Washington Life Magazine - February 2015

<< Congressional Power Players:

Democrat Tulsi Gabbard and Republican Jaime Herrera Beutler

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FEBRUARY 2015 EDITOR'S LETTER

SPECIAL FEATURES THE YOUNG AND THE GUEST LIST ...............................

FYIDC INSIDER'S GUIDE ....................................

WHO'S NEXT Patrick Gage ...........................

Open World Leadership Center's 15th Anniversary Tribute to James H. Billington............

AL JAZEERA Q&A America Ascending ................

Teach for America Benefit ........................................

Face the Nation's 60th Anniversary ...........................

ICON 14 Dinner and Talent Showcase .....................

ICFJ 30th Anniversary Awards Dinner ......................

S&R Foundation Illuminate....................................

NMWA Benefit Concert ........................................

LIFESTYLES

Fair Chance Butterfly Bash .....................................

FASHION EDITORIAL Transitional Nature .........

TREND REPORT Get Sporty ............................

Russian Ball .......................................................

Saks Jandel Holiday Brunch and Fashion Show and Q&A with Rosetta Getty ..............

Berim Fellows Program ..........................................

Getting Cozy with the Stars ...................................

THE DISH Victor Albisu and Aaron Gordon .............

Kennedy Center Honors Brunch ..............................

Inova Patient Tower Dedication.................................

Washington International Auto Show .........................

Kennedy Center Honors.........................................

Lab School Gala ..................................................

PERFECT PITCH Center Stage ..........................

RARIA Essay Contest..........................................

Heroines of Washington Gala ...................................

ChildHelp Annual Fashion Show at Saks...................

EMBASSY ROW Supporting France ....................

ESA 20th Anniversary ..........................................

Mervis Diamonds Holiday Party ..............................

Woodley House Benefit ..........................................

Foreign Policy's 2014 Diplomat of theYear Award Dinner ...........................

WASHINGTON SOCIAL DIARY

NARAL's D.C. Men for Choice Happy Hour ............

LBJ Liberty and Justice for All Awards .......................

AROUND TOWN Journeys of Note.....................

Catalogue of Philanthropy Award Dinner ................

WOLA Human Rights Awards Gala .......................

Choral Arts Concert and Gala .................................

Parties! Parties! Parties!........................................

Beyond the Berlin Wall Reception .............................

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT Chance for Life .............

Ted Turner Portrait Unveiling ...................................

Washington Winter Show .....................................

HOME LIFE

Lombardi Gala ....................................................

Noche de Pasion:The Tango Soiree ............................

Joel Klein Book Party ............................................

Habitat for Humanity's Raising the Roof ....................

Vincent Scully Prize Dinner ....................................

OVER THE MOON Generous Giving .................

INSIDE HOMES Carisa and Slim Suleman ......

REAL ESTATE NEWS Super-Sized Sales .............

OPEN HOUSE Unique Finds ............................

Opera Camerata of Washington Gala.........................

Spanish Catholic Center Gala .................................

MY WASHINGTON Kim Sajet ...........................

POLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

Share Our Strength Holiday Cookie Party ..................

Capital for Children's Texas Hold'Em Tournament ........

ON THE COVER Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) photographed in the Longworth Building for the 2015 Young and the Guest List (Photo by Tony Powell) TOP FROM LEFT "Transitional Nature"fashion editorial (Photo by Anthony Poff, see inside for full crew credits. Shopping credits: STELLA MCCARTNEY swallows dress ($1,735), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-657-9000; TIFFANY AND CO. “Atlas” wide cuff in sterling silver ($1,950) and TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” square bracelet in 18k gold ($5,000), 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-893-7700); Trudie Styler and Sting at the Kennedy Center Honors (Photo by Tony Powell); Brianna Keilar and Kristen Welker photographed at NBC Studios for the 2015 Young and the Guest List (Photo by Tony Powell); Bradley Cooper at the Washington premiere of "American Sniper"(Photo by John Arundel). ABOVE: GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI croc-effect leather high-top sneakers ($695), net-a-porter.com.

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T H E I N S I D E R’S G U I D E TO P OW E R , P H I L A N T H R O PY, A N D SO C I E T Y S I N C E 1 9 9 1

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Nancy Reynolds Bagley SENIOR EDITORS

Kevin Chaffee Virginia Coyne MANAGING EDITOR

Alison McLaughlin DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

Laura Wainman ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Erica Moody COLUMNISTS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Janet Donovan, Roland Flamini, Patrick McCoy,Vicky Moon, Stacey Grazier Pfarr and Donna Shor ART DIRECTOR

Matt Rippetoe PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Tony Powell CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joseph Allen, Ben Droz, Alfredo Flores,Vithaya Phongsavan, Anthony Poff, Kyle Samperton and Jay Snap

PUBLISHER & CEO

Soroush Richard Shehabi ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

John H. Arundel ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Todd Kapner ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Denise Rossi BOOKKEEPER

Trina Hodges WEB TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT

Eddie Saleh,Triposs Mihail Iliev LEGAL

Mason Hammond Drake, Greenberg Traurig LLP INTERNS

Caroline Sandholm FOUNDER

Vicki Bagley CREATIVE DIRECTOR EMERITUS (*)

J.C. Suarès CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE BOARD

Gerry Byrne Washington Life magazine publishes ten times a year. Issues are distributed in February, March, April, May, June, July/August, September, November, and December and are hand-delivered on a rotating basis to over 150,000 homes throughout D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. Additional copies are available at various upscale retailers, hotels, select newstands, and Whole Foods stores in the area. For a complete listing, please consult our website at www.washingtonlife.com. You can also subscribe online at www.washingtonlife.com or send a check for $79.95 (one year) to: Washington Life Magazine, 2301 Tracy Place NW, Washington D.C., 20008. BPA audited. Email us at info@washingtonlife.com with press releases, tips, and editorial comments. Copyright ©2011 by Washington Life. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial content or photos in any manner without permission is strictly prohibited. Printed in the United States. We will not be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. *deceased

EDITOR’S LETTER

The Young and Mighty I

t’s hard to believe it has been 10 years of partying with Habitat for Humanity, since the inaugural edition of our the Spanish Catholic Center, Catalogue of Young and the Guest List. When we Philanthropy and at the Russian Ball, our first published this feature in 2006, I pages are chock full of glamorous soirées. urged readers not to mistake “young” Next month we will have the inside for “green” as those we included were scoop from the Meridian International on the cutting edge of our capital Center’s “A Path Appears” reception city’s revitalization. The same holds with Ashley Judd, CNMC’s Dancing true for our 2015 YGL class. Though After Dark, the Art in Embassies Awards Washington has grown and changed in Luncheon and much more. innumerable ways in the last decade, Keep your calendars open this month these accomplished men and women for the Alvin Ailey American Dance remain the names behind the tremendous Theater Opening Night Benefit, Studio Follow Washington Life on Instagram (@washingtonlife) changes here. These professionals from Theatre’s gala, the opening of the for more snaps of our adventures around town. numerous fields and political persuasions Phillips Collection’s “Man Ray-Human are stealing headlines and helping make the world a better place.

Equations” exhibit and the Heroes Curing Childhood Cancer Gala.

Our cover stars, Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Jaime With this issue, Washington Life welcomes aboard two new Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.), have reached across party lines to pass members of our staff: Editor Virginia Coyne and Associate Editor legislation helping veterans and small business owners respectively.

Erica Moody. Look for them around town and stop to say hello.

You’ll also meet the Ebola Task Force specialist who led a burial Lastly, if you aren’t already following along, be sure to check team in Liberia and the House Foreign Affairs Committee staffer us out on social media, Instagram and Twitter (@washingtonlife) who convinces members to set aside politics and create true and Facebook (@Washington Life Magazine), to see more of diplomacy across the globe. our adventures, such as the insta-snaps above. From cheering on We are constantly asked about the requirements for making Washington’s athletes to sampling the hottest new culinary delights, it onto the YGL list, and even more often how we choose those Washington Life is covering it all, and now sharing it with you who are featured in the accompanying photographs. The process instantaneously. is a little different each year, but in 2015 there was one defining characteristic among those whom we selected: personality. This group has it in spades.You’ll read our favorite behind-the-scenes tidbits, accompanied by portraits taken by principal photographer Tony Powell, starting on page 32.

With temperatures below freezing as we write, it is hard to imagine that spring is right around the corner. This month’s fashion Nancy R. Bagley editorial, shot in the quaint town of Occoquan,Va., will inspire you Editor in Chief to get ready to bare those legs. If you are feeling like edging up your style even more this season, our trend report is for you. You’ll Readers wishing to contact Nancy Bagley can email her at nbagley@washingtonlife.com discover how to master the sporty look without breaking a sweat.

We may have slowed down a bit over the holiday season, but we made it to the most high-profile events in town to bring you our signature party coverage. From fashion shows at Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks Jandel to the Choral Arts Society’s gala, happy hours with NARAL, poker tournaments with Capital for Children and plenty

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FYIDC The Insiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Washington

BY ERICA MOODY

FORDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

A controversial figure in her own right, former first lady Mary Lincoln is getting her time on the stage, in James Stillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Widow Lincoln.â&#x20AC;?

The play is part of the event series, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 150: Remembering the Lincoln Assassination,â&#x20AC;? at the historic Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre. Mary Bacon plays a sympathetic Lincoln, mourning her husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death in the weeks following his assassination.

Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault calls the Photo by Scott Suchman play a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fresh look at the familiar Lincoln story.â&#x20AC;?

The talented Stephen Rayne directs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Widow Lincolnâ&#x20AC;? runs through Feb. 22 at Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre,511 Tenth Street NW, www.fords.org.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;MAN RAYâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;HUMAN EQUATIONSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

SURREALIST ART Art and science intersect in â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man Rayâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Human Equations,â&#x20AC;? an exhibition of the famous visual artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s series of paintings, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shakespearean Equations.â&#x20AC;?

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re displayed, for the first time, with the original mathematical models that inspired the series and Rayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photographs of the objects. Take your time viewing over 100 pieces, and ponder why Ray considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;Shakespearean Equationsâ&#x20AC;? the height of his creative vision. Feb. 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 10 at the Phillips Collection, 1600 21st Street NW, 202.387.2151. www.phillipscollection.org.

CELEBRITY CHEF TOUR

Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day SPECIALS

IMPRESS YOUR DATE

Romance at The Ritz: Enjoy a romantic staycation at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Corner for Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day weekend. The hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cupid Conciergeâ&#x20AC;? package begins at $329 per night and includes a bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate covered strawberries, breakfast for two and valet parking. The concierge assists with coordinating the perfect Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, whatever your needs may be. Valid Feb. 12 through Feb. 15.The Ritz-Carlton,Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner, 1700 Tysons Boulevard, McLean,VA 22102, 703.506.4300.

Date Night Dining: Chef Fabio Trabocchiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renowned Italian restaurants, Fiola,

Casa Luca and Fiola Mara, are spreading the love with Valentineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day weekend tasting menus. Take your sweetie to a five-course meal, and remember to order the Alba white truffles. Contact the restaurants for reservations.

SUGAR & CHAMPAGNE

FOR THE ANIMALS

Bring your pooches to the Washington Humane Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sugar & Champagne Affair,â&#x20AC;? a dessert and champagne reception showcasing Washingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Photo by Pavni Guharoy most talented pastry chefs. The â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exclusive Experienceâ&#x20AC;? ticket offers food demonstrations from Chef Todd Gray, sugar-pulling tutorials by Co Co. Sala and the opportunity to make your own truffles. All proceeds directly benefit the animals and programs of the Washington Humane Society. Feb. 4 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, support.washhumane.org.

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JAMES BEARD DINNER

Interact with your favorite chefs at the James Beard Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Celebrity Chef Tour dinner, a multi-course meal prepared by some of the best chefs in the country. This year, the tour is coming to Del Campo, with chefs to include local favorites Scott Drewno (The Source by Wolfgang Puck), Danny Lee (Mandu), Haidar Karoum (Doi Moi, Estadio and Proof), Jonah Kim (Yona) and more. Feb. 11 at Del Campo, 777 I St. NW, 6:30 p.m., price $195, www. jamesbeard.org. For questions about reservations, call 720.201.1853.

FILM FESTIVALS

JEWISH AND IRANIAN Catch up on movies with two film festivals this month, the Washington Jewish Film Festival (WJFF) and the Iranian Film Festival. The WJFF, one of the largest Jewish film fests in North America, is in its 25th year. Over 80 documentary and narrative films will be shown at venues across the metropolitan area. Many screenings are U.S. or world premieres, and are followed by discussions with filmmakers and subject matter experts. Feb.19-March 1. www.wjff.org.

In addition, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the last week of the 19th annual Iranian Film Festival at Freer Gallery. of Art. Films include â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fifi Howls from Happiness,â&#x20AC;? a documentary on the life of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Persian Picassoâ&#x20AC;? Bahman Mohasses, a famous artist in pre-revolutionary Iran. Through Feb. 8 at the Freer Gallery of Art, Jefferson Drive at 12th Street SW. 202-633-1000.

Seating for films is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and free of charge.

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M A N R AY, S H A K E S P E A R E A N E Q U AT I O N , T W E L F T H N I G H T, 1 94 8 . C O U R T E S Y M A N R AY T R U S T / A R T I S T S RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS) / ADAG P, PARIS 2015. PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEE STALSWORTH. C H E F A NT H O N Y L AM A S . CO U RT E SY O F AN T H O N Y L A M A S

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;THE WIDOW LINCOLNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

FYIDC | WHO’S NEXT

WHO’S NEXT Youth Philanthropy Advocate Patrick Gage

BY ERICA MOODY

P

atrick Gage, 20, calls himself a “dedicated abolitionist” who is passionate about bringing an end to human trafficking. The Georgetown University sophomore has spoken out on the issue at some of the most high-profile venues on the world stage – the White House, the United Nations and the Vatican.

An heir to the Carlson hotel and hospitality fortune (think Radisson, Country Inns and T.G.I. Fridays), Gage credits his family for inspiring his activism.

of slavery, Pope Francis has taken a stand. He’s an inspiration to the entire anti-trafficking movement.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR GREATEST PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENT SO FAR? Being invited to the Vatican, without a doubt. The symposium I attended brought 80 of the world’s best and brightest young abolitionists together to discuss a host of problems, including a depressing lack of systemic reform in the pr ivate sector. Today, corporate supply chains enslave more than 20 million people. That’s not something I can live with.

HOW DID YOU GET INTERESTED IN FIGHTING MODERN SLAVERY? My interest in fighting this contagion stems from the work of my parents and WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO g randparents; the YOUNG PEOPLE WISHING TO modern abolitionist GET INVOLVED WITH A CAUSE movement has been LIKE YOU DID? First, I would tell one of their philthem not to get discouraged. The anthropic focuses numbers can be daunting: 21-36 for many years. But million people enslaved; hundreds that’s not the whole of millions without access to clean story. About a year water; and billions living in poverty. ago, Nexus, a global But you can make a difference. Trust network of young me. Second, never let anyone tell philanthropists and you you’re too young. And third, Patrick Gage at Georgetown University Meeting the Pope (Photo by Tony Powell) s o c i a l e n t re p re don’t take no for an answer.

