Blair Durham is the president and co-founder of Black BRAND, a non-profit in Hampton Roads that works to increase Black wealth in the region by promoting professional development and community empowerment. In 2021 and 2022 Black BRAND and the Center for Economic and Community Engagement collaborated with Virginia Tech computational modeling and data analytics students to develop a data dashboard that enables Black BRAND to better understand the factors that affect the economic and social progress of Black residents in Hampton Roads. Durham graduated from Virginia Tech in 2005 with a degree in psychology. In April 2023, she received a Virginia Tech Influential Black Alumni Award in the area of social justice.

1. What was your first job and what did it teach you?

I served as a page in the Virginia House of Delegates for three months when I was 13. The job taught me the importance of having confidence and being sure of myself. It also helped me learn how to network and make friends. 25 years later, I’m still in contact with many of the people I first met during that job. The job also allowed me to gain a better understanding of politics and see the workings of government up close, which was a pivotal moment for me.

2. What was your reaction when you learned that you would receive a Virginia Tech Influential Black Alumni award?

I was so happy. The work I do now was fueled by my education from Virginia Tech. The fact that I am able to work in my field and do what I am most passionate about is something I am very grateful for. To then have Virginia Tech recognize my work has been a full circle moment for me. 

3. What is your favorite part of your job as president and co-founder of Black BRAND?

It’s the incredible people I work with and the business owners we engage with. The relationships I am able to build through my job are what make it fun.

4. What projects are you currently working on with Black BRAND?

We are partnering with Norfolk State University through a Truist grant on a 12-week accelerator for women centered around professional development. The accelerator program will focus on resources, exposure, and network building for minority women, with the goal of reducing brain drain in the Hampton Roads region.

We are also planning our Black Diamond Weekend conference, which will have 53 sessions and take place in the downtown Virginia Beach area.

5. What is your proudest accomplishment over the course of your career?

Access to capital is very important for businesses, so it was a huge accomplishment when we got a $750,000 grant from the Rockefeller Foundation in December 2021. The grant allowed us to become fully funded and offer opportunities to businesses in the region.

6. Who is one of your greatest mentors and what did you learn from them?

Running a nonprofit has had a steep learning curve, and I have had many people along the way who helped me throughout. People I considered mentors in the past are now colleagues that I work with every day.

7. What do you enjoy most about being a member of the CECE advisory board?

I love seeing Virginia Tech’s name in so many places and their commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) across Virginia. That intentional community engagement is something I’m happy to have a role in shaping.

8. What books have you read recently that you would recommend?

A lot of the reading I do is Bible focused. Through the people in the Bible, you can learn a lot about overcoming obstacles and how to tackle challenges in work and everyday life. In regards to leisure reading, my husband and I enjoy reading Dan Brown books aloud. Two of my favorites are Angels & Demons and Digital Fortress.

9. What activities or hobbies do you like to do in your spare time? 

I love the outdoors. I enjoy taking walks and going on dolphin cruises. I have young children and we like going to the zoo and aquarium and finding new pizza places to enjoy.

10. What is the most memorable place you’ve ever visited? 

I recently visited the Caribbean, which was incredible. The water was so clear, and you could see sea turtles and striped fish.