Uplifting Brunswick: The Impact of Opportunity Uplifted
Brunswick is experiencing a shift, and Opportunity Uplifted is contributing to this movement by creating space for Black entrepreneurs, families, and youth to thrive. Founded by Charmaine Richardson, Opportunity Uplifted has quickly become a vital force in the community, bringing people together through innovative programs designed to foster growth and sustainability.
Rooted in Family and Faith: Charmaine Richardson
Charmaine Richardson, founder of Opportunity Uplifted. Photo courtesy of Charmaine Richardson.
Charmaine’s family is at the center of everything she does, grounding her and motivating her to create lasting opportunities for others. Originally from Virginia, she considers Brunswick home, the place where her roots have grown deep. Her first vivid memory of growing up in Brunswick was the rare snowfall of 1989—a moment of wonder and magic that stayed with her. When snow fell again recently—the first time since that childhood snowfall—she experienced a full-circle moment, watching her own children play in it just as she had decades before.
Brunswick is where her purpose took root, shaping her drive to create lasting opportunities for her community. Her love for God, her people, and her hometown fuels her work. She believes that each of us is put on this earth to serve in different ways—this is hers. Guided by faith and a deep commitment to her people, she sees service as an extension of love and responsibility. She often reflects on the beauty of the Golden Isles—the towering oak trees that hold centuries of history, the golden marshes stretching beneath endless blue skies, and the resilience embedded in the land and its people. It is here that she found inspiration, not just in the landscape but in the strength and perseverance of those who call Brunswick home.
Turning Vision into Impact
Opportunity Uplifted Logo. A symbol of empowerment, growth, and community-driven change.
Her passion for education and equity is evident in her professional journey. With a background in learning design and development, Charmaine has a gift for making complex information accessible. She believes knowledge should be shared, not gatekept, and has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers to learning. A recent discovery of an old diary entry reminded her of how long this vision had been in her heart. Long before Opportunity Uplifted was formed, she had written about her dream to create spaces for education and empowerment, unknowingly charting the course of her future. That realization reaffirmed that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
This passion led her to establish Day Rich Designs & Consulting, where she provides instructional design services and business strategy support. Through this work, she recognized the need for even greater community-based initiatives, which inspired her to create Opportunity Uplifted in early 2024.
Bridging Gaps and Building Community
Charmaine Richardson, founder of Opportunity Uplifted. Photo courtesy of Charmaine Richardson.
Opportunity Uplifted is dedicated to bridging knowledge gaps and fostering community growth. Charmaine envisions it as a catalyst for change, creating spaces where Black entrepreneurs, families, and young people are centered and supported. Through culturally rooted programming, workshops, and networking opportunities, the organization ensures that those historically left out of key conversations have access to the tools and resources necessary to thrive.
Each initiative Opportunity Uplifted launches is designed to create tangible change. Charmaine sees the impact of this work after every event—when someone pulls her aside to say, “Thank you for putting this together—for creating something that truly centers us.” Those moments reaffirm the importance of the mission, reminding her why she continues to build spaces where business owners can collaborate, mothers can share their experiences without judgment, and children can see leaders who look like them and be inspired. Some of the initiatives and events leading this charge include:
Ujamaa BWK 2024 – A partnership between The Robert S. Abbott Institute, Coastal Today Magazine, Black-Owned Brunswick, and Opportunity Uplifted, this networking and economic development event brought Black entrepreneurs, organizations, and consumers together. It also produced the Ujamaa BWK Black Business Directory, a key resource highlighting Black businesses in the area. Copies of the directory are currently available at Moe Lashes & Mo Beauty Supply Store (3025 Altama Ave, Brunswick, GA 31520) and Brown Butter Shoppe (1304 Gloucester St, Brunswick, GA 31520).
Reading for a Bright Future – An event that celebrates local Black children’s book authors and provides free books to children in Brunswick, ensuring they see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Charmaine understands the importance of representation in literacy and is committed to making books featuring Black characters more accessible to young readers.
Maternal Wellness Initiative – A developing program focused on supporting Black mothers through improved maternal healthcare resources and advocacy. Charmaine, who has personally experienced the gaps in maternal healthcare, is using this initiative to create spaces where Black mothers feel seen, heard, and supported.
Strengthening Brunswick’s Future
Beyond her work with Opportunity Uplifted, Charmaine is actively involved in shaping the future of Brunswick. She serves on the boards of Miss Ebony Queen of the South Pageant, A Better Glynn, and the Brunswick Area Transportation Study Citizens Advisory Council, ensuring that Black voices are heard in crucial decision-making spaces.
She also believes in fostering opportunities for collaboration among organizations that share a vision for progress. With that in mind, Opportunity Uplifted is expanding Ujamaa BWK into a quarterly series called Ujamaa Nexus, creating more networking and business development opportunities throughout the year.
How You Can Support Opportunity Uplifted
Charmaine Richardson (center), founder of Opportunity Uplifted, with members of her Black Maternal Health focus group. Photo courtesy of Charmaine Richardson.
Follow @opportunityuplifted and @ujamaabwk on Instagram and Facebook.
Visit OpportunityUplifted.com to stay informed about upcoming programs.
Donate to ongoing initiatives at Donorbox.org/opportunity-uplifted.
Spread the word, attend events, and engage with the movement!
Final Thoughts
“Start where you are with what you have. You don’t need a big platform or a perfect plan—just a heart for service and the willingness to take action.” – Charmaine Richardson
Through Opportunity Uplifted and Day Rich Designs, Charmaine is ensuring that Brunswick’s Black community has the tools, support, and visibility needed to thrive. Her work is transforming the landscape, and Black-Owned Brunswick is honored to amplify her impact.
Website: opportunityuplifted.com On Instagram: @opportunityuplifted @ujamaabwk Facebook: Opportunity Uplifted, Ujamaa BWK
