The YMCA of Greater Richmond National Day of Prayer is an opportunity to convene residents,community leaders, organizations of RVA and surrounding areas with the shared power of community prayer. Our collective prayers will strive and lead our diverse community to love, serve, and care for all people. Breakfast begins at 7 a.m.
Date: Thursday, May 1
Time: 7 a.m. - 9 a.m.
Location: Liberation Church 5501 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond VA
Keynote Speaker - Chris Shockley
Chris Shockley is a passionate leader and accomplished executive with over three decades of experience in the financial services industry. Currently serving as President and CEO of Virginia Credit Union since April 2016, Chris has been instrumental in driving growth, innovation, and member-focused strategies throughout his tenure. With a career spanning more than 20 years at Virginia Credit Union, he has held key leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Member Services (2007-2016) and Senior Vice President of Member Services (2003-2006). Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Radford University (1992) and a Master of Business Administration from Liberty University (2012). A dedicated advocate for community and economic development, Chris serves on several boards, including Velera (formerly PSCU), the Credit Union Service Company of Virginia, and the Virginia Council on Economic Education, where he served as chairman in 2020. He is also actively involved with the YMCA of Greater Richmond as Chairman of the Board, the Virginia and West Virginia MS Society, and ChamberRVA. Chris Shockley continues to make a significant impact in the financial services industry and the communities he serves.
Reverend Rachel Pierce - Mistress of Ceremonies
Reverend Rachel Pierce, M.A. (she/her/hers) earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music from Radford University and a Master of Arts in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She serves as Faith Liaison & Engagement Coordinator at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. Rev. Rach finds the most joy in connecting and takes great delight in connecting good work and good people. With more than twenty years of pastoral and nonprofit leadership experience, she works passionately and intentionally to connect with congregations and the community for the purpose of overall health. Focused on the mind, body, and spirit, she encourages community members to take actionable steps (i.e., health screenings and advocacy) towards living their most fruitful lives.
Rabbi Josh Jeffreys - Prayer Leader
Rabbi Josh Jeffreys joined the University of Richmond Chaplaincy as the Jewish Chaplain and Director of Religious Life in May 2018, after serving for two years as the Interim Jewish Life Advisor. He received his undergraduate degree in Jewish Studies from Rutgers University, completed a Master in Business Administration in the Robins School of Business in December 2019, and was ordained as a rabbi—with a special concentration in Earth-Based Jewish traditions and practices—through ALEPH: The Alliance for Jewish Renewal in January 2025. Josh began working in the University’s Advancement Office in November 2015, where he served as Assistant Director of Alumni Events beginning in February 2017. Prior to joining the University, Josh worked at a variety of Jewish communal organizations, including the Weinstein Jewish Community Center where he was the Director of Hillel at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr. Tarek Elganainy - Prayer Leader
Dr. Tarek Elganainy is a doctor of chiropractic medicine and owner of Chiropractic and Family Wellness PC in Midlothian. He serves as a lay leader in the Richmond Muslim community, regularly delivering Friday prayers across several area mosques. Dr. Tarek is a board member of the Al Madina School of Richmond and the Virginia Muslim Civic League.
Talina Beck - Prayer Leader
Talina Beck is a member of Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church and a deacon candidate. She holds a Master's in Theological Studies from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Talina is from Mexico City and lives in Chesterfield, VA, where she works for Chesterfield Public Libraries as an Outreach Specialist.
Lacroy "Atlas" Nixon - Spoken Word Artist
Lacroy “Atlas” Nixon was born in Charlotte, NC, and raised in Williamsburg, VA. He earned his bachelor's degree in graphic design from Liberty University and has been writing/performing spoken word poetry for eight years. He is currently a regional director of teen programming for the YMCA and is on the executive board for the Writers Guild of Virginia, is a current member of the Poetry Society of Virginia, has a book available entitled “God and his humor,” and is an artist with the Hope Booth Movement (a world-changing initiative that toured across 19 cities in the United States in March 2022 and debuted in London, UK, in October 2021). The Hope booth repurposes all telephone booths into three-minute interactive, immersive experiences that combine art and technology to produce messages of hope in a conversational format and featured in an open mic, hosted by Genetics.
Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman - Vocal Soloist
Cantor Sarah Beck-Berman serves Congregation Beth Ahabah (a Reform Jewish synagogue in Richmond, VA) as Cantor and B’nei Mitzvah Coordinator, where she enjoys leading the congregation during services, working with the adult and youth choirs, planning meaningful and fun life cycle celebrations, and teaching people of all ages. She earned her bachelor’s degree in religious studies from Virginia Commonwealth University and was ordained as a Cantor in January 2018 by the ALEPH Alliance for Jewish Renewal Cantorial Program. Cantor Beck-Berman has also taught and performed at various local venues, including as a guest lecturer at VCU, Collegiate, St. Catherine’s, Steward School, and many others.
Event sponsorships are available:
Community Sponsorship Level - $500
- Name in the program
- Preferred seating for table of 8
- Table signage recognition
Corporate Sponsorship level - $1,500
- Everything under Community Sponsorship, plus:
- Name listed in the event program.
- Name verbally mentioned at the breakfast
Benefactor Sponsorship Level - $3,000
- Everything under Corporate Sponsorship, plus:
- Name and/or company logo displayed on PowerPoint throughout the event.
- Name/or company logo featured in event program.
- Name verbally mentioned at breakfast.