Brittney Brown, at age 36, has been recognized as one of the top leaders under 40 by Inside Business for her impactful work in youth and family services. As the founder and CEO of ME! Positive Alternatives & Outcomes, Brown wears multiple hats, serving as a therapist, mentor, and entrepreneur. Her organization provides essential clinical services to youth and families while managing mentoring programs and creating opportunities through various nonprofit initiatives.
In her role, Brown oversees critical programs such as college and career readiness, CPR and first-aid training, and youth employment projects. Currently, she is also developing a coworking and office suite hub aimed at supporting professionals in the Hampton Roads area.
Deep Community Roots and Volunteer Efforts
Brown’s connection to the region is personal. Raised between Williamsburg and Hampton, she resides in Hampton with her two teenagers, Aiyana and James. Her strong family roots fuel her commitment to making a difference in her community. Through her nonprofit, she leads youth programs, coordinates community events, and facilitates pathways for students to access vital career readiness and mental health support.
Her partnerships with local schools and social service agencies are designed to address resource gaps for at-risk youth, ensuring they have access to the tools and support necessary for success.
Driven by Purpose and Vision for the Future
Brown’s motivation stems from a desire to create opportunities that were not always available to her. “I’m driven by purpose—creating opportunities that I didn’t always have access to,” she said. “My kids and the youth I serve push me to go harder every day.”
She encourages young people to take initiative in their lives, advising, “Bet on yourself early. Don’t wait for permission; take the opportunities in front of you and make them bigger.” Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of humility, noting that “your character is your real résumé.”
Looking ahead, Brown aims to scale Positive Alternatives & Outcomes into a regional leader in youth and family services while expanding her coworking concept into a sustainable, community-centered brand over the next five years.
In her vision for the Hampton Roads area, she calls for more unified collaboration between cities, believing that “we’re stronger together than divided by bridges and tunnels.” She identifies the region’s greatest asset as its people, stating, “There’s so much untapped talent and resilience in Hampton Roads—from our youth to our entrepreneurs and creatives.”
During her downtime, Brown enjoys spending quality time with her children, hitting the gym, or engaging in creative projects. Her passion for community impact is evident, as she expresses frustration over “wasted potential,” lamenting the missed opportunities for organizations and individuals to leverage resources for meaningful change.
Brittney Brown exemplifies the spirit of innovation and resilience in her community, making significant strides to empower the next generation and foster a brighter future for all in the Hampton Roads area.
