VIP Alexandria Magazine | February 2021

Page 8

CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT

Story by Liesel Schmidt

As we age, our brains go through many changes. Neuropathways are built and re-built, memories are made and stored away, skills are learned. But all of that can be lost; and cognitive function becomes a concern in the later years of our lives. Studying those changes is part of the role of a neuroscientist; and since November of 2019, Rachel Lazarus has been bringing her knowledge in the field to AARP’s Staying Sharp product. “I was strongly drawn to AARP's mission to empower all of us to choose how to live as we age,” says Lazarus, who received her PhD in June 2015. “I was also deeply impressed by AARP's Staying Sharp product, which is a personalized digital platform dedicated to educating users how holistic, lifestylebased behaviors may influence cognitive changes as we age. They were looking for a neuroscientist to assess the effectiveness of the program— someone to characterize how Staying Sharp might affect cognitive health outcomes. I threw my hat in the ring and joined the team.” A passionate lover of science, Lazarus also strongly believes that it should be accessible and understandable to everyone. As such, she greatly supports AARP’s mission with Staying Sharp. “I believe that the program represents the future of brain health: Proactive, rather than reactive, approaches in taking personal agency or is this accountability for how we experience cognitive

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aging,” she explains. “Rather than promising a ‘magic bullet’ or pill to ‘fix’ the aging brain, Staying Sharp provides an integrated approach to help our users learn, practice and apply everyday behavioral changes that may impact cognition. We are empowering our users to take control of their brain health while simultaneously translating the most up-to-date advances in age-related cognitive neuroscience for the public. It is a very exciting and fulfilling opportunity, both professional and personally.” An active member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Lazarus was named one of Alexandria Chamber's 40 Under 40 for 2020. “It has been a pleasure getting to know the other members of the Alexandria Chamber, particularly the other members in the 2020 40 Under 40 cohort!” she says. “In addition to learning about the remarkable accomplishments of my ‘classmates,’ the program has allowed me to engage in some great networking opportunities. Joining the Chamber plugs you into some of the most exciting developments happening all around the city, and there are tons of events for local professionals—all of whom care deeply about the City of Alexandria and its residents.” For more information on the 40 Under 40 Awards Program and The Chamber ALX, contact LPATISH@thechamberalx.com


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Articles inside

Go Love Yourself: A Guide to Valentine's Day

3min
pages 50-51

Megan Podolsky

1min
page 47

Date Night Is Not Dead: Subscription Boxes for Date Nights at Home

3min
pages 56-60

Spring/Summer 2021 Fashion Trends

3min
pages 54-55

Kristen Jones

2min
pages 48-49

Marilyn Patterson

1min
page 46

Allison Priebe

1min
page 45

Maurisa Turner Potts

2min
page 44

Nicole McGrew

1min
page 43

Jessica Buchanan

2min
page 34

Danielle Romanetti

1min
page 36

Dr. Kathleen Mullaney

1min
page 42

Kelly Grant

2min
page 41

Drink to Your Health: How Red Wine Helps

3min
pages 39-40

Sarah Akram

1min
pages 37-38

Dr. Tammy Mann

1min
page 35

Betsy Weissman

1min
page 33

Salute to Service (DCUC): Synergy Helping

6min
pages 10-13

Celebrating Black History Month with

3min
pages 14-19

Go Red for Women: Behind the Scenes at

0
pages 30-31

Michelle Millben

1min
page 32

Manumission Tours A Taste of France

6min
pages 20-23

Man Cave: 3 Parts Man | The Frank Mills Story

7min
pages 24-27

Winter Skincare Tips for a Radiant Glow

3min
pages 28-29

The Chamber ALX Spotlight: Rachel Lazarus

2min
pages 8-9
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