2026 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards: IRIS JAMETTE LUNDY

As a seasoned health care executive, Lundy draws on her background as a Black woman from Suffolk’s rural Whaleyville community, a Gulf War veteran, a colon cancer survivor and nurse.

After earning her bachelor’s in nursing from Old Dominion University, Lundy joined Sentara, where she’s served in a variety of roles, including education, sterile processing and accreditation and regulatory affairs. Lundy was also the health system’s first patient safety specialist. In 2019, she earned a master’s in health leadership from Western Governors University.

PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT: Partnering with faith leaders and community-based organizations [during the pandemic] to reduce access barriers to life-saving vaccines and preventive health screenings by embedding these services within trusted community settings

WHY I CHOSE MY PROFESSION: My career choice was born from service. As a medic during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, I witnessed firsthand the power of timely, compassionate care. That experience motivated me to return home, expand my knowledge and skills and dedicate my career to improving health in the communities I serve.

HOW I GIVE BACK: I give back to the next generation by investing my time, resources and expertise in service. I volunteer in the community, serve on boards and mentor and coach young women, supporting their growth, leadership development and confidence as they shape their own paths.

MOST MEANINGFUL AWARD: While I am deeply grateful for every professional award I have received, the most meaningful “honor” in my life is being a nana. It reminds me daily of why the work matters, because the future we are building is personal, and it belongs to the next generation.