VIRGINIA THORNTON

CO-FOUNDER

  • Virginia Thornton, a native of Norfolk, Virginia, and a proud graduate of Hampton University, is a dedicated community leader, advocate for mental health awareness, and an entrepreneur promoting wellness. With a profound commitment to her community and a track record of excellence in business, Virginia's endeavors have consistently revolved around making a positive impact.

    Virginia spent twelve years as the Community Outreach Manager for Dominion Energy, where she cultivated partnerships and led initiatives to advance the community's well-being. Her passion for community service and her capacity to foster collaboration have been driving forces in her career.

    Furthermore, Virginia serves as a board member for Future Generations at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD), exemplifying her dedication to child healthcare and well-being.

    Advocacy for mental health awareness is a cause dear to Virginia's heart. She actively works to bring mental health topics to the forefront, both locally and nationally, ensuring that essential resources and opportunities are available to those in need.

    As the co-owner, Founder, and Creative Director of Get Well Soon, a self-care sanctuary and wellness studio in Norfolk, Virginia, Virginia exemplifies her commitment to promoting wellness and self-care. Her passion for well-being shines through in this endeavor.

    Above all, Virginia treasures her role as a wife and mother. Motherhood has illuminated her sense of purpose and power, motivating her to share her gifts and passions with the world. Virginia's love for tennis, which she has enjoyed since she could first hold a racket, is one of her lifelong hobbies and a primary outlet for her mental wellness.

    Virginia Thornton's personal journey and experiences, including her time as one of the few Black girls on her tennis team, inspired her to co-found Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC). BGTC stands as a testament to her commitment to promoting joy, radical wellness, and liberation through tennis, and Virginia's leadership is instrumental in driving positive change within the organization and the broader community.

KIMBERLY SELDEN

CO-FOUNDER

  • Kimberly Selden, a Virginia Beach native and graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, is a multi-talented professional with a diverse career that spans the fashion industry, production, political campaigns, social justice advocacy, and non-profit work. Her life's work is dedicated to making a positive impact on her community and society as a whole.

    After completing her education, Kimberly embarked on her career journey in New York City, where she made significant contributions in the fields of fashion, production, and media. Her impressive portfolio includes producing live events, television programs, and content for renowned brands such as MTV, VH1, Gucci, NBA, Victoria's Secret, ESPN, and HBO, among others. Her expertise and creativity have left a lasting mark in these industries.

    In addition to her work in fashion and media, Kimberly has actively participated in two presidential campaigns and supported numerous social justice organizations. She also initiated a non-profit organization with a focus on media in the African Diaspora, emphasizing the power of storytelling to create positive change.

    After more than a decade in New York, Kimberly made the decision to return to her hometown and utilize her talents to contribute to her local community's growth and development, with a particular focus on film, television, and economic prosperity.

    As part of her transition back to her roots, Kimberly co-founded the Black Girls Tennis Club (BGTC) alongside Virginia Thornton. Their shared passion for breaking down barriers, empowering individuals, and fostering community development led to the establishment of BGTC. Kimberly recognizes the transformative power of sports, especially tennis, and understands the importance of representation in sports. As a skilled problem solver, she and Virginia have harnessed their collective interests in tennis, Black women, and community engagement to create a platform for growth and empowerment within BGTC.

    Kimberly Selden's multifaceted career, dedication to community service, and passion for using sports as a vehicle for transformation have made her a driving force behind BGTC. Her leadership and problem-solving abilities are instrumental in making a positive impact within the organization and the broader community.