Embrace Your Drive with Richie Parker at PVCC
Charlottesville, Va. – February 18, 2026 – Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) will welcome motivational speaker Richie Parker for his inspiring “Embrace Your Drive” talk Monday, February 23, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. A leadership expert and renowned keynote, Parker will share his remarkable story of resilience, determination, and creative problem-solving. The free event will be held in the Woodrow W. Bolick Advanced Technology and Student Success Center (The Bolick Center) on the main PVCC campus.
Parker’s life journey exemplifies overcoming challenges and redefining what is possible. Despite being born without arms, he built a successful career in mechanical engineering, contributing to multiple NASCAR Cup Series championships during his 17-year tenure with Hendrick Motorsports. Later, he served as Chief of Staff for the University of Virginia Football program before transitioning to motivational speaking full-time, encouraging audiences to embrace their drive and push forward in life and leadership.
Parker’s talks include themes such as resilience in the face of adversity, thriving through challenges, innovation, and purposeful leadership — offering students and community members valuable insights and encouragement for achieving goals.
Event parking is available adjacent to The Bolick Center and in visitor spaces in campus lots.
About Piedmont Virginia Community College
Established in 1972, Piedmont Virginia Community College is a nonresidential two-year institution of higher education that serves Central Virginia – principally, residents of the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson. PVCC is committed to providing access to a college education for all who can benefit, an opportunity for each student to reach their potential, and excellence in all programs and services. The main campus is in Albemarle County, Virginia. Classes are also offered at the PVCC Eugene Giuseppe Center in Stanardsville, Va. (Greene County) and the PVCC Jefferson School City Center in downtown Charlottesville. Visit pvcc.edu.
PVCC does not discriminate based on age, color, disability, family medical history or genetic information, military service, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), sexual orientation or any other non-merit-based factor. Visit pvcc.edu/nondiscrimination to learn more.
