Cherise is an innovative communicator and public relations pro who is passionate about community service.
As a former newspaper journalist, Cherise believes stories have the power to raise visibility, forge deeper connections, and make a strong impact.
She blends business acumen with modern PR techniques like social and digital media to share compelling messages, to engage influential stakeholders, and to achieve dynamic results.
Cherise is a hands-on leader who believes in service and putting people first.
And she is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Community is important, and she is committed to giving back.
Work + Volunteer Experience
Education & Journalism
Cherise earned a Master of Business Administration from The College of William and Mary and a Bachelor of Theology with an English minor from Georgetown University. For more than a decade, Cherise worked as a journalist for The Virginian-Pilot newspaper in Norfolk, Va. She covered government and schools as well as landed exclusive interviews with state leaders. She earned two awards from the Virginia Press Association for her reporting as well as a media award from the Virginia Association for Early Childhood Education.
PUBLISHED NEWS ARTICLES
For Portsmouth teen, singing is gateway to opportunity
Virginia’s education chief Holton talks budget, Norfolk schools and her time in office
Gov. Terry McAuliffe touts higher education spending at Norfolk State University
“Equity Policy” could mean big changes for Norfolk schools, but some question its impact
Helping students succeed, one bowtie at a time
Public Relations Work
Cherise currently serves as a regional media spokesperson for Dominion Energy. She began her career in PR in 2016, first as Public Information Officer for Portsmouth Public Schools in Virginia. Later, as the Communications Director for that school division, Cherise served on the Superintendent’s Cabinet, managed strategic and crisis communications, and handled media relations. She also managed school websites, a TV station, and digital media. She launched and led the division’s customer service initiative and wrote a column for the local newspaper. After her time in Portsmouth, Cherise served in various communications roles at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, the largest grant and scholarship provider in Southeastern Virginia, for more than three years. Before joining Dominion Energy, Cherise ran her own marketing company, serving small service-based business owners, nonprofits, and independent authors.
In 2022, the Public Relations Society of America (Hampton Roads chapter) honored Cherise with its Diversity Champion Award.
PUBLIC RELATIONS PIECES
School Safety Column | Bridges
Virginia Coalition for Open Government Blog
School Budget Column / Bridges
Nonprofit Communications Leader
Cherise recently served as vice president for communications and marketing at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation in Norfolk, Va. She joined the Foundation in 2019 as multimedia director and was promoted a year later. She managed a team of staff and vendors as well as led strategic communications, donor and nonprofit marketing, media relations and advertising as well as print, digital, and social media.
In 2022, her work earned a Pinnacle Award from the Public Relations Society of America (Hampton Roads chapter) for a print and digital campaign called What is racial equity?
Community
Volunteer
Cherise participates in several community activities. She is passionate about education, families, and philanthropy.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Board member, YMCA on Granby
Community Ambassador, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion committee co-chair, Public Relations Society of America – Hampton Roads chapter
Alumni Ambassador, Georgetown University Alumni Admissions Program
Founding Member, Visionaries for Change giving circle
Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals (Scholarship Committee)
Lifetime Member, Virginia PTA
Board Member, Shark City Drum and Dance Corps
More Work Samples
Cherise has directed, hosted, and produced television shows and commercials. She also writes speeches, scripts and strategic talking points.
Talk Show Host
Commercial Talent
Voice-Over
Social Media
A social media presence amplifies the message and reputation of any organization. By using pictures, videos, and graphics, Cherise helps organizations connect with clients and the community.
- Check out her work here.
Publications
Sleek, sophisticated periodicals help your brand to shine. Cherise elevates engagement and brand awareness through compelling stories. Check out these samples:
Interviews
Asking the right questions, Cherise discovers, organizes, and directs powerful interviews that inspire audiences of all kinds. Check out these samples: