Annually we get the benefit of surveying Washington’s landscape of young people doing cool things, and with each passing year we never cease to be amazed to the go-getters driving their respective industries forward. From chefs putting the District on the national stage as a formidable food city to journalists fighting accusations of “fake news,” there is a wide range with far-reach, represented in this year’s list. As different as each of the 40 photographed (and those listed) individuals may be, their common goal of making the nation’s capital a better place serves as a running thread that underlies them all. The energy of that shared responsibility was palpable at this year’s photo shoots. With the exception of the journalists and actors, there is no methodology or algorithm for who gets paired with who in photo groupings. Half the fun is watching along as conversations unfold organically – like the blockchain entrepreneur (Michael Parker) talking to the chef about profit margins (Jerome Grant). It validates the notion that we are all connected by this great city we call home.

Robert Costa, Kasie Hunt, Ayesha Rascoe and Olivia Nuzzi; Photographed at La Vie
Robert Costa; National Political Reporter, The Washington Post; Moderator, PBS’s “Washington Week”: Whether starting his day with an appearance on “Morning Joe,” or breakfast with a senator, Costa’s non-partisan approach to journalism has helped keep him as a trusted news source. He credits his well-rounded perspective on national politics to a firm understanding of both the country’s big cities and small towns. The reporter also values time spent away from his computer and phone, citing walks around the city as an effective tool for focusing.
Kasie Hunt; Capitol Hill Correspondent, NBC; Host of MSNBC’s “Kasie DC”: In 2018, Hunt and her NBC News Capitol Hill team were recognized with the Joan Shorenstein Barone Award at the Radio and Television Correspondents Association Awards for their coverage of sexual harassment in Congress, which eventually led to reform making it easier for victims to report harassment. She credits her reporting chops to perseverance, calling it “9/10ths of success.” Her advice to up and coming journalists? “Make that one extra phone call, take that one additional risk.”
Ayesha Rascoe; White House Reporter, NPR: Before joining NPR last spring, the Howard University graduate covered energy and policy news, and eventually the White House, at Reuters. At NPR she has reported on everything from criminal justice reform to President Trump’s rhetoric toward African Americans on Twitter. The latter story was triggered by Trump’s referral to former advisor Omarosa Manigault Newman as “a dog” and Lebron James as “dumb.” Rascoe combed through more than 900 of his tweets and conferred with political scientists and linguistics specialists about the implications of his language. “Words matter,” she explains, “and I felt like it was important to look at why certain insults carry historical baggage.”
Olivia Nuzzi; Washington Correspondent, New York Magazine: In the past year Nuzzi has interviewed President Trump and Stormy Daniels, written an eyebrow-raising piece about former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks and won the American Society of Magazine Editors’ Next Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement by magazine journalists under the age of 30. Last fall, she was pulled into an impromptu Oval Office meeting with President Trump and several members of his cabinet who tried to convince her to stop reporting on the president and John Kelly’s relationship. “I didn’t have time to overthink it,” she says.”I’m proud that I didn’t let the circumstances rattle me.” She is currently co-authoring a book with fellow journalist and boyfriend Ryan Lizza on the 2020 campaign.
Jamal Abdi President, National Iranian American Council
Jeremy Adler Director of Communications, House Republican Conference
Gerald Addison Co-Executive Chef, Maydan and Compass Rose
Kristen Soltis Anderson Co-Founder, Echelon Insights
Justin Amash U.S. Congressman (R-Mich.)
Ashley Arias Lifestyle Public Relations Manager, TAA Public Relations
Kylie Atwood National Security Reporter, CNN
Cameron Austin Advertising Lead, Compass
Arash Azani President, Bullitt Agency
Sara Azani Blogger, Style MBA
Carla Babb Pentagon Correspondent, Voice of America
Rachael Bade Reporter, The Washington Post
Sarah Baker Director of Booking, MSNBC
Meredith Balenske Vice President of Communications, Revolution LLC
Katherine Barkman Dancer, The Washington Ballet

Alec Karakatsanis; Photographed at La Vie
Alec Karakatsanis; Founder and Executive Director, Civil Rights Corps: Asking the passionate civil rights advocate to name a few work highlights from the last year is a challenging question as there are many to choose from. Karakatsanis mentions winning a landmark federal lawsuit against Houston, Texas for its unconstitutional cash bail system, which, as a result, freed 13,000 inmates in just the first year after the law’s enactment. The underlying goal of the non-profit is to use effective lawyering to fight the mass incarceration issue in the U.S.
Vinoda Basnayake Chairman, D.C. Government Relations Practice, Nelson Mullins Principal, Versus Equity
Bradley Beal Shooting Guard, Washington Wizards
Sara Beckstead Communications Manager, EDENS
Dan Berger Founder and CEO, Social Tables
Rebecca Buck Political Reporter, CNN
Carmen Berkley Managing Director, Organizing and Electoral Campaigns, Planned Parenthood Federation of America
Bradley Beychok President, American Bridge
DJ Biks DJ and entertainment
Meg Biram Blogger, MegBiram.com’
Steve Birnbaum Defender, D.C. United
Jeanne Shewmaker Birnbaum Director of Merchandising, Tuckernuck
Mikayla Bouchard Assistant Editor, The New York Times

