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FBI Norfolk Announces Recipient of the 2009 Director’s Community Leadership Award

FBI Norfolk October 15, 2009
  • Special Agent Philip J. Mann (757) 455-0100

Special Agent in Charge Alex J. Turner of the Norfolk Field Office of the FBI is pleased to announce his selection of Ms. Veronica McMillian as the local recipient of the FBI’s 2009 Director’s Community Leadership Award. Annually, each of the 56 FBI field offices presents this award to one individual who has exhibited exemplary leadership within the local community and whose leadership has assisted the FBI and local law enforcement personnel in making safer communities.

In selecting Ms. McMillian, SAC Turner noted her 20 years of experience in education, training, community outreach, program development and counseling. Ms. McMillian is the founder of a community-based, non-profit organization known as Let’s Talk Inc., which provides educational and job training, violence prevention programs, and develops role models for young men and women. Through the capabilities and resources of Let’s Talk Inc., Ms. McMillian launched the Dream Girls Program in 2006. In addition to its pregnancy-prevention program for young teens in the community, the program provides activities and offers strategies for dealing with conflict and violence. Since its inception, Let’s Talk Inc.’s pregnancy-prevention program has assisted 30 teens to successfully participate in this program.

In 2007, Ms. McMillian created the Nutrition, Education and Dance (N.E.D.) Program for teens in the rural areas of Suffolk and Franklin, Virginia. More than 160 teens have participated in this program, which addresses anger and self-esteem issues. The success of this program has been realized through the many student participants who have reported fewer conflicts with family and friends. Due to its success, the program is now funded by a two-year grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation.

Most recently, Ms. McMillian launched the Boys to Men Program for African American boys 12 to 18 years of age. Boys to Men is an anti-gang, anti-violence initiative which assists young men to remain drug free and assists then to successfully enter college. As a result of this programs success, Ms. McMillian has been asked to implement the program in some of the area’s local schools.

Ms. McMillian will be formally presented with this award on Friday, October 16, 2009, at 1:00 p.m. at the offices of the Norfolk FBI located at 150 Corporate Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23502.

Members of the press and media are invited to attend.