The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 24
40 UNDER 40
LATRON BROWN, 39
Managing Principal, Nortal Counseling
" [Roanoke] serves as a
beacon of community spirit
and innovation. ... It is a
great place to develop a
community of go-getters
that continually encourage
one another to maximize
their potential, create
a vibrant life and make
a lasting impact on the
community. "
With a strong background in healthcare
operations and market analysis,
LaTron Brown founded Aging Well
Roanoke Valley, catering to older
citizens' needs for aging in place.
His subsequent roles at the Social
Security Administration and Goodwill
Industries of the Valleys further
enriched his expertise. In 2023, Brown
served as the interim Chief Strategy
Officer at the Girls Scouts, orchestrating
pivotal initiatives and a new strategic
plan. Following this, he launched
The Nortal Group, comprising Nortal
Consulting, aiding business leaders in
operations and growth, and Nortalent.
com, a virtual career accelerator for
early career starters. Brown's community
leadership encompasses roles
on the Council of Community Services
and Apple Ridge Farms boards, membership
in the Salem Rotary Club
and Roanoke Valley Breakfast Lions
Club and advisory positions with the
Roanoke Chamber of Commerce's
Leadership Roanoke Valley program.
" My passion lies in the work of solving
complex problems while mastering
the focus needed to create a healthy
environment in which others can flourish, "
he says.
* Dual bachelor degrees in
Biological Sciences and
Psychology, Virginia Tech, 2008
* Earned a Master of Business,
Averett University, 2011
* 2023 Advisor Appreciation
Award, Leadership Roanoke
Valley
RACHEL BURKS, 31
Community Health Education Manager,
Carilion Clinic
" I love that my family can
access hiking trails, farmers
markets and events in the
city all with just a few
minutes... "
In addition to her role at Carilion
Clinic, Rachel Burks has been a
Healthy Habits Volunteer with Boys
and Girls Club SWVA, head coach for
Girls on the Run Roanoke Valley and
served as Engagement Coordinator
for the Salem Giving Garden and as
an Outreach Committee Member
and Deacon at Salem Presbyterian
Church. Burks holds leadership roles
in various organizations, including
Leadership Team Member of the
Roanoke Foodshed Network, Co-Lead
of the Healthy Food Access Working
Group, Board Member of LEAP and
serving on several prominent boards
and committees within Roanoke City
Public Schools and Healthy Roanoke
Valley. She's a member of the Delta
Omega Honorary Society in Public
Health and the American Public
Health Association. Her dedication
has been recognized through awards
such as the Program Excellence
Award for Program Marketing and
the Judy Midkiff Memorial Innovation
Award from the Virginia Cooperative
Extension. " I hope that my work
makes it at least a little easier for
everyone to achieve and maintain
their health so they can focus on the
things that truly matter to them, " she
says. " Whether it's through increasing
access to healthy foods or making
healthy behaviors more attainable and
desirable, I want the work I do to make
meaningful progress toward health
equity across our region. "
* Earned Bachelor of Science in
Health and Wellness Promotion,
UNC Asheville, 2014
* Earned Master of Public Health,
Virginia Tech, 2020
* Holds certifications as a
Certified Health Education
Specialist (NCHEC), ACSM
Certified Personal Trainer and
ACSM Certified Group Exercise
Instructor
24
january/february 2024
MICHAEL CHERRY II, 32
Medical & Clinic Operations Supervisor,
Optum Health
" Going to school in the
SW Virginia area (Ferrum
College) over ten years ago
and relocating to Roanoke
has totally transformed
my entire life. Roanoke
gives that slower pace
with hometown vibes. The
atmosphere allows you
to slow down and ENJOY
every minute of life. "
As the Medical & Clinical Operations
Supervisor at Optum Health, Michael
Cherry II oversees a global team of
100+ medical coders. His diverse background
includes roles as a probation
officer, detention officer and family
self-sufficiency coordinator, along with
directing Brightview, a drug abuse
treatment center. He made history as
Roanoke City's youngest school board
member at 29 and now serves as
Senior Pastor at Altha Grove Baptist
Church, driving growth and community
impact. Cherry is a member of
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and spearheads
initiatives like Community First,
offering vaccinations and free gas
during the pandemic and providing
free community resources in the form
of a locker room at Landsdown. " My
passion is directly geared toward the
underserved, overlooked and undervalued, "
he says. " I know what it's like to
have so much to offer, but never get
the opportunity to prove that. I live
and strive everyday to be living proof
of what another chance looks like,
through service on the school board,
through ministry, community engagement
and as a corporate leader. "
* Earned Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration, Ferrum
College, 2013
* Earned Master of Arts in Human
Services, Liberty University, 2022
* Currently pursuing Master of
Divinity, Regent University
MARLEE COLES, 31
Cosmetology Teacher, Roanoke County
Public Schools
" This city has an energy
and community spirit that
feels like home. ... this
community supports and
rallies around one another,
which motivates me to give
back however I can. I am
grateful to grow my career
and passions here. Roanoke
has truly made me the
person I am today. "
Marlee Coles imparts her expertise
to the next generation of beauty professionals
as Cosmetology Teacher
at BCAT at Roanoke County Public
Schools. She also serves as a Redken
Brand Ambassador and Territory
Development Manager for L'Oreal
USA Professional Products Division.