Richard Hudock, Sara Beckstead, Peggy Sparks and Robert Donohoe; Photographed at La Vie
Richard Hudock; Director of Communications, NBC: In his role at NBC News, Hudock relishes in having a position where every day is different and full of new challenges. It also helps that his admiration for NBC goes way back to his childhood. The communications director jokes that he still pinches himself when visiting the “Meet the Press” set. Hudock first moved to Washington three years ago to take a job with CNN. He credits his success to relationship-building, boiling it down to “Follow up, make time for coffee meetings, stay in touch.” He adds: “Don’t underestimate the importance of a handwritten note or thank you card.”
Sara Beckstead; Communications Manager, EDENS: “Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, I’ve always understood the value of small business and community,” Beckstead explains. Her family’s jewelry business Liljenquist & Beckstead is one of the most trusted names in the area and her experience working there after college taught her the importance of giving voice to a brand’s philosophy. At retail real estate developer EDENS, Beckstead helps share stories from the company’s portfolio of properties and retail partners. “Telling these stories gives meaning to who we are and what we do in our shared purpose to enrich community,” she says.
Peggy Sparks; Director, Artist’s Proof: At the fine art gallery in Georgetown, Sparks strives to serve as a conduit connecting local emerging creatives with prospective clients. Advocating for artists is at the crux of her job, she explains, citing her ability to translate their visual narratives to new collectors. “One of the great perks of my job is that I am able to be intimately acquainted with the producers of art,” she says. “When I speak to an artist and am able to listen to what motivated them to create a piece of artistic work, that moves me.” The Singapore-raised gallerist also consults on hotel, residential and commercial projects globally.
Bobby Donohoe; President and Founder, Strength in Our Voices: Born and raised in Richmond, the University of Virginia-graduate moved to the District to work in federal consulting for Deloitte. After struggling with anxiety, Donohoe founded the nonprofit organization Strength in Our Voices (SiOV) with the intention of building a community of “acceptance, positivity and self-help.” The vision of the group is to destigmatize mental health issues, which they achieve through peer-led training programs in schools. SiOV hinges on creating “environments of trust and support for those impacted by mental health through open dialogue, education, empowerment and positive change,” he says.
Crystal Bowyer President and CEO, National Children’s Museum
Katie Boyd Director of Communications, Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO)
Travis Boyd Forward, Washington Capitals
Quinn Bradlee Founder and CEO, FriendsofQuinn.com
Marjorie Meek Bradley Chef, St. Anselm
Margaret Brennan Foreign Affairs Correspondent, CBS News; Moderator, Face the Nation
Saweda Bright, M.D. Physician, Inova
Brooke Brogan Founder, Brooke Brogan Public Relations
Fritz Brogan Managing Partner, The Mission Group; MaverickPAC National Co-Chair
Ashley Taylor Bronczek Co-Founder, Secretly Gifting
Matthew Bronczek Principal, Dream Finders Homes
Christina Brown Publicist, National Gallery of Art
Emily Brown Regional Director of Development, The Boys & Girls Club of America
Pamela Brown Senior White House Correspondent, CNN
Erik Bruner-Yang Chef and Owner, Maketto, Brothers and Sisters and Spoken English
Brendan Buck Partner, Blue Engine Message & Media
LaRhonda Burley Vice President, Partnerships and Marketing, National Fitness Foundation
Alma Caballero Director for Mexico, McClarty Associates

Maimouna Youssef; Photographed at La Vie
Maimouna Youssef; Singer and Musician: “My music is soul music in its most authentic form,” Youssef (also known as “Mumu Fresh”) explains. It only takes one listen to the Grammy-nominated musician’s work to feel her description ring true. In addition to headlining her own shows internationally, the Afro-native singer, songwriter has provided vocal support for The Roots, Sting, Erykah Badu, Femi Kuti and Nas, to name a few. In May she will release her eighth collaborative album with DJ Jazzy Jeff. To up and coming musicians she advises “Figure out what makes you unique and what gives you purpose and illuminate and magnify those qualities in your art.”
David Cabrera Owner, Suns Cinema
John Carlson Defenseman, Washington Capitals
Gregory Cendana President and Co-Founder, Can’t Stop Won’t Stop Consulting
Francesca Chambers White House Correspondent, Daily Mail
Peter Franklin Chang Co-Founder, No Kings Collective
Keo Chea Assistant Director, Office of Community Affairs, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Kevin Cirilli Chief Washington Correspondent, Bloomberg Television

Cara Kelly, Alex Thompson and Markette Sheppard; Photographed at La Vie
Cara Kelly; Entertainment Reporter, USA Today: As an entertainment reporter at USA Today, Kelly covered Hollywood at the height of the #MeToo movement, doing in-depth reporting on sexual harassment in the industry. The experience led her to joining the newspaper’s investigations team last year.
Alex Thompson; Political Reporter, Politico: The 29-year-old reporter got his start in the field working as Maureen Dowd’s editorial assistant at The New York Times. After a stint as a politics editor at VICE News, Thompson is now on the 2020 presidential campaign beat at Politico. Advice to young journalists? “Sourcing is everything. Call, text, grab coffees. Tweet less.” FUN FACT: Thompson was on the “Tonight Show” when he was 13 to perform a double-jointed human body trick.
Markette Sheppard; TV Host and Author: Sheppard, host of WUSA’s “Great Day Washington,” says she values the art of storytelling because she gets to “fill in the blanks in a meaningful and impactful way” for viewers. The Los Angeles-native used that same passion to write a children’s book last summer, “What is Light?” Her take on work-life balance? “Work is what I do, being a mom, wife and friend is who I am.”
Kaitlan Collins White House Correspondent, CNN
Erin Como Traffic Anchor/Reporter, Fox5
Kat Conlon Executive Director, Friends of the American University of Afghanistan
Pheonix Copley Goaltender, Washington Capitals
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez U.S. Congresswoman, (D-New York)
Robert Costa National Political Reporter, The Washington Post; Moderator, PBS’ “Washington Week”
Rachel Cothran Senior Content Strategist, HZDG
Jordan Cotton Co-Founder, Cotton & Reed Distillery
Rep. Dan Crenshaw U.S. Congressman, (R-Texas)

