Shark Tank | Teens Who Mean Business

Bio: Elijah Lee is a 18-year-old student, ordained minister, and community activist who has spent seven years organizing youth-led marches, advocating in the Virginia General Assembly, and speaking nationally on issues such as child abuse, racism, and trauma-informed care. He founded the nonprofit Hear Our Voices to empower young people, raised over $15,000 for pediatric safe rooms, and successfully introduced legislation benefiting young people—earning recognition such as the 2022 Emerging Philanthropic Leader and Youth Entrepreneur of the Year. Elijah has been featured in PEOPLE Magazine, Disney+’s Marvel Hero Project, and Black Panther comics, and in 2024 received the DOJ’s National Crime Victims Award. He also continues to preach and excel academically as he enters his senior year at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School. 

Bio:   Founded at just nine years old, TMooreCreations, LLC began as a simple idea inspired by family and creativity. Today, it has grown into a luxury skincare brand specializing in natural products that promote self-care, confidence, and authenticity. More than a brand, it’s a movement to be naturally and authentically you.

Bio:   Kenya Sarai is an exceptional public speaker, drummer, and entrepreneur currently attending Hampton University as a first-year Broadcast Journalism major. A versatile media talent, she serves as a reporter and anchor for WHOV-TV a student-led newscast and an on-air radio personality for WHOV 88.1, while also contributing her drumming to the university’s jazz band. Her deep-seated passion for drumming has allowed her to perform alongside industry legends, most notably Sheila E. In 2022, Kenya and her mother founded Sarai Works LLC to bridge her love for music and public speaking, offering services in event curation, content creation, voiceover production, and podcasting. This mission of inspiration extends to her clothing brand, SW Brand Impact, which encourages others to “Be the impact you want to see every day.” Guided by her faith, family, and a commitment to character, Kenya’s unwavering mission is to be a light for others and effect positive change in the world.

Bio:   Isaiah King is an entrepreneur and streetwear brand owner from Richmond Born and raised in the city, Isaiah attended John Rolfe Middle School and Varina High School before graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School

After high school, Isaiah went on to play college football, but his athletic career was cut short due to an ACL injury. Instead of letting that setback stop him, he shifted his focus toward entrepreneurship.

Isaiah originally started his clothing brand during his senior year of high school. Through consistency, networking, and staying active in the local fashion scene, he continued to grow the brand and build connections within the community.

Today, Isaiah owns two retail storefronts in Richmond, continuing to expand his vision and provide opportunities for designers, resellers, and creatives in the city. His stores are located on West Broad Street at 2707 W Broad St and 902 W Broad St, serving as hubs for streetwear culture, fashion, and collaboration.

Isaiah remains focused on growing his brand, supporting local entrepreneurs, and helping push Richmond’s streetwear scene to a larger platform.

Bio: Dr. Patrice Perry-Rivers is Faculty Director of New Venture Creation and Visiting Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Virginia Commonwealth University, with appointments in the da Vinci Center for Innovation and the VCU School of Business. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the Small Business Opportunity Center at VCU, a major regional initiative supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs across Virginia.

Dr. Perry-Rivers holds a Ph.D. in Management from Rutgers Business School, an MBA from Regent University, and a B.A. in Government from the University of Virginia. Across her career, she has served as a professor, researcher, college administrator, and entrepreneurship center builder, helping launch impactful academic programs and secure millions in grant and donor funding.

Her research focuses on entrepreneurship, minority entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship, and strategic management, with work published in leading journals and presented at major academic conferences. She has also produced studies for Virginia state agencies that support economic development.

Before joining VCU, she founded and led entrepreneurship centers at other universities, including Virginia State University’s Minority Small Business Launch Center, which significantly exceeded its goals in supporting new minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. With both academic and real-world business experience, Dr. Perry-Rivers is deeply committed to expanding opportunity, advancing innovation, and creating lasting community impact.

