Each year, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce picks a slate of 40 people under the age of 40 who were nominated to celebrate their successes and impact on the community.

LAUREN AUGUSTINE

As a Director of Government and Community Relations for Virginia Tech, Lauren is the connection point for Northern Virginia elected officials and community leaders to engage with the university. She also helps advance the university’s federal priorities on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Lauren spent a decade of service as a lobbyist for several veteran nonprofit organizations, helping shape major legislation, including the Forever GI Bill. She began her career in the United States Army as an unmanned aircraft systems operator and served in the Iraq War. Lauren is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech and Georgetown University.

TAYLOR J. BARNES

Taylor was born and raised in Alexandria and is a third-generation real estate broker with Barnes Real Estate Company, the firm his grandfather established in 1957. After attending Bishop Ireton High School, he went on to the University of Mississippi, graduating in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in real estate. He began as a licensed salesperson and is now principal broker of Barnes in Old Town. His passion for real estate and people carries over into the community of Alexandria, which he strives to serve in all aspects.

LAUREN BEALORE

Lauren’s experience in policy and advocacy has built a career that spans across areas of political strategy and policy implementation. Lauren holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s of public policy from New England College. Throughout Lauren’s career, she has made strides in democracy, environmental and economic policy. Currently, Lauren is the associate director of policy for Prosperity Now, where she leads the work at the state and local level to support championing economic opportunity to build power for communities. Lauren’s voice has been featured in several media outlets, such as CNBC, Forbes and Newsweek.

BRIAN E. BENDER

Brian is passionate about helping charities and other nonprofits in the area advance their goals by ensuring operational efficiency and effectiveness. As partner at Withum, the nation’s 22nd largest public accounting firm with an office in Alexandria, he is committed to harnessing his knowledge of financial budgeting and reporting, internal controls best practices and policy and procedure development to contribute to the advancement of these organizations’ missions. Brian lives with his wife and three daughters in Northern Virginia and dedicates his free time to volunteering for causes he supports through a variety of board positions.

LAUREN ELAINE BROWN

Lauren is a licensed professional counselor with her own practice in Alexandria. She has been an Alexandrian for nearly 10 years and serves on the leadership of the Alexandria LGBTQ+ Task Force. With more than 14 years of experience in the field, Lauren is a member of the LGBTQ+ community and specializes in supporting individuals and families as they navigate LGBTQ+ life transitions. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in English from Gardner-Webb University, a master’s in women’s studies gender studies from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s in clinical mental health counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Lauren opened the doors to her practice in February 2023.

AMELIA CHASSÉ ALCIVAR

Amelia joined Hilco Redevelopment Partners in 2023 as executive vice president of corporate affairs. Amelia leads HRP’s external affairs and communications efforts across the company’s nationwide portfolio. She is based in Alexandria, where HRP is sustainably redeveloping the former Potomac River Generating Station site into a vibrant, mixed-use development. Prior to joining HRP, Amelia spent 15 years in strategic communications, public affairs and senior management roles across the country, most recently serving as chief of staff to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. She lives in Old Town with her husband, Lenny, and rescue cat, Lucky.

KATE V. COMFORT

Kate is executive director of the Comfort Family Foundation, established to help improve the lives of local communities in need. She spent more than a decade supporting the federal government in defense and security. After completing her master’s of business administration, Kate worked evaluating strategy, policy and organizational risk. She studied and worked overseas in Belgium, China, Egypt, Iraq and Italy. Kate actively volunteers with Alexandria Tutoring Consortium, Carpenter’s Shelter, Campagna Center and Senior Services. She serves on the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra board. Kate lives in Alexandria with her husband and three children.

SARA CRIFASI

As an information communications and technology lawyer, Sara counsels businesses through complex negotiations, procurements and policy issues so they have the communications solutions they and their customers need. Her passion for equity and opportunity in ICT drives her volunteer engagement. Sara volunteers on the Alexandria Commission on Information Technology, currently serving as vice chair. She moved to Alexandria in 2013 to work as a legal fellow for the Federal Communications Commission and shortly thereafter joined the firm Levine, Blaszak, Block & Boothby, LLP. Sara received her Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University and her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan.

