Virginia Beach Noblewoman Makes History

Learn more at www.ICARE-MOVEMENT.com

Liz pictured with Al Midgett (CEO and Founder, The Noblemen)

Since its inception 19 years ago, the Noblemen, a well-respected local philanthropic group, has always been a boys’ club.

On June 4, 29 year old Liz Evans changed all that.

She won a seat on the Noblemen’s board of directors, making her the first female member in the organization’s history.

“It’s a huge thing and an honor for me,” the blond-haired, blue-eyed, beauty told us in a phone interview. “And it just started with attending a simple meeting.”

Two and a half years ago, Evans attended the Virginia Beach Noblewomen chapter meeting not knowing that she would be making “life-long friends” or that she would help change the life of her friend’s 6-year-old child, Jade.

Evans inaugural meeting finished with a round-table discussion about people in all of the members’ lives that needed help, and that was when Jade’s journey came to light. Diagnosed just two months prior with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) and a Philadelphia Positive Chromosome, this meant intense chemotherapy and medicines for the little girl.

“It really touched me that these women were interested in learning more about Jade and how we could make money for her,” said Evans.

In just a few months, Evans and the Noblewomen raised over $2,000 with a corn hole tournament for Jade. Evans explains, “The reason why I chose the Noblemen/Noblewomen is because we interact with the kids one-on-one and that you have the opportunity to be a part of where the money that you raised goes.”

Evans hit the ground running, taking over the Virginia Beach Noblewomen chapter just six months after she joined. Beginning with only 12 members, Evans now has 50 women in her chapter.

The Noblemen only introduced the Noblewomen 3 years ago.

“When I joined there was a bit of a power struggle between the men and the women,” admits Evans. “I wanted to make sure when I took over that the women would be supporting the men and that the men would be supporting the women. And now we are almost present at every single one of each other’s events.”

The result: a profound amount of respect from the Noblemen for Evans.

Evans says that her membership with the Noblewomen has caused a shift in her type-A personality. “You are your own worst critic. So, to hear people call me an inspiration has really made me look at myself differently, and give myself a bit more credit.”

Evans who works in software development for the Department of Defense spends about 20-30 hours a week on her Noblewomen efforts. “When I look at my calendar every weekend is Noblemen, Noblemen, Noblemen. When I have a weekend off, my boyfriend’s happy that he can see me.”

But Evans, who is not a stranger to parking cars for 10 hours during an event, says that her life has never been better. She has found perspective on life. “When I have a problem I realize that it’s not really a problem. There are people out there who would [gladly welcome] my problem.”

If you MUST know… (More about Liz)

Recent Events You’ve Been To:

Well every single Noblemen event but other than that I have been to the Patriotic Festival (Steel Pulse) and the awesome Drag Brunch at Croc’s 19th Street Bistro. That is an event in my mind!

Next Event On Your Calendar:

The next event is the Noblemen’s Zoo Fest in August woo hoo!

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, or National Enquirer?

I am a New York Times girl.

Team Jennifer or Team Angelina?

Totally Team Jennifer. I can’t even watch movies with Angelina anymore!

If you won $1 million:

If I won $1 million, I would pay off my house but continue to work to keep me sane. And I would live life to the fullest and help friends, family and of course donate to the Noble cause!

Condo in the city or house at the beach?

I would have to say cabin in the mountains! I am not a city girl and I Love being out in the middle of nowhere with no one around and seeing the mountains in the distance!

Beer, wine or champagne?

I love me my wine…though I have throttled back on drinking it. But it’s nice to have a glass every now and then!

Where to go in Hampton Roads on a rainy day:

What better on a rainy day than a game of bowling at Pinboys at the beach?

A $5K diamond or a $5K vacation in Europe?

Why spend so much money on your finger when you can experience something new in life by going to Europe! That’s my choice!

About the Author

Kimberley Haugh

Hampton Roads Social is pleased to welcome guest blogger Kimberley Haugh. Kimberley’s journalism career has brought her from Toronto, Canada to beautiful Hampton Roads, and she says that the weather is far better. Her curiosity and love of people has given her the momentum to freelance for a number of publications in the region interviewing some fascinating people and covering a number of lifestyle topics. When she’s not writing she spends her time in the kitchen with her husband reinventing classic recipes or traveling seeking the a new adventure

(Profile edited by Patricia Bartosch)