Meet the Team

Bonnie Chavez, MBA, LSP

Bonnie Chavez, the CEO and founder of Building Beloved Communities, worked in corporate America in the healthcare industry for ten years and finally “made it.” She was a high-level Director at a Fortune 10 company and had a lovely paycheck but an achy conscience. When that organization underwent a merger, she was laid off and did some real soul-searching to determine what was next. Bonnie knew she wanted to help the most vulnerable people in her community. Her education, experiences, and skill sets are in business. “How could I help?” was her driving question.

Bonnie spent the last four years dreaming up and operating this consulting business. She has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in marketing and a master’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in economics. Bonnie is a proud lesbian Mexican-American woman who values her family, roots, heritage, and culture. Her passion is to serve her community through training & educational workshops.

bonnie@buildingbelovedcommunities.com

Shannon Dominguez

Shannon N. Dominguez, Director of Business Development and Senior Consultant is a developmental strategist with a focus in fundraising for the nonprofit sector.

In 2021, she worked with Project Forward to raise $450,000 in cash & in-kind donations in less than 90 days. The proceeds went to 8,000 pairs of shoes for children who are economically disadvantaged.

In 2022, Shannon became the fundraising manager for DreamTree Project, a nonprofit in New Mexico who provides shelter to homeless youth. She coordinated a radio fundraiser that raised over $27,000 in less than a week!

She is fluent in Spanish and a co-founder & board member of Latinas Network, a 501(c)3. Shannon is passionate about creating a future where her children can see Latinas represented everywhere.

shannon@buildingbelovedcommunities.com

Sam Sokolove, MSW

Sam Sokolove, Director of Government Contracting and Senior Consultant, brings more than 25 years of executive-level experience with a variety of impactful nonprofit organizations to BBC, including six years overseeing New Mexico’s State and National AmeriCorps programs.

With particular expertise in strategic planning, board governance and leadership development, Sam holds a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan and a BA from Temple University.

Sam relocated to Roanoke with his family in August of last year. He is married to Christine Gilmore, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with Horizon Behavioral Health, and has two children.

“I’m delighted to join the BBC team to help expand the reach of our services”, says Sam. “I am also excited to help agencies in Virginia and across the country meet their missions through strategic planning, securing new funding sources, and energized leadership development.”

Nik Neal, BLI

Natasha (Nik) Neal, Intern at Building Beloved Communities since June of 2022, studies Psychology and Entrepreneurship at Hollins University with the dream of starting her own psychology business. Nik received her certification through Hollins Leadership Program in her junior year.

Nik came to Building Beloved Communities knowing that she will not only learn but as well as gain experiences from the organization. Nik is a proud African American woman who thrives to make a name for herself in the world.

nik@buildingbelovedcommunities.com