Our Next Speaker

Deb Lawrence, Executive Director of ReWork Richmond

A native Richmonder, Deb is a co-founder of ReWork Richmond and has been a principal architect of the organization’s innovative partnership approach to workforce development and support service sourcing. Her long history of involvement with such respected institutions as Anna Julia Cooper School and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has earned her a reputation as a tireless policy and program advocate for concerns related to securing viable employment for East End Richmond families.

Prior to Rework, Deb served as the Director of Outreach for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, leading the transformation of that program into one of Central Virginia’s most comprehensive social intervention initiatives. Deb and her husband Rick have three adult children and are proud to have four grandchildren.

The Rotary Club of Richmond and its members have the privilege and resources to infuse the community with much-needed support. For the next two years, our club will be partnering with ReWork, an organization that partners with individuals in East Richmond who show the desire and ability to make themselves contributing members of society. They do this by enabling select individuals to get the education and resources they need to secure jobs that pay a living wage. The process involves mentorship and a continued relationship that can last years until the participants’ lives are on track.

Club members John Purnell Jr. and Charles Layman have planned this project over the past 8 months. They will both make brief comments prior to Ms. Lawrence speaking to the club.  John is the founder and former CEO of FRIENDS Association for Children https://friendsrva.org and Charles is the former CEO of Goodwill Stores of Central Virginia from which he has recently retired https://goodwillvirginia.org.