(Photo by Patrick Gage) neurs, asked me to speak publicly about an overwhelming sense of purpose, like God WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN TEN modern slavery for the first time (at the was telling me, “This is why you’re here, YEARS? I’ll definitely be working with White House, no less). My activism grew Patrick. This is why you were born.” That hotels, either for one company or several from there. was the day I became an abolitionist. (as an independent consultant). Believe it or not, trafficking is a big issue for them.

WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM WHAT WAS IT LIKE MEETING THE I might start a nonprofit, too. I don’t think THAT EXPERIENCE? I cannot capture in POPE? Incredible. We only exchanged a hotels collaborate enough when it comes to words how much the White House confer- few words, but I’ll never forget it. In a world fighting slavery. The organization I have in ence changed my life. I walked away with that often ignores the continued existence mind would solve that problem.

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POLLYWOOD The Nexus of Politicsďš? Hollywoodďš? Media and Diplomacy | Kennedy Center Honors, Embassy Row, WOLA Human Rights Gala and more!

Tom Hanks and Deborah Rutter at the Kennedy Center Honors Brunch (Photo by Tony Powell)

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POLLYWOOD

HOLLYWOOD ON THE POTOMAC

GETTING COZY WITH THE STARS

The Kennedy Center Honors weekend is more than a black-tie affair — the intimate Sunday Brunch allows guests to have a more up-close-and-personal encounter with the honorees.

B Y J A N E T D O N O VA N

T

he holidays came early for what is going to happen.” McBride the Kennedy Center Honors was all smiles throughout the evening recipients and the 37th and the definition of a poised annual national celebration of the ballerina, even when host Stephen arts was no exception for the 2014 Colbert joked that “if she does a honorees. Singer Al Green, actor quick hokey pokey right now” she and filmmaker Tom Hanks, ballerina could up her number of presidential Patricia McBride, singer-songwriter performances from five to six.

Sting and comedienne Lily Tomlin “It’s far and away the most elegant were recognized for their significant event,” actress Christine Baranski said contributions to American culture via about the state department dinner. the performing arts.

“You can be in the same room as great A highlight of the Washington ballerinas, musicians, rock stars and of 2014 Honoree Sting spent most of the brunch with his wife, Trudie Styler, and granddaughter Chloe Sumner (Photo by Tony Powell) cultural year, the weekend includes a course great comedians and actors. It’s lavish dinner at the state department on rare. It was unexpected, perhaps undeserved, glamorous, yet intimate.”

Saturday, an intimate Sunday brunch hosted by unbelievable, but I’m going along with it. I The Honors Gala was recorded for broadcast George Stevens Jr., the event’s producer, and went to the state department last night and on the CBS Network for the 37th consecutive his wife Liz, a pre-show reception at the White met the secretary [of state] and Jessye Norman, year as a two-hour primetime special on Dec. House and, finally, the awards ceremony at the who was extraordinary. She’s a great storyteller. 30. It has received five Emmy Awards in the Kennedy Center.

Bruce Springsteen gave me accolades. Not a last six years for Outstanding Television Special, The Honors Brunch is a coveted up- bit of truth in it, but it was wonderful and I thanks in part to George Stevens and his son, close-and-personal event with the stars at the just had a great time with all my friends.” co-producer Michael Stevens. But this year, Mandarin Oriental Hotel where a select group Actress Florence Henderson, best known the biggest shock of the weekend came in of guests mingle with the honorees. As the only for her role as Carol Brady on the ABC the show’s second act when George Stevens reporter at the brunch, I got the inside scoop. sitcom “The Brady Bunch” from 1969 to announced that 2014 would be the last Honors “They don’t give you a phone call; they 1974, chatted with us about her long history they would produce. send you a letter,” said Tomlin of how she of attending the Honors. Henderson, who “Michael and I have had an amazing team,” learned of her nomination. “Unfortunately, I serves on the Artists Committee, performed he said. “We’ve tried our best to invest this was shooting a series, so I didn’t get the letter, at the very first one in 1978 honoring program with integrity … We accept that this but had the first few lines read to me and I Richard Rodgers. “It’s such a wonderful mix will be our last Honors.This is our good night.” thought that George was just inviting me to of politics, government, show business and an The Stevenses exited to a standing come to the Honors. Then my partner Jane unusual, very unique event. Where else are ovation. Kennedy Center Chairman David called to say they were going to honor me. I you going to see, in one place,Vernon Jordan, Rubenstein, who seemed just as shocked by said, ‘no they’re not.’ It just didn’t make sense Tom Hanks and Sting?” the announcement as the audience, spoke since there are so many others out there.”

McBride revealed that even a seasoned graciously of George Stevens’ work after the We asked Sting to explain how he felt performer such as herself gets nerves before show’s finale. “He is a pioneer and innovator,” when he got word that he would also be the Honors. “I’m nervous about tonight, Rubenstein said. “He has established a honored. “It was bewildering, frankly,” he said.. because I don’t know what’s planned for me,” remarkable foundation that we will work to “Bewildering because I am English and that is she said. “The hardest thing is not knowing build upon going forward.”

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| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

George and Elizabeth Stevens with Lily Tomlin

Harolyn Blackwell and Sam Moore

Richard Sachs, Sting and Bobby Sager

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS BRUNCH

Lily Tomlin

Mandarin Oriental Hotel | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Jeffrey Cirio, Lauren Lovette, Patricia McBride and Chase Finlay

Reba McEntire

Elaine Wynn and Florence Henderson

Rev. Al Green Les Moonves and Julie Chen

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker

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Meryl Streep

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

Martin Short

Taylor Kinney and Lady Gaga

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William Cohen, Nia Boulware, Janet Langhart Cohen and Mark Williams

MARTIN LUTHER KING ESSAY CONTEST Omni Shoreham Hotel | PHOTOS BY RONALD GILBERT BAKER

Joe Madison

HONORING MLK: Playwright and journalist Janet Langhart Cohen and former Secretary of Defense William Cohen’s foundation, Race and Reconciliation in America (RARIA), hosted its inaugural Martin Luther King essay contest and luncheon for high school students to honor the civil rights leader’s legacy. Finalists from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, led by Mark Williams, chairman of the school’s English and Communications department, read and then answered rigorous questions about their essays before a panel of judges who included Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Maria Bunch, director of Education Programs at the National Archives, Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby of the D.C. Court of Appeals, SiriusXM talk-show host Joe Madison and Washington Life Editor Virginia Coyne. The first place winner, junior Nia Boulware, was visibly moved when accepting her award. a $1,000 scholarship, a Civil Rights book autographed by Bunch, a photo of the King Memorial by Ronald Gilbert Baker, dinner for four at Station 4 restaurant and tickets to a production at Arena Stage. Senior Astra Armstrong won second prize and sophomore Edward Maloney placed third.

Bill and I wanted to sponsor this essay contest to challenge young people to assess the political climate in the world today. It is my goal to increase students’ awareness and comprehension of the importance of social justice issues and inspire them to influence positive outcomes.

- Janet Langhart Cohen

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Lonnie Bunch Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigsby and William Cohen

I was most impressed with the young people and the way they expressed their ideas on such complex subjects of race and diversity.

Mark Williams Edward Maloney

We are still fighting for freedom, but I can’t help but feel there will be no peace. The tension between blacks and whites is far more complex than others try to portray it. I believe that Dr. King knew that as well.

- William S. Cohen

Astra Armstrong

- Excerpt from Nia Boulware’s winning essay

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POLLYWOOD | EMBASSY ROW

Supporting France Rare presidential visits to embassies; Lafayette, eat your heart out

BY ROLAND FLAMINI

Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, sports a “Je suis Charlie” sign on her back at the Jan. 11 Washington, D.C. march decrying recent terrorist acts in Paris. (French Embassy Photo)

REMEMBERING A TRAGIC WEEK I: The march in Washington following France’s time of troubles drew 3,500 participants. “We wanted to give the French of the region, and a lot of Americans who also marched, the opportunity to show in a very simple way their solidarity,” said French Amb. Gérard Araud, who led the march along with envoys from Italy, Hungary, Lithuania, Ukraine and the European Union.

“It’s really frustrating when you are living abroad and your country is under attack,” he said, gratified there were similar demonstrations of solidarity in 20 other American cities.

Also marching was Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, who had an “I Am Charlie” flyer pinned to her back. “I suppose I should have walked backward,” she mused after the hour-long demonstration.

REMEMBERING A TRAGIC WEEK II: As in Paris, there was no senior representative from the White House at the march. Isn’t that what U.S. vicepresidents are for? Perhaps the White House felt

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President Obama’s unannounced visit to the

Embassy of France earlier in the week was sufficient as an expression of American solidarity.

Spokesman Arnaud Guillois said that as far as his embassy was concerned, the president’s visit was “unprecedented.”

In fact, the president of the United States rarely visits Washington embassies because they are extra-territorial and he would be, in effect, setting foot in a foreign country.

The few known exceptions are the 2004 visit to the embassy of Spain by President George W. Bush in similar circumstances, following the Madrid terrorist train bombings; his earlier appearance at the embassy of Afghanistan to mark the re-opening of the diplomatic mission in the latter part of 2001; and a visit to the British Residence for a dinner hosted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2007. In the 1980s, President Ronald Reagan dined at the Embassy of Italy.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER DEPARTMENT: The Marquis de Lafayette was an unabashed self-publicist who managed to upstage the other distinguished

foreign soldiers who fought in the American Revolution. Among those he elbowed to the sidelines are the Comte de Rochambeau, the French strategist who subdued Yorktown, and Spain’s Gen. Bernardo de Galvez.

General who? De Galvez was at the center of the Spanish effort to support the Americans. “He furnished badly needed munitions, money and supplies to American troops in the Western theater,” says maritime historian Larrie D. Ferreiro, who is writing a book about Spain’s role in the War of Independence.

Galvez, Ferreiro notes, also led a Spanish army that wrested Florida from King George III’s troops. So, in 1793, the U.S. Congress, in recognition of Galvez’s role, resolved to hang his portrait in an appropriate place. Two hundred twenty-one years later, Congress got around to doing just that.

In December, following private efforts backed by lobbying by the Embassy of Spain, de Galvez’s portrait was installed in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing room, and both houses voted to grant de Galvez honorary U.S. citizenship, an extremely rare distinction.

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) speaks at the dedication of the portrait of Gen. Bernardo de Galvez in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing Room as Spanish Amb. Ramon Gil-Casares looks on. (EFE Agency Photo)

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David Rothkopf

Fred Hochberg, Christine Lagarde and Sec. of Commerce Penny Pritzker

Marc Mealy and Leigh Freund Ben Chang and Alyse Nelson

FOREIGN POLICY MAGAZINE’S DIPLOMAT OF THE YEAR AWARD Mandarin Oriental Hotel | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL DIPLOMATIC RECEPTION: International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde received Foreign Policy Magazine’s prestigious 2014 “Diplomat of the Year” award at a dinner hosted by Foreign Policy Group’s CEO and Editor David Rothkopf. In her acceptance speech, Lagarde urged Congress to pass a package of IMF reforms and funding increases. Among those in a*endance to honor the first woman to head the IMF were Export-Import Bank President and CEO Fred Hochberg and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritziker, who called Lagarde “an icon” and “an extraordinary leader.”

Gerard Rice, Hungarian Amb. György Szapáry, Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and John Lipsky

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Madeleine Levin and Joshua Levin

Rep. John Dingell, Lynda Johnson Robb, Luci Baines Johnson and Rep. John Lewis (Photo by Emily Clack) Bob Schieffer

WL EXCLUSIVE

Judge Thomas Motley, Sherri Evans Harris and Judge Zoe Bush

LBJ AWARDS DINNER The Newseum | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL HONORING LBJ’s LEGACY: Rep. John Dingell and Sen. Carl Levin, both Michigan Democrats, were honored with the LBJ Foundation’s Liberty and Justice for All award for embodying President Johnson’s belief that every citizen should share the same civil liberty protections. CBS’s Bob Schieffer served as master of ceremonies at the event benefiting the LBJ School of Public Affairs Washington Center. Special guests included the inaugural recipient of the award, Rep. John Lewis, as well as Sen. Jack Reed and Adm. William H. McRaven.

Pat and Andrew Levin with Shelton Yoncy VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Sen. Carl Levin 25

POLLYWOOD

Janice O’Connell and Rep. Jim McGovern

Rep. George Miller and Rep. Rosa DeLauro

WOLA HUMAN RIGHTS AWARDS Union Station | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES

Rep. Beto O’Rourke, Maureen Meyer and Aaron Wolf Joy Olson and Chilean Amb. Juan Gabriel Valdés Soublette

MARKING A MILESTONE: The Washington Office on Latin America threw its biggest Human Rights Awards ceremony ever to celebrate its 40th anniversary. More than 400 guests, including senior administration officials, members of Congress, foreign ambassadors and leaders in the international community filled Union Station’s East Hall to honor Rep. George Miller and former a*orney general of Guatemala Claudia Paz y Paz for their tireless pursuit of human rights in the Americas. “WOLA was founded in the same year I was elected to Congress,” Miller said, “and for four decades I have relied on them to educate, agitate, and give voice to the voiceless in our shared ba*le for human rights and social justice throughout the region. Guests stayed on for musical performances from singer Gina Chavez and the Brazilian jazz group, DC Choro Chircle.

El Salvadoran Amb. Francisco Altschul and Mark Lopes

Oscar Ishizawa, Chantal Berthet and Marco Velarde

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Gen. Brent Scowcroft

German Amb. Peter Wittig, with Gerbils and Horst Teltschik

Barry Pavel, Damon Wilson and Swedish Amb. Björn Lyrvall

Syreta Haggray and Annika Schechinger

25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL The German Embassy | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP

Frederick Kempe and Klaus-Ewald Holst

BEYOND THE BERLIN WALL: A one-of-a-kind, three-ton segment of the world’s most infamous barrier to freedom was unveiled at the German Embassy in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Former National Security Advisor Brent Scowcro added the final signature to the piece, which arrived in Washington a<er being signed by luminaries who played a role in bringing the Cold War to an end, including former German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. The signed section of the wall will remain her as a reminder of the three nations’ shared history. The evening was hosted by the German Embassy, the Atlantic Council and supported by the Konrad-AdenauerSti<ung Foundation.

Rich and Carol Barth VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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Rhett Turner, Ted Turner, Laura Turner Seydel, John Seydel and Rutherford Seydel

Al Hunt and Maureen Orth

Holly Page and Melissa Moss

TED TURNER PORTRAIT UNVEILING National Portrait Gallery | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL 29th CENTURY TITAN: Ted Turner won’t just be remembered for starting CNN, the cable TV network that was first to broadcast the news 24/7/365 throughout the entire world. The legendary entrepreneur is also famed as a land conservationist, winner of the America’s Cup and donor of $1 billion to sustain the U.N. Foundation’s mission to support child health, energy and climate change research, sustainable development and other causes. “He aims high and always hits the bull’s eye until he reaches ‘Mission Impossible,’” former Sen. Sam Nunn said as the crowd cheered for both Turner and his life-sized portrait by artist Joe Friedman.