Crystal Bowyer, Nicole Crowder and John Legittino; Photographed at La Vie
Crystal Bowyer; President and CEO, National Children’s Museum: After business school, the Missouri-native bounced around the world for children’s service work in Brazil and China, and cultural outreach in numerous other countries. Previous leadership roles at the Museum of Science and Industry and the Chicago Children’s Choir prepared Bowyer for her move to Washington, where she is spearheading redevelopment of the National Children’s Museum, slated to open in the fall of this year. It will be an “innovative experience for the whole family,” Bowyer promises.
John Legittino; Co-Founder and CEO, Advoc8: Legittino used the skills he gained working on major televised award shows and presidential debates to create a full-service brand experience and content production agency. With clients like Google and CNN, the 40 person, almost three-year-old shop “helps companies cross the digital divide to tell their stories and connect with customers through experiences they’ll never forget.”
Nicole Crowder; Furniture Designer and Upholsterer: Using inspiration from fashion, interior design, the colors of fresh fruit and her dreams, Crowder built a design and upholstery business that has blossomed from custom pieces for individual clients to full-scale collaborations with restaurants, hotels and textile designers. The former photo editor recently opened a colorful studio, which will serve as her workspace, showroom and community gathering place. NOTE: Nicole is sitting on one of her custom chairs in this photo.
Walter l. Cronkite, IV Director, FTI Consulting
Nicole Crowder Furniture Designer and Upholsterer
Lauren Culbertson Public Policy Manager, Twitter
Tom Cunanan Chef, Bad Saint
Andrew Dana Co-Owner, Timber Pizza Co. and Call You Mother Deli
Ashley Darby Owner, Oz Restaurant; Cast Member, “The Real Housewives of Potomac”
Michael Darner Executive Director, Congressional Progressive Caucus
Vernon Davis Tight End, Washington Redskins
Anastasia Dellaccio Director, Global Community and Career Engagement, Creator Awards and Public Affairs, WeWork
Tara Dijulio Director, Global Public Affairs, GE
Jessica Ditto Deputy Director of Communications, The White House
Martin Ditto CEO, Ditto Residential
Christian Djoos Defenseman, Washington Capitals
Jason Donner Capitol Hill Producer, Fox News
Bobby Donohoe President and Founder, Strength in Our Voices

Chris Morgan, Ryan Hackney and Tim Ma; Photographed at La Vie
Chris Morgan; Co-Executive Chef, Maydan and Compass Rose: As co-executive chef (with Gerald Addison) at one of Washington’s most celebrated new restaurants, Maydan, the Northern Virginia native has his hands full helming a spot that has received national acclaim from established food critics across the board. (No. 2 “Best New Restaurant in America” by Bon Appetit, “Top 10 Best New Restaurants” by Food & Wine). He and Addison also head the kitchen at Maydan’s sister restaurant Compass Rose in Logan Circle. Can’t miss dishes? Dango (Omani stewed chickpea dish) at Maydan and tako poke (lightly poached octopus over warm rice) at Compass Rose.
Ryan Hackney; Executive Chef, District Restaurant Group: In 2013, you could find the chef in the “trenches of Robert Wiedmaier’s premier fine-dining destination, Marcel’s,” living out two years of “culinary boot camp,” as he calls it. Now, Hackney oversees Valor Brewpub and The Ugly Mug on Capitol Hill. He is also a Food Network regular, having appeared on “Beat Bobby Flay” and the upcoming season of “Bite Club” with Tyler Florence. Hackney succinctly sums up his culinary career: “I originally went to school for Economics and Political Science and would cook bagged ramen for Howard University undergrads,” he explains. “Four years later I was cooking for the Obama family.”
Tim Ma; Chef, American Son and Kyrisian: If you find yourself at the recently opened Eaton Hotel on K Street, you would be remiss not to sample Ma’s tofu gnocchi with sunchokes, apples and black truffles. Since its opening Ma has been tasked with the massive undertaking of running the full food and beverage program at the hotel. Ma, who jokes that he didn’t know how to handle a knife until his first day of culinary school at age 30, also owns Kyrisian (Chinese/ French-inspired cuisine) in Shaw. The chef advises newcomers to the culinary industry to savor the ride.”The worst thing that can happen is to get on the big stage and not be ready.” he notes. “Enjoy the process.”
Matthew Dornic Vice President of Communications, CNN
Amelia Draper Meteorologist, NBC4
A.J. Dronkers Associate Publisher, Edible DC
Amy Dunki Bartender, The Red Hen
Lauren Dunne Co-Founder, Varnish Lane
Nicolas End Economist, Middle East and Central Asia Dept., IMF
Greg Engert Beer Director, Neighborhood Restaurant Group
Trever Faden Founder, Atlas Lane

