Leadership

ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

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The Honorable Tina L. Vick was born and raised in the Southeast Community of Newport News, Virginia, where she also raised her family. Tina Vick ran for Newport News City Council due to her concern for the community and a desire to help people, and  continues to implement policy and programs to enhance the lives of all Newport News residents.

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Councilwoman Tina L. Vick was elected to the Newport News City Council in May of 2008 and serves the citizens of the South District. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia and also graduated from the Alpha College of Real Estate. 

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In addition  to her 15 years on City Council, Ms. Vick has volunteered for numerous organizations such as the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads, the Hampton Roads Regional Jail, the Peninsula Workforce Development Consortium, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the National Council of Negro Women,  the Peninsula Habitat for Humanity Advisory Board, as well as many other organizations that are established to empower community residents. 

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Vick was inspired to establish the Womens Empowerment Development, Inc. after communicating with numerous women, ages 27 to 40, who shared their despair that included difficulty in their lives because of poor decision making and lack of opportunities in their communities. Pleas for help with housing, education, job opportunities, domestic violence and many other situations beyond their control weighed heavily on Councilwoman Vick's heart. 

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After much thought and prayer, Councilwoman Vick realized one answer was early intervention and prevention for young girls. Thus, "Girls Camp," began for girls between the ages of 13 and 18 who reside in public housing and impoverished communities in Newport News to assist them in their efforts to avoid the pitfalls of that lead to generational poverty. 

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Councilwoman Vick remains a community leader, who is willing to give of herself to better the lives of children and ensure the future of Newport News is filled with empowered young women.