TIFFANY SMITH DEANS

Tiffany wakes up each day with gratitude for what she’s placed here to do. As the founder and CEO of GroundingWork – a company that provides human centered human resources to organizations – she gets the opportunity to impact someone’s life each day. She’s certified in Human Resources (SPHR and SHRM-SCP), Design Thinking (Harvard University) and Digital Marketing (Georgetown University). With 20 years of people-experience, a new adventure awaits her every day. But her best adventure? Being a wife and mom to her two young daughters, and they all love living in Alexandria.

ERIKA DYER

Erika is a skilled project manager who creates compelling written, visual and digital content; uses her earned and digital media capabilities; and provides strategic counsel to several Curley Company clients. She has a wide range of experience in digital campaigning, public affairs, strategic communications, and thought leadership. Prior to joining Curley, Erika served as the communications director for U.S. Congressman Robert Wittman (VA-01) and was an account executive for Ketchum, a global communications consultancy, where she managed day-to-day account activities for an array of public affairs clients. Erika serves on the Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic Leadership Council as an event chair.

CAITLIN FEEHAN

Caitlin serves as the chief administrative officer for AlexRenew, where she is responsible for the utility’s finance, procurement and communications departments. She also oversees the $615 million RiverRenew program – the largest infrastructure project in Alexandria’s history. Before joining AlexRenew, Caitlin played an integral role in the planning, design, procurement and construction of wastewater-focused projects in the Washington, D.C. and Chicago areas. She is a licensed professional engineer in Virginia and the District and is a LEED-accredited professional.

JEANINE FINCH

Jeanine is an external affairs manager for Northern Virginia at CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield. She excelled for the first 10 years of her career in local government constituent services for residents, businesses and in-process improvement. In her current capacity, Jeanine works with jurisdictions in Northern Virginia to improve health equity and accessible, affordable, high-quality care. She serves on the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria, the Alexandria Department of Health’s Healthy Homes Initiative and The Chamber ALX’s Government Relations Committee. Jeanine holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from George Mason University.

PATRICK FORD

As a first-generation American, born to Irish and English parents, Patrick’s life bears the hallmark of a proud citizen, deeply committed to community and national service. After graduating from Fordham University, Patrick’s career path took him from the financial sector to military service and now small business ownership with an altruistic mission. Patrick co-founded G.I. JOHNS, a portable sanitation company that has a two-prong mission of employing veterans and supporting this nation’s Gold Star Families. Patrick has set his roots in Alexandria, calling it home since 2016. His journey embodies service, patriotism and a relentless pursuit of making a difference.

ROBERTO GOMEZ

Roberto leads a thriving home remodeling company. Despite facing hardships in his youth due to limited opportunities, he now empowers at-risk youth aged 12 to 18, sharing his experiences and guiding them towards a brighter future. Balancing his business responsibilities, Roberto also spearheads a construction trade-based pre-apprentice program, offering mentorship and support to teenagers facing similar challenges. He actively participates in Alexandria’s Gang Prevention Task Force, the Sheriff’s Community Advisory Board and Alexandria Community Safety Forum.

JULIAN GONSALVES

As assistant city manager with the City of Alexandria, Julian leads the city’s P3 initiatives, oversees the departments of General Services, Climate Action, Performance Analytics and supports local small business initiatives. Previously, he worked as an investor advisory manager at an engineering consulting firm and as a consultant for Habitat for Humanity India. His career includes due diligence and financial advisory, alternative project delivery, sustainability and construction experience in North America, India and the United Arab Emirates. Julian earned a master’s degree from Stanford University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst, a Clean Energy Leadership Institute Fellow and holds a LEED AP.

RANDY GORE

For more than 18 years, Randy has dedicated his career to creating high-quality, after-school enrichment experiences for youth in Alexandria. Serving as senior director of out-of-school time programs for the Campagna Center, he leads the organization’s largest programming division and provides guidance to a portfolio of youth development programs ranging from the performing arts, robotics teams and youth workforce development. Randy studied youth theater at the University of Mary Washington and has focused his programming efforts to ensure that Alexandria’s youth have equitable access to quality arts education programs and post-secondary opportunities.

