Virgil G. Thornton, Sr., Business Owner (2000-present, Based in VA),
Virgil G. Thornton, Sr. is a native of Newport News, VA. He has been married for 32 years to Dr. Michelle-Boone Thornton. Virgil is a Colon Cancer survivor and a proud father of twin daughters and one son. He worked as an Electrical Nuclear Technician for several years. He is a Certified Foster and Respite Care Parent, a member of the 200 Plus Men of Virginia, and a member of the John C. Maxwell Leadership Group. He has served as General Manager of Dodge, Infiniti and Lexus dealerships in Huntsville, AL and Virginia Beach, VA and worked in the automotive industry for over 25 years. Mr. Thornton has owned several businesses in the Food Service and the Recording Industry. He currently serves as a Deacon in his church, and as President of CMV Communicators, LLC which provides Corporate/Organizational Leadership Training, Public Speaking Training, and Personal Development Services. Mr. Thornton was ranked among the top 27 speakers worldwide in the 2015 International Toastmaster's "World Championship of Public Speaking Contest,” and a TEDx RVA Open Mic 1st Runner-up recipient. read more
He recently decided to return to school to pursue his bachelor’s degree in business to stay relevant with the ever-changing business climate. He attends Saint Leo University and is a proud member of the Omega Nu Lambda academic honor society. As the president of CMV Communicators, LLC he hopes to teach and inspire people to find and operate within their true potential. Though CMV Communicators, LLC is tailored to everyone, Virgil has a special interest in mentoring and grooming black male youth. |
Marrisa Thornton, (Based in MD)
Marrisa Thornton currently works as a Program Analyst for the U.S. Census Bureau. She previously worked in the Higher Education sector within Student Services. Marrisa also works as a freelance content editor and has edited fiction novels and nonfiction publications. She uses the name ARTICULATE as her editing brand, as she hopes to help people articulate their stories and thoughts in a way that audiences can easily understand and enjoy. Marrisa was born and raised in Hampton, VA. She later moved to Madison, AL where she attended Bob Jones High School. She earned her B.S. from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and master’s degree from George Mason University. She currently resides in the DC Metro area and can be found reading, baking, or hula hooping during her free time. |
Courtney Thornton, (Based in AL)
Courtney Thornton is a Department of Defense (DoD) civilian working as an Electronics Engineer for the Air Force. She graduated from Hampton University in 2013 with a bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and a bachelor's in Computer Engineering. At Hampton, she joined the National Society of Black Engineers and Society of Women Engineers. During her junior year, she joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc., serving as chapter president and leading the chapter to recognition as the 2012 National Undergraduate Chapter of the Year. She was also individually acknowledged as Chapter Member of the Year. At Hampton, she worked as an intern, conducting wind tunnel and impact landing testing for NASA at Langley Research Center. Courtney Michelle Thornton has earned a Masters' in Military Operational Art & Science with a concentration in Military Space Strategy. Read more
As a senior electronics engineer for the Air Force Spectrum Management Office in Fort Meade, MD, Ms. Thornton provided professional technical advice in developing plans, policies, procedures, and directives to achieve and maintain electromagnetic spectrum for terrestrial, aeronautical, and space systems deployed worldwide. She helped coordinate supportability for combat system operations deploying outside the continental United States. She was directly responsible for supporting U.S. Strategic Command, Transportation Command, Special Operation Command, Central Command, and Northern Command. Ms. Thornton served as the primary Air Force representative for the national Emergency Planning Subcommittee. She determined Air Force emergency communications and interoperability procedures and coordinates Continuity of Operations Plan exercises. In 2016, she completed the Air Force Leadership Certification Program in San Antonio, Texas, and the Undergraduate Cyber Training program in Biloxi, Mississippi, an in-residence training covering cyberspace domain fundamentals and operations. In 2018, Ms. Thornton received a coin from the Vice Commander of the Air Force Space Command for exceptional service to the Air Force and support of the warfighter. She was awarded the 2018 and 2020 NAACP Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award for supporting the DoD mission and epitomizing the qualities and core values of the Air Force. As a trailblazer, she was honored at the 2021 BEYA STEM Conference with the Black Engineer of the Year, Science Spectrum Trailblazer award for her accomplishments within the STEM fields, and community service in the Hampton Roads, VA, and Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Additionally, she received the 2021 Headquarters Air Force Blacks in Government Meritorious Service Award for epitomizing the Air Force Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, and Service before self. She is a primary selection for the Air Command Staff College development education program. This program educates mid-career officers and civilians in developing, leading, advancing, and applying air and space power across the spectrum of service, joint, and combined military operations in preparation for senior-level command and staff responsibilities. In May 2022, she will receive a Master of Military Operational Art and Science for completing the program. As a black female engineer, Ms. Thornton realizes the importance and necessity of diversity in the workplace. Her goal is to inspire African American girls, teenagers, and women to pursue careers in STEM. As recognition for being a trailblazer, the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club honored her with the 2017 and 2018 awards for community service to youth in Hampton Roads and Washington D.C. Ms. Thornton volunteers as a mentor for students from under-resourced and underrepresented communities. She dedicates herself to mentoring female high school students in D.C. Each session discusses business development, STEM vocations, and provides academic and life skills in preparation for college and career success. Ms. Thornton believes in extending opportunities to succeed no matter how seemingly difficult. In conjunction with her involvement at Gallaudet University, a deaf college, she advocates for rights and equality in education, employment, and overall quality of life for all deaf. She is dedicated to supporting Hampton University and serves as an executive board member of the Hampton-Prince George’s County Maryland Alumni Chapter. She has an impact in her career and community, pride for her alma mater, and a lifelong commitment to the Standard of Excellence. Courtney Michelle Thornton has earned a Masters' in Military Operational Art & Science with a concentration in Military Space Strategy. |
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