Bio: Charm Bullard | Senior Advisor to the CEO

Charm Bullard, M. Ed., serves as the Senior Advisor to the CEO at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC), an organization that works with schools, businesses, and communities to achieve success through inclusion. In her role, Charm designs and facilitates educational programs focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for institutions across Virginia, with a specialization in workplace and community programs.

Since joining VCIC in 2016, Charm has successfully conducted over 950 workshops across the Commonwealth of Virginia. Her facilitation is distinguished by her warmth and humor, making complex DEI concepts accessible and engaging. As a certified Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrator, Charm guides organizations in assessing and improving their intercultural competence. The IDI is a theory-based assessment tool that measures intercultural competence, allowing individuals and groups to see their progression along the Intercultural Development Continuum©. This certification enables Charm to provide actionable results through customized Intercultural Development Plans (IDPs).

Charm’s dedication to DEI began during her 13 years in various student affairs roles on collegiate campuses throughout the Southeast. It was during this time that she discovered her passion for fostering diversity and inclusion. Among her significant achievements is the founding of the Connecting Women of Color Conference at the University of Richmond, which garnered recognition in Women in Higher Education and Essence magazines.

Charm holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Lander University and a Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis on College Student Affairs Administration from the University of Georgia.

Alyssa.wheaton@pjunited.com

Bio: I am the Assistant Marketing Manager for Papa Johns in Central Virginia, where I support marketing strategy, communications, and community engagement efforts. I have been with PJ United for two years and am passionate about using marketing to make a positive local impact. With five years of experience in marketing and public relations, I have enjoyed building meaningful connections between brands and the communities they serve. I’m a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, where I earned bachelor’s degrees in mass communications and criminal justice, along with a minor in Political Science. In my free time, I enjoy staying active at the gym or relaxing on outdoor patios with my dog, Loki.

LMelton@fultonbank.com

FULTON BANK

9030 Stony Point Parkway Suite 230 Richmond, VA  23235 | fultonbank.com | LinkedIn

Bio: Linda was born in Charlottesville, VA and now resides in Henrico County.

Education:  Virginia State University, Master of Education 1999

Virginia State College (now University) Bachelor of Science 1979

Experience:  Linda is currently the Community Outreach Officer, VP, at Fulton Bank (November 2016-present).  She was a mortgage Loan Officer and Vice President at SunTrust Mortgage for 31 years and has been in the banking industry for over 40 years.

Civic Activities:

• Appointed to the State of Virginia Fair Housing Board by Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014 and reappointed by Governor Ralph Northam.
• Appointed to the City of Richmond Affordable Housing Trust Fund Oversite Board by Mayor Dwight C. Jones and reappointed by Mayor Lavar Stoney
• Virginia State University Reginald F Lewis School of Business Industry Council
• Past member of the Human Kind Board of Directors
• Member of Richmond Chapter of The Links, Inc.
• Member of Richmond Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Personal: Linda enjoys gardening, jewelry making and baking

Kenneth.Dailey@atlanticunionbank.com

Bio:  Ken Dailey, serves as the Manager of Enterprise Risk Management Governance for Atlantic Union Bank, headquartered in Richmond, Va. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, including a decade dedicated to enterprise risk management. Beyond his professional expertise, he is deeply committed to uplifting communities through service, mentorship, and meaningful engagement. Ken has a passion for pouring into the next generation-helping young people discover their potential, build confidence, and create pathways to success. His work reflects a genuine belief in the power of connection, empowerment, and community growth.

www.rvafinancial.com www.rvafinancial.com www.rvafinancial.com

Bio: Deonte’ Barkley is a dedicated financial empowerment advocate committed to helping individuals and families build stronger, more stable financial futures. With hands-on experience in credit education, auto lending programs, and first-time homebuyer support, he focuses on turning complex financial concepts into practical, easy-to-follow strategies. Deonte’ has played a key role in developing programs that not only provide access to reliable transportation and homeownership opportunities but also emphasize accountability, education, and long-term success. Passionate about creating real impact, he works to bridge the gap between financial knowledge and action—empowering people to take control of their financial journey with confidence.