ERICA GOUSE BLEDSOE

Erica serves as the President of the Junior League of Northern Virginia. Committed to JLNV’s mission of advancing women’s leadership for impactful community change through volunteerism, collaboration and training, Erica brings a wealth of dedication and expertise to her role. Beyond her contributions to JLNV, Erica serves as a mortgage advisor for McLean Mortgage, where she assists individuals and families navigating the homebuying process. A devoted mother to her daughter and dog, Erica balances her professional endeavors with the joys of married life and family.

JOYVELL D. HENRY

Joyvell’s commitment to Alexandria is evident through her work and volunteer efforts. At Neighborhood Health, a nonprofit community health center focused on health equity, she has risen from AmeriCorps intern to quality manager overseeing projects to close clinical care gaps. As a volunteer at Alfred Street Baptist Church, Joyvell has participated in multiple youth-focused ministries. During the pandemic, she ran community vaccine clinics at Alfred Street, with over 3,000 vaccines provided to under-resourced individuals. She is a proud Alexandria City High School graduate and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in sociology and African American studies.

JACKIE HUELBIG

Jackie is the vice president of client development at Basis Technologies, a global automation software provider for enterprise marketers. With a career in political advertising spanning two decades, Jackie has been named a Campaigns & Elections’ Rising Stars and a 40 Under 40 by the American Association of Political Consultants. Dedicated to her Alexandria community, Jackie serves as the current board of directors chair for Volunteer Alexandria. She also served on the Alexandria Jaycees board from 2010 to 2017, holding several leadership positions, including president and vice president of membership, management and activation, respectively.

ASHLEY NICOLE KEMPCZYNSKI

Ashley has dedicated her life and career to helping some of the most vulnerable members of her community. Presently, she represents low-income and elderly survivors of domestic violence and other crimes in Alexandria through her role as managing attorney at Legal Services of Northern Virginia. She joined the Alexandria legal community in 2016 and became a city resident in 2020. Ashley is also an active member of the Alexandria Bar Association and serves on its Judicial Screening Committee. Ashley received her Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and her bachelor’s degree in psychology and government from Georgetown University.

ALLY KIRKPATRICK

Ally is a reader and writer passionate about all things literary. She opened Old Town Books, a general interest independent bookstore, in 2018. She focuses on connecting readers via author events, books clubs and writing meetups. Old Town Books has grown to serve local readers and beyond, including supplying books to local health centers and classrooms in addition to providing free and low-cost arts programming. Her aim is to inspire everyone to pick up a new book to read because she believes reading is how we best connect with our world and with each other.

CAMERON LEW

Cameron has dedicated his nursing career to fostering a culture of excellence and delivering top-tier care in the emergency department at Inova Alexandria Hospital. His commitment has led to a remarkable transformation, significantly enhancing throughput and operational efficiency. With a foundation in nursing, Cameron’s journey began on the emergency floor, where his passion for patient care evolved. He earned his bachelor’s degree of nursing from the George Washington University and obtained a master’s in business administration from Longwood University.

MELISSA A. LITTLE

Melissa, a lawyer and champion for diversity and systemic change, dismantles barriers to equity. Her firm, Melissa A. Little Consulting & Mediation Services, empowers individuals and organizations through mediation and diversity, equity and inclusion services. She fights for inclusion through policy change, educational programs and impactful initiatives. Melissa is the author of “Protecting Our Children Together: Minimizing the Psychological Harms of Racism,” which equips adults to navigate crucial conversations about race with youth. Recognized for her leadership, Melissa has received prestigious awards for her unwavering commitment to justice.

CARRIE MASICH

Carrie has been employed as a marketing professional with Tanger, Inc. since 2011. She is dedicated to driving retailer revenue and enhancing the shopping experience for local guests as well as domestic and international visitors. Carrie transferred from Tanger Hilton Head, S.C., to Tanger National Harbor, Maryland, in 2018 and was promoted to marketing director in 2021. Carrie serves on Tanger’s Core Values Council as well as the board of directors for Experience Prince George’s. She also volunteers with The Campagna Center, the Accokeek Foundation and Food & Friends. Carrie is a proud resident of Alexandria.