Kelly Flanigan and Storm Horncastle; Photographed at La Vie
Kelly Flanigan; President, Live Nation DC, MD & VA: When Flanigan looks out at the audience from the stage of a sold out concert, it’s the “euphoric faces” in the crowd that make her position with the live music company so rewarding. She joined the team right after college (13 years ago) as a talent buyer, steadily rising in the ranks. Flanigan has helped double her territory’s show volume and provided crucial support to its regional portfolio of venues. Most memorable concert experience? Prince at the Warner Theatre, where Stevie Wonder made a surprise appearance.
Storm Horncastle; Manager, Public Affairs & Events, Public Policy, Netflix: Horncastle stayed in Washington after graduating from American University with a master’s in strategic communications, accepting a position as a public relations, events and outreach advisor to the ambassador of Norway. At Netflix, the Norway native is constantly dreaming up new ways to “showcase, celebrate and connect policy stakeholders to Netflix’s diverse stories and storytellers both on and off camera.” Horncastle built her worldly outlook living in five different countries before landing in the District.
John Falcicchio Chief of Staff, Mayor Muriel Bowser
Lena Farouki Founder, Curio Concept Store
Jennifer Feldman-Brillembourg, M.D. Anesthesiologist
Angie Fetherston CEO, Drink Company
J.P. Fetherston Beverage Director, Columbia Room
Heather Louise Finch Founder and CEO, HLF, LLC
Meredith Fineman CEO and Founder, FinePoint
Rep. Abby Finkerauer U.S. Congresswoman (D-Iowa)
Kelly Flanigan President, Live Nation DC, MD & VA
Jade Floyd Vice President of Communications, Case Foundation and Revolution
Ashley Forrester Corporate Director, Communications and Marketing, EventsDC
Desirée Venn Frederic Founder and Executive Director, Combing Cotton Co.
Mike Friedman Chef and Owner, The Red Hen and All Purpose
Glenda Fu Executive Director, Dreams for Kids
Lani Furbank Freelance Food Writer

Pheonix Copley and Travis Boyd; Photographed at MedStar Capitals Iceplex
Pheonix Copley; Goaltender, Washington Capitals: The 6-foot-4 goaltender from North Pole, Alaska has made a home in Washington since joining the Capitals amid a deadline trade in 2017. He earned his first NHL win in a 4-3 shootout win over the Calgary Flames last fall and recorded his first career shutout against the Ottawa Senators a few months later.
Travis Boyd; Foward, Washington Capitals: The Capitals picked up Boyd in the sixth-round of the 2011 NHL draft. In late 2018 he scored his first goal in the NHL against the Columbus Blue Jackets and recorded his first career multi-assist game versus the Edmonton Oilers. Before joining the professional league, the 25-year-old played at the University of Minnesota.
Joelle Firzli Co-Founder, Tribute
Morgan Fykes Director of Strategic Engagement, We the People DC
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard U.S. Congresswoman (D-Hawaii)
Jocelyn Gailliot Co-Founder, Tuckernuck
Rep. Mike Gallagher U.S. Congressman (R-Wisconsin)
Rep. Ruben Gallego U.S. Congressman (D-Ariz.)
Jennifer Paquette Galloway President, Wolcott Hill Group, LLC
Allen Gannett Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, Skyword
Matthew Gardiner Associate Artistic Director, Signature Theatre
Dayna Geldwert Politics and Government Outreach, Instagram
Josh Genderson President, Schneider’s of Capitol Hill; Founder, Holistic Industries
Donnie Gerald Photographer
Lisa Gilbert Vice President of Legislative Affairs, Public Citizen
Mark Gillespie General Manager and Creative Director, The Orchestra of the Americas
Sean Glass Chairman and CEO, Advantia Health
Shana Glenzer Principal, Upright Consulting

Jaysen Wright, Kathryn Tkel, Zack Powell and Alina Collins Maldonado; Photographed at Arena Stage
Jaysen Wright; Actor: This year Wright has enjoyed challenging himself and “testing his range,” as he calls it, taking on versatile roles that run the gamut from Shakespeare to farcical comedy and musicals. Regardless of the casting, Wright acknowledges that each come with its own set of “physical, intellectual and emotional demands,” which he is constantly trying to balance with his personal wellbeing. The Washington-born actor has been on the theater circuit for the last seven years and counts his role in “Wig Out” at Studio Theatre in 2017 as a work that changed the way he viewed himself as a queer person of color.
Kathryn Tkel; Actor: Tkel is currently preparing for a role in “Doll’s House, Part 2” at the Round House Theatre. One of the best parts of being an actress, she says, is the places she has been able to travel for shows. As for challenges, she references risk.”Whether it’s financial uncertainty or the act of being vulnerable with strangers,” she says. “It shows up everywhere.”
Zack Powell; Actor: Last year you may have seen him play an Elvis impersonator turned-dragqueen – superstar in “The Legend of Georgia McBride” at Round House Theatre. The role was a departure from Powell’s usual castings in classics by Shakespeare, Ibsen and Checkhov. Most recently he played Robin Hood at a theater in Cleveland. His words of wisdom to young actors: “Work leads to work, and it always helps to meet as many other artists as possible. You never know who will work with you in a play reading, and then bring you in for an audition for a lead role at a major regional theater.” Look out for Powell later this year performing in “Shear Madness” at the Kennedy Center.
Alina Collins Maldonado; Actor: Maldonado most appreciates roles that address the “root of the human condition.” Last year she acted in the world premiere of “Digging Up Dessa” at the Kennedy Center – a play that touches on death and PTSD, all while encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science. When she’s not performing, the actress teaches the art of storytelling to high school refugee students through Imagination Stage’s Oyeme program.
Autria Godfrey Anchor and Reporter, ABC7 News
Angie Goff Journalist
Monica Gomez Co-Owner, Cera Wax Studio
Rep. Anthony Gonzalez U.S. House of Representatives (R-Ohio)
Marcus Goodwin Acquisitions Associate, Four Points
Sarah Gordon Founder, Gordy’s Pickle Jar
Neil Grace Senior Communications Advisor, Federal Communications Commission
Jerome Grant Executive Chef, Sweet Home Cafe
Richard Graves Co-Founder and Chief Impact Officer, CleanChoice Energy
Yudu Gray, Jr. CEO, House Studios
Chloé Gray-Le Coz Senior Global Brand Manager, W Hotels Worldwide
Madeline Grayson Co-Founder, Tuckernuck
Scott Greenberg Director of Marketing and Media, The Washington Ballet
Rachel Grinney Co-founder, Wylie Grey
Jessica Grounds Co-founder, Mine the Gap
Garrett Haake Correspondent, MSNBC
Daniel Heider Vice President, TTR Sotheby’s
Ryan Hackney Executive Chef, District Restaurant Group
Michael Haft Co-Founder, Compass Coffee
Dannia Hakki Co-founder and Principal, MoKi Media
Maha Hakki Partner, MoKi Media
Blake Hall Founder and CEO, ID.me
Bill Hamid Goalkeeper, D.C. United
Jennifer Hansler State Department Producer, CNN
Kathleen Kiernan Harnden, M.D. Assistant Director, Inova Breast Medical Oncology Program

