Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Wes Bellamy moved to Charlottesville in September 2009 after graduating from South Carolina State University. He started his career in the Charlottesville area at the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC). After leaving NGIC, Wes wanted to focus on being an advocate for people in the community. He was encouraged by community leaders and school personnel to pursue a career as a teacher, and eventually hopes to be a principal.  He now teaches computer science and sponsors several clubs and groups at Albemarle High School.  He recently graduated from Virginia State University with a Master’s Degree in Education Administration and is currently enrolled in the Doctoral Program at Virginia State University.

Wes’s primary focus is on improving the lives of those who lack resources and positive role models in their lives.  He strives to do this by sponsoring community days, coat drives, and empowering as many youth as possible through H.Y.P.E. (Helping Young People Evolve). Started in December 2011, H.Y.P.E. is a boxing and mentoring program serving boys and girls in the Charlottesville/Albemarle urban ring. In September 2012, “H.Y.P.E. Steppin” was created as an empowerment program for young women. H.Y.P.E., based and predicated on discipline and accountability, has seen positive results. Since the program’s creation, the overall GPA of participants jumped from a 1.8 in December 2011 to 3.2 in April 2014. Its success led to a second location in Columbia, SC, which opened in May 2014.  Wes currently serves as the Vice President of the 100 Black Men of Central VA, is an advisor for the Collegiate 100 Black Men of Central VA (UVA Chapter) and is an African American Teaching Fellow.  He is a former Board Advisor for the PHAR (Public Housing Association of Residents) Board, has served on the Charlottesville Housing Advisory Committee, and is currently on the Charlottesville Police Citizens Advisory Panel.  He is also the President of the Young Black Professional Network (YBPN) of Charlottesville and the Charlottesville/Albemarle Alliance of Black School Educators (CAABSE).

Wes is engaged to Ashlée Thompson with a wedding date set for July 8, 2016. Together they have three beautiful daughters, Londyn (6), Makaylah (6), and Laila (8). Wes enjoys playing basketball, boxing, reading, and helping people.

Click an image below to read into the purposive lives of The Stage 2016's Honoree Class

"All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages…"

William Shakespeare's  As You Like It, Act II Scene VII Opening Monologue | Jaques

WHAT WILL YOU DO DURING YOUR TIME IN THE SPOTLIGHT?

The Stage 2016 Young Professionals' Social is our 2nd annual private mixer and scholarship fundraiser where young professionals on a passionate path to purpose come together and shine their light in strides for a brighter future for our youth.

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