Job: President and CEO, United Way of the Virginia Peninsula

At work: I have the honor of leading an organization that doesn’t just respond to needs, we ignite possibility. For decades, we’ve been a catalyst for resilience, connection and transformation across our diverse community. This role gives me a front-row seat to the priorities and values that drive local businesses and entire sectors. It allows me to champion the unique strengths of business, government and nonprofit partners because when these forces align, real change happens. I believe leadership means staying close to both ends of the spectrum: the most vulnerable and the most influential. Every individual and every organization has something to give, and together we share a responsibility — not just for today, but for generations to come. My mission is simple yet profound: to mobilize and direct the resources of this community toward its greatest needs. Every contribution has the power to spark a ripple effect of hope and opportunity. When we lift others at their most critical moments, we strengthen the entire fabric of our region. This is more than charity; it’s a shared investment in the future we all want to see.

Volunteer activities: Volunteer service is at the crux of my career. It’s how I began working in the nonprofit sector, and it’s a foundational component of the United Way mission. I serve in the following capacities: James City County Social Services Advisory Board; Newport News Public Schools youth development advisory council; Hampton City Schools, Academies of Hampton Steering Committee; Soundscapes Advisory Council; Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, legislative affairs committee; and Riverside Regional Medical Center, board of directors. I also volunteer annually at the thermal shelters in our area.

Home and family: I moved to Williamsburg when I was 11 years old, and it’s where I call home. I am so proud to be the mom of an amazing daughter who is 23 and a son who is 12.

Motivating factor: I often say I was born to work at United Way. My life’s story is one that epitomizes our mission. My early life was difficult and unstable, and my determination to change it wasn’t enough. But at every turn there was always someone there to help me. It wasn’t always the people who were supposed to, but at every turn there was someone who saw me, who believed in me, and opened their door and their heart to help me. Every day I remember their kindness and am still in awe of their love for someone they could have called a stranger or someone else’s problem; and every day I strive to make sure their investment in me is returned tenfold.

Advice for women in business: None of us advances alone. We rise on the shoulders of pioneers, move forward with women who shatter boundaries, and blaze new trails for those who will redefine business tomorrow. Independence, excellence and leadership don’t have to be and shouldn’t be lonely.

The one thing I would change about Hampton Roads: Coming from the Greater Williamsburg area, which is the outskirts of the region, I think there are times when less urban or smaller areas aren’t fully included in regional dialogue or initiatives, and it allows for some problems to go unaddressed and some opportunities for growth to be inaccessible.

Professional goal in five years: I have always enjoyed writing and teaching. I hope that in the next five years I will have more time and opportunities to teach young professionals entering the nonprofit sector and to write as a way to inspire more connection and unity.

Downtime: In the summer, I could spend every minute at the beach! I also really enjoy cooking, reading and going to live performances such as musicals and plays.

What really gets under my skin: When individual contributions impede collective progress. This applies to people and organizations, and breeds unnecessary competition at the expense of collaboration and misalignment of priorities instead of a shared vision. I often repeat the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

https://www.dailypress.com/2025/12/15/women-in-business-2025-charvalla-west/