CHANGE MAKERS

Kristina Nohe

“Changemakers” highlights the people of Prince William who are making a difference in our community. This month, we feature Kristina Nohe.

An accomplished leader, writer and advocate, Kristina Nohe’s influence knows no bounds. Her commitment to Prince William is shown in her contributions to the arts, education and more through organizations such as the Hylton Performing Arts Center and the Woodbridge Homeschool Co-op, among many others. And when she’s not working or volunteering, you can find her joining the community in any of the various events or attractions the area has to offer.

How long have you lived in the Prince William area, and what do you most like about living here?

I lived in Prince William as a child when my father was stationed at the Washington Navy Yard, but, as it goes with the military, we were only here for a few years. I returned in 2001 and cannot imagine living anywhere else. The diversity of this area exists on many levels from the landscapes to the people to the culture and the economic opportunities. Prince William is the place people land, bringing a little bit of everywhere else they’ve lived with them.

What are some of your favorite things to do in the area and why?

I enjoy doing just about anything that gathers people together, be that a performance at the Hylton Performing Arts Center, dinner out with friends or a community event like the Dale City Independence Day Parade or the annual Manassas African-American Heritage Festival. Prince William is a vibrant community, and it’s a joy to get out and be a part of it.

How have you been involved in the community?

I serve on the Executive Board of the Hylton Performing Arts Center as well as serve on their Education and Governance committees. I have served on two Strategic Planning Committees for Prince William and am a former member of the Prince William County Arts Council. Additionally, I am a member of the Gainesville chapter of Be the Bridge, a group dedicated to empowering people to move toward racial healing, equity and reconciliation.

I am on the Board of the Woodbridge Homeschool Co-op as well, where I also teach. My guiding philosophy when teaching is that it is more important for my students to know how to think than knowing what to think. I am about to enter my 14th year being involved in the Prince William homeschool community, and it is amazing how much we have grown and thrived due to our area’s support.

Along with these activities, I also write for Bearing Drift, a conservative political blog, and Be the Grey Squirrel, my personal blog.

In addition to my personal community involvement, my husband Marty and I have been involved with the Food Rescue program at ACTS since its inception, and we are both members of the Prince William NAACP. We have also been involved in a number of child welfare advocacy and adoption campaigns throughout the years.

If you had to give advice to someone new to the area, what would you tell them and why?

This area is vibrant and welcoming. There is a place for everyone, so go out and find yours.

How would you describe yourself in a few sentences?

Kristina Nohe is a homeschooling mom, writer, political activist and adoption advocate who is proud to be from Prince William but does not suffer fools lightly or quietly. She has lived in Prince William for over 20 years collectively, but she doubts she will ever learn to love the winters here. Her greatest achievement is raising her four children, but a close second is her amazing lasagna.

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