We were excited to host our inaugural Real Talk. Teen Leadership Workshop over the weekend of January 22 and 23 bringing together 18 high school juniors and seniors from 10 high schools across the County to learn about presentation skills, behavioral styles, building résumés that win, and nailing interview skills. High Schools represented included Chantilly, John Lewis, Lake Braddock, Langley, Madison, South Lakes and Thomas Jefferson. Student reviews gave the program 5 stars and one Real Talk graduate shared, "Amazing workshop and would recommend for others to attend!"

Space is limited to the first 45 registered individuals and is free to Leadership Fairfax members. Nonmembers are welcome to attend. Tickets are $20 for nonmembers. REGISTRATION CLOSES FEBRUARY 7.

The leadership network provides training opportunities for youth council members, advisors and mentors, and will offer an annual conference for free for all youth involved in the YLN. Join the network today! Questions about the network? Email Susan Sims to connect.

Submit a nomination or apply online by February 18. Anyone can be nominated or apply as long as they meet the following criteria:

Danny Vargas, LFI'10 and Chairman of the Leadership Board of Directors was recently highlighted in Washington Business journal for the launch of of his new nonprofit venture to support and serve Latino veterans. Read the full article at WBJ.

Evan Pritchard, LFI'13 has joined Cozen O'Connor Law Firm as Partner. Evan brings extensive experience with securing zoning entitlements throughout Northern Virginia and the District. His clients include mixed-use project developers, corporations, small businesses and nonprofits organizations.

Jameel Yusuf, ELI'22 recently joined the team at Leidos as a Technical Writer. He will be working directly with the Project Management Office in Washington, DC and helping to draft and edit project planning documents. He is also studying for his PMP and we look forward to celebrating his accomplishments when he receives his new credentials.

Kara Shelton, ELI'18 was promoted to Principal at CST Group in January. She has been with CST Group for nearly 7 years and specializes in assurance and management advisory services. She also serves as a consultant for nonprofits assisting with audit readiness, financial planning and implementation of internal controls.

Ryan Brown, ELI'20 graduated from ELI in 2020 and moved to Austin, Texas to become a director of a AIDS/HIV prevention healthcare organization Vivent Health. He then joined the Board of Directors of Austin Child Guidance Center in October 2021. Austin Child Guidance Center provides free to low-cost mental health therapy for youth in Austin.

Ryan Malkes, ELI'22 recently took a new position with Electrify America, a subsidiary of VW/Audi as a Senior Specialist of Digital and Media Branding. He will be overseeing the Media and Creative agency strategy to increase adoption of electric vehicles and utilization of Electrify America's network of high speed vehicle charging stations. Additionally, Ryan increased his community outreach when he joined the Board of Directors for Langley Residential in November.

Finding our way back to mental health

If the persistence of the pandemic has taken a toll on you, rest assured that you’re not alone. Right now, an estimated 545,000 adults across Northern Virginia (28% of the population) are experiencing clinical levels of anxiety and depression—and on top of it, 40% of these individuals seeking treatment cannot get it. The pandemic has exacerbated long-standing mental health issues, and we need a way to address this urgent need.

From now until March 18th, Community Foundation of Northern Virginia is inviting the public and their networks to join them as they look to build critical support for quality and affordable mental health services in Northern Virginia, in a time when we need it the most.

Throughout these next weeks, Community Foundation will be sharing periodic updates with data, stories of impact, and ways you can engage as we seek to raise $50,000 for our Mental Health Fund, which will forever benefit the mental health needs and challenges of our region. For every contribution that you, your family, your friends, or your company makes, it will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to a matching gift from an anonymous donor.