Women in Profile

Cheryl Carington
Cheryl is a current resident of Richmond, VA. She joined Wells Fargo Wealth Management as the team’s financial planner in 2006 and has over 20 years experience in the financial services industry.

Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Management from the University of Virginia, a degree from the Real Estate Institute of New York University and maintains a Certified Financial Planner® designation. She is a member of the 2010 class of Lead Hampton Roads and a member of the Financial Planning Association.

Cheryl is passionate about helping others implement solutions based on their personal values, providing advice for asset growth, and achievement of visions for their legacy.

Joy Elizabeth Kearney
Joy Kearney is from Leesburg, VA, but has lived in the Hampton Roads area since 2003. She graduated with Sport Management degrees from Old Dominion University (B.S. and M.S. Ed) and currently works at Christopher Newport University.

Joy works within the CNU Athletic department as Director of Recreational Services. Her department services 1,700 students each semester in the areas of intramural sports, clubs and outdoor recreation. Her previous experience includes: Event Coordinator for Lincoln Property Company, Marketing and Events Assistant for Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, and intern for the Hampton Roads Sports Commission.

Joy lives by Maya Angelou’s quote “… (don’t) go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.” She serves on the Newport News Relay for Life Committee, Board Member for the YWCA Virginia Peninsula, and mentors.

In 2010, the YWCA honored her as a Young Woman of Distinction for her volunteer efforts.

During her free time, she enjoys shopping, playing cards and relaxing with her boyfriend, Eric, and miniature pinscher, Batman.

Nicole Penn
Nicole Penn was born and raised on the Peninsula. She has been employed with the Disabled American Veterans Thrift Stores for 12 ½ years. Nicole began her career as a telephone donation solicitor, and was promoted to Assistant Operations Supervisor.

After six years in that position, Nicole was given the opportunity to expand her thrift store knowledge in other areas of the business. A short time later, Nicole was excited to learn she had been selected to take over as Manager of the Smithfield Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store on South Church Street.
Under her management and with the help of her employees, the Smithfield Store continues to grow and thrive.

Nicole is happily married to her terrific husband, Gary Penn. They have a son and a daughter.

When she is not working, Nicole likes spending time with her family, going to the beach, camping, and watching NASCAR.

Alexandra Lesmes
Alexandra Lesmes moved to Virginia from Miami in 2003. Two years later she started a Rapid Refill Ink franchisee in Virginia Beach. Her parents followed her as well to help support the family’s endeavors.

Alexandra ultimately chose Rapid Refill Ink because of its business model and true dedication to the environment. She felt by bringing Rapid Refill Ink to Virginia she could help businesses and consumers save money while helping the environment by recycling.

She is married to Frank Galarraga and has 2 young girls, Gabriela and Lauren. She enjoys the relaxation of the beach and enjoys Salsa music and dance.

Toni Romano
Toni’s life has focused on service. She grew up in Decatur, Illinois, graduating from the University of Illinois Springfield with an MA in Human Development Counseling. Toni has three daughters and three grandchildren in Illinois.

During the 1960s, Toni was active in local and state civil rights activities. Later, she was a founding member of a parent cooperative nursery school, which expanded into an open education school serving K through 3rd grade children.

For 20 years, Toni worked in the employee development field with economically disadvantaged youth. After retirement, she organized an outreach program in the Midwest for the Association for Research and Enlightenment. In 2000, she moved to Virginia Beach as Outreach Services
Manager for all of A.R.E.’s regions nationwide.

After her second retirement, Toni continued her personal growth work, taking courses through the Personal Transformation and Courage Institute, where she currently assists with their programs. She volunteers in the A.R.E. Call Center and participates in the weekly Glad Helpers spiritual healing program created by Edgar Cayce in 1931. She also lectures on the health and diet principles based on the Cayce readings.

Dr. Drina Northam

Dr. Drina Northam was born at the old Mary Immaculate Hospital in Hampton, Virginia. She has remained a part of the Peninsula community ever since, graduating with Honors from Bethel High School and Christopher Newport University. After her medical education, she was selected for a residency position at Riverside Hospital and was elected Riverside’s Chief Resident in 2010. She has served Peninsula women since 2007.

Dr. Northam is married, with one son Paul and another boy on the way. Her husband, Leonard Bennett, is a long-time Peninsula resident and practices law in Newport News as a consumer protection attorney. They have a rescue dog, Barney, a bird, ‘Little Man’, and a stray cat, Spirit, who has now found a home. Dr. Northam also enjoys the water - boating, water skiing, scuba diving.

She and her husband live in Newport News, but are (slowly) building their dream house just across the James River in Carrollton, Virginia where she and her family will create a new lifetime of memories and traditions.

Patti Vera
Patti Vera, born in Decatur, Illinois, has been a Peninsula resident for 35 years.

A proud daughter of a military veteran, she has been employed with the Disabled American Veterans Thrift Stores for 9 years. Beginning as a cashier, Patti was quickly promoted to supervisor and worked at the Denbigh location for three years.

Given an opportunity to become the Gloucester Store Manager, she has successfully, with the help of her employees, been the manager for six years.

Under her management, the Gloucester Store has met and exceeded goals and continues to be a growing presence in the Gloucester community. Patti takes great pride in the honesty, dependability, and the teamwork displayed by her employees and herself.

Patti is happily married to her wonderful husband, Scott Vera. They have three sons and five grandchildren.

When not working, Patti enjoys spending her time with her grandchildren, going to the beach and walking. She also loves football and is an avid Steelers fan.

Jennifer Wheatley
Anyone who has known Jennifer for any length of time knows that she is passionate about people.

A mother in her late teens, Jen found being a parent a fulfilling and stimulating role, and has often been heard to say, that raising healthy, well adjusted young people is her definition of success in her life.

This upbeat philosophy of life and the commitment to helping others is the foundation on which Jennifer has built her business.

While working on a client, she not only works on their physical body, but she also offers common sense tips on maintaining health and wellness. She calls it “planting seeds”.

Jennifer plays an active role in a fellowship group that supports and encourages women who are recovering from substance abuse. She believes that sharing ones strength, hope and experience benefits not only the recipient, but also the giver. She considers it a gift to be of service.