Matthew Gardiner, Rachel Grinney and Yudu Gray; Photographed at Tiki Tnt
Matthew Gardiner; Associate Artistic Director, Signature Theatre: The theater buff calls himself “a product of the D.C. arts community,” having studied at the Washington School of Ballet for a decade and acted in various gigs around the city. After attending Carnegie Mellon University, Gardiner returned to the area to take a position at Signature Theatre. Thirteen years later working alongside his twin brother (James runs creative content and public relations) Gardiner’s role has evolved, but the Shirlington, Va. theater continues to keep him interested. “[Signature’s] commitment to producing musical theater (both new and classic) at the level it does in a theater that seats less than 300 people– that’s unheard of.”
Rachel Grinney; Co-Founder, Wylie Grey: After 10 years with Intermix, Grinney took her retail experience to the e-commerce space in 2016 with the launch of Wylie Grey alongside her business partner Nikki Yazdanian. The online clothing boutique carries current trends for women at an approachable price point. It was an idea derived from years of frustration shopping online. “We always said we wished there was an online store that carried an edited selection from cool up-and-coming brands,” Grinney explains. As for the challenges of building a boutique without the benefit of a physical space, the duo harnesses the power of social media (@wyliegrey).
Yudu Gray; Founder, House Studios: Beyond simply hosting talent at he and his wife Davina’s full service music studio in Hyattsville, Md., Gray’s mission is to create a home for budding musicians “designed to nurture, guide and support the artist’s journey,” he says. It is a platform the Liberian born refugee does not take for granted.”Our philosophy is rooted in the power of unencumbered creativity and that the arts in all of its forms is the great connector of humanity.” The couple’s passion-fueled mission has attracted big-name collaborations with the likes of Logic, Wale, Post Malone and Kendrick Lamar. Up-and-comers we should keep on our radar? Mannywellz, Luke James Shaffer, BOOMscat, Sydney Franklin and SHAED.
Laura Hayes Food Editor, Washington City Paper
Eric Heidenberger Managing Partner, Madhatter, Front Page, Shaw’s Tavern and 801 Restaurant & Bar and Epic Yoga
Kyle Hendrick Managing Director, AAF Management
Audrey Henson Founder and CEO, College to Congress
Justin Herman Public Sector Director, Twilio, Inc.
Brandon Hill Co-Founder, No Kings Collective
Sondra Hoffman Head Booker, T.H.E. Artist Agency
Devin Lee Hoffman Director of Brand Experience, HEIST DC
Misty Holbert Lead Associate for Media Relations, Booz Allen Hamilton
Kristen Holmes National Correspondent, CNN News Source
Rachel Holt Head of New Mobility, Uber Inc.
Braden Holtby Goalie, Washington Capitals
Storm Horncastle Manager, Public Affairs & Events, Public Policy, Netflix
Kerra Michele Huerta Blogger, Apartment Envy
Richard Hudock Director of Communications, NBC News
Kasie Hunt Capitol Hill Correspondent, MSNBC; Host, MSNBC’s “Kasie DC”
Jack Inslee Executive Producer, Full Service Radio
Elahe Izadi Reporter, The Washington Post
Hallie Jackson Chief White House Correspondent, NBC News
Juven Jacob Special Assistant to the President, The Kennedy Center
Laura Jarrett Correspondent, CNN
Brad Jenkins Founder, Enfranchisement Productions LLC
Alexa Johnson Co-owner, Ella-Rue