DR. AMBER MASON

Amber is a child-adolescent psychologist who founded Aptivate Educational and Psychological Solutions to continue and expand upon her helping foster children’s development and growth mentally, emotionally, academically, socially and behaviorally. She earned her Ph.D. and master’s of education degrees in school psychology from Pennsylvania State University, and her bachelor’s in psychology and visual art from Duke University. Amber has lived in Alexandria since 2017. She began her career here as a school psychologist working in local schools and has since transitioned to working in her own private practice and educational services company as a clinical psychologist.

RACHEL MILLER

Rachel has a passion for creating healthy communities across the country. In her current role at the American Physical Therapy Association, she advocates for improved access to physical therapy services for individuals across the lifespan with a focus on expanding coverage for individuals with disabilities. Previously, she studied Medicaid expansion and health reform. Before moving to Alexandria, Rachel received her master’s degree of public health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s from the University of South Florida. She resides and works in the City of Alexandria and can be found frequenting Alexandria’s numerous Little Free Libraries.

TARRENCE MOORER

Tarrence is the assistant director of the City of Alexandria’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, which helps plan, operate and maintain the city’s transportation, public works and environmental programs and infrastructure. He leads its communications, human resources, fleet, facilities, ITS, finance, budget and solid waste services. Tarrence joined the city in 2014 as a consultant and has served in several roles within T&ES, including division chief of strategic management and principal planner for transportation. Before joining the city, he spent eight years as a business operations manager with a multi-state specialty healthcare provider.

IMANI MYERS

Imani is a community advocate, STEM educator and visionary leader committed to catalyzing meaningful change. With a focus on equity, she champions initiatives ensuring overlooked students access vital resources for success. Imani’s dedication to cultivating a diverse STEM pipeline is evident in her impactful work as a project manager at Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation. Armed with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Spelman College and a master’s of teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education, Imani drives innovation and inclusion, orchestrating transformative STEM activities and events in partnership with organizations throughout the DMV.

AMBER PHILLIPS

Amber is a political reporter for The Washington Post, where she authors a popular political newsletter, The 5-Minute Fix. The newsletter, combined with Amber’s social media presence and appearances on national, international and local media, is aimed at helping people better understand what’s happening in United States politics and why, in just a few minutes a day. Amber has reported from the U.S. Capitol, state capitals around the country and as far away as Taiwan. Amber lives in Alexandria with her husband and three young children.

LIZ RAY

Liz Ray is the manager of Burke & Herbert Bank’s consumer lending department, where she leads a team that supports loan origination and portfolio management of the Home Equity Line Of Credit product. Liz worked as a web design and video production specialist prior to joining Burke & Herbert Bank over a decade ago. Liz holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and a minor in psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. She recently graduated from the University of Virginia’s Darden Business School of Bank Management and received the Faircloth Family Award of Excellence.

L’ALLEGRO H. SMITH

In his role as a government affairs policy advocate at Public Knowledge, L’Allegro advocates on issues such as free expression, content moderation, platform regulation and artificial intelligence. He is the principal/owner of Aberdeen Strategies, LLC and a senior associate of Apollo Consulting. L’Allegro received a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from the College of William & Mary and worked for U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott. He serves as board president of the Virginia Air and Space Science Center and is a board member of the Old Point National Bank Southside Regional, Alexandria’s Economic Opportunities Commission and the Departmental Progressive Club.

SUZANNE THIBEAULT

As destination sales manager for Visit Alexandria, Suzanne influences Alexandria’s visitor economy through strategic sales initiatives, expanding market reach and leveraging tourism to enhance the city’s competitiveness. Her work contributed to the team’s record-breaking numbers, generating $10.6 million in booked meetings for fiscal year 2023. Due in part to this work, Visit Alexandria received the 2023 Smart Meetings Platinum Choice Awards. Suzanne was recognized as an Association Headquarters Star Performer and was named a “20 in Their Twenties” honoree by the Professional Convention Management Association. Suzanne serves on the Northern Virginia Tourism Partnership Tour and Travel Committee.

DR. MAYA SUKKARI

Dr. Maya is a board-certified family medicine physician with Kaiser Permanente’s Mid Atlantic Medical Group in Alexandria. She completed her residency training at Virginia Commonwealth University-Bon Secours’ St. Francis program during which she was appointed as a chief resident. She holds a master’s in public health as well as a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from the University of California, Berkeley. She is engaged in mentoring new physicians and medical students and has been recognized for her work, receiving awards such as the MAPMG Outstanding Rookie award in 2022. She currently resides in Alexandria with her husband and young daughter.

SIMMI KAUR SRAN

Simmi, controller at Route 66 Ventures, finds fulfillment in supporting those around her, both professionally and personally. She humbly embraces the opportunity to manage Route 66’s Alexandria real estate portfolio, nurturing direct tenant and partnership relationships. Her attention to detail, patience and calm presence vitalizes her passion for community engagement and process enhancements. Simmi lived in Alexandria for five years, through 2023, and continues to work in Old Town daily. Simmi received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bucknell University.

DAVID L. ULLOA

David is the nation’s sole municipal mentoring coordinator, dedicated to enhancing mentorship through innovative ideas, strong community engagement and robust partnerships with youth, families and local youth serving programs. His work elevates mentorship programs, forging vital connections with government and businesses, aiming to transform Alexandria into the mentoring capital of the United States. David’s initiatives focus on matching mentors with programs, providing resources and training, enhancing program effectiveness and supporting new mentorship programs. With deep experience and a passion for community service, David is committed to filling the mentorship gap.

EDUARDO VILLANUEVA

Eddie has accomplished a great deal since coming to the U.S. at 12 years old. His enthusiasm and professional excellence can be demonstrated through his seven promotions in just 10 years. In his current role with USSFCU, Eddie directs all events and projects that create exposure with staffers, senators and community groups. Eddie serves as the youth department director with his church, volunteers at Wakefield High School as a senior project adviser and created the Healthy Hour Club, encouraging families to pursue healthy habits. Eddie is a graduate of Northern Virginia Community College and earned an Information Technology Boot Camp certificate.

PHILIP L. WILKERSON III

In his role at George Mason University, Philip serves as a liaison between employers and patriots to share jobs and internships with students, faculty/staff and alumni. He has been honored with many distinctions, including GMU’s Employee of the Month, Leadership Center for Excellence’s Pillar Award and 40 Under 40 lists for both GMU Black Alumni and Northern Virginia. Philip is the faculty advisor for the Iota Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and GMU’s NAACP chapter. In his free time, he hosts a podcast called Positive Philter, which focuses on wellbeing and Toastmasters. Philip and his wife Maggie have two boys, Bennett and Miles.

KIRK WILSON, JR.

Kirk is a fine dining manager with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences for his guests. With almost a decade of experience in the industry, he knows how to deliver exceptional service and exceed expectations. His love for his job is evident in the meticulous attention to detail he puts into every aspect of the dining experience. He takes pride in curating menus, training staff and ensuring every guest leaves with a smile on their face. In his free time, Kirk mentors high school students, providing guidance and educational resources to prepare them for the future.

DOMINIC B. TURNER

Dominic is the chief financial officer for Alexandria City Public Schools, joining in August 2017. With more than 15 years of experience in budgeting, accounting, finance, procurement and public policy, he supports the superintendent and oversees seven offices. Previously, he served as the capital improvement program budget manager and procurement supervisor for the Department of Parks and Recreation, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Dominic earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the College of William & Mary and his master’s of business administration from the University of Maryland, College Park.

AARON ZAJDEL

Aaron has dedicated his career to working with the aging population and has been a medical social worker at Goodwin Living since 2017. In 2022, Aaron created and implemented Goodwin Living’s Care Connections program, an innovative social work-based model of palliative care for people living with chronic conditions. Focused on client-driven goals for medical care and advanced care planning, Care Connections serves Goodwin Living residents as well as patients of Goodwin Living Home and community-based services throughout the region. Aaron is a proud graduate of Florida International University, where he earned his master’s degree in social work with a concentration in social work with the elderly.

ZAHRA RAHIMI

Zahra, a 2024 Alexandria City High School graduate, came to the United States to escape the Taliban regime. As a child in Afghanistan, she was a recognized poet and hosted a large children’s day event. Zahra started ACHS’s Heart of Asia Club and a tutoring program. In celebration of International Day of the Girl, First Lady Jill Biden, Ed.D., honored Zahra as one of 15 young women who are leading change and shaping a brighter future in the U.S. She was honored by the Virginia House of Delegates for her work and will be attending the College of William & Mary on a full scholarship from the Posse Foundation.