Jerry Rafshoon

Nuclear Threat Initiative CEO and former Sen. Sam Nunn VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Adam Vitarello, Sophia Newbold, Michael Votta and September Rinnier

Jay Harris

LOMBARDI GALA

Molly Decker and Wendy Gagnon

Rep. Mike Rogers, Kristi Rogers and Jack DeGioia

Washington Hilton | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL FIGHTING CANCER: Since launching 28 years ago, the annual Lombardi Gala has raised over $22 million for the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. This year’s gala brought over 800 people to the Washington Hilton for a black-tie dinner dance, cocktail reception, silent auction of over 300 items, and raffle for a 2015 model Lexus. Rep. Mike Rogers, cancer survivor, gave a touching speech, thanking Lombardi for its work. Lombardi Director Louis M. Weiner, MD spoke of the Center’s status as D.C.’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center.

“Comprehensive cancer centers are where research meets patient care— where tragedies are transformed into triumphs,” he said. FosterSo<’s Samuel Foster Jr. was honored with the Margaret L. Hodges Leadership Award.

Rebecca Schindler, Chloe Jones, Taylor Johnson, Nancy Karches and Katherine Zimmel WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Laurie Hodges Lapeyre, Samuel Foster and Walter Hodges

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POLLYWOOD

Justice Stephen Breyer and Judy Woodruff

Abigail Smith WL EXCLUSIVE

Don Graham, Peter Ackerman and Mark Ein

Sen. Michael Bennet

JOEL KLEIN ‘LESSONS OF HOPE’ BOOK PARTY David and Katherine Bradley Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL MEMOIR WITH A MISSION: David and Katherine Bradley celebrated the launch of Joel Klein’s latest book “Lessons of Hope: How to Fix Our Schools” at an intimate gathering at their residence. The former New York City Department of Education chancellor’s memoir, a New York Times bestseller and The Economist’s Best Books of the Year selection, explores the city’s efforts to improve public education and offers a blueprint for national reform.

Chris and Lorraine Wallace

Katherine Bradley and Joel Klein VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Frank Gehry and Chase Rynd

Anna and Hiroshi Jacobs with Brian and Rebecca Pilot

Jared Earley, Sarah Von Pollaro and Lauren Harnishfeger

Chase Rynd, David Schwarz, Amanda Burden and Charlie Rose

VINCENT SCULLY AWARDS National Building Museum | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES ARCHITECTURAL ADVOCATE: At the 16th annual Vincent Scully Prize ceremony, renowned journalist Charlie Rose was recognized for his efforts to explore and promote architecture and design to the general public.

“I have a special place for the men and women who inspire us with the buildings they create,” said Rose, who has addressed the importance of good design and the growth of cities with leading thinkers on “Charlie Rose” and “CBS This Morning.” Architect Frank Gehry, former director of the New York City Department of City Planning Amanda Burden and PBS CEO Paula Kerger also spoke at the event.

Liz and Paul Friedman

Whayne Quin and Joe Moravec

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Japanese Amb. Kenichiro Sasae, Nobuko Sasae and Yasuo Fukuda WL EXCLUSIVE

Huberta von Voss-Wittig, Randall Roe and German Amb. Peter Wittig

Ichiro Fujisaki

Eriko Tokura Murray and Masato Otaka

OPERA CAMERATA OF WASHINGTON GALA Residence of Japanese Amb. Kenichiro Sasae | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL OPERATIC EXCELLENCE: To celebrate the conclusion of the 24th consecutive season of performing opera in ambassadorial residences, the Opera Camerata of Washington staged a production of “Madame Bu*erfly,” hosted by Japanese Amb. Kenichiro Sasae. Lead singers Asako Tamura, as Madama Bu*erfly, and Israel Lozano, as B.F. Pinkerton, astounded the audience with their vocal range. Japanese children sporting traditional kimonos and parasols accompanied Tamura in her Act 1 entrance. Proceeded by a dinner of traditional Japanese cuisine with a twist (think smoked duck with beetroot salad), the evening supported the “Opera Up Close” program to continue free operatic performances and education in District public schools.

JoeTydings and Alison White

Katie McDonald, April Yeager, Stephanie Jordan and Jessica Roman

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James W. Symington, John Beyrle, Diarmuid O’Scannlain and John O’Keefe

Justice Samuel Alito, Martha-Ann Alito and Sen. Roger F. Wicker

Harolyn Blackwell WL EXCLUSIVE

James F. Collins

OPEN WORLD ANNIVERSARY Library of Congress | PHOTOS BY GEOFF CHESMAN

Susan Carmel Lehrman, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and Marjorie Brennan

TRIBUTE TO A LEADER: The Open World Leadership Center celebrated its 15th anniversary at the Library of Congress while paying tribute to its founding chairman and the current Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. Trustees joined event chairwoman Susan Carmel Lerhman to honor Billington with speeches commending his work to support cultural outreach and exchange programs. Entertainment included performances by violinist Kim Kashkashian and soprano Harolyn Blackwell, both Grammy Award winners.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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POLLYWOOD | AL JAZEERA Q&A

Al Jazeera America Ascending A Q&A WITH AL JAZEERA AMERICA INTERIM CEO EHAB AL SHIHABI

The Al Jazeera Media Network is a global news organization that reaches more than 260 million households around the world with more than 70 international bureaus. Ehab Al Shihabi, interim chief executive officer of Al Jazeera America, opens up about the mission of the network and the challenges it has faced since launching stateside in 2013. Mr. Al Shihabi lives with his wife and two daughters in the Washington area.

WL: Al Jazeera English (AJE), which airs in Europe, is very respected. How does it differ from Al Jazeera America? Can we still watch Al Jazeera English here?

EA I would suggest that AJE is not that different from AJAM. A 24-hour feed for AJE is not available in the U.S., however AJAM regularly turns to AJE for coverage of news stories around the world where they have correspondents.

WL: Are there any programs AJAM airs or specific reports of which you are particularly proud?

EA We’ve won a number of awards in our first year including an Emmy Award, two Peabody Awards and the RFK Freedom Award. I would highlight the Fault Lines episode about cholera in Haiti. I

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believe our reporting on important international events in Gaza, Ukraine and most recently Paris was excellent, bringing all sides of the story in way that respects the intelligence of the audience and adds to their understanding of the issues. On the domestic front, I think we did a tremendous job on the turmoil in Ferguson and our State of the Union coverage was unique and thoughtful.

WL: AJAM is Qatari-owned. How does their ownership affect editorial decisions?

EA Al Jazeera America is a United States company organized under the laws of the state of Delaware, and is editorially independent with its own U.S. board of directors and advisory board. Our parent company, the Al Jazeera Media Network, is the first fully independent Arab news organization. Similar to the BBC model, all channels in the network have legal and editorial firewalls between the Qatari government and their operations and editorial content

WL: Who are some of the leaders past and present you most admire and why?

EA Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King for being leaders and game changers. Henry Luce for founding the first great journalism company of the 20th century.Ted Turner for betting everything on a 24 hour news channel. Bob Pittman for making every company he runs into a category leader.

What books are on your bedside table?

“Team of Rivals”

by Doris Kearns Goodwin “The News About the News: American Journalism in Peril” by Leonard Downie Jr. and Robert G. Kasier “The Submission” by Amy Waldman

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I CO N M AD E BY F R E E P I K FR O M W W W. F L AT I CO N .CO M I S L I C E N S E D U N D E R C R E AT I VE CO M M O N S BY 3.0

WASHINGTON LIFE: What are the main challenges Al Jazeera America (AJAM) faces?

How do you overcome them?

EHAB AL SHIHABI Giving viewers the news they need, not the news they want; re-establishing media as the fourth estate that speaks to power; overcoming decades of viewers’ perception of news geared towards pushing products and increasing audience size rather than making an impact. We deliver a product like no one else in the U.S.: a high quality 24/7 news channel and website with provocative, in-depth, fearless stories, shows and documentaries.

WL: You maintain duel citizenship in the U.S. and Jordan, where you grew up and earned your undergraduate degree.

You received a Masters degree here at Georgetown University. How has your background shaped you?

EA I loved Georgetown. It offered a rigorous education to a diverse student body in a very cosmopolitan environment. My parents still live in Jordan and I visit them when I can. However, I have lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years and my two daughters are American

HUD Secretary Julian Castro, Sen. Joe Manchin and Rep. Joaquin Castro

ED

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and “Face the Nation” host Bob Schieffer

Sen. John McCain and Vice President Joe Biden

Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Chris Isham

‘FACE THE NATION’ 60TH ANNIVERSARY The Newseum | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ CELEBRATING 60: A bipartisan crowd of politicos, media stars, diplomats and other special guests jammed the Newseum’s vast halls to hail the 60th anniversary of CBS’s venerable Sunday news talkfest, “Face the Nation.” Sen. John McCain, whose 101 appearances hold the current record, praised program host Bob Schieffer as the “height of professionalism” while Vice President Joe Biden (who has been on the show 55 times) called him the “most trusted man in journalism.” THE LAST WORD: “The mission has not changed,” Schieffer told the crowd. “We just sit them down, turn on the lights, ask questions and get them to answer.”

Shelby Coffey and Sen. Rand Paul

Susan Eisenhower and Gen. Brent Scowcroft

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Marie Gilot and Martin Baron

Amy and Rome Hartman and Lesley Stahl Amy and Rome Hartman and Lesley Stahl Cathy Merrill Williams and David Lawson

Alejandra Xanic von Bertrab Wilhelm and Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye Heba Fatani, Loulou Majed and Sameen Dadfar

INTERNATIONAL JOURNALISM CENTER AWARDS Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center| PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP HONORING THE FOURTH ESTATE: The International Center for Journalists honored three female pioneers — CBS’s Lesley Stahl, Nigerian journalist Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye and Mexican Pulitzer Prize winner Alejandra Xanic von Bertrab Wilhem — at its 30th anniversary awards dinner and gala. In the keynote address, Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron told the crowd of more than 600 that serious a*ention should be given to protecting journalists at a time when terrorists are kidnapping and killing reporters in hot zones around the globe. Gala-goers also heard from Secretary of State John F. Kerry via video presentation, who praised the honorees as examples of “truth telling at its best.”

Issa Nyaphaga, Sophie Rousmaniere, Jay Minton and Luis Botello WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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REP TULSI GABBARD D-HAWAII

fought in the Iraq war and is one of the first two female combat veterans and the first Hindu to ever serve in Congress. Gabbard is known for her poise yet is not shy about speaking her mind, even when her opinions are not aligned to those of President Barack Obama. She opposed the president’s call for military strikes against Syria and his decision to move military advisors into Iraq.

What is your advice to young people in your profession? “True leadership is not about selfish ambition, seeking attention or impressing others. It’s about always trying to serve others, have a positive impact on their lives, bridge divides and overcome obstacles, so you can truly be a voice and advocate for the people you are serving and leading.”

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| H O L I D AY | washingtonlife.com

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T H E WA S H I N G TO N

L I F E

2 0 1 5

YOUNG & the GUEST LIST

P O W E R

A N D

P E R S O N A L I T Y

PORTRAITS BY TONY POWELL M A K E U P A R T I S T F O R R E P. G A B B A R D A N D R E P. H E R R E R A B E U T L E R : VA L E N T I N A G R E T S OVA , W W W.VA L E N T I N AG R E T S OVA .C O M S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O T H E W H OT E L A N D T H E A PA RT M E N T S AT C I T Y C E N T E R

O

ur 10th annual compilation of under-40 power players features individuals who truly exemplify the traits we look for while building our list â&#x20AC;&#x201C; professional success, brains and personality.

Yes, these are leaders and news makers in their respective fields â&#x20AC;&#x201D; young people who are changing the face of politics, finance, media, medicine and technology; but it is their personalities, and their composure even on the most harried of days, that won us over.

From the halls of Capitol Hill, where before speaking on the House floor, Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.) showed us her team spirit in a Seattle Seahawks jersey and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (DHawaii) kindly deflected our questions about her recent engagement, to the White House lawn, where staffers posed outside on an 18-degree day, we were astounded by our subjectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; grace under pressure.

At the W Hotel, NBC4 Sports Anchor Dianna

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Russini worked the phones on the afternoon the Redskins announced their new general manager and Jason Spear, legislative assistant to D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, kept us laughing while we photographed him with Ready for Hillary womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director Jessica Grounds, a pairing he dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x153;ebony and ivory.â&#x20AC;?

Best buddies and cable television opponents Brianna Keilar of CNN and Kristen Welker of NBC snapped selfies as they relished having a morning off together. Paul Singh at Disruption Corporation showed us tabletops heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commissioned out of reclaimed Virginia wood. The Huffington Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ryan Reilly gave us the Cliff â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Notes version of his arrest while covering the riots in Ferguson, Mo., and Brett Sedgewick quietly shared details of his experience as an Ebola burial supervisor in Liberia.

The personalities are large. The list is formidable.

We think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll agree.

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YGL 2015 Jamal Abdi Policy Director, National Iranian American Council

Kendra Barkoff Press Secretary to Vice President Joe Biden

Cristobal Joshua Alex President, Latino Victory Project

Natasha Barrett Anchor, WJLA Vinoda Basnayake Chairman, DC Government Relations Practice, Nelson Mullins

Aniello Aliota Political Director, Progress Now Grant Allen Senior Vice President, ABB Technology Ventures Katherine Kennedy Allen Director of Communications, Audax Health Abeer Al-Otaiba Engineer, wife of the United Arab Emirates Ambassador Justin Amash U.S. Congressman (R-Mich.)

Ericka Andersen Digital Media Manager, Heritage Foundation and The Daily Signal

Kira Bates Founder, MacKenzie Public Relations bradley beal Shooting Guard, Washington Wizards Allesandra Beggiato Digital and Social Engagement Strategist, Ministers of Design Katie Beirne Fallon Deputy Director of Communications, The White House Carmen Berkley Director of Civil, Human and Women’s Rights, AFL-CIO

Helena Andrews “Reliable Source” Columnist, The Washington Post

Kirsten Berset Sports Anchor and Reporter, WUSA-9 News

Cristina Antelo Principal, The Podesta Group

Bradley Beychok President, Media Matters for America

Ronit Avni Founder, Just Vision Carla Babb Pentagon Correspondent, Voice of America Moira Bagley Smith Communications Director, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise Lucas Baiano Political filmmaker

Chadleon Booker Senior Associate, PricewaterhouseCoopers christopher Boutlier Interior Designer Pari Bradlee Fitness and Yoga Instructor Quinn Bradlee Founder, FriendsofQuinn.com

Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler (R - Wash.), 36

is the first Hispanic ever to represent Washington state in the House of Representatives. An avid Seattle Seahawks fan and former legislative aide to Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Herrera Beutler is a firebrand with strong loyalties, yet she has strived to work on a bipartisan level and has been hailed by both parties as a guardian of small business.

Do you have a mentor in Washington? ”Abigail Adams. Her wit and wisdom allowed her to play an integral role in the founding of our nation when women were not even permitted to vote. My office is decorated with her quotes.”

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| fe b r u a r y

2015

| washingtonlife.com

JESSE LEE

is a social media guru and the first-ever White House director of progressive media and online response. Lee was previously new media advisor to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

What is your advice to young people in your profession?