Jerome Grant, Nicolas End. Holley Simmons and Michael Parker; Photographed at She Loves Me Flower Shop
Jerome Grant; Chef, Sweet Home Cafe: Next time you visit The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) leave time for lunch at Grant’s cafeteria-style eatery, which serves up food showcasing the rich culture and food traditions of African Americans. (Don’t miss the pan roasted trout with cornbread and mustard green stuffing, he tells us.) Last year the chef published “Sweet Home Café Cookbook” and in 2019 he was named a finalist in the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category. FUN FACT: He taught himself how to swim by watching Michael Phelps videos on YouTube.
Nicolas End; Economist, International Monetary Fund: At the IMF, the French-born economist works with countries in the Middle-East, where he helps “governments and central banks design virtuous economic policies.” When he’s not drawing inspiration from IMF Director Christine Lagarde or his four-year-old daughter (“Life and the world are not that complicated from her viewpoint!” he muses), End is practicing on the grand piano he treated himself to when his wife was away on business.
Holley Simmons; Owner, She Loves Me: Expect immediate zen upon entering Simmons’ new flower and plant shop on Upshur Street, NW in Petworth. “My aim with the shop is to have people lose track of space and time when they’re in here,” she says. The New-Jersey native finds inspiration from her travels, offering patrons a Country of the Month subscription based on flowers from a particular region. Before her botanical career, Simmons wrote about food for The Washington Post. FUN FACT: Simmons unabashedly loves carnations.
Michael Parker; Owner and CEO, Illumen, Inc.; Founding Partner, Jang Capital: Running a blockchain company and investing in great ideas keeps the young entrepreneur learning from people he describes as much smarter than him. Advice for others on how to keep the internal flame burning? “Let go of worry, fear and doubt. Creativity and inspiration are a kind of divinity, something we all have within us,” he says. Parker references his mother who started a successful business at the age of 50. “It is never too late to find that inspiration inside of you or to help someone else find theirs.”
Andra ‘AJ’ Johnson Co-Founder, DMV Black Restaurant Week; Founder, White Plates, Black Faces
Brian Johnson Principal, The Vogel Group
Krista Johnson Co-owner, Ella-Rue
Joshua Johnson Host, WAMU’s “1A”
Maura Judkis Reporter, The Washington Post
Nicholas Karnaze Founder, Stubble & ‘Stache
Alec Karakatsanis Founder and Executive Director, Civil Rights Corps.
Bethany Kazaba Co-Founder and CEO, Neighborhood Retail Group
Chrys Kefalas Vice President of Brand Strategy, National Association of Manufacturers
Brianna Keilar Anchor, CNN
Cara Kelly Enterprise Reporter, USA Today
Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III U.S. Congressman (D-Mass.)
Ryan Kerrigan Linebacker, Washington Redskins
Sim Khan Attorney and Founder, Brimble & Clark Custom Clothiers
Suzanne Kianpour Capitol Hill and Foreign Affairs Producer, BBC News
Sery Kim Food and Travel Writer
Seung Min Kim White House Reporter, The Washington Post
Kate Kizer Policy Director, Win Without War
Ryan Kibler Creative Director, Foreign National
Ajay Kori Co-Founder, UrbanStems
Daniel Kramer Managing Partner, Duke’s Grocery and Duke’s Counter
Kara Krause Vice President, Events, Marketing & Communications, E.J. Krause & Associates
Judy Kurtz “In the Know” Columnist, The Hill
Jared Kushner Senior Advisor to President
Jeremiah Langhorne Chef and Owner, The Dabney
Frances Lanzone Chief of Staff, Global Entrepreneurship Network
Michael Larosa Director of Communications, U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources
Michael Lastoria Co-Founder, &pizza
Anais Laurent Events Marketing Specialist, Discovery Education
Carol Lee Political Reporter, NBC News
Moning Lee Architectural and Urban Designer
Svetlana Legetic Co-Founder, Brightest Young Things
John Legittino CEO, Advoc8
Melissa Leonsis Director, Global Partnerships, EverFi
Zach Leonsis Senior Vice President and General Manager, Monumental Network, Monumental Sports and Entertainment
Avery Lewis Assistant Vice President, Linda Roth and Associates
Daniel Lippman Co-Author “Politico Playbook,” Politico
Tiffany Dena Loftin Director, Youth & College Division, NAACP
Victor Nguyen-Long Freelance Creative Strategist
Adam Joseph Lorenzetti, M.D. Physician, Inova
Kelly Love Deputy Press Secretary, Department of Energy
Wesley Lowery National Reporter, The Washington Post
Tim Ma Chef, American Son and Kyirisan
Chase Maggiano Founder, Bravo Score
Anne Mahlum Founder and CEO, Solidcore
Heather Mahoney Founder, Haute Haus Agency
Alina Collins Maldonado Actor
Anna Mason Partner, Revolution’s Rise the Rest Seed Fund
Rep. Brian Mast U.S. Congressman, (R-Florida)
Phil Mattingly Congressional Correspondent, CNN
Carl Maynard Founder, Walk With Locals
John McCarthy Chief of Staff, Congressman Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.)
Kevin McCarthy Entertainment Reporter, FOX 5
Sarah McClellan Founder, Sarah’s Charities

Kara Krause and Justin Schuble; Photographed at La Vie
Kara Krause; Vice President, Events Marketing & Communications, E.J. Krause & Associates: As a third-generation executive at the event planning company that her father and grandfather founded 35 years ago, Krause carries on her family’s legacy executing major tradeshows, conferences and educational forums. “I grew up watching my dad create one of the largest privately held exhibition management companies in the world,” she explains. “It was important to me to continue to foster the growth that they created.” The area native and Georgetown-graduate specializes in producing large-scale events like MetroCookingDC and the M-Enabling Summit.
Justin Schuble; Food Blogger: When he is not “eating for the Insta” nationally and internationally, the 24-year-old food influencer behind the popular @dcfoodporn handle is staying active. He was able to turn his love for food into a career after graduating from Georgetown University in 2017 and has since amassed 300,000 followers on Instagram and collaborated with many Fortune 500 companies. Dining experiences that have wowed him over that last year? “The omakase experiences at K?b? and Sushi Nakazawa … the augmented reality dinner experience at Artechouse … The seafood paella at Del Mar at The Wharf.”
Amanda McClements Owner, Salt & Sundry
John McConnell, M.D. Physician, Inova
Alex McCoy Chef and Owner, Lucky Buns
Tommy McFly Co-Host, “The Tommy Show” podcast; Contributor, NBC4
Erin McPike Partner, Swann Street Strategies
Kathryn McQuade Communications Director, Marsha Blackburn (R-TN)
Spike Mendelsohn Chef and Restaurateur, Good Stuff Eatery and We, the Pizza; Chef, Vim & Victor
Heather Shaw Menis Principal, Fifth and Main PR
Alex Mills Actor, SyneticTheater
Diana Minshall Real Estate Agent, TTR Sotheby’s
Jennifer Mishory Senior Fellow/Senior Policy Advisor, The Century Foundation
Ryan Hunter Mitchell Owner, Suns Cinema
Navroop Mitter CEO, ArmorText
Jessica Moore Director of Government Relations, Walt Disney Company
Daniela Moreira Chef, Timber Pizza Co. and Call Your Mother Deli
Chris Morgan Co-Executive Chef, Maydan and Compass Rose
Michael Moroney Vice President, Fleishman Hillard
Ashley Murphy Dancer, Washington Ballet
Sara Murray Correspondent, CNN
Rhana Matour Reporter/Producer, PBS NewsHour
Rafael Navar National Political Director, Communications Workers of America
DJ Neekola DJ and Producer, Neekola Entertainment
Elizabeth North President, Curiosity Studios
Olivia Nuzzi Washington Correspondent, New York Magazine
Shizu Okusa Co-Founder and CEO, JRINK Juicery; Founder and CEO, Wellthy & Co.
Steven Olikara Co-Founder and President, Millennial Action Project
Kelly O’Malley Regional Director, The Vinetta Project
Fig O’Reilly Datanaut, NASA
Rep. Ilhan Omar U.S. Congressman, (D-Minnesota)
Lauren Oshie Blogger
T.J. Oshie Right Wing, Washington Capitals
Candace Ourisman Co-Founder, Secretly Gifting
Chris Ourisman President, Ourisman Automotives
Alex Ovechkin Left Wing, Washington Capitals
Anna Palmer Co-Author, “Politico Playbook”
Tara Palmeri White House Correspondent, ABC News
Monica Pampell Founder, Pentafit; Personal Trainer

