Passion, purpose drive Diversity Richmond’s new CEO

By Charles Taylor

When Diversity Richmond, parent of the city’s popular Diversity Thrift, was searching for a new executive director, the Rev. Lacette Cross wasn’t sure about throwing her hat in the ring.

But, being “a good Baptist,” she looked to a higher power for answers. She also got some nudging from friends and colleagues. In the end, she decided to apply.

“I want to be able to make a local impact,” Rev. Cross said in an interview last December.

And Diversity Richmond does make an impact. It has an annual operating budget of about $1.3 million, more than