2011 Legacy of Leadership Award Honorees

Retired Brig. Gen. Velma L. Richardson,

U.S. Army

Brig. Gen. Velma "Von" Richardson, U.S. Army Retired, has dedicated more than 30 years of military service to the United States. From 1972-2003, she served in a number of international conflicts including the Vietnam War, Grenada, U.S. Invasion of Panama, Persian Gulf War, Desert Shield/Desert Storm and most recently, Operation Enduring Freedom, also known as the War in Afghanistan. She retired in 2002.

Today, Brig. Gen. Richardson is the IS&GS Business Development Principal responsible for setting and managing the strategic direction of the Gulf Coast-based small business/college and university outreach and development program as well as its execution. In this position, she identifies, establishes, coordinates, and monitors challenges associated with implementing IS&GS innovation clusters at designated colleges and universities. Serving as a University Coordinator, she builds relationships with key colleges and universities for integration into the LM Internship Program and facilitates mentoring opportunities for university and small business partners.

Brig. Gen. Richardson received a bachelor of science in mathematics from Livingstone College, a master of arts from Pepperdine University, and attended the Army War College. She is a recipient of the Doctor of Laws Degree (Honoris Causa) from Livingstone College, the 2005 National Women of Color in Technology Distinguished Achiever in Leadership Award, and the 2005 Parren J. Mitchell Foundation Awardee for Excellence.