“Don’t be shy. If you have good ideas, speak up. Be humble about it and respect that people senior to you are most likely senior to you for a reason, because they’re smart and they’ve been around.”

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MONIQUE DORSAINVIL

strategizes high-stakes engagement for the president and first lady as director of planning and events for the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. An Emory University graduate, Dorsainvil began working at the White House as an intern.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? “Helping to ensure access and bring people into the fold who traditionally have not been engaged by or provided opportunities to work with or visit the White House. Having the chance to work behind the scenes on historical milestones like the president’s My Brother’s Keeper Initiative and the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington has also been especially significant to me.”

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

BRAD JENKINS

ANDREA PURSE

is associate director of the White House’s Office of Public Engagement, where he directs engagement with advocacy organizations, the entertainment industry and content creators.

He’s led the effort to spread the word about the Affordable Care Act by collaborating with the likes of Katy Perry and Pharrell.

is White House director of broadcast media and manages all of President Obama’s television appearances, as well as those of senior administration officials.

Whom do you admire professionally and why? “Valerie Jarrett. I have worked in the private sector for most of my life, so I have had the privilege of seeing the best of public servants as well as CEOs and small business owners. Ms. Jarrett has it all. She has the vision and execution of a start-up entrepreneur and the heart and passion of a community leader and policymaker.”

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? “I have really enjoyed working on television and radio around the Affordable Care Act — we have been really targeted in our outreach and so we can see the impact when people hear more about what’s available to them. It’s such a critical issue and one I care a lot about personally, so knowing that people will be covered for the first time is exciting!”

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YGL LEE BRENNER Global Business Development Lead, Microsoft

GREGORY CENDENA Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO

JAKE BREWER Managing Director of External Affairs, Change.org

TOBY CHAUDHURI Co-Founder and CSO, SocialxDesign

ARTURO BRILLEMBOURG Founder and Managing Partner, AEB Capital

KEO CHEA Deputy Assistant Director of Community Affairs, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

JENNIFER FELDMAN BRILLEMBOURG Physician

GEORGE CHOPIVSKY III President, The Fortis Companies

FRITZ BROGAN Co-owner, Mission, Mason Inn and George

CLARA BRILLEMBOURG CHOPIVSKY Partner, Foley Hoag LLP

MATTHEW BRONCZEK Managing Partner, Federal Home Company

RACHNA CHOUDHRY Co-Founder, PopVox

ASHLEY TAYLOR BRONCZEK Founder and CEO, The Wear Project PAMELA BROWN Justice Correspondent, CNN

BRIAN COESTER CEO, Coester Valuation Management Service

EVAN BURFIELD Co-Founder, 1776

ELBRIDGE COLBY Fellow, Center for New American Security

CHAKA BURGESS Vice President of Government Relations, American Gaming Association

ELIZABETH HENG

What is your advice for newcomers to your field? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Washington is like a village. Everyone knows everyone, so my advice is to be nice to anyone you meet. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be surprised at whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll end up helping you out when you least expect it.â&#x20AC;?

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LUCAS BAIANO

is an award-winning filmmaker and founder of Lucas Studios LLC. He helped Sen. Mitch McConnell win one of the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most critical Senate races and become the new majority leader. In 2014, Baiano won 10 International Telly Awards for best ads and 21 Pollies for best political ads.

Do you have a mentor in Washington? Who is it and how has he or she helped you? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been immensely fortunate to work with many governors, senators and congressmen. I see each of them as a mentor in my professional life, as each personified lessons of great courage, ability and inspiration.â&#x20AC;?

PHAEDRA CHROUSOS Chief Customer Officer, General Services Administration

WILL BYRNE CEO and Co-Founder, Groundswell

KIKI BURGER Public Relations Manager, Susan G. Komen

may have one of the hardest jobs in Washington: convincing members of Congress to set politics aside and work together. As chief of protocol and member outreach for the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Heng welcomes foreign dignitaries at the U.S. Capitol one day and leads congressional delegations to crisis regions like Nigeria and Ukraine the next, working to create true diplomacy globally.

KARIM CHROBOG President and Executive Producer, 18th Street Films

LARHONDA BURLEY Senior Partner Marketing Manager, Washington Redskins NICHOLAS CAMBATA Co-Founder, 8112 Studios SUSAN CAROLL Interim CEO, Inova Alexandria Hospital ZACH CARTER Senior Political Economy Reporter, The Huffington Post

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

MARYBETH COLEMAN Vice President, Jones Lang LaSalle MATT COMPTON Digital Director, Democratic National Committee ADAM CONNER Vice President of Politics, Brigade Media DANIEL COSTA Director of Immigration Law and Policy Research, EPI RACHEL COTHRAN Communications Director, Georgetown Business Improvement District PATRICK CUNNANE Senior Writer, The White Houses MONIQUE CURRIE Forward, Washington Mystics

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

JAKE CUSACK Managing Partner, CrossBoundary BROOKE DALEY Associate, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP KATE DAMON Owner, Kaze Design HEATHER DARAZS Creative Services Manager, CBS Corporation MICHAEL DARNER Executive Director, Congressional Progressive Caucus BRAD DAYSPRING Strategist and Communications Director, National Republican Senatorial Committee LAUREN PRATAPAS DAYSPRING Senior Publicist, CNN TARA DE NICOLAS Vertical Market Business Development Manager, Brivo Labs DR JENNIFER DESIMONE Dermatologist, Inova Medical Group ANAIS DE VIEL CASTEL Co-Founder, Petite Lucette RENAUD DE VIEL CASTEL General Manager,Veolia Transportation – enviroCAB ANASTASIA DELLACCIO Special Initiatives, Outreach and Communications Officer, United Nations Foundation LAUREN DESANTIS Capital Cooking Show SAMANTHA DEZUR Vice President, Federal Policy and Strategic Communications, Bond Dealers of America MONIQUE DORSAINVIL Director of Planning and Events, White House Office of Engagement and Public Affairs MICHAEL DOVE Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Forum Theatre

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

PATRICK DOWD CEO, Millenial Trains Project and Editorat-Large, National Geographic Society BEN DUNHAM Counsel, McKenna Long & Aldridge LLP MAX ENGLING Professional Oversight Staff, Committee on House Administration, U.S. House of Representatives JONATHAN EDWARDS Deputy Program Manager, Cyber Security, Blue Canopy JULIA EISMAN Global Marketing Solutions Client Partner, Facebook RENEE EISMAN Director of Public Relations, Park Hyatt Washington DOUG ELDRIGE Managing Partner, DLE Agency LISA ELLMAN Counsel, McKenna, Long & Aldridge LLP GREG ENGERT Beer Director, Neighborhood Restaurant Group JAMES FAEH Office of the United States Trade Representative, Executive Office of the President of the United States LACEY FAEH Brand and Social Media Consultant, A Lacey Perspective LLC ALISON FAIRBROTHER Director, Public Trust Project BRIAN FALLON Director, Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Justice MIA FEUER Sculptor and Professor, George Mason University

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

JASON SPEAR

JESSICA GROUNDS

is legislative associate and deputy communications director for the Office of D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, working to gain voting representation in Congress for more than 650,000 residents of Washington, D.C.

is helping empower women to become political leaders. The director of the women’s office for Ready for Hillary and co-founder of Running Start says she has been passionate about seeing women be part of the political process since very early in life, which helped set her professional trajectory and carve out a niche in her field.

Whom do you admire professionally and why? “Long before I wanted to enter the world of politics, I wanted to be cool, and young Harry Belafonte was the epitome of cool. He not only used his immense talents to entertain; he used them to advocate for justice and he continues to do so.”

What is your advice for newcomers to your field? “Do not feel like you have to follow one particular path to be successful. There are definitely good lessons and best practices, but there is not one way to be successful in the field of politics or in my specific sphere of women’s political leadership. By recognizing what is authentically you and figuring out how you can tap into doing your passion for your work, you will be well on your way to a career that is satisfying.”

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YGL 2015 Brianna Keilar, 34

is CNN’s lead reporter covering Hillary Clinton and the Democratic field for the 2016 campaign. Keilar does double duty as Wolf Blitzer’s primary fill-in anchor for the Situation Room and previously served as CNN’s senior White House correspondent.

Whom do you admire professionally and why? “My colleague Dana Bash, CNN’s chief congressional correspondent. She’s a tireless reporter, a hilarious and supportive friend and a very engaged mom.”

Kristen Welker, 38

has traveled the globe with the president and first lady as White House correspondent for NBC News.Welker graduated cum laude from Harvard University with a bachelor’s degree in American History.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? “Serving in my current role as a White House correspondent for NBC News. Given the gridlock in Washington and the unrest overseas, it is a fascinating time to cover the White House and politics. The terrorist attacks in Paris are just one of many recent reminders that journalism matters and that free speech has to be defended.”

Manu Raju, 35

is a senior congressional reporter for Politico.

Raju, along with a team of colleagues from Politico, is a past recipient of the Merriman Smith Award for presidential reporting for coverage of the debt ceiling crisis.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure dead or alive, who would it be? “Michael Jordan. As a Chicago-area native and a rabid sports fan, he was my idol growing up. So how could I pass up breaking bread with His Airness?!”

Judy Kurtz, 30

writes The Hill newspaper’s must-read “In the Know” column and serves as a contributor to Fox 5.The District native is a former television news reporter who began her career with a stint at People magazine.

Whom do you admire professionally and why? “Cheesiness alert: my dad (journalist Howard Kurtz) is the smartest and hardest-working person I know.

Plus, I have his and my grandfather’s genes to thank for a full head of TVfriendly hair.”

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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2015

| washingtonlife.com

MEREDITH FINEMAN CEO, FinePoint ANNA FINK Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Equality Program, The Wyss Foundation PAUL-MARTIN FOSS President and Executive Director, Karl Menger Center for the Study of Money and Banking DANIELLA FOSTER Director, Corporate Affairs and Science Communications, Mars Symbioscience SHIRA FRANK Mid-Atlantic and Southern Director of Development Operations and Finance, J Street TULSI GABBARD U.S. Representative (D-Hawaii) PATRICK GAGE Youth Philanthropy Advocate and Georgetown University Student TYRONE GAYLE Western Regional Press Secretary, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee JENNIFER PAQUETTE GALLOWAY President, Walcott Hill Group LLC PIERRE GARĂ&#x2021;ON Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins MATTHEW GARDINER Associate Artistic Director, Signature Theatre PATRICK GAVIN Journalist and Filmmaker RACHEL COHEN GERROL Co-Founder, Nexus Global Youth Summit LISA GILBERT Director of Congress Watch, Public Citizen LINDSAY GILL Executive Director of Business Development, Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wings MARK GILLESPIE General Manager and Creative Director,YOA Youth Orchestra of the Americas

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

RYAN GRIM

RYAN REILLY

is Huffington Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Washington bureau chief and no-nonsense sensai to his staff of young reporters. He is also the author of â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is Your Country on Drugs.â&#x20AC;?

was famously arrested while covering the protests in Ferguson, Mo., following the death of Michael Brown. He is the Huffington Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s justice reporter.

Whom do you admire professionally and why? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Amanda Terkel and Sam Stein (both of the Huffington Post), for their ability to lead as editors and also as reporters â&#x20AC;&#x201D; what will become the new model for political journalism.â&#x20AC;?

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Getting hired to join the incredible team at the Huffington Post, which has allowed me to cover some really fascinating issues and events.â&#x20AC;?

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

ZACH CARTER

is one those rare writers who can explain â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wall Street derivativesâ&#x20AC;? to a layman and has been heralded for making the term part of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s greater economic policy debate. Carter is Huffington Postâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s senior political economy reporter.

What is your advice to young people in your profession? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be an artist or a musician for a few years first. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll make the money seem amazing when you switch to journalism. Then write about weird things nobody cares about and explain to people why they should care about them.â&#x20AC;?

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YGL 2015 Shana Glenzer Vice President, Social Marketing, SocialRadar Angie Goff Weekend Morning Anchor, NBC4 Washington and Editor, ohmygoff.tv Hannah Goldstein Assistant Rabbi, Temple Sinai

Georgetown University Michael Haft Co-Founder, Compass Coffee Dannia Hakki Co-founder, MoKi Media maha Hakki Partner, MoKi Media

gio gonzalez Pitcher, Washington Nationals

Dawn Halfaker Owner and CEO, Halfaker and Associates

marcin gortat Center, Washington Wizards

Blake Hall Founder and CEO, ID.me

Neil Grace Senior Communications Advisor, Federal Communications Commission

Peter Hamby National Political Reporter, CNN

Richard Graves Co-Founder and Vice President, Ethical Electric Morgan Greenhouse Founder and Managing Partner, verdeHOUSE Ryan Grim Washington Bureau Chief, The Huffington Post Bianca Grimaldi Founder and President, Washington Writing Group Jessica Grounds Director of Women, Ready for Hillary and CoFounder, Running Start Kristin Guiter Principal, kkg arts + culture communications Carlos Gutierrez, Jr. Associate, Clark Hill PLC Erika Gutierrez Founder and President, epgPR Indivar Dutta-Gupta Director, Project on Deep Poverty and Senior Fellow at the Center on Poverty and Inequality,

Drew Hammill Communications Director and Senior Advisor, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi Katie Harbath Global Politics and Government Outreach Manager, Facebook Allison Long Hardy Artist Chanelle Hardy Senior Vice President for Policy and Executive Director, National Urban League Washington Bureau Bryce Harper Outfielder,Washington Nationals David Hebert Internal and AudioVisual Communications Chief, USGS Emily Heil “Reliable Source” Columnist, The Washington Post Elizabeth Heng Director of Outreach and Protocol, House Foreign Affairs Committee

Dianna Russini, 31

is a sports anchor/reporter at NBC4/WRC. The George Mason University graduate has broken dozens of major NFL stories for the station.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? “Working at NBC4. This past September during an exhausting, dismal season covering the Redskins, Jim Vance saw me running in the hallway with 2-inch heels, talking on one phone and tweeting on the other. He looked over at me and said, “You know what you are? You are George Michael, in a skirt.”

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WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| fe b r u a r y

2015

| washingtonlife.com

JAMES HENRY Founder, Teavine

Technology Industry Council

JUSTIN HERMAN Director, Federal and Social Media, Center for Excellence in Digital Government, GSA

BRAD JENKINS Associate Director, White House Office of Public Engagement

JAIME HERRERA BEUTLER U.S. Congresswoman (R-Washington)

BEN JENKINS Vice President of State Government Communications, Distilled Spirits Council of the United States

LAUREN HICKEY Public Affairs Specialist, U.S. Department of State GREG HOUSTON Senior Adviser, Global Ties U.S.

NATE JENKINS Deputy Director, White House Office of Private Sector Engagement

JEFF HIMMELMAN Author,Yours in Truth: A Personal Portrait of Ben Bradlee

ANNE JOHNSON Executive Director, Generation Progress

RACHEL HOLT Regional General Manager for the East Coast, Uber, Inc.

AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON Executive Director, Waitt Foundation

BRADEN HOLTBY Goalie, Washington Capitals FRANCES HOLUBA Advisor, National Security Council Press Team and Global Engagement, The White House ROGER HOROWITZ Co-Founder, Pleasant Pops SCOTT HORVATH Web and Social Media Chief, USGS WIN HUFFMAN President Emeritus, Capital Club

BRIAN JOHNSON Director of Federal Relations, API JONATHAN JORDAN Featured Dancer, The Washington Ballet PÉTER KALOTAI Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Hungary GOLDY KAMALI Founder and CEO, FedScoop OLIVIER KAMANDA CEO, Ideal Impact

HEATHER HUGHES Vice President, AIG SunAmerica Funds

CASSIDY KARAKORN Deputy Director, Human Rights Campaign

NICHOLAS HUNTER Vice President, Business Development, POUNDS

CODY KEENAN Director of Speech Writing for President Barack Obama, The White House

MARY ANNE HUNTSMAN Concert Pianist MOUNIR IBRAHIM Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State IVAN IRICANIN Director of Operations, Richard Sandoval Restaurants ADORA ANDY JENKINS Vice President of External Affairs, Information

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BRIANNA KEILAR Senior Political Correspondent, CNN JOSEPH P KENNEDY III U.S. Representative (D-Mass.)

TOM WILSON

AND BRADEN HOLTBY

have become two of the most recognizable faces of the Washington Capitals.Wilson was one of three NHL rookies to appear in all 82 games of the 2013-14 season, and one of the most rowdy forwards in the game, having ranked seventh in the NHL in penalty minutes. Goaltender Holtby has been a fan favorite in his five seasons with the Caps and on January 8 passed Wayne Stephenson for the most consecutive games played by a goaltender in franchise history.

SANDRO KERESELIDZE Founder, Art Soirée

WILSON What surprised you most about Washington? “There’s always so much to do here and so much going on. Whether it’s roads being shut down because the President is leaving town or if you are walking around downtown D.C. you see the monuments and all the history.”

RYAN KERRIGAN Linebacker, Washington Redskins

HOLTBY Whom do you admire professionally and why? “Derek Jeter. He is the ultimate professional and athlete. There’s nothing bad you can say about him.”

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

41

YGL

PAUL SINGH

founder of Disruption Corporation and its post-seed venture capital arm, Crystal Tech Fund, is helping turn Crystal City into a technology hub - and revitalize an area that was left with millions of square feet of empty commercial space after BRAC closings. Singh, whose sprawling office space overlooks Reagan National Airport, was previously a partner at 500 Startups, an accelerator and venture firm headquartered in Silicon Valley that has invested in more than 750 companies across more than 40 countries.

What is your advice to young people in your profession?

“When you’re young, it’s easy to settle for the first job that comes along and convince yourself that you need to put in the time to climb the traditional career ladder. Everyone else will believe it and you will too.

Don’t. Take more risks than your peers. Don’t try to do what you love, focus on doing something extremely well.

Ideally, something that many other people want. That’s the path to a career that makes you happy.”

RACHNA CHOUDHRY

is co-founder of POPVOX. an online platform that has changed and streamlined the communications process between constituents and members of Congress. In June 2014, the Library of Congress selected POPVOX for inclusion in its offical archives, making the site part of our nation’s historical record.

STEPHANIE NGUYEN

is co-founder and lead designer of Landmark, a District-based startup building a navigation app for walking directions based on photos of buildings and other physical markers. Nguyen is passionate about encouraging tech education and mentorship for women and minorities.

Whom do you admire professionally and why? “I’m an advocate for the underdog and all of the scrappy people who make something from nothing. My father used to be a night shift janitor at a grocery store for decades — a huge reason I appreciate the work of those individuals who are often overlooked. They inspire me every day.”

42

STEVE TAYLOR

is principal software engineer at cyber-defense software company Invincea, where he was brought in as a founding engineer while still an undergraduate at George Mason University. In college,Taylor developed Plasma Pong, a viral video game that was downloaded millions of times before Atari threatened legal action.

Whom do you admire professionally and why? “Elon Musk used his experience as an engineer to create companies that disrupt entire industries. Both SpaceX and Tesla are changing humanity through new ways of thinking about sustainability. I deeply respect the personal risk he’s taken to follow his passions.”

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Do you have a mentor in Washington? How has he or she helped you? “I’ve had the great fortune to benefit from a network of mentors in diverse industries who have assisted me not only as POPVOX grows, but in my previous positions as well.

These mentors — all women — have been invaluable and now help brainstorm new features, connect me to potential clients and more importantly, they serve as a reality check when something isn’t working and I need to change course.”

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

SIM KHAN Attorney and Creative Head, Brimble & Clark Custom Clothiers SUZANNE KIANPOUR Capitol Hill Producer, BBC News CAROLYN AMIRPASHAIE KING Director of Operations, Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) ALBERT KLEINE Economist, Bureau of Labor Statistics JULIE KOHLER Executive Vice President and Chief Operationg Officer, The Democracy Alliance AJAY KORI Co-Founder, UrbanStems CARINE KRAWIEC Owner, Carineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bridal Atelier JACKIE KUCINICH Politics Reporter, The Washington Post

TONY

AND RAFFI WILLIAMS

are considered two of the brightest young minds in the Republican Party. As director of government affairs for Comcast,Tony helped create and launch the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Internet Essentials program, which has connected 1.4 million lowincome Americans to the Internet.

Raffi, deputy press secretary for the Republican National Committee, was instrumental in aiding the RNC to usher in a new Republican majority in the Senate and the largest majority in the House since World War II. Both brothers count their father, Juan Williams, as their mentor and call him a man who shaped them into who they are today.

TONY What is your advice for newcomers to your field? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Listen more than you speak. In fact for every minute you spend talking, spend at least four times that long listening.â&#x20AC;?

RAFFI Whom do you admire professionally? â&#x20AC;&#x153;My boss Reince Priebus, who has reinvented the role of the modern political party.â&#x20AC;?

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

(Photo by Joseph Allen)

43

YGL ANNA LEFFER KUHN Executive Director, Arca Foundation

MAX MAJOR Magician and Corporate Entertainer

JUDY KURTZ “In the Know” Columnist, The Hill

SARAH MARGON Washington Director, Human Rights Watch

JESSICA MOORE Director of Government Affairs, Walt Disney Company

REBECCA MARK Senior Advisor to House Republican Conference Chairman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.)

GIUSEPPE LANZONE Co-Owner, Peruvian Brothers and Varsity Lightweight Rowing Coach, Georgetown University MARIO LANZONE Co-Owner, Peruvian Brothers

JACLYN MASON Owner, Charm Georgetown

DANNY LEE Owner, Mandu JESSE LEE Special Assistant to the President and Director of Progressive Media, The White House

ORIANA SKYLAR MASTRO Fellow, Asia-Pacific Security Program, Center for New American Security and Assistant Professor, Georgetown University

SVETLANA LEGETIC Co-Founder, Brightest Young Things

JOHN MCCARTHY Executive Director, Future Civic Leaders

ZACH LEONSIS Business Development Manager, Monumental Sports and Entertainment

KEVIN MCCARTHY Entertainment Reporter, Fox 5

DANIEL LIPPMAN Researcher/Reporter, Politico KIRSTEN LODAL Co-Founder and CEO, LIFT JUSTIN LOGAN Director of Foreign Policy Studies, Cato Institute

HEATHER HUGHES

is co-founder of CrossBoundary, a mission-driven frontier market investment firm that recently launched a new fund to finance solar power projects in Africa.

Cusack, a former sniper platoon commander and intelligence officer in the Marine Corp, holds graduate degrees from both Harvard Business School and Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

is vice president of AIG Sun America Funds, responsible for all mutual fund sales in the Washington, D.C. metro area, in excess of $700 million. In 2014, Hughes became the company’s number one sales producer. She is also a contributor to CNBC.

Whom do you admire professionally and why?

“I admire those who choose commitment over optionality, action over apathy, family over ambition and honesty over popularity. I only rarely possess those qualities, but I aspire to them.”

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Which person, dead or alive, would you most like to have dinner with? “Abraham Lincoln.

He had a vision for the country. He rose to the top through sheer ambition and hard work. Like George Washington, Lincoln demonstrated strength of character and exhibited a skilled leadership style combined with kindness and compassion.”

VIOLETTA MARKELOU Photographer and Makeup Artist LINDSEY MASK Founder and Executive Director, Ladies America

BECKY LEE Executive Director, Becky’s Fund

JAKE CUSACK

ANNE MAHLUM Founder and CEO, Solidcore

NICOLAS LORIS Economy Fellow, The Heritage Foundation DEREK LUYTEN Deputy Director of the Asia Division, International Republican Institute

AMBER MCDONALD Associate, Baker & Miller and Founder, The Kindness Collective TOMMY MCFLY Morning Show Host, 94.7 Fresh FM, CBS Radio TARA MCGUINNESS Senior Communications Advisor, The White House JILL MELNICKI Public Liason at the Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Government of the District of Columbia

CHASE MAGGIANO Executive Director, Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington

SPIKE MENDELSOHN Chef and Restaurateur - Good Stuff Eatery, Bernaise and We the Pizza

KADRIEKA MAIDEN Special Project Coordinator, Events by Andre Wells

ELAINE MENSAH Founder and Creative Strategist, SVELTE LLC

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

STEPHEN MILES Advocacy Director, Win Without War TIM MILLER Executive Director, American Rising PAC ALEX MILLS Actor, SyneticTheater DIANA MINSHALL Agent, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage JENNIFER MISHORY Executive Director, Young Invincibles SUJATA MITRA Director of Commuications, News and Politics, The Huffington Post NAVROOP MITTER CEO, Gryphn Corporation DOMENICO MONTANARO Political Director, PBS NewsHour DANIELLE MOODIE-MILLS Advisor on LGBT Policy and Racial Justice, Center for American Progress ALFRED MORRIS Running Back, Washington Redskins MARYAM MUJICA Public Policy Manager, Twitter PATRICK MURPHY U.S. Congressman (D-Florida) RAFAEL NÁVAR National Political Director, Communications Workers of America DEEJAY NEEKOLA DJ, Music Producer and Booking Agent HEIDI NEL Principal, Picture Motion JARED NELSON Featured Dancer, The Washington Ballet STEPHANIE NGUYEN Co-Founder and Lead Designer, Landmark PAUL NITZE Special Assistant to U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Virginia

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

JAMAL ABDI

is the policy director at the National Iranian American Council, where he is helping pave the way for young, techsavvy Iranians to gain greater access to communications tools like smartphones and satellite Internet. After penning an op-ed for the New York Times in 2012 regarding the sanctions preventing Iranian Americans from even buying iPhones at Apple stores, Abdi worked with the administration to get the sanctions lifted.Today, Apple has indicated it may be one of the first companies to go into Iran if nuclear negotiations succeed.

Whom do you admire professionally and why?

“Reza Aslan and Hooman Majd. Reza is an amazing communicator who consistently short circuits all nonsense conventional wisdom to get his message out. Hooman can relate ordinary life in Iran to his readers and speak truth to power directly to decision makers there, all while being the most stylish guy in the world.”

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

ANNE JOHNSON

spends her days thinking about youth, specifically how she can make life better for the next generation. As the executive director of Generation Progress at the Center for American Progress, she has helped to launch major social change campaigns such as “It’s On Us” and “Higher Ed Not Debt” as well as the Gun Violence Prevention Network.

Whom would you most want to sit next to at a dinner party, living or dead? “Paul and Sheila Wellstone. I worked on Paul’s campaign in 2002, the year that he and Sheila, their daughter and three campaign staffers died in a plane crash days before the election. I was a first-time field staffer, so I didn’t really know them personally, but that experience and the people from that campaign, have shaped everything I’ve done since then.”

NEIL GRACE

is senior communications advisor for the FCC, working both within and beyond the agency to build and drive news as part of the communications team.

What is your advice to young people in your profession? “I always advise young people to know who they’re talking to, read everything, ask a ton of questions, and to build a network. You never know how you can help by connecting people from different industries, beats or fields. Being able to build connections between people is a lifelong skill.”

45

YGL JEN NOLAN Marketing Manager, Union Market

Department of State

ELIZABETH NORTH President, Curiosity Project JUMMY OLABANJI Anchor and Reporter, ABC7 News STEVEN OLIKARA Co-Founder and President, Millennial Action Project LAURA O’SHAUGHNESSY CEO, SocialCode ALEX OVECHKIN Left Wing and Captain, The Washington Capitals and Founder, Crazy Eights CHARLIE PARET Investor and Co-Founder, The Collective Experience ALLISON PUTALA Principal, Kaminsky Putala TRITA PARSI President, National Iranian American Council DAN PFEIFFER Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor, The White House HILARY PHELPS Founder and Creative Director, GJ Media Group, LLC

RONIT AVNI

STEPHEN MILES

has spent the last year as advocacy director for Win Without War, leading a campaign to defend nuclear diplomacy with Iran that generated more than one million grassroots actions, from petition signatures to phone calls, emails and meetings with members of Congress.

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment?

“Founding and leading Just Vision for the last 11 years. Despite operating in one of the most contested regions in the world, our dedicated staff has been able to reach a very diverse, strategic and broad audience -- from refugee camps in the West Bank to the White House, TED, the European Parliament and universities, film festivals, media outlets and faith-based communities around the world.”

What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? “I don’t consider my greatest professional accomplishment to be any one success. Rather, I am most proud of successfully translating different political proposals and policy concepts into something meaningful and relatable to diverse groups of citizens, activists, and voters.

Whether it was a candidate’s plan to turn around a broken city government or a path forward for peace in some of the world’s most troubled regions, my biggest victories come when I can effectively convey my message and motivate someone to take action.”

46

AMANDA POLK Philanthropic Fundraiser ADA POLLA President and CEO, Alchimie Forever OMAR POPAL Co-owner, Café Bonaparte, Malmaison and Napoleon MICHAEL POPE Virginia Reporter,WAMU 88.5 DREW PORTERFIELD Director, Long View Gallery LA CELIA PRINCE Ambassador of St.Vincent and the Grenadines JEN PSAKI Spokesperson, U.S.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

ANDREW RAFFERTY Political Reporter, NBC News MANU RAJU Senior Congressional Reporter, Politico RYAN REILLY Justice Reporter, The Huffington Post ANTHONY RENDON Infielder, Washington Nationals STEVE RESSLER President and Founder, GovLoop BEN RHODES Assistant to the President and Deputy National Security Advisor, Strategic Communications and Speechwriting, The White House JOSEPH E ROBERT III Board of Directors, Fight for Children JESSICA ROBERTSON Public Affairs Specialist, USGS MARTHA ROBY U.S. Representative (R-Ala.)

MACON PHILLIPS Coordinator, U.S. Department of State

is an award-winning filmmaker and the founder of Just Vision, an organization that supports Palestinian and Israeli efforts for freedom, equality and security using nonviolent means.

