Minority Business Alliance Gala: The Year of The Sunset
Name:
Minority Business Alliance Gala: The Year of The Sunset
Date:
October 10, 2025
Time:
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM EDT
Registration:
Register Now
Event Description:
Step into an evening of elegance, inspiration, and community pride at the Minority Business Alliance’s 2025 gala. This year, The Year of the Sunset honors the extraordinary leadership and legacy of Quinton Harrell, Kaye Monroe, and Alex Urpi—visionaries whose dedication has shaped the future of minority-owned businesses in Charlottesville.
Meet Our 2025 Honorees
Quinton Harrell, Founder, Heritage United Builders
Quinton is a lifelong entrepreneur and advocate for Black wealth-building, serving as founder of Heritage United Builders, co-founder of New Hill Development Corporation, and chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance. His latest venture is reviving Bone Doctors’ Barbecue Sauces with fresh energy and purpose.
Kaye Monroe, Founder, KDM Coaching & Associates
Kaye is the founder and principal consultant of KDM Coaching & Associates, where she advises leaders and organizations on workforce development, leadership capacity, and authentic engagement. She also serves as Executive Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance and leads the Women’s Dream Builders academy for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Alexander Urpí, CEO, Emergent Financial Services
Attire: All-black formal wear.
2025 J.F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award: We are currently accepting nominations for the John F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award, celebrating an exceptional leader who has made a lasting impact on our business community. Submit your nomination today to help us honor those who inspire and lead with purpose.
Click here to complete a nomination form.
Registration for this event closes Friday September 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We’re grateful for the generous support of our sponsors who make this event possible.
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor? Reach out to Kimberly Sheffield at ksheffield@jeffersonschoolfoundation.com and Teira E. Farley at teira@cicville.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Meet Our 2025 Honorees
Quinton Harrell, Founder, Heritage United Builders
Quinton is a lifelong entrepreneur and advocate for Black wealth-building, serving as founder of Heritage United Builders, co-founder of New Hill Development Corporation, and chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance. His latest venture is reviving Bone Doctors’ Barbecue Sauces with fresh energy and purpose.
Kaye Monroe, Founder, KDM Coaching & Associates
Kaye is the founder and principal consultant of KDM Coaching & Associates, where she advises leaders and organizations on workforce development, leadership capacity, and authentic engagement. She also serves as Executive Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance and leads the Women’s Dream Builders academy for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Alexander Urpí, CEO, Emergent Financial Services
Alex is CEO of Emergent Financial Services and Vice-Chair of Finance for the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance. An investment advisor dedicated to helping families and small businesses achieve their goals, he also serves on several local boards and is passionate about building community through finance, service, and mentorship.
Attire: All-black formal wear.
2025 J.F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award: We are currently accepting nominations for the John F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award, celebrating an exceptional leader who has made a lasting impact on our business community. Submit your nomination today to help us honor those who inspire and lead with purpose.
Click here to complete a nomination form.
Registration for this event closes Friday September 26, 2025 at 11:59 PM.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We’re grateful for the generous support of our sponsors who make this event possible.
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor? Reach out to Kimberly Sheffield at ksheffield@jeffersonschoolfoundation.com and Teira E. Farley at teira@cicville.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Thank You to Our Table Hosts
United Way of Greater Charlottesville
Jefferson School Foundation
Smoov Moving
Community Investment Collaborative