Laura Jarrett and Kevin Cirilli; Photographed at Tiki Tnt
Laura Jarrett; Correspondent, CNN: The Harvard Law graduate practiced privately as a litigator before moving into a full-time media role covering the Department of Justice at CNN. Jarrett points to a story she reported on last year that served as validation for her career switch: “We covered the takedown of a scam operation that falsely acted as a non-profit charity in order to fleece veterans,” she explains. “We were able to highlight a tangible harm facing veterans who were defrauded.” She counts her mother Valerie Jarrett, one of former President Obama’s top advisors, as a role model. “She’s always pushed me not to be afraid of taking chances,” says Jarrett.
Kevin Cirilli; Chief Washington Correspondent, BloombergTelevision; “Sound On” Host, Bloomberg Radio: Chief Washington Correspondent, Bloomberg Television; “Sound On” host, Bloomberg Radio Cirilli grew up in an Irish-Italian Catholic home outside of Philadelphia, went to Penn State and got his start freelance reporting during the Jerry Sandusky trial. He went on to write for Politico, The Hill and Bloomberg News before transitioning to an on-camera role with Bloomberg TV, where he conducts market-based political reporting. Cirilli most enjoys asking politicians quirky questions during mic checks. “Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, told me he listens to Meatloaf. And Sen. Elizabeth Warren talked to me about how she loves the show “Ballers,” he recalls. FUN FACT: “When I can’t sleep, I watch old political interviews on YouTube.”
Holly Pan Fashion Blogger
Nick Papadopoulos Retail Leasing, Papadopoulos Properties
Ali Pardo National Press Secretary, GOP Conference
Michael Parker Owner and CEO, Illumen, Inc.; Founding Partner, Jang Capital
John Parkinson White House & Congressional Reporter/Producer, ABC News
Scott Parkinson Vice President, Government Affairs, Club for Growth
Tati Pastukhova Co-Founder, Artechouse
Alan Paul Associate Artistic Director, Shakespeare Theatre
Angela Peoples Director, GetEQUAL
Gian Carlo Perez Dancer, The Washington Ballet
Megan Perez Vice President, The Petrizzo Group
Olivia Perez-Cubas Communications Director, Winning for Women
Alexandra Petri Columnist, The Washington Post
Adrian Peterson Running Back, Washington Redskins
Ashley Peterson Founder and CEO, Elizabella Cosmetics
Abby Phillip White House Correspondent, CNN
Tod Plotkin Principal, Green Buzz Agency
Tierney Plumb Senior Associate Editor, Eater DC
Monica Popp Co-Founder, Marshall & Popp, LLC
Drew Porterfield Director and Curator, Long View Gallery
Sarah Potts Retail Leasing, Papadopoulos Properties
Zack Powell Actor
Lauren Pratapas Senior Director of Communications, CNN
Michaela Pratt President and CEO, Mentor Foundation
Rose Previte Owner, Compass Rose and Maydan
Ned Price Director of Policy and Communications, National Security Action
Andrew Rafferty Senior Political Editor, Newsy
Manu Raju Senior Congressional Correspondent, CNN
Jaclyn Mason Randall Realtor, Jack Realty
Ayesha Rascoe White House Reporter, NPR
Ryan Ratino Chef and Owner, Bresca
Jordan Reed Tight End, Washington Redskins
Steve Ressler President, Callyo; Founder and Advisor, GovLoop
Helena Richardson Director of the Young Leaders Program, Heritage Foundation
Lindley Thornburg Richardson Public Relations Consultant, Heather Freeman Media & Public Relations
Dan Roberge Dancer, Washington Ballet
Ali Rogin Reporter, PBS