Certified as a Mizani Artist and
Redken Haircolor professional, Coles
is an entrepreneur behind " LUXURY
by Marlee Coles " to showcase her
expertise and creativity and hosts
" Hairfirmations, " a podcast celebrating
the beauty, diversity and empowerment
of all hair types. An active
participant in the Roanoke Alumnae
Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc., she chairs the Jabberwock
Committee and contributes to the
International Awareness Committee.
She is also a volunteer mentor with
the Jr. Boss Academy. " This community
has given me so much opportunity
and I'm dedicated to extending that
same opportunity to help others, " she
says. " My goal is to empower people
to see their inner and outer beauty
so they can make their own mark on
Roanoke. This city inspires me daily
and I'm grateful for the chance to
make an impact. "
* Received 2022-2023 Art Matters
Grant from the Roanoke Arts
Commission
* Featured artist in the " It's Here "
exhibit by the Roanoke Arts
Commission
TheRoanoker.com
COURTESY OF LATRON BROWN / COURTESY OF RACHEL BURKS / COURTESY OF MICHAEL CHERRY II / COURTESY OF MARLEE COLES
http://www.TheRoanoker.com
The Roanoker January/February 2024
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Roanoker January/February 2024
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - Cover1
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - Cover2
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 3
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 4
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 5
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 6
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 7
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 8
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 9
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 10
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 11
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 12
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 13
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 14
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 15
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 16
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 17
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 18
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 19
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 20
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 21
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 22
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 23
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 24
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 25
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 26
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 27
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 28
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 29
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 30
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 31
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 32
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 33
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 34
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 35
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 36
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 37
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 38
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 39
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 40
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 41
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 42
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 43
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 44
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 45
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 46
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 47
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 48
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 49
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 50
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 51
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 52
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 53
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 54
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 55
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 56
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 57
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 58
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 59
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 60
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 61
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 62
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 63
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 64
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 65
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - 66
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR1
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR2
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR3
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR4
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR5
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR6
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR7
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR8
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR9
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR10
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR11
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR12
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR13
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR14
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR15
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR16
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR17
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR18
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR19
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR20
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR21
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR22
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR23
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR24
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR25
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR26
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR27
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR28
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR29
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR30
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR31
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR32
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR33
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR34
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR35
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR36
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR37
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR38
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR39
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR40
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR41
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR42
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR43
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR44
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR45
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR46
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR47
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR48
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR49
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR50
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR51
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR52
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR53
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR54
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR55
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR56
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR57
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR58
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR59
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR60
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR61
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR62
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR63
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR64
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR65
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR66
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR67
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR68
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR69
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR70
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR71
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR72
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR73
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR74
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR75
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR76
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR77
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR78
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR79
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR80
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR81
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR82
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR83
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR84
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR85
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR86
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR87
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR88
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR89
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR90
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR91
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - VBR92
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - Cover3
The Roanoker January/February 2024 - Cover4
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/rkr-jan-feb-2025-with-vbrl
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-nov-dec-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-sept-oct-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-july-august-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-may-june-2024-updated
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-march-april-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-january-february-2024
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-november-december-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-sept-october-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-july-august-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-may-june-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-march-april-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-january-february-2023
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-november-december-2022-2
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-september-october-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-july-august-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-may-june-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-march-april-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/the-roanoker-january-february-2022
https://www.nxtbook.com/leisuremedia360/leisure/RKRND21
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/RKRSO21
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/TheRoanokerJA2021
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20210506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20210304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20210102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_2020_1112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20200102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20191112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20190102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20181112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20180102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20171112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20170910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/TheRoanoker_JulyAugust2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/TheRoanoker_MayJune2017
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20170304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20170102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20161112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20160102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20151112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150304
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20150102
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20141112
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20140910
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20140708
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_20140506
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_201403
https://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/leisure/roanoker_201402
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com