior to the program to celebrate their shared experience. They continued building relationships while engaging with fellow leaders from across the Greater Williamsburg community, carrying forward the connections and momentum sparked during their CLS journey.
Events
March 28, 2025
CLS Alumni attend the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce Womens Business Council sponsored annual Power of Women Event
CLS Alumni L to R: Tanya Fisher ‘24, Kathy Howell ‘24, Eileen Murray ‘24, Jill Ramsaur ‘24, Keynote Speaker, Amber Price, Melinda Morgan ‘18. Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce CEO, Terry Banez, Eloise Branden ‘18, Terry Weisz ‘24.
Also in attendance but not pictured: Connie Matthews Harshaw ‘24 and Robin Sanford ‘24
In celebration of Women’s History Month, CLS alumni were honored to attend an inspiring gathering featuring Dr. Amber Price, President of Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center, who delivered a keynote address titled The Art of Authenticity. Drawing on her leadership journey in healthcare, Dr. Price spoke about the importance of leading with honesty, purpose, and a strong sense of self. Her reflections encouraged attendees to embrace authenticity as a powerful foundation for leadership and professional growth.
The event brought together women from across the Greater Williamsburg business community for an afternoon of connection and conversation. Alumni enjoyed a two course lunch while engaging with Dr. Price’s message and connecting with fellow professionals. In a wonderful example of mentorship in action, alumni Eileen Murray ’24 brought a Williams & Mary student as her guest, giving her the opportunity to meet inspiring women leaders, hear Dr. Price’s remarks, and experience firsthand the value of professional connection and lifelong learning.
CLS is grateful to Dr. Price and to the many amazing women who participated
in this memorable and energizing event, helping to make the celebration of
Women’s History Month both meaningful and inspiring.
May 7, 2024
CLS Class of 2024 presentation of gift checks to Lafayette High School and Berkeley Middle School Care Closets at Lafayette High School
Graduates of the Community Leadership Service Class of 2024, a biennial program sponsored by the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, recently donated $2,650 to "Care Closets" at Lafayette High School and Berkeley Middle School in partnership with Bruton Parish. An additional $500 was donated by the CLS Board to further support these two schools in meeting vital needs of their students.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Olwen Herron (front row, center) attended the check presentation on May 7 with Principals (center left) Yiotis Tsigaridas (BMS) and (center right) Paul Rice (LHS), along with (front row, third from left) Meghan Brewer, Director of Children's and Youth Ministries (Bruton Parish); Selena Chamblee, M.Ed., Student Achievement Coach (BMS); Suzie Sylvester, ESL Teacher (LHS); and (second row, second from right) Jennifer Marzana, ESL Teacher (LHS). Representing the CLS Board were (front row, right) Melinda Morgan (Curriculum Chair); (second row, fourth from right) Barbara McFarland (Curriculum Vice Chair); and (third from right) Eloise Branden (Board Chair).
Throughout the 11-week program, our class engaged with more than 100 leaders from key sectors, including government, military, tourism and economic development. During the education session, we learned that local student needs for food and clothing have increased significantly in recent years.
While the Care Closet model has expanded community-wide, these critical needs persist. In response, our classmates unanimously selected the program at these two schools for our inaugural project. We look forward to further opportunities to serve and make a meaningful difference in the community.
Community Leadership Service Class of 2024: Leisa Schultz, Robin Sanford and Joe Moore (event coordinators); Linda Bedker, Carolyn Campbell, Tanya Fisher, Connie Matthews Harshaw, Kathy Howell, Steve Jasper, David Martin, Bob Mirel, Eileen Murray, Patti Ralabate, Jill Ramsaur, Wendy Ruffle, Cindy Sherwood, Griff Steel, Terry Weisz, Ric Zakour