West Nova News

Kindra Dionne Harvey, one of the four Young Professional finalists for the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Community Leadership Awards, was humbled and shocked when she found out about her nomination for the award.

“It caught me off guard a little bit, because I’m always the person in the background that’s making sure that everybody else gets taken care of,” she told the West Nova News. 

Harvey said she told Tony Howard, the chamber’s president, that she doesn’t do what she does for recognition, so things such as awards are not something she normally gives much thought to.

“I do it because I want to make a difference, because I want to help,” she said.

Yet, Harvey said she was truly honored to be nominated, not just for the recognition itself, but also for the company she joins with the other nominees. 

“I’m among some amazing – amazing – organizations and people, and it does my heart good to just be recognized among the number,” she said.

While Harvey said the experience of getting such attention does feel weird, she’s recently been learning to embrace recognition.

“Even though it’s not something that I seek, I’m learning that, by being present, by being visible, by allowing people to recognize me, that is another way of serving, because I get to inspire other people and let them know what opportunities are out there to get involved,” she said.

That kind of purpose and desire to serve in everything she does is a defining trait for Harvey, evidenced in the work she does through Purpose Worx.

"Purpose Worx is just that: it is a service-first organization,” Harvey said. “I specialize in business development – not to be confused with marketing or lead gen. We work with companies that are in growth mode, so, primarily small- to mid-sized companies that want to make a difference.”

Harvey said she focuses on mission-driven companies such as social entrepreneurs.

“The people that want to do something that’s bigger than them – that have a longer impact and lasting effect than just profit,” Harvey said.

Harvey said she also wants people to be aware of the work that the entire chamber of commerce does.

“Our chamber is an absolutely incredible organization that does not get enough recognition for the work that they do,” she said. “One thing that I love about Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce that’s very different from other communities, is they too have a heart for the people.”

From community events created in response to social movements, such as that following the death of Breonna Taylor, to the response to the COVID-19 crisis, the chamber has been at the forefront in addressing community needs and concerns, she said.

“Our chamber, they were one of the few organizations – in a predominantly white community, you don’t always see people jumping out there and putting themselves on the line, to say, ‘Hey, we stand with our community,'” Harvey said. “I love the stance that they took, creating the diversity and equity and inclusion committee, and things like that to make all people feel welcome in this community.”

Top honorees for the 2021 Community Leadership Awards will be announced on Jan. 27 at noon at the Chamber’s 53rd Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards. This year the event will be a virtual event.