About this Workshop

From Factory Floor to Field Row: Cybersecurity as a Pillar of Operational Resilience

About the Speaker

Taurean Russell

Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, Vice President of Information Technology (IT) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Taurean Russell joined the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research in October 2024 as the first Vice President of Information Technology (IT) and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With more than 20 years of specialized and diverse expertise in information technology operations and cybersecurity, Russell is an accomplished IT professional with a history of leading efforts to strengthen the resiliency and security of organizations in highly regulated industries.

Russell previously served as Deputy Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Winston-Salem State University, where he managed the university’s IT infrastructure and security programs. In 2023, Cyber Defense Magazine recognized him as one of the Top Global CISOs and in 2026 he received the ONCON Top 100 Information Security Professional award. He has held numerous leadership roles across diverse industries, including healthcare, higher education, manufacturing, and the U.S. Army. His expertise includes information security, risk management, IT operations and strategic planning.

Russell earned degrees from American Military University, including an associate’s, bachelor’s and Master’s in Information Technology.

About this Workshop

Exploring Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Controlled Environment Agriculture

About the Speaker

Dr. Scott Lowman

Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, VP of Applied Research

Dr. Scott Lowman joined the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in 2014 and was named Vice President of Applied Research in 2022. Prior to joining IALR, Lowman worked in the pharmaceutical industry and, in 2003, co-founded Lynchburg Grows, a non-profit urban farm and job training center in Lynchburg, Va. As a trained molecular biologist, Lowman has championed work in biotechnology and robotic imaging to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. In 2020, Lowman teamed with Virginia Tech to launch the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center on IALR’s campus. The center, along with the Applied Research division at IALR, focuses on supporting industry, governmental and academic partners to help drive economic transformation in the Southern Virginia region.

Lowman supports this mission in his civic life as well, serving on the Town Council of Altavista, as President of Altavista on Track, and as a member of Altavista’s Economic Development Authority. In recognition of his work, Lowman was named a 2017 Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumnus at Virginia Tech and was presented the Commonwealth Environmental Leadership Award from the Waldorf Foundation. Lowman earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with Honors from Virginia Tech, his master’s in biology from the College of William and Mary, and his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.

About this Workshop

Your First AI Win: Find One Business Task AI Can Improve Today

About the Speaker

Peter Raines

Get YOU Found, Co-Owner and Chief Technology Officer

Peter Raines is an AI practitioner, educator, and business technology consultant with nearly 20 years of experience working with neural networks and artificial intelligence, including practical applications of large language models, generative AI, workflow automation, and AI-supported software development.

He is co-owner and Chief Technology Officer of Get YOU Found Digital Marketing, where he helps businesses and organizations translate emerging technology into practical tools, stronger systems, and measurable results. Peter holds a degree in physics and CMIT from Guilford College and has two decades of experience teaching technical topics to non-technical audiences in an approachable, hands-on way.

As lead facilitator and curriculum partner for SOVA AI Connect, Peter focuses on helping entrepreneurs, growing businesses, and regional organizations understand AI, use it responsibly, and apply it to real work – from better prompting and repeatable workflows to data analysis, marketing, business development, and agentic AI systems.

About this Workshop

Opening Doors to Virginia’s Procurement Landscape – Part 2: Overview of SBSD’s SWaM Certification Program

About the Speaker

Kathy Deacon

Business Services Manager, Southwest Virginia, Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity (SBSD)

Kathy Deacon serves as the Business Services Manager for Southwest Virginia at the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). In this role, she champions the growth and success of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators by facilitating access to education, resources, and opportunities within Virginia’s SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned) procurement program and the broader state contracting system.

Kathy brings a wealth of experience in economic development, having held leadership positions across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Kathy is a small business owner herself, and understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to empowering others to build and sustain successful ventures across the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

About this Workshop

Opening Doors to Virginia’s Procurement Landscape – Part 1: Navigating eVA, the Commonwealth’s Online Marketplace for Procurement

About the Speaker

Kathy Deacon

Business Services Manager, Southwest Virginia, Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity (SBSD)

Kathy Deacon serves as the Business Services Manager for Southwest Virginia at the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD). In this role, she champions the growth and success of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators by facilitating access to education, resources, and opportunities within Virginia’s SWaM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned) procurement program and the broader state contracting system.

Kathy brings a wealth of experience in economic development, having held leadership positions across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. Kathy is a small business owner herself, and understands firsthand the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to empowering others to build and sustain successful ventures across the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.

About this Workshop

Getting Started: From Idea to Business Model

About the Speaker

Jocelyn Forest, M.Ed.

Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC), Entrepreneurship Education Coordinator

Jocelyn Forest is an entrepreneurship and business educator who came to Southern Virginia Higher Education Center in 2024 with a wealth of experience having worked in a number of capacities for Halifax County Public Schools for the past 20 years. Most recently, she served as a business teacher and department chair at Halifax County High School. She utilizes her curriculum and technology skills as she works on the SVHEC Career Tech Academy team to lead the new Entrepreneurship Track at SVHEC. Jocelyn holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Averett University in Danville, VA.

To learn more, connect with Jocelyn on LinkedIn here.

About this Workshop

Mind Your Business: Real Talk About Money, Growth & Capital

About the Speaker

DaShanna Carr

Community Investment Collaborative, Loan Officer, SOVA

DaShanna is a dedicated Loan Officer for CIC, specializing in the Southern Virginia region. With a strong foundation in business, she combines financial expertise with a deep understanding of the local community. DaShanna takes a strategic, client-focused approach to every loan process, ensuring that each client receives customized solutions to meet their unique needs and goals.

Her passion for service goes beyond just providing financial guidance—she is deeply committed to making a positive and lasting impact on the community. She believes in the power of strengthening relationships and creating opportunities for others to thrive, which is why she actively works to support the growth and future of Southern Virginia. She is driven by a strong desire to empower individuals and families, helping them achieve financial stability and success.

Through her work, DaShanna seeks to foster long-term prosperity in the region, one relationship at a time, and is proud to be part of CIC’s mission to build stronger communities.

About this Workshop

Marketing Funnel Challenge: Is Your Message Moving Customers to Action?

About the Speaker

Crystal Hairston

TECHnista/MEERA, Founder and CEO

Crystal Hairston is the Founder and CEO of Socialize Me, LLC, a digital marketing and consulting agency serving businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs throughout Virginia and South Carolina. With more than a decade of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, event management, and business development, Crystal specializes in helping organizations increase visibility, strengthen their brand presence, and connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.

In addition to leading Socialize Me, Crystal serves as a marketing consultant for the Danville Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, where she supports strategic communications, major events, and member engagement initiatives. She is also a Certified Career Coach and workshop facilitator who has delivered training on social media marketing, artificial intelligence tools, branding, and digital engagement.

After successfully launching Socialize Me in her hometown of Martinsville, Virginia, Crystal expanded the business to the Grand Strand region of South Carolina in 2026. Her entrepreneurial journey has included winning a startup pitch competition, building a growing client base across multiple markets, and helping fellow entrepreneurs develop practical marketing strategies that generate real results.

About this Workshop

Makerspaces, Product Development, and the Future of Innovation

PANEL DISCUSSION

Description:
Whether you’re designing your first prototype or refining a product for market, access to the right resources can accelerate your path from idea to impact. Representatives from four regional innovation spaces and the Longwood Small Business Development Center will share how makerspaces support product development, entrepreneurship, workforce skills, and manufacturing innovation—and how businesses can tap into these resources to create what’s next.

Panelists: Adam Reeves, SOVA Fab Lab; Amy Reed, P&HCC Dalton IDEA Center; Autumn Evans, The Spark Innovation Center; Dana Knott, Longwood SBDC; Evan Jones, SEED Innovation Hub

PANELISTS

About the Speakers

Adam Reeves

SOVA Fab Lab, SOVA Fab Lab Manager

Amy Reed

SOVA Fab Lab, SOVA Fab Lab Manager

Amy Reed is the Innovation Manager & Development Specialist at the P&HCC Dalton IDEA Center. For the past 17 years, she has worked at Patrick & Henry Community College in the Division of Workforce, Economic, and Community Development, where she has combined creativity and communication to develop marketing materials and promote community programs. Today, she enjoys fostering innovation, supporting makers and entrepreneurs, and helping bring new ideas to life.

Autumn Evans

Spark Innovation Center, Director

Autumn Evans is the Business and Community Engagement Coordinator for the Town of Altavista. In her pivotal role overseeing the Spark Innovation Center, Autumn, a seasoned business owner and expert in brand strategy and design, brings a unique blend of administrative acumen and entrepreneurial insight. Her firsthand experience navigating the challenges of business ownership allows her to tailor member support initiatives, offering nuanced guidance that goes beyond the ordinary.

Autumn’s multifaceted role is not just about managing operations; it’s about leveraging her expertise to empower and uplift the entrepreneurial community within Altavista. Through her strategic vision and personal commitment, she plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Spark Innovation Center becomes a thriving hub where businesses not only survive but thrive under her guidance.

Dana Knott

Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Central Region Director

Dana Knott is the Central Region Director for the Longwood SBDC, bringing experience in management, education, and small-business consulting. A Longwood alum, she first encountered SBDC as an undergrad and later integrated RISE Collaborative’s CO.STARTERS Generator into her Amelia County High School curriculum—where her students won a 2022 pitch competition for the “Raider Relaxation Room.” She returned to Longwood in August 2023, combining her business and teaching background to support entrepreneurs and students alike.

