Ahmadi first African-American named citizen of the year by chamber of commerce

STAUNTON — Nearly twenty-five years ago the Staunton and Waynesboro Chambers of Commerce merged to form the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce. Available records show Sheila Ahmadi, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, with over 25 years of professional work experience, is the first African-American earning the Chamber's distinction of Citizen of the Year.

Amidst a spontaneous standing ovation and thunderous extended applause, Ahmadi received this recognition on Feb. 23 at the Chamber's annual Business Excellence Awards Dinner.

In addition to local, Augusta County supporters, written attestation and evidence of her reach as a great citizen deserving of recognition came from Charlottesville; Harrisonburg; Richmond; Douglasville, Georgia; and Easton, Maryland.

Narratives were submitted to the Chamber corroborating her civic and community activities which enrich the history, culture, and promotes the economy in and of Augusta County. Some submissions were accompanied by copies of her awards from other entities like that from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Health, and office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

One narrative was accompanied by a copy of the letter written by Frederick Douglass to Harriet Tubman in 1868, which partially defined the impetus for Ahmadi's nomination. In short, Tubman asked Douglass to bear witness to her work bringing her people out of enslavement to freedom. Douglass had been publicly lauded for his work as an abolitionist. Tubman received only the private thanks of those whom she rescued.

While there is no direct parallel, the fervent belief was that too many quiet, unassuming, willing work-a-bees, contributors to the positive growth and development in our society, are afterthoughts, when accolades are publicly awarded, if thought of at all, once the particular deeds are completed and goals accomplished. Ahmadi was in that category of omission. This award has brought her name and significant benefaction out of the shadows. Her vast contributions in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond remain compelling.

Ahmadi was described by many, including Terry Howard who flew in from Georgia for her honoring, as a "rare gem."

Ahmadi initiated a program to combat Sudden Death Syndrome through the University of Virginia's Health System. She garnered support and grant funds for her idea. "The Crib" program is still in effect.

She has teamed with Bishop Michael Turner of Staunton's Ebenezer Baptist Church to conduct In-service training at Valley Community Services Board, on issues of mental health in the Black community.

Ahmadi is a playwright, author, poet and teacher. Following are some of the organizations, entities and beneficiaries of Sheila's volunteerism and commitment to help shape an improved community:

• The Augusta County Historical Society

• Valley Community Services

• Board (local mental health agency)

• Staunton Electoral Board

• The Shenandoah Valley Juneteenth Organization (Co-founder)

• American Shakespeare Center's Black Friar Theater

• The Frontier Culture Museum

• Community Matters (Issue presentations before Staunton City Council)

• Staunton-Augusta County African American Research Society (Co-founder)

• RISE- Foundation,Inc. Waynesboro

• Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Association (FDMHA) District of Columbia

• Waynesboro Area Learning and Technology

• Staunton Augusta City Arts Center

• Summer Peace Building Institute. Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg. Virginia (Catherine Barnes, PhD)

Other winners of the 2023 Business Excellence Awards include:

• New Business of the Year: The City Foxes: Wine Bar & Market

• Small Business of the Year: Sooner BBQ & More

• Large Business of the Year: City National Bank

• Woman Owned Business of the Year: Harmony Harvest Farm

• Nonprofit of the Year: Creative Works Farm

• Young Professional of the Year: Megan Burrows

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Ahmadi first African-American named citizen of the year by chamber of commerce