RICHMOND, VA, January 21, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Lacette R. Cross has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Cross serves as the executive director of Diversity Richmond, a role she has held since 2022. In this capacity, she leads the organization in its mission to support and celebrate the diversity of Richmond's LGBTQ+ community. She concurrently serves as the Virginia SIP strategic adviser for NEO Philanthropy, a position she has held since 2019, where she leverages her expertise to guide strategic initiatives and philanthropic efforts. Additionally, she has served as director of Us Giving Richmond Connections and Black Pride RVA since 2016, an organization she co-founded to help foster inclusivity and pride among the Black LGBTQ+ community in Richmond.

Ms. Cross's journey into leadership and advocacy began when she founded Will You Be Whole with Rev. L in 2015, where she serves as chief executive officer. This initiative focuses on creating spaces for dialogue and healing around sexuality and faith. Her commitment to community service is further evidenced by her tenure as pastor at Restoration Fellowship RVA since 2016, where she provides spiritual guidance and support to her congregation. Before serving as interim executive director of Side by Side in 2021, she led as the director of volunteers and outreach there from 2016 to 2019. Ms. Cross also contributed her talents as a sexual health educator for the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice from 2008 to 2011 and as a legal support specialist at Thelen LLP from 2003 to 2008.

Ms. Cross's academic background has been instrumental in her professional journey. She obtained a bachelor's degree in social work from The Catholic University of America in 2009 and a Master of Divinity in theology from the School of Theology of Virginia Union University in 2012. Her commitment to ministry led to a Master of Theology in theology and ethics from Union Presbyterian Seminary in 2016 and a Doctor of Ministry in Practical Theology from Virginia Union University in 2021.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Cross is actively involved with civic-minded organizations such as the Firehouse Theatre board. Her contributions to her community have been recognized with several awards, including the Outstanding Virginian Award from Equality Virginia in 2019 and the Outstanding Woman Award from YWCA. She was also nominated as an Outstanding Businesswoman and Woman of Excellence by the National Association of Women Business Owners.

In her personal life, Ms. Cross enjoys traveling, reading, co-hosting a podcast, photography, and spending time with friends. Looking ahead, she envisions transitioning from running organizations to consulting, leveraging her extensive experience to guide individuals and organizations to achieve their goals while continuing to explore new horizons through travel and professional speaking engagements.

# # #