School of Social Work

No. 28 M.S.W. Program in the U.S.

Portrait of Melissa Mason
Melissa Mason, a VCU social work and psychology alum, and her business partner have built Brown Skin Brunchin’ into a digital platform that connects 25,000 women in 71 cities. (Allen Jones, University Marketing)

VCU School of Social Work alum Melissa Mason (B.S.W.’15/SW; B.S.’15/H&S) is putting her VCU degrees to work in a nontraditional way, partnering with childhood friend Lillian Jackson to create a digital platform to help women of color connect and build relationships over brunch.

Brown Skin Brunchin’ was born of necessity when Jackson moved to Las Vegas and the two childhood friends realized they needed ways to broaden their social circles. Today, their concept connects 25,000 women in 71 cities.

“It’s geared toward women of color,” Mason says. “My education and background helped me with getting people to feel comfortable. We’ve had complete strangers that are now lifelong friends.”

The two offer offer a variety of tips on how to make connections in a new place, including shaking off nervousness, finding networks via social media, finding your people, and more.

» See the full story at VCU News

Categories Alumni, Community
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