ANDREA PURSE Director of Broadcast Media, The White House

JOANNA ROSHOLM Press Secretary, Office of the First Lady, The White House NICOLE SUSSNER RODGERS Founder, Marriage & Family: Evolved and Role/Reboot XIMENA GONZALEZ ROJAS Deputy Chief of Staff , Presidential Personnel, The White House KIM ROSENBERG Founder and President, Mixology-Matchmaking with a Twist LUKE RUSSERT Congressional Correspondent, NBC News DIANNA RUSSINI

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

Sports Anchor and Reporter, NBC4 WRC GIOVANNI RUSSONELLO Editor in Chief, CapitalBop KARIM SADJAPOUR Senior Associate, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace JAYNE SANDMAN Principal, BrandLinkDC MICHAEL SAPIENZA President and Founder, Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation ED SCARPONE Executive Chef, DBGB Kitchen and Bar LEO SCHMID Marketing and PR Manager, Richard Sandoval Restaurants AARON SCHOCK U.S. Representative (R-Ill) NIKKI SCHWAB Associate Editor for News and Social, U.S. News & World Report BRETT SEDGEWICK Ebola Burial Supervisor, Global Communities JANA SEDLAKOVA Founder,You Successful You RYAN SEELBACH Founder, Project Spark and Owner, Huxley DC SULTAN SHAKIR Executive Director, SMYAL ILYA SHAPIRO Senior Fellow in Constitutional Studies, Cato Institute ADAM SHARP Head of News, Government and Elections, Twitter JEFF SHEELY Co-Founder, UrbanStems JED SHEIN Director of Digital Media, Embassy of Israel HALLIE SHERARD Director of Business Development, KGD Architecture MUNA SHIKAKI Correspondent, Al-Arabiya

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

RAFAEL NĂ VAR

is national political director for the Communications Workers of America (CWA), the largest telecommunications union in the world. As one of only two Latino national political directors within organized labor in the U.S., he is committed to building one of the most progressive rank-and-file led political programs in the country.

What is your advice for newcomers to your field? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get caught up on individual goals and achievements; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be short-sighted; donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be distracted by the noise, shine of the city or power.

Rather, take hold of opportunities and commit your talents, ingenuity, creativity and skills toward improving the lives and conditions of hundreds, if not hundreds of thousands, of workers, mothers, fathers, children and families.â&#x20AC;?

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

RACHEL COHEN GERROL

is the co-founder and global curator of the Nexus Global Youth Summit. In just four years, the organization has grown from a simple dream to a global network of more than 2,000 young philanthropists, social entrepreneurs and influencers from more than 70 countries. Nexus has held summits at the UN,The White House, Congress and across Europe, Australia, China,Thailand, Singapore, Brazil and the Caribbean.

What surprised you the most about D.C.? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moving here immediately after I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of free cultural opportunities available across the city, from the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage to museums, concerts on the mall and Jazz in the Sculpture Garden.â&#x20AC;?

STEVEN OLIKARA

is the founder and president of the Millennial Action Project, and the driving force behind establishing the bipartisan Congressional Future Caucus, the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first Millennial-led caucus in the U.S. Congress. He also has found a niche in the music industry, as he has advised pop icons Akon and Usher on their personal foundations.

Whom do you admire professionally and why? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Elon Musk. He is taking on some of the most entrenched and improbable industries for an entrepreneur to disrupt, and doing so successfully, with a vision to save humanity. Elon is the definition of a big thinker who pursues his lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calling.â&#x20AC;?

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YGL

WHERE TO SPOT THE YOUNG AND POWERFUL The days of the Washington restaurant scene being defined by steakhouses are long gone and no one knows this better than our YGLers.These up-and-comers can be found sipping, noshing and chatting at some of the hottest dining spots in town, including Red Hen, Eat the Rich and Rose’s Luxury. We caught up with the top toques of these three hot spots and asked them for the inside scoop on when you should dine there, and, of course, what should be on your plate and in your glass. >>

RED HEN (Chef Mike Friedman) 1822 1st St., NW Hardest night to get in: Definitely Friday. But Saturday is not too far behind. Those book up one month in advance. Order: The rigatoni. Sip: We go through quite a bit of orange wine. The negroni is a popular choice as well. Expected crowd: We enjoy our neighborhood crowd the best. Why has the restaurant resonated with Washington? There’s no ego at the Red Hen, and I think that is evident in the simplicity and deliciousness of the food, as well as the beverage program, service and warm ambiance.

EAT THE RICH (Owner Derek Brown) 1839 7th St., NW Hardest night to get in: Saturday, especially toward the late side. We have steady reservations all night then our “Industry Happy Hour” kicks in, which is open to anyone but made for late night restaurant workers; we have $1 oysters, $7 “Boh and O Combos” (Tall Boy Natty Bohs and shots of Old Overholt) and Seafood Towers. It really gets cranking. Order: The Redneck Laundry, which is Route 11 Potato Chips and trout roe or lumpfish “caviar” with fixings. Sip: Oyster shooters.We sell a lot of Oyster Backs, which is whiskey and an oyster in pickle juice.

Sounds a little odd but its a sensation you won’t forget. Expected crowd: I’m always surprised at the range of people, from neighborhood folks to Capitol Hill. However, I would say our biggest customer base is adventurous people who want great food without fine dining stuffiness. Why has the restaurant resonated with Washington? We aren’t your average bar.You’re going to end up eating trout roe “caviar” while listening to Black Sabbath and doing Oyster Backs, or you can sit down and have a perfectly cooked local fish like Porgy and a glass of wine.

ROSE’S LUXURY (Chef/Owner Aaron Silverman) 717 8th St., SE Hardest night to get in: Saturday. Usually a line starts forming around 4 p.m. Order: Pork and Lychee Salad. Sip: Brown Butter Bourbon with Apple Cider Reduction Expected Crowd: We see a variety of people here from Capitol Hill neighbors to foodies traveling from all over the country.A big percentage are fellow restaurant industry workers. Why has the restaurant resonated with Washington? Pretty good food at a pretty good price.

PHOTOS COURTESY EACH RESTAURANT

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AARON SILVERMAN Chef and Owner, Rose’s Luxury

HOLLY THOMAS Editorial Director, Design Army

KYRSTEN SINEMA U.S. Representative (D-Ariz.)

SHAUNNA THOMAS Co-Founder, WeAreUltraViolet.org

PAUL SINGH Founder, Disruption Corporation

AURETA THOMOLLARI President, DNA Luxury Consulting

AMOS SNEAD Principal, Story Partners

AUSTIN THOMPSON Millenial Coordinator, SEIU

ANNA SOELLNER Vice President, Corporate Communications, Motion Picture Association of America PEGGY SPARKS Owner, Artist’s Proof Gallery MATTHEW SPENCE Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy JASON SPEAR Legislative Assistant and Deputy Communications Director, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) PAIGE SPEYER Owner, Wink DC MICHAEL STEEL Press Secretary, Office of the Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-Ohio) SAM STEIN Political Reporter, The Huffington Post OMAR STWODAH General Manager, Criswell Maserati HARRISON SUAREZ Co-Founder, Compass Coffee JESSE SUSKIN Manager, Government Relations and Public Policy, Google BRIAN SYKORA Co-Founder, Pleasant Pops KARIN TANABE Novelist and writer STEVE TAYLOR Principal Software Engineer, Invincia Inc.

PEPPER WATKINS Management Consultant, Accenture KRISTEN WELKER White House Correspondent, NBC News CHRISTINA WILKIE National Reporter, The Huffington Post

EMILY TISCH SUSSMAN Director of Campaigns, Center for American Progress

ASHLEY WILLIAMS Special Assistant to the Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issue, U.S. Department of State

JESSY TOLKAN Director, Campaign for Global Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

ERICA WILLIAMS Social Impact Strategist and CEO, EWS Strategies

ELLIOT TOTAH President, Oxbridge Development

RAFFI WILLIAMS Deputy Press Secretary, Republican National Committee

DR SURAJ VENNA Medical Director, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center, Inova Medical Group LISA BRIGHT VILLACIS Attorney and State Director, Military Spouse JD Network CHRIS VIESON Partner, Public Strategies Washington, Inc. DR NILESH VYAS Neursurgeon, Inova Medical Group JOHN WALL Point Guard, Washington Wizards AMELIA WANG Chief of Staff, Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.)

JAKE WARD Executive Director, Application Developers Alliance BECCA GLOVER WATKINS Communications Director, International Property Subcommittee, U.S. House of Representatives

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

TONY WILLIAMS Director of Government Affairs, Comcast DAVID WILLIAMSON Financial and Healthcare Analyst and Editor, The Motley Fool TOM WILSON Right Wing, Washington Capitals PATTY WU International Policy Consultant and Director, C&M International RASHAD YOUNG City Administrator, District of Columbia STEPHANIE YOUNG Associate Communications Director, The White House IVORY ZORICH Director of Special Events, Motion Picture Association of America

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

BRETT SEDGEWICK

a technician with the Global Commumities Ebola Task Force, led the effort to open a national burial site in Liberia.

Whom do you admire professionally and why? “We have local and international staff who have been in Liberia since the beginning, and I am constantly amazed at their tireless dedication, flexibility, and professionalism. Most of them did not sign up to be “Ebola Fighters,” but have taken on the role with a sense of mission that has had a huge impact on curbing the spread of Ebola and rebuilding systems throughout the country.They are why we decided to stay and support them as an organization, and we’re so glad we did.”

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

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LIFESTYLES Fashion﹐ Art﹐ Dining﹐ Travel | Rosetta Getty at Saks Jandel and Luxury Cars

TRANSITIONAL NATURE With temperatures below freezing, it may be hard to think about spring and bare legs, but ease in slowly with cropped trousers, light layers and capelets.

EDITORIAL DIRECTION BY LAURA WAINMAN PHOTOGRAPHY ANTHONY POFF FOR LOFT [ WWW\ANTHONYPOFF\COM DIGITAL TECH ASSISTANT LUIS ARAGON FOR LOFT WARDROBE WILL LAWRY FOR CAPITAL IMAGE[ ASSISTED BY JOHN SALAS MAKEUP AND HAIR CAROLYN BERRY POFF FOR LOFT [ WWW\CBERRYBEAUTY\COM MANICURE SHAE JACKSON FOR HAVEN BEAUTY LOUNGE[ WWW\HAVENBEAUTYLOUNGE\COM MODEL KYLER GARNER FOR T H E ARTIST AGENCY PHOTOGRAPHED AT LOFT

(previoous page) VERONICA BEARD moto blazer with varsity dickey ($795), ERDEM top ($765) and PROENZA SCHOULER pants ($1,050), Hu’s Wear, 2906 M St., NW, 202342-2020; FENDI booties ($1,250), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202-3420202; TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” square bracelet in 18k gold ($5,000) and TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” wire bracelet in 18k white gold with diamonds ($3,000), 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-893-7700; bangles,, stylist’s own.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN double crop v coat dress ($4,395) and CELINE mini luggage elephant calf purse ($3,450), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-6579000; TIFFANY AND CO. “Atlas” pendant in 18k gold ($3,700), TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” square bracelet in 18k gold ($5,000) and TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” wire bracelet in 18k white gold with diamonds ($3,000), 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-893-7700; FENDI pumps ($795), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202-3420202; H&M belt, stylist’s own.

MAISON ULLENS leather jacket ($3,740) and ERDEM skirt ($1,430), Hu’s Wear, 2906 M St., NW, 202-342-2020; ST. LAURENT heels ($795), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202342-0202; TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” square bracelet in 18k gold ($5,000) and TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” wire bracelet in 18k white gold with diamonds ($3,000), 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-8937700; AMERICAN APPAREL bodysuit, H&M belt and bangles, stylist’s own.

BRUNELLO CUCINELLI ostrich capelet ($4,145) and CELINE wool crepe culotte pants ($1,950), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301657-9000; TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” square bracelet in 18k gold ($5,000) and TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” wire bracelet in 18k white gold with diamonds ($3,000), 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-893-7700; IBEAUTIFUL MIA ELLIOTT necklaces, stylist’s own

3.1 PHILIP LIM oversized top with encrusted neck ($495) and RAG AND BONE striped skirt ($450), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301-6579000; CHLOE shoes ($995) and KENZO clutch ($175), Hu’s Shoes, 3005 M St., NW, 202-342-0202; 3.1 PHILIP LIM belt ($375), Hu’s Wear, 2906 M St., NW, 202342-2020; TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” square bracelet in 18k gold ($5,000) and TIFFANY AND CO. “Tiffany T” wire bracelet in 18k white gold with diamonds ($3,000), 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-893-7700.

ALEXANDER M C Q U E E N embossed cutout dress ($2,355) and LANVIN quilted purse ($2,490), Saks Fifth Avenue, 5555 Wisconsin Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815, 301657-9000; TIFFANY AND CO. “Atlas” wide cuff in sterling silver ($1,950), 8045 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 22182, 703-893-7700.

LIFESTYLES | TREND REPORT

HELMUT LANG Terra washedsatin tapered pants ($295), saksfifthavenue.com ALEXIS BITTAR lucite wave sculpted hinged bracelet ($895), alexisbittar.com LOVE MOSCHINO sporty long dress ($473), farfetch.com

GIVENCHY front-zip leather top ($1,794), net-a-porter.com

JONATHAN SIMKHAI cropped colorblock ribbed top ($295), net-a-porter.com

MARNI leather backpack ($1,010) marni.com

+)8 74368=

You don’t have to be getting sweaty to embrace the “athleisure” trend. Start simple with cool kicks, a varsity jacket and a leather backpack.

B Y L A U R A WA I N M A N

BAJA EAST leopard boxing shorts ($1,995), farfetch.com

GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI leather high-top sneakers ($995), net-a-porter.com 58

DKNY X CARA DELEVINGNE crepe de chine varsity jacket ($355), net-aporter.com

JIMMY CHOO Tokyo studded suede high-top sneakers ($1,095), jimmychoo.com

STELLA MCCARTNEY unicornembroidered mesh sweatshirt ($498), net-a-porter.com

ALEXIS BITTAR coral deco enamel studded bedarra hinge collar ($395) alexisbittar.com

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

ALEXANDER WANG Prisma Skeletal lizard-effect leather backpack ($1,295), alexanderwang.com

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

Peter Marx, Tina West and Susan Tolson WL EXCLUSIVE

Cindy Jones, Balthazar Getty, Rosetta Getty and Amy Baier Francesca Gaudio and Sondra Ortagus

SAKS JANDEL BRUNCH AND FASHION SHOW Saks Jandel | PHOTOS BY ALFREDO FLORES SIPPING AND SHOPPING: Washington’s fashionable set looks forward to Saks Jandel’s holiday brunch and fashion show every year, and this year was no exception with the classic, minimalist designs of Rose a Ge y parading down the runway. Ge*y’s well-known actor husband Balthazar Ge y was spo*ed in the front row snapping iPhone photos of his wife’s designs. A<er the show, the well-coiffed guests enjoyed a brunch buffet as they mingled about, greeting the designer and selecting items from the collection — guilt free because 10 percent of the proceeds went to Children’s National Medical Center.

Stacey Lubar, Amy Donnelly, Dondi Dahlgaard and Jamie Dorros

Crystal Wright VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

CLASSIC LOOK

Rosetta Getty exudes the same qualities in person as she does in the clothes she sends down the runway: classy, modern and minimalist Fashion designer Rosetta Getty began pursuing her future career at age seven. After learning to sew, she created her first garment: fuchsia spandex leggings. From there, she dabbled in the fashion world as a model in Paris and Milan.

