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.

Read the Press Release

Meet This Year’s Nominees

Samantha Clarke

Samantha (Sam) is a career nonprofit social services leader with 28 years of experience serving child and adult victims of trauma through direct service, systems change, and advocacy. She currently serves as CEO of LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services in Loudoun County, where she lives with her Great Dane and three cats and enjoys exploring plant nurseries and building her plant collection, playing the cello, and animal rescue work.

Carmen Felder

Carmen is a Loudoun County native, public figure, and TV personality featured on BRAVO, Fox 5 DC, and the OWN Network. A Disabled U.S. Air Force Veteran, she served during Operation Enduring Freedom and supported Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. She is the founder of Authentic Connections, a PR and brand management firm, and president of the 89 Ways To Give Foundation, through which she has raised over $500,000 and assisted more than 5,000 families. Carmen also led the creation of Loudoun’s first Black History Mural and enjoys mentoring others, uplifting local businesses, and celebrating the legacy of Black excellence in her community.

Heather Gottlieb

Heather is a dynamic force in Loudoun County whose unwavering commitment to advocacy and community empowerment has transformed lives and uplifted voices. A tireless champion for women and girls, she has led grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and nonprofit efforts—all rooted in a deep belief in equity and justice.
Her work has amplified marginalized voices, broken down systemic barriers, and inspired future leaders to rise with purpose and passion. Heather finds joy in creating inclusive spaces where every voice is valued, and she continues to build a Loudoun where women and girls lead boldly and thrive unapologetically.

Rebecca Hoey

Rebecca is the Director of Legal Services at LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Legal Services, where she has spent the past seven years representing survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in family law and protective order cases. A graduate of American University Washington College of Law and a Virginia State Bar member since 2002, she also oversees all legal services offered at LAWS.

Deeply involved in her profession and community, Rebecca is an active member of the Loudoun County Bar Association and the Virginia Women Attorneys Association, serving on numerous committees focused on diversity, access to justice, and community support. Outside of her legal work, Rebecca has volunteered extensively in Loudoun County schools, youth sports leagues, and at her church. She lives in Loudoun with her husband and two sons, and has proudly called the county home for 25 years.

Lisa Jones

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.

Ashley Koranteng

Ashley is a passionate leader, mentor, and advocate for women’s sports, serving as Owner and General Manager of Virginia Vitesse, a semi-professional women’s basketball team based in Loudoun County. With a background in public health and a commitment to servant leadership, she also serves as a Fellow with the San Antonio Spurs, where she supports human performance strategies in professional sports.
Ashley’s impact extends beyond the court—she has coached youth athletes, founded a girls mentorship program recognized by the Virginia House, and continues to guide students across Loudoun County toward personal and academic success. A graduate of LCPS and George Mason University, Ashley is devoted to empowering the next generation through sports, mentorship, and community building.

Nesrine Z. Lakis

Nesrine is the founder of Bodyfit20, Ashburn’s leading EMS fitness studio for women, where she combines her expertise as a certified EMS Fitness Trainer and NASM Certified Nutrition Coach to help clients reach their full potential. Inspired by her own journey as a dedicated mother of two, she created Bodyfit20 to offer women in Loudoun County a holistic, efficient approach to health and wellness.
Through personalized XBody EMS training and tailored nutrition plans, Nesrine empowers women to integrate fitness into their busy lives with confidence and ease, building not just strength, but a supportive and health-focused community along the way.

Maureen Miller

Maureen is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and educator whose career began in Newcastle, Australia and took her across Europe and the United States. After earning top honors in Royal Academy dance examinations and training on scholarship in Cannes, France, she became the first foreign dancer accepted into the Slovene National Ballet Company, performing across Europe and as a soloist with the Paris Opera.
In the U.S., she danced with the Maryland Ballet Company and served as Ballet Mistress under Petrus Bosman. A dedicated teacher for decades, Maureen has taught at leading institutions throughout the D.C. area and has been honored in *Who’s Who Among American Teachers*. She has directed her own school, led the Loudoun Ballet Company as Artistic Director, and currently serves as Ballet Director at the Loudoun School of Ballet, shaping generations of dancers with her artistry and mentorship.

Rae Mitchell

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

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

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.

Katie Schneider

Katie is the owner of TMMG Promos LLC, a woman-owned business specializing in branding strategies, promotional products, and events that help clients showcase their brands with pride and purpose. Under her leadership, TMMG Promos has earned numerous accolades, including Main Street Small Business of the Year, Loudoun Chamber Small Business and Community Leader of the Year finalist, and multiple *Best of Loudoun* honors.
A proud member of the Loudoun 100, Loudoun 40 Under 40, and Leadership Loudoun Class of 2021, Katie is deeply involved in her community through the Chamber and other initiatives. She’s also a single mom to two boys, Maddox and Ryder, and has completed three Dopey Challenges at Disney—proving she tackles life’s marathons with heart and hustle.

Nene Spivy

Nene is the Executive Director of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, where she has led since 2010 as one of its original founders. Under her leadership, the Children’s Science Center Lab opened in 2015 and has since served hundreds of thousands through engaging STEM programs across the region. She now leads the development of a world-class interactive science center in Loudoun through a public-private partnership with local and state entities.

With a background in engineering and business, Nene brings deep experience in nonprofit and tech-sector leadership. She serves on multiple boards, including the Association of Science and Technology Centers and the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, and is a graduate of Virginia Tech and UVA’s Darden School. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, paddling, and skiing with her husband and three adult children.

Breana Turner

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

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 Wheeler

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.

Laurie Young

Laurie is the Executive Director of Legacy Farms, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering neurodivergent individuals ages 16 and up through vocational training, personal development, and entrepreneurial opportunities. She is also the founder of Legacy Blooms, a specialty-cut flower business operated within the organization that models the success of inclusive, neurodiverse enterprises.
With a focus on growth, purpose, and connection, Laurie leads with compassion and innovation—cultivating not just beautiful blooms, but meaningful lives and strong community ties through every initiative at Legacy Farms.

Join Us at the Induction Luncheon

On May 13, 2025, the second biennial Loudoun Women’s Hall of Fame Inductees will be honored, and we hope you will be present to witness and share in the stories of the women shaping Loudoun’s history with courage, leadership, intelligence, compassion and creativity.

2025 Hall of Fame Sponsors

Leadership Sponsors

Backflow Technology

Stacey Metcalfe

Empower Sponsor

You’ve Got Maids of NOVA

Join our Hall of Fame supporters on May 13 to help preserve and celebrate the achievements of Loudoun’s extraordinary women. Your support will inspire future generations of women and girls to achieve their goals.

Become a Hall of Fame Supporter

View the 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees here.