Dana builds stakeholder relationships, connects communities to resources, and supports Farmville’s SEED Innovation Hub. Her experience spans retail, management, marketing, and workforce development. She holds a B.S. from Longwood University, a post-bacc certificate in public administration from VCU, and an MBA from Averett. She sees access to capital and market pressures as today’s key hurdles and advises founders to move methodically: research, test, and ask for help.

Evan Jones

SEED Innovation Hub, Director

Evan Jones serves as Director of the SEED Innovation Hub at Longwood University, where he leads a regional innovation hub and makerspace connecting students, educators, entrepreneurs, businesses, and community partners. His work focuses on helping people move from ideas to practical solutions through hands-on prototyping, technical training, collaborative problem-solving, and access to advanced manufacturing tools and expertise.

Before joining Longwood, Evan served as a GO TEC Training Coordinator with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, supporting the installation of advanced technology labs across GO Virginia Region 4, coordinating with vendors and school divisions, and training educators throughout Southside Virginia. He previously taught technology education in Cumberland County Public Schools and has extensive experience leading FIRST Robotics teams.

About this Workshop

Regional Innovation Panel: Building the Future: Where Southern Virginia’s Economy is Growing – and Where Entrepreneurs Fit In

PANEL DISCUSSION

Description:
As Southern Virginia’s economy evolves, where are the biggest opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses? Regional leaders will discuss emerging industries, workforce trends, major investments, and how founders (entrepreneurs) can position themselves to grow alongside the region’s economy.

Panelists: Gretchen Clark, Hurt & Proffitt; Dr. Scott Lowman, Institute for Advanced Learning & Research; and Angela Yancey; Hitachi Energy South Boston; Moderator: Kiana Dilliard, West Piedmont Planning District Commission

Prerequisites: None

PANELISTS

About the Speakers

Kiana Dillard

West Piedmont Planning District Commission, Economic Development Specialist

Kiana Dillard is a connector and builder of opportunity with a heart for people and a sharp eye for what helps communities move forward. Her work in youth, workforce, and now economic development focuses on turning ideas into action, strengthening partnerships, and creating space for communities, businesses, and local voices to be seen, heard, and supported. In her role with the West Piedmont Planning District Commission, Kiana supports regional efforts related to entrepreneurship, planning, grant development, and community engagement. She brings business insight, marketing experience, data-informed thinking, and genuine community connection into every effort she’s a part of.

Gretchen Clark

Hurt & Proffitt, VP & Chief Operating Officer

Gretchen Clark serves as Chief Operating Officer of Hurt & Profitt, bringing her extensive background to oversee H&P’s services and wide range of infrastructure and development initiatives. She has provided strategic oversight for projects spanning from site development plans to complex water and sewer systems. With a strong technical foundation, Gretchen has successfully designed and managed diverse projects, including master plans, preliminary engineering studies, and detailed designs for water distribution, sanitary and storm sewer systems, stormwater management, and roadway improvements. Her leadership ensures both the operational efficiency and engineering services integrity.

Dr. Scott Lowman

Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, VP of Applied Research

Dr. Scott Lowman joined the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) in 2014 and was named Vice President of Applied Research in 2022. Prior to joining IALR, Lowman worked in the pharmaceutical industry and, in 2003, co-founded Lynchburg Grows, a non-profit urban farm and job training center in Lynchburg, Va. As a trained molecular biologist, Lowman has championed work in biotechnology and robotic imaging to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. In 2020, Lowman teamed with Virginia Tech to launch the Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center on IALR’s campus. The center, along with the Applied Research division at IALR, focuses on supporting industry, governmental and academic partners to help drive economic transformation in the Southern Virginia region.

Lowman supports this mission in his civic life as well, serving on the Town Council of Altavista, as President of Altavista on Track, and as a member of Altavista’s Economic Development Authority. In recognition of his work, Lowman was named a 2017 Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumnus at Virginia Tech and was presented the Commonwealth Environmental Leadership Award from the Waldorf Foundation. Lowman earned his bachelor’s degree in biology with Honors from Virginia Tech, his master’s in biology from the College of William and Mary, and his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.

Angela Yancey

Hitachi Energy South Boston, Community Relations Manager

Angela Yancey serves as Community Relations Manager for Hitachi Energy in South Boston, where she leads community engagement initiatives and fosters partnerships that support the company’s mission and values. Angela brings more than 15 years of experience in community development, nonprofit leadership, workforce engagement, and business development. Throughout her career, she has held leadership roles with the Southern Virginia Higher Education Foundation, the Prizery Community Arts Center Foundation, Mentor-Role Model Program, and Halifax United Way. In addition to her professional work at Hitachi, Angela is the owner of Turn ‘N’ Headz Beauty Salon, reflecting her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to serving her community.