Our Board Members
Lee A. Murphy Jr., Chair
Senior IT Project Manager, Altria | Virginia Tech
Lee A. Murphy Jr., MBA, is a results-driven IT professional with a proven record of advancing business transformation through technology solutions at Altria. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives that promote efficiency, standardization, and collaboration while supporting the company’s vision. Lee is recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to building inclusive, high-performing teams that embrace change and deliver meaningful impact. His work reflects a balance of technical expertise, business acumen, and a deep belief in using his platform to empower others.
Beyond his corporate career, Lee is the founder and CEO of Lifting Minorities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to education, mentorship, professional development, and financial literacy for underrepresented communities. His passion for service also extends to entrepreneurship through Light of Mine Publishing, where he authored his first children’s book, I Am Here, Son—a heartfelt reflection on fatherhood, presence, and legacy. Additionally, Lee is a passive real estate investor focused on creating pathways to generational wealth and economic empowerment. Guided by faith, family, and purpose, Lee’s mission is to inspire growth, opportunity, and equity in every space he leads.
Lee earned his B.S. in Business Information Technology from Virginia Tech. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Syrinda E. Paige, Vice-Chair
Senior VP & Financial Advisor, Morgan Stanley | University of Virginia
Bio Coming Soon!
Gabrielle L. Brown, Secretary
Sr. Director, Ernst & Young Parthenon | Virginia Tech
Gabrielle is deeply committed to expanding access and affordability in both healthcare and education. With over 13 years of experience as a healthcare strategist at leading firms, she has advised C-suite leaders across major healthcare provider organizations. Her work spans corporate growth strategy development, commercial and operational diligence, large-scale transformations, operational improvements, and governance and operating model redesign.
In parallel with her professional career, Gabrielle has remained dedicated to supporting underrepresented students on their path to higher education. She has served as a mentor and tutor, and regularly contributes to scholarship initiatives that support minority students. Gabrielle previously served as Co-Chair of the Northern Virginia Urban League Young Professionals Network’s College Survival Program—a flagship college readiness event for high school students across the Washington, D.C. metro area. The program supported over 100 students annually with resources, mentorship, and guidance to ensure they were not just college eligible but truly college-ready.
Gabrielle earned her B.A. in Political Science from Virginia Tech, with minors in Business Leadership and Women’s Studies. She holds an M.S. in Health Systems Administration from Georgetown University.
Brandon Jefferson, Treasurer
Global Chief Information Security Officer | Sealed Air Corp | Virginia Tech
Brandon Jefferson is a results-driven and forward-thinking business leader with over a decade of experience driving organizational success across industries, including finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, and government. In his current role as Director of Information Security at EnPro Inc., Brandon leads global initiatives that strengthen business resilience, operational efficiency, and risk management while guiding a high-performing team across multiple disciplines.
Throughout his career, Brandon has built and scaled functions from the ground up, navigated complex organizational change, and delivered strategies that improved performance, compliance, and long-term sustainability. Known for blending strategic insight with a people-first mindset, he is equally effective presenting to senior leadership, mentoring rising professionals, and aligning diverse teams to achieve shared goals.
Brandon holds CISSP, CISM, and C|CISO certifications and earned his BA in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from Virginia Tech. He is passionate about servant leadership, continuous learning, and helping others grow in their own careers. Brandon believes that true growth begins with education, and providing access to higher education is essential for fostering growth opportunities.
Whitney L. Harris, Chair Brand Engagement & Social Outreach
Senior Business Consultant, InfoWorks, Inc. | North Carolina A&T University
Whitney Harris is a Managing Consultant at InfoWorks, Inc., and resides in Nashville, TN. Her professional experience encompasses strategic implementation, project management, and agile transformation across industries such as IT, higher education, healthcare, and finance. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Middle Tennessee State University and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Carolina A&T State University.
Beyond her professional work, Whitney is deeply committed to mentoring emerging leaders and supporting students through programs that offer scholarships, professional development, and career-readiness. She actively volunteers with organizations focused on education, equity, and community empowerment, and is passionate about helping others grow and thrive.
