FRIDAY. MARCH 18. 2022
Hidden Figures Author to Speak at CNU
Event free, open to the public; tickets required
Margot Lee Shetterly, bestselling author of Hidden Figures, is speaking at Christopher Newport University's (CNU) Ferguson Center on Tuesday, March 22. Presented by the Hampton Roads Oral History Project and CNU's Women's and Gender Studies Program, this event takes place at 7:30 p.m. in the Diamonstein Concert Hall. The public is invited but tickets are required and can be obtained for free through the Ferguson Center's website. Guests who bring copies of Hidden Figures can have them signed by Shetterly following the talk.
 
Shetterly's book is behind the 2016 Oscar-nominated hit film of the same title. The book details the untold story of the Black, female NASA mathematicians whose grit and determination in the face of discrimination helped America win the space race. What do these women of science teach us about the value of seeking talent, no matter where it comes from? And what insights can they offer us about the present and future of STEM? With the civil rights movement as background and context, Shetterly shares the stories of these pioneering female mathematicians and discusses how diversity, mentorship and a passion for work can unlock the door to individual and organizational success. 
 
For more information, contact Dr. Laura Puaca at [email protected] or the Ferguson Center box office at 757-594-8752.
Attend a Virtual Session on Business Loans with
The Offices @ Two Five & J
The Offices @ Two Five & J in Newport News offers a shared, community-driven coworking space to local entrepreneurs and small businesses. A key priority of The Offices is to connect individuals with business assistance resources and opportunities in the Hampton Roads area.
 
All are invited to participate in a free virtual session on Thursday, March 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. to learn basic strategies to utilize when applying for business loans. Cheryle Thorne-Harris, a commercial banker, will share tips and answer questions to help you better understand the loan and credit process. 
 
Register for the session online. You do not need to be affiliated with The Offices @ Two Five & J to participate. 
 
To learn more about The Offices @ Two Five & J, visit www.theoffices25j.com.
Vicky’s Fashion & Fabrics 
Victoria Miller was born and raised in the West African country of Ghana. Her love of sewing began when she was little and eventually led her to open Vicky's Fashion & Fabrics last year at 10153-L Jefferson Avenue.

As a young child, Miller began immersing herself in fabrics, climbing up on chairs to play with her mother’s stock and cutting out her own form of patterns and pieces. She took a formal sewing class as a teenager and within two years was teaching other students some of the foundational aspects of the art.  

After learning the trade of dress design, Victoria became a successful seamstress and opened her own shop in Ghana. Her business gained a big following that included Rita Marley, wife of the late reggae artist Bob Marley. She operated that shop for a number of years and then decided to move to the United States with the dream of opening another clothing boutique. 

In December of 2021, she made that dream a reality and opened the doors to Vicky’s Fashion & Fabrics. The shop is a custom clothing and fabric boutique that sells men's and women’s clothing and accessories, such as necklaces, earrings, purses, hats and sandals. Vicky’s has over 300 different patterns and lace fabrics that are suitable for all seasons. Vicky’s also offers custom made clothing where customers have the option of bringing their own fabrics to be used. Custom garments include dresses, skirts, jackets, tops, suits, and gowns. 

In the future, Victoria is looking to start a sewing class or apprenticeship type program that teaches others how to sew. She considers her skill in sewing a blessing that has afforded her many opportunities and she would like to create an educational platform that would connect the general public to the art of sewing.
 
Vicky’s Fashion & Fabrics is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.