When Khalyiah Brown (O51) isn’t working, she can be found volunteering with several organizations through Newport News Shipbuilding.

Brown, a project management analyst, has dedicated countless hours helping others through fundraising for the American Heart Association and Relay For Life. She’s also volunteered her time at local events like the Children’s Festival and mentored students in the local community through the Taking Action to Overcome Obstacles (TATOO) and Workforce Attraction Via Experienced Shipbuilders (WAVES) programs.

“Giving back to the community means a lot to me, because I’m part of the community,” she said.

Brown’s commitment to service began in high school where she volunteered for several organizations, including the Youth Volunteer Corp.

“My passion and drive have always been about helping the community,” she said. “We can make our community better by just getting involved.”

Brown is actively involved in the American Heart Association’s Hampton Roads Heart Walk and is currently raising funds for her team.

“The cause is very important to me because I have family members who have heart conditions or have passed from heart-related medical issues.”

One experience from a past Heart Walk that stands out for Brown is being approached by a family that lost their daughter. “They didn’t even work at NNS but were so thankful and appreciative of us being out there,” she said.

Brown gets personal satisfaction from seeing others smile. “It’s been my drive in life to make others smile and see people happy,” she said. “I like giving my time and when you give, it comes back to you.”

Brown encourages all shipbuilders to get involved in the Hampton Roads Heart Walks and other volunteer opportunities at NNS.

Shipbuilders can support the Heart Walk by purchasing a T-shirt for themselves, their family or friends. Contact a Heart Walk team captain or use the order form on the MyNNS Heart Walk site to purchase T-shirts for $15 each. New this year, shipbuilders can now purchase youth T-shirts.

Upcoming Heart Walks in Hampton Roads

• Peninsula Heart Walk: Saturday, Oct. 31, Fort Monroe (310 Fenwick Road)
• Southside Heart Walk: Saturday, Nov. 14, Virginia Beach (Mount Trashmore Park, 310 Edwin Drive)

For more information, visit the MyNNS Heart Walk site or email [email protected].