At 20, she got her first real break at a wedding and the rest is history. With her eponymous fashion line having launched this fall, and chasing after four young children, Getty barely has time to breathe. We asked about her first foray into fashion, her idols and how she balances mom duties as a professional woman.

RG I find a lot of inspiration in art, in talking to my customers and in looking at fabric or even architecture. I’m constantly inspired.

WASHINGTON LIFE: Do you remember the first time you thought “I could turn this passion into a career?”

ROSETTA GETTY When I was 20, I made a flower girl dress for my god-daughter and a store owner attending the wedding asked me if I could make more for her store. I said sure, and I made them, and she gave me a check. I framed the check because I thought it was so cool. And that was kind of my first beginning in the garment world.

WL: What is it about these women you are drawn towards?

RG Their spirit and courage. They were pioneers, they were eccentric and they were tomboys.

WL: Where do you find inspiration?

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

WL: Are there certain fabrics you prefer to use?

RG I tend to gravitate towards natural fibers like cashmere, wool, cotton or silk.

RG I have to say my kids. Does it get better than that, on every level?

WL: How have you balanced career and family as a working mother?

RG It is definitely a daily challenge, but I always remind myself that they are the priority, and I think with that in mind I am able to do both.

WL: Do you have a signature customer, or a woman in mind that you design for?

RG We talk a lot about Louise Bourgeois and Betty Parsons, who have both passed away now.

WL: Do you consider yourself a tomboy?

RG I’m a little bit of a tomboy, but maybe an elegant tomboy. I appreciate classic, clean lines, beautiful tailoring and luxury fabric.

WL: Who would you say has been the most inspirational person in your life?

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

Models Kate Michael, Cassandra Tressler and Yun Chong (R) wearing designer Rosetta Getty’s clothes (Photo by Alfredo Flores)

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LIFESTYLES | THE DISH

BEATING BOBBY FLAY

FRO-YO, CUPCAKES AND DANISHES, OH MY!

Victor Albisu, the man behind Taco Bamba and Del Campo, took down celebrity chef Bobby Flay to prove who the real “grill master” is.

After opening Washington’s first frozen yogurt shop and helping to launch the cupcake phenomenon, Aaron Gordon is trying his hand at Danish with Bakers & Baristas..

B Y L A U R A WA I N M A N

B Y L A U R A WA I N M A N

W

e aren’t quite sure when it happened, but cooking seems to have become a sport, in the sense that chefs are pitted against each other more often than not these days. Whether they are battling it out to secure coveted fivestar ratings from notoriously picky reviewers or competing side-by-side as the entertainment at a charity dinner, Albisu’s winning dish, steak and eggs benedict, is on Del Campo’s brunch menu culinary competitions are hot right now.

(Photo by Justin Rude) Famed chef Bobby Flay has capitalized on this trend with his Food Network Show,“Beat Bobby Flay,” which contestants a chance to take him down in his own arena. When local chef Victor Albisu got his chance to take on Flay, he was thrilled and terrified all at once.

Victor Albisu (Photo “It was one of those things where you apply for

by Greg Powers) the opportunity, go through the whole process and you want it really badly,” Albisu says. “When you get it, you are excited but then you realize ‘oh my God,’ now I have to actually go and do this thing.”

Regardless, Albisu says he walked away from the show with nothing but positive feelings for the experience, although it probably didn’t hurt that he emerged victorious.

In the first round of the dual-round competition, two local chefs compete to create the best dish using a secret ingredient. Albisu and Cleveland’s Eddie Tancredi were tasked with pizza dough. While Albisu went pretty spot-on with an Argentinian-style onion pizza called fuggazetta (on Del Campo’s menu), Tancredi was more inventive with a shrimp spring roll. Despite the judges’ feeling that both contestants undercooked their dough, Albisu’s dish was chosen both for its potential and how the flavors worked together.

Pushing past to the second round, Albisu finally got to take on Flay, and he had a leg up as he was making his signature dish, steak and eggs. Del Campo serves a significant number of steak dishes and grilled meats, so Albisu went with a version of his steak and eggs benedict that is served at brunch.

Alongside Flay’s grilled New York strip steak with scrambled eggs and goat cheese, Albisu’s dish was once again decreed the most flavorful and he was crowned the winner.

“As a chef and food aficionado from an early age, I came up watching people like Bobby Flay and admiring them for what they did,” Albisu says.“It wsas an honor to cook with him and even more of an honor to get to cook against him.The outcome was positive and I got to compete against someone I really respect.”

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I

t is a bold move to open a coffee and pastry shop across the street from a Starbucks, but that is the kind of guy Aaron Gordon is: confident, but not cocky; bold but not aggressive.

“It is great we are across the street from Starbucks, because now we can go toe-to-toe and see how a local, independent coffee shop really does,” Gordon says.

“Do I expect to do as much business as them?

No. Could we even handle that volume?

Probably not. But if we get the 10 to 15 percent of customers who are coffee connoisseurs, looking for something a little better and who know the difference, that is what I am looking for.”

Aaron Gordon (Photo by Joseph Allen) But as excited as he is to be opening an independent coffee shop and partnering with Compass Coffee, which he says is the “best of the best” in local coffee, what he’s really wide-eyed and bushy-tailed about is introducing Washington to a proper danish.

“This town has two kinds of bakeries: French and Americano,” Gordon says. “You can find any number of good cupcakes, brownies and pies but you aren’t seeing truly good European pastries.”

After finding the right chef, Lindsay Meehan, and engaging the consulting services of Blue Duck Tavern’s Naomin Gallego, the two woman have been testing and perfecting the danish-making process for six months. We were shocked to learn that start to finish it takes 24 hours to make a danish, which can use up to 30 layers of dough.

Bakers & Baristas, which opened Jan. 21, has a daily rotating menu of savory danish (veggie and herb cream cheese, cheese pretzel), sweet danish (apple, chocolate hazelnut braid, vanilla apricot) light European-style sandwiches, sweet brioche (butterküchen, plum streusel) and desserts (chcolate caramel tart, Sacher torte).

Visit Washingtonlife.com to see more with Aaron Gordon and an inside look at the danish-making process

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

John O’Donnell with Dick and Bonnie Patterson and Kevin Reilly

Bob Hisaoka and Katherine Bradley

Felix Bighem, Michael Powell and Jeffrey Powell Jack Davies, Joe Ruzzo, Leah Gansler and Mark Lowham WL SPONSORED

VIP CAR AND LUXURY LIFESTYLE RECEPTION Walter E. Washington Convention Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Jim Abdo, Joe Galli and Tony Williams Ashley Dabbiere and Anne Jacoboski.

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE: This inaugural VIP reception showcasing some of the world’s most exotic cars, from Rolls-Royce and Lamborghini to Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari and McLaren, kicked off the Washington Auto Show weekend.

Hosted by Bob Hisaoka, and sponsored by TTR Sotheby’s, Metropolitan Jets, Bernstein Global Wealth Management and Shapiro, Lifschitz and Schram, the evening also highlighted the best in local fashion, jewelry and cuisine. James Beard-Award-winning chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Eric Ziebold prepared culinary bites paired with wines as guests admired displays of clothing by Zilli and jewelry by Liljenquist & Beckstead.

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Annette and Tony Nader

Mark Stafford, Earl Stafford and Earl Stafford II

Rick Kay in a 2015 Rolls Royce Wraith

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Thomas Moorehead

John and Mona Oswald

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

Michelle Freeman

Tom and Alice Blair with Bob Hisaoka, Jennifer Signora and Jimmy Jones

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LIFESTYLES | PERFECT PITCH

CENTER STAGE

BY PAT R I C K D. M C C OY

H

aving garnered a loyal following of local admirers, soprano Marlissa Hudson, 37, chats between rehearsals about following her passion, mixing it up for audiences and her anticipated recital début at the National Gallery of Art. WASHINGTON LIFE: How did you initially get involved in performing classical music?

MARLISSA HUDSON One of my teachers in high school stopped and told me that though I liked to sing a lot of gospel and R&B, my voice was more similar to opera singer Kathleen Battle’s than soul diva Aretha Franklin’s. She issued me a challenge to compete in an upcoming state audition.

The moment she said it may be too hard for me made me even more determined, and I was accepted. I went on to Duke University to study economics, but after my first semester, I found that I was sad a lot. It was because I had stopped singing. Though Duke has a small music department, I had the opportunity to study with one of the great divas, Susan Dunn, and had an amazing support system while there.

WL: You have performed in numerous noted venues. Where does your upcoming debut at the National Gallery of Art rank among those performances?

MH I am very excited about this performance at the Gallery. I have seen the space many times before and have always wanted to perform there, but never had the opportunity. While working with a friend who is a sound engineer, I was informed that the composer, Alan Mandel, was looking for a soprano to sing some of his pieces for an upcoming concert. This provided the perfect opportunity for an audition with the composer, who will accompany me on piano in this recital.

WL: Classical music and opera often have misguided reputations of only being for elite audiences. Tell us about your provocative recording “Lust” and how this project in particular bridged the gap between

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traditional and cutting edge music.

MH I was having a discussion with my brother about the Seven Deadly Sins and how a lot of operas were based on them. He suggested that I do an album on all seven but I decided to pick my favorite of them all: lust. We launched the project with a release party at a local bar, which created an atmosphere for more youthful audiences that may not be as readily accessible in a concert venue setting.

WL: If you had to suggest a concert to someone who is being introduced to classical music or opera for the first time, what would you recommend?

MH I would first recommend that they look at the popular singers and musicians that they already like and what draws them to that music in the first place.

If some of those choices include styles like easy rock, I may direct them to the U.S. Army Chorus. Believe it or not, the Army Chorus has a lot of varied performances, and it’s pretty cool to see all those men in uniform singing.

Marlissa Hudson (Photo by Shannon Finney)

WL: What was your most memorable performance and what made it special?

MH “War and Peace” was a recital that my ex-husband and I performed together. Based on a play-on-words, the program told our story through music; how we fell in and out of love and the storm that surrounded all of that. It was a cathartic experience for all.

WL: Balancing family and a career is a constant struggle for many performers. What challenges have you faced as a single mother pursuing a career in classical music?

MH The biggest hurdle that I had to

overcome was the feeling of guilt. When I divorced, my son Hudson was only two at the time. Naturally, I felt that there were many others things that I could do professionally.

What I realized was that by pursuing my dream, he would be set up to know that not only is the sky the limit, but the beginning.

WL: What can audiences expect to see more of in your future performances?

MH I will definitely continue to bring classical music to other venues such as nightclubs, as well as collaborating with other local artists.

In the works is an upcoming performance of selections from my recording “Lust” at Southern University in Austin, Tex. Not only is it a way to bring this music to college students, but to also explain to them the entrepreneurial aspect of the arts.

Marlissa Hudson will perform the songs of American composer Alan Mandel February 8 at The National Gallery of Art.

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

Ellen Daniels and Sandra Crippen

Rebecca Cooper and Christine Rales Debra Clark and Terri Najmolhoda

CHILDHELP FASHION SHOW

Michelle Doherty, Katelyn Graham and Tim Graham

Saks Fifth Avenue, Chevy Chase | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL FASHIONABLE FUNDRAISER: A stylish crowd flocked to Saks Fi<h Avenue, Chevy Chase for Childhelp D.C.’s annual fashion benefit, emceed by WJLAABC7’s Rebecca Cooper. Guests enjoyed brunch, silent and live auctions, raffle opportunities and a runway show featuring the designs of Lafaye*e 148 New York. Ten percent of the day’s sales were directed to Childhelp’s efforts to help neglected and abused children.

Amanda Whiting

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Stephen McPhail and Kerri Larkin Callan Space, Julie Root, Lindsay Priest and Mary Marr

Gloria D’molina and Shawn Roberts Maria Kamali and Kelly Cowan WL SPONSORED

Ronnie, Masha and Jonathan Mervis

MERVIS DIAMONDS HOLIDAY PARTY Mervis Diamond Importers, Tyson’s Corner | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP

Jeff and Karen Parmet with Sharon andZed Mervis

SHOPPING FOR STONES: Stylish holiday shoppers flocked to Tyson’s Corner for Mervis Diamond Importers’ annual Trunk Show and Red Carpet Holiday Event. Owner Ronnie Mervis was on hand to share his gemnological expertise, garnered from many years in the family business. Mervis, it should be noted, has a zero tolerance policy on conflict diamonds or “blood diamonds.” A portion of the evening’s proceeds were donated to Inova Health System’s Life with Cancer Program, which sponsors free classes and support groups for cancer patients and their families.

Maryam Ashrafi, Omar Sider and Star Morrad VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

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WASHINGTON S O C I A L D I A R Y around townďš? Russian ballďš? washington winter showďš? choral arts galaďš? Over the Moon and more!

Erin Kilday and Tom Liljenquist at the Choral Arts Holiday Concert and Gala (Photo by Tony Powell)

WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

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AROUND TOWN

Journeys of Note Trips to Paris and Myanmar, news about the National Women’s History Museum and a glorious farewell at the National Press Club

BY DONNA SHOR

LADIES WHO LAUNCH: Several of

Washington’s most social folk embarked upon a series of trips that floated across continents like a global crap game but were far, far more elegant, of course!

First to Paris for the annual auditions for Young Concert Artists, providers of mentorship and booking opportunities to promising young musicians. The group’s Washington officers included Mary Mochary, a former mayor of Montclair, N.J.; interior designer Aniko Gaal Schott; and Gilan Tocco Corn, an established concert pianist.

Next to Myanmar, a now hot destination from which Marlene and Fred Malek had just returned. Global communications consultant Magda Chrobog, whose husband once served as German ambassador here, arranged the trip.

Voyagers included Gaal Schott Mochary, her brother, real estate investor Michael Kasser (also a philanthropist) and his wife Beth Geryl Pearl, whose late financier husband, Frank Pearl, founded a publishing house to showcase the important but slow-selling books major publishers avoid.

When the group had exhausted the Burmese marvels along the road to Mandalay, several sturdier souls traveled on to see — what? Angkor, of course, beginning a tour of the spectacular wats of Cambodia, that’s what!

LADIES WHO LABOR: “It took 16 years,

but we got the Congressional Commission legislation passed,” exulted Joan Wages, CEO and president of the National Women’s History Museum, celebrating this first step toward building a brick-and-mortar museum on or near the National Mall.

“Years, plus unending hours of toil from many people,” added Ann E. W. Stone, one of the museum’s three founding incorporators.

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National Women’s History Museum Chairwoman Susan Whiting with Rep. Carolyn Maloney at the museum’s event at the U.S. Capitol. (Photo by Dana Rene)

Speakers at the reception under the U.S. Capitol dome were four lawmakers who tirelessly bird-dogged the legislation: Sens.

Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) and Reps. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)

That the museum will be privately funded — without government money — was announced earlier at NWHM’s de Pizan reception. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell spoke movingly at the event (named for 15th century European essayist Christine de Pizan, an early feminist).

The museum will honor the other half of this nation, often unsung, who have contributed to its history — women as diverse as Civil War heroine and former slave Mary Ellen Bowser; or Rear Adm. Grace Hopper who invented COBAL, the first computer language; or sultry screen siren Hedy Lamarr (yes, that Hedy Lamarr) who played a key role in developing cell phone technology.

