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CLOVIA LAWRENCE
Media Professional and Nonprofit Leader
Richmond,VA
Summary
Media professional and nonprofit leader with a strong focus on community advocacy and strategic partnerships. Recognized for leveraging storytelling and media platforms to drive social impact and enhance public health awareness. Proven track record in fundraising and civic engagement, fostering collaborations across diverse sectors.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct Professor, Department of Mass Communications
Virginia Union University
Richmond, VA
01.2022 - 05.2026
- Taught undergraduate coursework in radio broadcasting, communication principles, commercial production, and community-centered media practices.
- Designed and delivered instruction on the elements of radio, including on-air performance, audience engagement, programming, and production techniques.
- Provided students with practical training in commercial writing, voice delivery, and broadcast content development.
- Emphasized ethical broadcasting, public service, and community trust as foundational principles of media leadership.
- Mentored emerging communication professionals and prepared students for careers in broadcasting, media, public relations, and community engagement.
Co-Founder
Sarai Works Media
Richmond, VA
09.2022 - Current
- Co-founded a communications and storytelling company dedicated to community-centered narratives and social impact storytelling.
- Produces media projects under the brand ImpactSations: Real Stories, Never Fluff.
- Oversees strategic communications, content development, media production, and community engagement initiatives.
- Currently producing Richmond 34: The Silent Victory, a historical docudrama in partnership with Prestigious Productions.
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Director
Project Give Back To Community
Richmond, VA
03.2016 - Current
- Leads nonprofit initiatives supporting returning citizens and underserved populations.
- Partners with the Virginia Department of Corrections to provide emergency housing assistance and support services.
- Coordinates community resources that promote successful reentry and long-term stability.
- Develops collaborative partnerships with public and private-sector organizations to address community needs.
Founder
Send a Kid 2 Camp
Richmond, VA
06.2007 - Current
- Created and led a long-running youth development initiative serving families throughout Virginia.
- Raised more than $550,000 in pledges over 19 years.
- Expanded educational and enrichment opportunities through community partnerships and donor engagement.
- Cultivated sustainable relationships with sponsors, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
Radio Personality & Community Affairs Leader
Radio One Richmond
Richmond, VA
07.1999 - Current
- Serves as on-air personality and community engagement leader across Radio One Richmond stations.
- Develops programming focused on public awareness, health education, civic participation, and community empowerment.
- Utilizes broadcasting platforms to connect audiences with resources, services, and opportunities that strengthen communities.
- Established a reputation as a trusted media voice and influential community advocate throughout Virginia.
Co-Host
Radio One Inc/VCU Massey
Richmond, VA
03.2020 - 05.2026
- Co-hosts a monthly podcast with Dr. Robert A. Winn, Director of the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center.
- Facilitates conversations addressing health disparities impacting Black communities.
- Connects listeners with researchers, healthcare professionals, and evidence-based health information.
- Distributes content through Radio One's digital platforms to expand community health education.
Co-Founder & Community Impact Director
Unity for Sickle Cell Campaign
Richmond, VA
05.2010 - 05.2025
- Led a 15-year fundraising and awareness initiative supporting sickle cell disease research and treatment.
- Directed campaigns that generated more than $250,000 in support of the Florence Neal Cooper Smith Professorship at VCU Health System.
- Built strategic partnerships among healthcare providers, community organizations, advocates, and media outlets.
- Advanced public awareness and community engagement surrounding sickle cell disease and treatment options.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism
Virginia Union University
1500 N. Lombardy Street05-1987
Skills
- Broadcasting & Media Relations
- Strategic Communications
- Community Engagement
- Public Health Advocacy
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Fundraising & Development
- Public Speaking
- Government & Community Relations
- Civic Engagement
- Program Development
- Partnership Building
- Storytelling & Content Creation
- Event Planning & Management
- Volunteer Leadership
- Youth Development Initiatives
Selected Impact
- Raised more than $800,000 through community-based fundraising initiatives.
- Supported public health awareness efforts related to sickle cell disease, cancer disparities, and community wellness.
- Influenced civic engagement and volunteerism initiatives at the state level.
- Educated and mentored future media professionals through higher education and community leadership.
- Built a career dedicated to using media, storytelling, and advocacy to create meaningful community impact throughout Virginia.
Awards
- Capital Emmy Award Recipient — Heard
- BET Every Local Hero Honoree
- Virginia Association of Broadcasters Award Recipient
- Multiple Community Leadership and Service Awards
Broadcasting Expertise
- Extensive on-air and programming experience across multiple formats, including:
- Country Radio
- Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR)
- Jazz
- R&B
- Public Affairs Programming
- Community Affairs Broadcasting
- Podcast Hosting and Production
- Commercial Production
Public Service And Leadership
- Member, Virginia Governor's Advisory Board on National Service and Volunteerism, 01/01/20, Current, Provides guidance on statewide initiatives promoting volunteerism, civic engagement, and public service., Served under the administrations of Governors Glenn Youngkin and Abigail Spanberger., Contributes expertise in community outreach, nonprofit leadership, and citizen engagement.
- Community Stakeholder & Civic Engagement Advocate, 01/01/10, Current, Recognized stakeholder in voter registration and rights restoration initiatives across Virginia., Contributed to legislative and civic engagement efforts during the administrations of Governors Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, Bob McDonnell, Terry McAuliffe, and Ralph Northam., Advocated for expanded civic participation and community empowerment throughout the Commonwealth.
Affiliations
- Radio One Incorporated and Governor's Advisory Board on National Community Service and Volunteerism
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and the Virginia Department of Corrections
Timeline
Co-Founder
Sarai Works Media
09.2022 - Current
Adjunct Professor, Department of Mass Communications
Virginia Union University
01.2022 - 05.2026
Co-Host
Radio One Inc/VCU Massey
03.2020 - 05.2026
Co-Founder & Chief Executive Director
Project Give Back To Community
03.2016 - Current
Co-Founder & Community Impact Director
Unity for Sickle Cell Campaign
05.2010 - 05.2025
Founder
Send a Kid 2 Camp
06.2007 - Current
Radio Personality & Community Affairs Leader
Radio One Richmond
07.1999 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism
Virginia Union University