Introducing SOVA AI Connect

SOVA Innovation Hub — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 20:30:00 +0000

Building Southern Virginia’s Future Through Community-Driven AI Innovation

The SOVA Innovation Hub is proud to announce that it has been awarded an OpenAI Foundation People-First AI Grant. The SOVA Innovation Hub was one of 208 nonprofits nationwide, and one of only four in Virginia, chosen from more than 3,000 applicants. This award underscores both the strength of Southern Virginia’s innovation-driven vision and the meaningful work already underway to advance that vision.

With this support, the SOVA Innovation Hub will launch SOVA AI Connect in 2026. This new community-based initiative will be designed by and for Southern Virginians anchored at the SOVA Innovation Hub. SOVA AI Connect aligns with the mission of the SOVA innovation Hub to spark economic transformation in Southern Virginia.

SOVA AI Connect will help people build AI literacy, confidence, and practical skills through hands-on workshops and demonstrations, civic innovation challenges, and workforce training. The initiative will help people apply AI responsibly and creatively to strengthen local industries, improve services, and solve community challenges. This project will deepen the SOVA Innovation Hub’s ability to support community innovation and workforce development.

The SOVA Innovation Hub was created in a partnership between Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation (MBC) and Microsoft TechSpark to inspire people to pursue entrepreneurship and develop digital skills. Through coworking, hands-on training, signature programs like RISE, EXCITE, and EVOLVE, and regional community outreach, the SOVA Innovation Hub brings together entrepreneurs, educators, students, and non-profit leaders to learn, collaborate, and grow.

MBC has spent over two decades expanding broadband infrastructure and economic opportunity across Southern Virginia. Through the SOVA Innovation Hub, MBC supports programs that build digital skills, support entrepreneurship, and ensure that rural communities have access to the tools they need to thrive in a modern economy.

“MBC invests in the SOVA Innovation Hub because we believe every community in Southern Virginia deserves the chance to participate fully in the digital economy,” said Tad Deriso, President & CEO, Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corporation. “This recognition from the OpenAI Foundation affirms the impact of that work and the potential of the people who call this region home. SOVA AI Connect will help residents build trust, skills, and confidence with AI—ensuring that emerging technology benefits our farms, schools, small businesses, and nonprofits in practical, meaningful ways.”

We look forward to launching SOVA AI Connect in partnership with the OpenAI Foundation and continuing to expand innovation capacity across Southern Virginia.

To receive updates and announcements about SOVA AI Connect, please join the SOVA Innovation Hub newsletter and follow the SOVA Innovation Hub on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Meet the EVOLVE Training Facilitators

SOVA Innovation Hub — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 07:02:00 +0000

The EVOLVE Nonprofit Training Series is almost here, and we are thrilled to introduce the talented facilitators who will be guiding each session. With expertise spanning nonprofit leadership, governance, fundraising, marketing, and team development, these trainers bring decades of experience and practical insights to help nonprofits strengthen their foundations and grow their impact.

REGISTRATION CLOSING SOON

Don’t wait—the training begins on Tuesday, September 23 and space is limited! Sign up by Monday, September 16 to secure your spot!

Training Details

Session 1: Setting the Foundation: Mission, Vision, and the Nonprofit Sector

Facilitators: Rachel del Campo Gatewood & Hollie Adams, River District Consulting | Evelyn Riley, Dan River Nonprofit Network
Evelyn Riley leads the Dan River Nonprofit Network, connecting and empowering nonprofits across Southern Virginia and Caswell County, NC. She brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and service.

River District Consulting Group, co-founded by Hollie Adams and Rachel del Campo Gatewood, partners with nonprofits, municipalities, and small businesses to strengthen rural communities through strategic planning, fundraising, and capacity building. Hollie specializes in facilitation and leadership alignment, while Rachel brings deep expertise in resource development and community engagement. Together, they combine clarity, strategy, and people-first values to help mission-driven organizations thrive.

Evelyn Riley

Dan River Nonprofit Network

Hollie Adams & Rachel del Campo Gatewood

River District Consulting

Session 2: Building Strong Foundations: Nonprofit Governance & Board Development

Facilitator: Melissa Metcalf Le Roy
Melissa is a nonprofit management consultant, TEDx speaker, and instructor with Duke University and Western Carolina University. She has decades of experience helping organizations build effective boards and strengthen governance practices.

Melissa Metcalf Le Roy

OnFire Nonprofit Consulting

Session 3: Money Matters: Fundraising, Grant Readiness, and Financial Management

Facilitator: Kelly del Campo Merricks
Kelly is a seasoned fundraising leader with over 25 years of experience in Richmond’s nonprofit community. From leading multimillion-dollar campaigns to training the next generation of fundraisers, she knows how to connect donor passion with organizational purpose.

Kelly del Campo Merricks

Fundraising Executive

Session 4: People Power: Leading Teams & Managing with Purpose

Facilitator: Robert Kenney, Ph.D., Partners Through Training
Bob has more than 30 years of experience designing and delivering leadership and team development workshops. His engaging session will help nonprofit leaders better understand motivation, strengthen engagement, and give their teams a reason to stay.

Robert Kenney, Ph.D.

Partners through Training

Session 5: Telling Your Story: Nonprofit Marketing & Community Engagement

Facilitator: Kimberly Williams Moore, Ph.D., Williams Moore & Company
Dr. Moore is a servant leader, writer, and marketer with over 30 years of experience in strategic communications, fundraising, and higher education. She has led national campaigns, taught as an endowed professor, and currently serves as Director of Civic Engagement for the U.S. House of Representatives (NC District).

Kimberly Williams Moore, Ph.D.

Williams Moore & Company

Session 6: From Insight to Action: Sustaining Impact Beyond the Series

Facilitators: Rachel del Campo Gatewood & Hollie Adams, River District Consulting | Evelyn Riley, Dan River Nonprofit Network
The series concludes with a practical session on applying lessons learned, ensuring that your organization is prepared to sustain momentum and maximize long-term impact. We will also pause to celebrate your dedication to strengthening your impact and improving your nonprofit management and leadership skills through completion of this program.

Secure Your Spot Today

This six-session training series is designed to strengthen nonprofit leaders and organizations across Southern Virginia. Don’t miss your chance to learn directly from these incredible facilitators.

Registration closes September 16. Training begins September 23.