Minority Business Alliance Gala: The Year of The Sunset

Step into an evening of elegance, inspiration, and community pride at the Minority Business Alliance’s 2025 gala. This year, The Year of the Sunset celebrates a powerful transition—honoring the leadership of Quinton Harrell, Kaye Monroe, and Alex Urpi as their sun sets on years of championing minority-owned businesses, and a new generation of leaders rises on the horizon.

Meet Our 2025 Honorees

Quinton Harrell, Founder, Heritage United Builders
Quinton is a lifelong entrepreneur and advocate for Black wealth-building, serving as founder of Heritage United Builders, co-founder of New Hill Development Corporation, and chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance. His latest venture is reviving Bone Doctors’ Barbecue Sauces with fresh energy and purpose.

Kaye Monroe, Founder, KDM Coaching & Associates
Kaye is the founder and principal consultant of KDM Coaching & Associates, where she advises leaders and organizations on workforce development, leadership capacity, and authentic engagement. She also serves as Executive Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance and leads the Women’s Dream Builders academy for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Alexander Urpí, CEO, Emergent Financial Services

Alex is CEO of Emergent Financial Services and Vice-Chair of Finance for the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance. An investment advisor dedicated to helping families and small businesses achieve their goals, he also serves on several local boards and is passionate about building community through finance, service, and mentorship.

Meet the 2025 J.F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award Winner

The Minority Business Alliance of the Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Janasha “Jay” Bradford as the recipient of the 2025 J.F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award. An award-winning author, licensed financial advisor, and Financial Empowerment Manager at United Way, Jay is also the founder of Mahogany and Friends: The Tiny Investor Club, a financial literacy brand and ed-tech company that helps children and families build smart money habits. Through its nonprofit arm, the Mahogany and Friends Foundation, she expands this mission with free workshops, school programs, and family coaching in underserved communities.

Meet the Hosts

Attire: All-black formal wear.

2025 J.F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award: We are currently accepting nominations for the John F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award, celebrating an exceptional leader who has made a lasting impact on our business community. Submit your nomination today to help us honor those who inspire and lead with purpose.

Click here to complete a nomination form.

Registration for this event closes Friday September 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM.

Thank You to Our Sponsors
We’re grateful for the generous support of our sponsors who make this event possible.

Interested in Becoming a Sponsor? Reach out to Kimberly Sheffield at ksheffield@jeffersonschoolfoundation.com and Teira E. Farley at teira@cicville.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Thank You to Our Table Hosts
United Way of Greater Charlottesville
Jefferson School Foundation
Smoov Moving
Community Investment Collaborative