Shirley R HawkinsShirley Ross Hawkins was born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 31, 1944, and was educated in Richmond City Public Schools. Upon graduating from Armstrong High School in 1961, she attended Richmond Professional Institute (RPI), now known as Virginia ommonwealth University (VCU.) At RPI, she sharpened her secretarial and management skills. She also attended countless seminars and workshops in different states and in Richmond as well. Shirley never stopped seeking knowledge. Shirley served as business and public relations manager for organizations in the Richmond area. Amongst them was "One Accord," a popular gospel and community service non-profit organization in the 80s and 90s, led by Jake Holmes Jr. She was a lead singer and served as business manager. Shirley's path trekked higher, taking her management skills to new levels during Virginia's election for governor in 1989. While serving on the campaign committees for Lieutenant Governor and Governor L. Douglas Wilder, she witnessed and celebrated the inner workings of change with Virginia's election of its first African American governor. Attending the Inaugural Ball brought that pivotal moment to life. Shirley cherishes those moments and keeps a photo album with the invitations, letters, and photos. Shirley's passion to encourage youth through her experiences turned into a pivotal project that would expand beyond her personal reach. Recognizing the leadership and organizational abilities of her granddaughter at an early age, Shirley was inspired in 2002 to create Kyia's Productions, Inc., a modeling and production company to help equip students for ever-changing societal expectations. Read More Read Less