Gian Carlo Perez and Katherine Barkman; Photographed at Tiki Tnt
Gian Carlo Perez; Dancer, The Washington Ballet: The young dancer became a household name after his lead role performing in last year’s John Cranko’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Before joining TWB in 2014, the Cuban-native began his professional career with the National Ballet of Cuba, dancing under the direction of renowned prima ballerina Alicia Alonso.
Katherine Barkman; Dancer, The Washington Ballet: Whether it’s during warm-ups, rehearsals or strength and conditioning exercises, the 22-year-old ballerina tells us that she is living out her dream everyday. Before joining The Washington Ballet officially last fall, Barkman was awarded consecutive Silver Medals at two major International Ballet Competitions over the summer. Advice to novice dancers? “Stay true to yourself. Work hard and live fearlessly in your own unique pursuit of excellence.”
Ryan Ross Chief Information Officer, Halcyon Incubator
Sofia Royce Public Relations Director, The Brand Guild
Rob Rubba Chef, Oyster Oyster
Marissa Rubenstein Events and Experiential Marketing Director, Brightest Young Things
Ali Rubin Senior Vice President, External Affairs, Axios
Reem Sadik Law Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals
Isoke Salaam Founder, Isoke Salaam PR
Steve Salis Real Estate Entrepreneur; Owner, Kramerbooks and Ted’s Bulletin
Boris Sanchez White House Correspondent, CNN
Sarah Sanders Press Secretary, The White House
Samantha Sault Author, “Moon Washington DC” Hachette
Kyle Schmitz President & Chief Creative Officer, KONNECTED Media Group
Justin Schuble Food Blogger, DCFoodPorn
Nikki Schwab Washington Reporter, New York Post
Hunter Schwarz Politics Reporter, CNN
Ryan Seelbach Founder and CEO, Seelbach Entertainment Group
Prince Christian Selassie Filmmaker
Prince Rufael Selassie Writer
Rina Shah Co-Founder, Women’s Public Leadership Network
Sultan Shakir Executive Director, SMYAL
Katie Shannon Managing Partner, 2622 Events
Jeff Sheely Co-Founder, UrbanStems
Markette Sheppard Host, WUSA 9’s “Great Day Washington”
Erika Gutierrez Sheridan Director of Marketing, Compass Real Estate
Jake Sherman Co-Author, “Politico Playbook”
Stuart Siciliano Partner, Hamilton Place Strategies
Hafsa Siddiqi Senior Account Executive, MoKi Media
Jessica Sidman Food Writer, Washingtonian
Aaron Silverman Chef and Owner, Rose’s Luxury and Pineapples & Pearls
Holley Simmons Owner, She Loves Me
Alex Skatell Founder and CEO, IJR
Farrah Skeiky Creative/Culture Manager, The LINE DC
Rep. Xochitl Torres Small U.S. Congresswoman (D-New Mexico)
Alex Smith Quarterback, Washington Redskins
Moira Bagley Smith Communications Consultant
Peggy Sparks Director, Artist’s Proof Gallery
Johnny Spero Chef and Owner, Reverie
Erica Spevack Associate, Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP
Anna Spiegel Food Writer, Washingtonian
Nick Stefanelli Chef and Owner, Masseria and Officina
Rep. Elise Stefanik U.S. Congresswoman (R-New York)
Rep. Bryan Steil U.S. Congressman (R-Wisconsin)
Sam Stein Political Editor, The Daily Beast
Carlie Steiner Co-Owner and Beverage Director, Himitsu
Frederique Stephanie Head of Public Relations, TAA Public Relations; Owner, The Pop Up House
Sophie Stich Owner, Toastworthy
Eli Stokols White House Reporter, LA Times
Stephen Strasburg Pitcher, Washington Nationals
Harrison Suarez Co-Founder, Compass Coffee
Heather Darazs Sullivan Creative Services Manager, CBS Corporation
Rep. Eric Swalwell U.S. Congressman (D-Calif.)
Jonathan Swan National Political Reporter, Axios
Daniel Swartz Photographer
Martin Swift Artist
Alexandra Tallulah Blogger, “In My Bowl”
Karin Tanabe Novelist
Kayla Tausche Washington Correspondent, CNBC
Steve Taylor Principal Software Engineer, Sophos
Kevin Tien Chef and Co-Owner, Himitsu
Vicky Theodorou Founder, Heirloom Catering
Shaunna Thomas Co-Founder, WeAreUltraViolet.org
Shawna Thomas Washington Bureau Chief, Vice News
Alex Thompson National Political Reporter, Politico
Arienne Thompson Director of Public Relations, MoKi Media
Chris Thompson Running Back, Washington Redskins
Kathryn Tkel Actor
Elliot Totah President, Oxbridge Group
Ivanka Trump Advisor to the President, The White House
Tiffany Trump Law Student, Georgetown University
Claudia Uceda Correspondent, Univision
Rep. Lauren Underwood U.S. Congresswoman (D-Illinois)
Jennifer Vasquez Senior Producer, NBC
Jayne Visser President, Montana State Society
September Rinnier Votta Co-Founder, Tuckernuck
Jakub Vrana Forward, Washington Capitals
Reed Walker Co-Founder, Cotton & Reed Distillery
John Wall Point Guard, Washington Wizards
Read Wall President, Read Wall
Lindsay Walters Deputy Press Secretary, The White House
Kate Warren Photographer, GoKateShoot
Morgan Hungerford West Founder, A Creative DC; Creative/Culture Director, The LINE DC
Alexis Williams Executive Vice President, The Stagwell Group
Antonio Williams Senior Director of Government and External Affairs, Comcast
Wendi Wallace Director, Political Outreach, Planned Parenthood
Kelsie Wendelberger Director of Scheduling, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson
Gary Williams Co-Founder, Creative Theory
Raffi Williams Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Justin Wilson Mayor, Alexandria, Va.
Tom Wilson Right Wing, Washington Capitals
Ben Wikler Washington Director, MoveOn.org
Jaysen Wright Actor
Ann Yang Co-Founder, Misfit Foods
Nikki Yazdanian Co-Founder, Wylie Grey
Maimouna Youssef Singer and Musician
Shireen Zaman Program Director, Rise Together Fund, Proteus Fund
Jarred Zuccari Associate Producer, Hamilton Insurance Agency
Jason Zuccari Vice President of Business Development, Hamilton Insurance Agency