Events
About the Luncheon: The Leaders Doing The Most Good Awards Luncheon honors corporate, organizational and individual excellence. Since 1885, we have served the Greater Metro Richmond Area thanks to you and a community passionate about Doing the Most Good.
Interested in supporting our luncheon? Partner with us.
- Press Release: 2025 Doing The Most Good Award Winners
- Press Release: 2025 Keynote Speaker Dr. Gabe Willis
KEYNOTE
Dr. Gabe Willis
Dr. Gabe Willis serves as the inaugural Associate Vice President and Dean of Student Advocacy at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a role that underscores the university’s deep commitment to providing the highest level of support for students. In this capacity, Dr. Willis leads and supervises several vital areas within the Division of Student Affairs, including Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Dean of Students Office, and the newly established Office of Student Advocacy.
The Office of Student Advocacy reflects VCU’s intentional investment in comprehensive, student-centered support. The office works to empower students, respond to concerns with empathy and efficiency, and ensure seamless connection to campus resources. Under Dr. Willis’s leadership, the office is becoming a national model for student advocacy, crisis support, and holistic engagement.
At VCU, Dr. Willis has also played a critical role in developing and refining institutional policies related to the First Amendment, campus expression, and legal mandates. His leadership in this space has ensured the university remains committed to free speech and civil discourse while balancing the safety and wellbeing of the campus community.
Dr. Willis brings nearly 15 years of experience in higher education, with deep expertise in behavioral intervention, student conduct, Title IX compliance, and case management. Prior to joining VCU, he served as Dean of Students at Southeastern Louisiana University, where he launched and led the Lion Intervention Network, the institution’s first early alert system designed to provide timely, accurate, and compassionate support to students navigating a wide range of challenges.
A passionate advocate for student success, Dr. Willis is dedicated to creating environments where students are heard, supported, and empowered to thrive. He emphasizes approachability, visibility, and responsiveness in all aspects of his leadership.
Emcee
Ms. Kelli Lemon
Kelli Lemon is passionate about how people "LIVE" Virginia and is a social connector via food, sports, arts and education. Kelli brings community news to life through video content as Director of Digital Programming for Virginia Video Network and the Richmond Times Dispatch. Kelli also owns social cafe and coffee shop, Urban Hang Suite, located in the historic Jackson Ward and Art's districts of Richmond. On the weekends, Kelli is making Virginia residents a little richer while supporting public schools K-12 as the daytime Draw Show Host for the Virginia Lottery. Kelli is also helping Black owned culinary and hospitality businesses and brands as a co-owner of Virginia Black Restaurant Experience; and she also co-founded the Jackson Ward Collective which is now The JWC Foundation.
Kelli passionately serves on the Board of Directors for Studio Two Three, Richmond Sports Backers and Unlocking Richmond and is rolling off of the Virginia Tourism Corporation board and moving on to the Fort Monroe Authority Board of Trustees.
Kelli has a sociology degree from UVA and a Master's in sports management & leadership from VCU.