Loudoun Women’s

Hall of Fame

 
 

preserving and amplifying the legacy of Loudoun's most extraordinary women and inspiring future generations of women and girls to greater achievement.

In 2023, The Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls established the first-ever Loudoun Women’s Hall of Fame (HOF) to share the stories of the women who shaped our county’s history with courage, leadership, intelligence, compassion and creativity in Arts, Community Service, Education, Leadership, Health, Science, Social Justice and Business.

Meet This Year’s Inductees

Lisa Jones — Trailblazer

Lisa is the founder of the Silence No More Movement, a self-taught artist, Army veteran, philanthropist, business owner, and proud mom. A survivor herself, she has dedicated her life to fostering connection and healing by building bridges between survivors, local organizations, businesses, elected officials, and community members.

Through SNMM, Lisa creates empowering platforms that amplify survivor voices, provide ongoing education and training, and bring people together through creative events like the Community Dessert Battle and P7 Red Affair Fashion Show. Her art has been featured by icons such as Stevie Wonder and commissioned by the Pentagon and Howard University, reflecting her deep belief that healing and unity can thrive through both advocacy and creativity.

Rae Mitchell — Education

Rae is the Chief of Schools for Loudoun County Public Schools, a role she stepped into in 2021 after joining LCPS as Director of Elementary and Charter Schools. With 26 years of experience in education, including leadership roles in Fairfax County and Newport News, Rae brings a deep commitment to student success and educational equity.

A graduate of North Carolina State University and Old Dominion University, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Rae is passionate about mentoring women in leadership and building strong community ties. She has lived in Loudoun County for over two decades with her husband and two children, actively supporting their academic and athletic pursuits while continuing to uplift future leaders in education.

Jennifer Montgomery — Community Leadership

Jennifer is a lifelong Loudoun resident and the President and CEO of Loudoun Hunger Relief, where she has spent over a decade leading efforts to combat food insecurity in the community. Under her leadership, LHR launched the Nonprofit Community Services Center in 2023, featuring a choice-model Free Food Market and serving as a hub for collaborative human services.

With a background in executive roles at Loudoun Free Clinic and Loudoun Cares, Jennifer brings deep experience in nonprofit and local government work. She holds degrees from East Carolina University and Griffith University in Australia, and currently serves on the Virginia Commission to End Hunger and the board of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce. Jennifer lives in Leesburg with her husband, Chris, and their two children.

Danielle Nadler — Community Leadership

Danielle is the Executive Director of the Loudoun Education Foundation, a role she has held since 2021 after a 16-year career in journalism. She brings a storyteller’s heart and a deep commitment to education, using her strong community ties to inspire support for students and educators across the county.

Raised by a public school teacher and a youth pastor, Danielle grew up witnessing the power of service and mentorship. Her leadership has earned her recognition as Loudoun County's Nonprofit Executive of the Year in 2023, a testament to her passion for helping young people thrive.

Breana Turner — Trailblazer

Breana is a dedicated advocate and researcher for Black women’s health and wellness, currently pursuing her PhD in Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health at Virginia Tech. A proud Loudoun County native, she founded Becoming HealthyHer, a community health initiative that empowers women through education, advocacy, and self-care.

Known as The Princess and the PhD, Breana made history as the first Miss Virginia Volunteer and recently served as Miss Loudoun County 2024, placing 1st Runner-Up at Miss Virginia. Her experiences growing up in Loudoun inspired her to create Sisters with Ambition, a mentorship program for girls rooted in resilience and empowerment. A proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Breana continues to inspire through her research, storytelling, and unwavering commitment to service.

Kim Tapper — Performing Arts

Kim is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of A Place To Be, a Loudoun-based nonprofit celebrating 15 years of using the power of the arts to promote healing and inclusion. With a rich background as a life coach, grief coach, expressive arts therapy practitioner, and former dancer and choreographer, Kim brings a holistic approach to her work in mental wellness and community empowerment.

A sought-after speaker and workshop leader, Kim has addressed topics ranging from coping with trauma and illness to building resilience and self-worth. She’s a former Chair of the Loudoun Chamber’s Nonprofit Initiative Committee, an active member of the Loudoun Human Services Network, and has called Loudoun County home for 25 years.

Crystal Lily- Wheeler — Athletics

Crystal is a dynamic leader and proud Fayetteville, North Carolina native who currently serves as Chief People Officer at KG&P Strategies, where she brings a people-first, strategic approach to organizational growth. Deeply rooted in service, Crystal leads as President of the Loudoun County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and holds leadership roles in Jack and Jill of America, The Links, Incorporated, and the Twelve Days of Christmas, Loudoun Chapter.

With a background in marketing, a master’s in business and industry training, and credentials as a Master Certified Life Coach, Crystal is also an author, youth basketball coach, and board member for National Capital Treatment & Recovery. A devoted mom to Miles and Morgan, she lives with passion, balance, and purpose—uplifting others while honoring her grandmother’s enduring legacy.

Leadership Sponsors

Backflow Technology

Stacey Metcalfe


Empower Sponsors

ARM CONSULTING

You’ve Got Maids of NOVA


View the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees here.