Barbara Ciara’s 50-year career in print and broadcast epitomizes her dedication to impactful storytelling and public service. Her global reporting has taken her to the epicenter of major historical events, including covering the U.S. air assault against the Taliban in Afghanistan following the September 11th attacks and reporting on Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, as well as Operation Enduring Freedom from military bases in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. She delved into the human resilience of Cubans escaping communist rule at Guantanamo Bay and documented the U.S. Military’s presence in Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy aboard the command ship USS Mount Whitney. In the United States, Ciara has shone in political reporting, investigative journalism, and conducting high-profile interviews with figures such as Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, as well as Oprah Winfrey. Her commitment to public service extends beyond journalism, steering her toward leadership roles with non-profit organizations. In August 2007, Ciara was elected President of the National Association of Black Journalists, the world’s largest journalism organization of color, followed by a term as President of UNITY: Journalists of Color. Under her leadership, these organizations executed annual multi-million-dollar fundraising initiatives with resounding success. In 2025, The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Chesapeake Bay chapter bestowed Ciara the Board of Governors Award. It is viewed as the NATAS Hall of Fame. In 2012, Ciara joined other notables for the renowned national “History Makers” project. The nation’s largest African American Video Oral history collection, a collection that is archived in the Library of Congress. Ciara has also served as a media analyst on CNN, CBS News, XM Radio, National Public Radio, and the Tom Joyner Morning Show, while providing insights into outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post. As a columnist for "The Daily Press," she leveraged her platform to advocate for newsroom diversity, equitable community coverage, and expanded leadership opportunities for minorities and women. Her dedication and excellence have earned her notable accolades. In 2017, “Coastal Virginia Magazine” honored her as the best local Female TV News Anchor in the Hampton Roads Area in the Readers’ Choice Awards. Her Emmy-winning works, including the series "Guilty Til Proven Innocent" and the 2020 long-form documentary "The New Canaan Experiment—Teaching Tolerance," highlight her ability to amplify marginalized voices. She has also received prestigious recognition from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism for her groundbreaking reports on race and ethnicity, where she shared honors with CBS' Dan Rather and the producers of CBS’ 60 Minutes. Ebony Magazine celebrated Ciara’s influence, naming her one of the “Ebony Power 150 Organization Leaders” in 2008 for her transformational leadership as President of the National Association of Black Journalists. Whether delivering hard-hitting enterprise stories or championing diversity and inclusion, Ciara continues to make her mark as a journalist committed to giving the community a voice.

Vanessa Watford Turner – A Life of Firsts, Faith, and Service Born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, Vanessa Watford Turner embodied strength, service, and unwavering faith throughout her life. A proud graduate of Maury High School’s Class of 1979, she pursued higher education with determination, completing studies at Norfolk State University, Virginia Wesleyan College, and graduating Summa Cum Laude from Hampton University in 2002—a testament to her perseverance and commitment to excellence. Deeply rooted in her spirituality, Vanessa became a devoted member of The Historic First Baptist Church in 1989. Guided by her servant heart, she gave herself fully to the ministries of the church. She led with distinction as President of the Usher Ministry #2, Coordinator of the Christmas Toy Give-A-Way, Leader of the Leaders Institute Training, and as a dedicated soup kitchen volunteer and grant writer. Her leadership rose to historic heights when she became President of the Elder Board and the first woman to serve as Chief Executive Officer of First Baptist Church. She also faithfully managed The Murray Center for seven years, coordinating events and ensuring the building was a thriving community hub. Vanessa’s professional career was equally impactful. She excelled as a manager in the accounting department of Landmark Communications for 12 years, overseeing finances for the Virginian-Pilot newspaper. She later dedicated another 12 years with the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Social Services, serving as a court specialist where she worked tirelessly to uphold child support laws and support families in need. In 2007, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish It’s All About the Hat, LLC, offering event planning, notary services, and tutoring for children under the No Child Left Behind Act. Her passion for community extended far beyond her career. She served her neighborhood as a homeowners association board member and as assistant recording secretary for her civic league, always committed to accountability and fairness. Her compassionate service also touched lives through Bon Secours Hospice, where her dedication was recognized with a 2009 Service Excellence Award. Through every role, Vanessa displayed a rare combination of strength, humility, and grace. She was a devoted daughter to Gaulton L. Watford and Georgia W. Bailey, and a loving wife to her husband, Linwood. Her life reflected her favorite scripture, James 5:16: “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Vanessa lived what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called “The Drum Major Instinct”—the call to lead, to be first, to blaze trails for others to follow. As the first woman CEO of her beloved church, a community leader, and a spiritual servant, she carried this instinct not for recognition, but to uplift others. Her strength, faith, and love left an indelible mark on all who knew her.