Goodwill Associate Wins Award for Outstanding Community Service
June 15, 2018The Chesterfield Education Foundation (CEF) has chosen Vincent Ellis White, Goodwill’s program manager for Group Supported Employment, as a 2018 recipient of its annual Bravo! Award.
The award recognizes the outstanding achievements of Chesterfield County Public Schools alumni. White is a 1998 graduate of Meadowbrook High School and its fourth alumnus to win a Bravo! Award.
“I feel extremely honored to win this award,” said White. “I know it’s a reflection of a recipient’s body of work to the community, not just one achievement. Also, as the 15th person of color to win this prestigious award, it shows CEF’s commitment to diversity and inclusion,” he added.
White’s commitment to education led to his passion of mentoring the youth population. He has served as the keynote speaker at his high school alma mater’s senior convocation and as guest speaker for its Hispanic and African-American Heritage Celebration. White also volunteers on behalf of Goodwill, sharing the non-profit organization’s core values of innovation, learning and teamwork, to students at Junior Achievement of Central Virginia.
In his capacity with Goodwill, he oversees the performance of Group Supported Employment Services, which assisted 575 individuals with disabilities with job preparation and employment support.
Part of the duties of Bravo! Award recipients is to meet and speak with Chesterfield County high school students. “Honestly, that is the best part of this honor,” said White. “These days, kids face a multitude of issues that far surpass what I faced when I was young. I believe it’s our responsibility as adults to provide more guidance, love and wisdom to inspire kids to be great and always strive for excellence.”
White has 15 years of professional experience in community workforce, education, mental health and vocational services, and is a motivational speaker. He serves on the board of directors for the Eastern District Family Resource Center and is a member for the Henrico County Partnership for Family Community Engagement.
He is also an author, community activist, entrepreneur, fatherhood advocate and a 2017 alumnus of the Richmond Christian Leadership Initiative. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Norfolk State University and two master’s degrees from Strayer University in education (M.Ed.) and an executive graduate certificate in business management.
White will be honored with five other Bravo! award winners during the Bravo! Awards’ annual gala on November 8. The event serves as CEF’s signature fundraiser, and gives honorees the opportunity to share their personal story of how a Chesterfield County Public Schools education contributed to their path to success.
CEF launched in 1998 with the goal of enhancing the quality of public education in Chesterfield County by securing and providing financial and intellectual resources for the public school system. The Foundation fosters innovation in public education through the sponsorship of programs, scholarships, awards and grants for teachers.