OPENING THE WINDOWS: Amazingly, when Myron Belkind was sworn in as the

107th president of the 3,000-strong National

Press Club, it emerged that none of his 106 predecessors had been foreign correspondents.

Belkind, whose 40 years as an Associated Press reporter or bureau chief in London, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur and New Delhi had given him a wide-ranging worldview, was determined to broaden the club’s international outlook during his presidency, which he did.

Also known as an international lecturer and teacher in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, Belkind is also a journalism professor at George Washington University.

His term ended in a global blaze of glory, a stunning International Cultural Evening that saw a lifetime achievement award given to South African Amb. Ebrahim Rasool and included Chinese lion dancers, South American Bachata Congress dancers, Ethiopian Eskista tabla drums, African songs

by Jerome Barry and Jacques-Pierre Malan, a Caribbean Steel band, the stunning dance styles of Wuiping Yap and the classical Russian violin of Rafael Javadov.

The event was organized by indefatigable publicist Jan DuPlain, who was honored with the club’s Berny Krug Award.

Wuiping Yap performs with her whirling scarves at the swearing-in of Myron Belkind as 107th president of the National Press Club. (Photo by Al Teich, National Press Club)

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Maestro Scott Tucker and Julie Huang Tucker

Holly Muldoon and Judelie Banner

Elayne and William Bennett, Janet Phillips and John Fisher WL EXCLUSIVE

CHORAL ARTS SOCIETY CONCERT AND GALA The Kennedy Center | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Sergio Garcia and Argentinian Amb. Cecilia Nahon Jeff “Skunk” Baxter

SOUNDS OF THE SEASON: The Choral Arts Society’s 34th annual holiday concert and gala, sponsored by the Embassy of Argentina and Ambassador Cecilia Nahon, featured traditional holiday performances by the Choral Arts Chorus and Choral Arts Chamber singers as well as unique South American sounds by the Pan American Symphony Orchestra, led by Maestro Sergio Alessandro Buslje. Former Steely Dan and Doobie Brother guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter wowed the crowd with his unique renditions of holiday classics on steel guitar. Proceeds from the evening, chaired by Janet Kelly Phillips, went to the Choral Arts Society’s artistic programming and community initiatives.

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Diane Dykstra and Jo Turner

James Shaffran and Norman Scribner

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Fran and Gant Redmon

Lynda Webster and Mary Kate Cary

Joan Schaefer, Kathryn Hamilton and Faith MacDonald

Barbados Amb. John Beale and Leila Beale 67

| charity spotlight

Stacking the Chips Against Pediatric Cancer The 10th Annual Chance for Life Charity Poker Tournament

Y

By Will Thomas

ou’re completely it launched in 2005. helpless. It’s The organization also absolutely a promises that every parent’s worst nightmare. dollar raised goes towards My wifeand I just curing spinal cancer and crumbled.” That’s how giving Kennedy another Jeff Snyder described year of hope. the moment he and his Jeff and Brad attended wife Kristy learned their Ithaca College together. I two-year-old daughter asked Jeff to describe how Kennedy had been he feels about Brad’s work diagnosed with a spinal to save lives and help cord tumor that was so children like Kennedy. large that seven hours of “I am overwhelmed emergency surgery was

by Brad’s compassion, necessary. “Every parent empathy, generosity and has one job after their support,” he replied. “He Jeff Snyder, Kennedy Snyder, 2014 winner Shaun Dunevant and Brad Nierenberg (Photo by Joy Asico) child is born and that is is my brother.” to protect them,” Jeff said, I am honored to have “but we couldn’t.”

Kennedy’s godfather, created Chance for been invited as a celebrity guest to this year’s The surgery left Kennedy paralyzed Life. He is the founder and president of Chance for Life Charity Poker Tournament from the chest down and she underwent Alexandria-based Red Peg Marketing, which and I will be joined by notables from the chemotherapy for nearly two years. It might helps Enterprise, GEICO and other large media and sports communities including sound insurmountable for anyone to tackle, companies brand themselves at events like Shawn Springs, Angie Goff, Brian Jarosinski, much less a toddler, but his daughter would the Indy 500. Chance For Life has become a Brian Mitchell, the Sports Junkies and Doug not be broken. “We saw so much will to fight mission for Brad and Red Peg Marketing to Kammerer. in Kennedy that she gave us the strength to save lives. Only a fraction of every dollar raised For more details, visit ChanceforLife.net. help guide her to recovery,” Jeff told me from for cancer research is earmarked for pediatric their family home in Wilton, Conn. cancer research, so charities like Chance For Will Thomas is co-anchor of Fox 5 Local News, daily Kennedy is now a 14-year-old high school Life are helping to fill in the gap with the at 11 p.m., and is responsible for several signature freshman and still living with a spinal tumor. generous support of sponsors that include segments including “Will You Eat There?”

Her medical team is confident it has not PortMA, Brightline, Bisnow, Enterprise, Miller grown to the point that more chemotherapy or Coors and Ramsey Silver. surgery is needed. Kennedy walks with braces Brad and the RedPeg team have attracted on her legs and is unable to use her right hand 200 amateur poker players (with a buy-in of below the wrist, but her dad says you would $350), all competing for the Holy Grail of never know it.

Poker: a grand prize of $10,000 and a seat at Kennedy is now the face and inspiration the 2015 World Series of Poker tournament in of an annual charity event that raises money Las Vegas. If you don’t play poker, you might and awareness for the Spinal Cord Tumor enjoy the wine tasting from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 Association’s efforts to find a cure for children p.m. or dancing at the after-party with live like Kennedy. The 10th annual Chance for music by the Doug Segree Band and DJ Dirty Life Charity Poker Tournament is a 13-hour Hands from 10:00 p.m. until midnight. event that kicks off at 8 p.m. on Feb. 21 at the Chance For Life pulled in more than Fox 5 anchorman Will Thomas Sphinx Club at 1315 K St. NW. $100,000 last year and aims to raise enough (Photo courtesy Fox 5 News) Brad Nierenberg, Jeff ’s best friend and this year to surpass the $1 million raised since

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2015

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Bob and Vivian Braunohler

David Deckelbaum, Buffy Cafritz and Robert Higdon

Dory Clark, Leslie Jones, Blair Bourne, Sarah Cannova and Susan Dowhower WL SPONSORED

WASHINGTON WINTER SHOW Katzen Arts Center, American University | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL PORTS OF CALL: This year marks the 60th anniversary of the annual Washington Winter Show (The Washington Antiques Show). Blair Bourne and Leslie Jones served as event chairwomen, with James H. Lemon Jr. as honorary chairman. The loan exhibition, “Vessels of Victory,” included sailing trophies dating back to the War of 1812 that fitted this year’s theme, “Ports of Call.” Founded to raise funds for local charities serving at-risk children and their families, over $8 million dollars has been raised since 1955.

This year’s proceeds benefited THEARC, Bishop John T. Walker School for Boys and the Founders Board of St. John’s Community Services.

Ed McAllister

Fred and Genevieve Ryan

Katie Gewirz, Ashley Lemon Shaw and Jim Lemon

Michael and Susan Harreld

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Piper Fogg Gould, Brady Arundel and Collette Bruce

Joe Navatto and Kristi-Anne Caisse

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Steven and Katie Gewirz

Kate Markert, Ellen Charles and Carol Joynt

Virginia Hart and Amanda Stifel

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Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Washington Ballet Artistic Dirctor Septime Webre

Washington Ballet dancer Miguel Anaya

WASHINGTON BALLET ‘NOCHE DE PASIÓN’ Organization of American States | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Argentine Amb. Cecilia Nahón and Julio Bocca

TANGO SOIREE: The opulence of the OAS’s gilded ballroom proved the perfect setting to practice salsa, tango and mambo moves in keeping with the Washington Ballet’s Noche de Pasión-themed benefit. After a performance by famed Argentine dancer Julio Bocca, even Justice Sonia Sotomayor was spotted on the dance floor with company director Septime Webre and envoys representing various member states. Proceeds benefited the ballet’s scholarship programs and Latino Dance Fund.

Winston Bao Lord and Stephanie Cate

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John and Kristin Rae Cecchi with Dave and Jamie Dorros and Greg and Stacey Lubar

Peishan Xie and Nina Fernandes 70

Isabel and Ricardo Ernst

Gustavo Ribeiro, Delaney Zieg and Claire Rathbun

Co-Chairwomen Mayra Addison, Laura Swanstrom Reece, Pilar O’Leary and Reem Sadik

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Bob Peck and Dawn Carpenter

Gideon Lett, Mary Christopher, Karen Blackburn and Sutton Ansley

Erin Green, Ken Harris and Mike Peterson WL SPONSORED

HABITAT FOR HUMANITYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;RAISING THE ROOFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union Station | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL ANNIVERSARY PARTY: Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. celebrated 25 years of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Raising the Roofâ&#x20AC;? with a fundraiser emceed

by WJLA political reporter Sco Thuman. Henry Cisneros served as honorary chairman and Sheila Johnson, Joel Towers and Dee MacDonald-Miller were recognized for their commitment to building affordable and energy-efficient housing in the District. The night was part of a larger campaign to raise $2.5 million in new funds. Guests enjoyed music by DJ Adrian Loving after the dinner and program.

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John Didiuk and Susanne Slater

Sheila Johnson and Judge William Newman Carol Casperson and Ron Dennis

Ksenia Prokunina and Ricardo Camacho

VOLUNTEER/ TEAM BUILD DAYS Volunteer with Habitat D.C. by getting a group together for Team Build Days.

They accommodate groups of 10-30 volunteers for single or consecutive days.

The minimum age to volunteer is 16.

A 1:5 chaperone to volunteer ratio must be maintained for youth groups with volunteers under the age of 18.

Kiersten Kelley Scott Thuman WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Sergiy Zubko and Christina Chang

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TO CONTACT CALL - OR VISIT WWW DCHABITAT ORG

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OVER THE MOON

Generous Giving Hunt Country residents support numerous causes ranging from affordable housing to building a new stable on the National Mall for the U.S. Park Police Mounted Unit

BY VICKY MOON

C

hange has always been extremely important project on somewhat arduous in the horizon includes new stables Middleburg. Some still lament for the U.S. Park Police Mounted the days before the only stoplight Unit near the National Mall. was installed in the early 1930s by Many of their current mounts are the Oliver Iselin family so their former racehorses donated from children could safely cross Foxcroft Middleburg and re-trained for Road to The Hill School.When the work on the streets. traffic light didn’t work out, it was Located between the Korean taken down, and then eventually War and World War II memorials, reinstalled in the 1980s. the original stables were supposed to With Paul and Bunny Mellon be a temporary facility for the 1976 now departed from the scene, some bicentennial.The new stable will be might say the good old days of completed by 2018, with sustainable philanthropic grandeur are gone. green building elements and 18 stalls.

They’d be wrong.

The goal this year is to raise $800,000 Piedmont Fox Hounds Huntsman Neil Ama comes out the front drive at “Pelham,” Large-scale giving for good for a design and master plan.

Michele and Randy Rouse’s new country house. (Photo by Middleburg Photo) causes by local residents still Meanwhile, back out in Hume, flourishes, particularly in the case of the Windy When the Loudoun Fairfax Hunt gathered Va., Kim and Brit Hume (he’s senior political Hill Foundation, which provides reasonably at her “Farmer’s Delight” property, Parker, an analyst for Fox News and yes, there is a family priced housing for low and moderate-income Episcopalian minister, donned her clerical robes connection with the name of the village) are tenants. Recently, Karin and Mark Ohrstrom to give a “Blessing of the Hounds.” selling their three-bedroom stone and stucco hosted a cocktail fundraiser for the foundation Recently, she purchased the circa 1800s cottage on 72 acres. Non-horse types may at their home, “Old Whitewood.” Others stone house of long-time residents Nancy appreciate the four practice tee boxes and generously support the town’s community and Howard Allen on the main street of sand trap. It’s offered by Helen MacMahon at center, public library and various horse events. Middleburg (just before you get to that new- Sheridan MacMahon for $1.925 million.

Traditional pursuits continue as well. Riding fangled stop light).The four bedroom dwelling to hounds, for example, is alive and well. with seven fireplaces and an expansive front One such horse-loving benefactor is Betsee porch was listed for $1,375,000 by Bundles Parker, who maintains a string of show horses Murdock of Middleburg Real Estate. Parker and an assortment of farm animals. She also will transform it into a museum. has purchased numerous Middleburg-area “There’s a lot of organization going on properties in order to keep the land open for right now,” says Betsy Allen Davis, mayor country pursuits. of Middleburg and daughter of the owners.

Her recent largess was obvious in hosting “I’m sure that lectures and programs will be several events, including “An Evening in Old on the agenda.”

Virginia,” a gala to benefit the Piedmont Meanwhile, a love of horses is not limited Environmental Council, at her home, to the hunt country. The Trust for the “Huntland.” Next was a formal hunt breakfast National Mall recently held “Mistletoe and for the Piedmont Fox Hounds, followed Memorials by Moonlight” at the Ritz Carlton several weeks later by a hunt breakfast for the for Washington business executives and local Betsee Parker and Mimi Abel-Smith at “Huntland.”

Middleburg Hunt. Each time, she was dressed in philanthropists. Hosted by President Caroline “I’ve been friends with Mimi for many years,” Parker says. “Not only do we share a love of horses but also elegant evening gowns by Dolce and Gabbana Cunningham, guests included: Nina Pillsbury, the wide open spaces.” (Photo by Crowell Hadden). and John Galanos for Dior.

Karen Schuilling and Marcy Cohen. One

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Rev. Msgr. John Enzler and Cardinal Donald Wuerl

Buddy Menn, Sheila Menn, Tom Gibson and Arva Suzanne Graham Gibson

SPANISH CATHOLIC CENTER GALA

Luis Alberto Moreno

Ellen and Andrew Cobb

Organization of American States | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL LATIN BEATS: Catholic Charities’ Spanish Catholic Center Gala honored Reverend Mario E. Dorsonville, Vice President for Mission and Immigrant Outreach, for his ten years of dedication to the center. Themed “Widening the Circle,” the evening was chaired by Charles and Grace Huebscher and Ramon Gil-Casares, Ambassador of Spain to the United States and Honorary Chairman. Guests enjoyed dancing to the Latin beats of three-man band, Manolito the Gypsy. The gala raised $820,000 to suppot the more than 22,000 immigrants served by Catholic Charities and the center.

Charlie Huebscher, Fr. Mario Dorsonville and Grace Huebscher

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Karen and Chris Donatelli

Tom Keefe, Katie Donatelli, Brian Huebscher, Christine Walsh and Luke Bowe

Melissa and Dale Overmyer

Lila Rose and Juan Pablo Segura

Molly McNamara and Paul Hugo 74

Tania Paiva and Franco Nuschese

Ramon Gil-Casares and Jose Insulza

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David Lawson WL SPONSORED

Brigham Kiplinger and Nandi Stewart

Ashley Dabbiere and Anne Jacoboski

Knight Kiplinger and Terry Eakin

TEACH FOR AMERICA’S ‘COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATIONS’ David and Katherine Bradley Residence | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ

Mary Mason Boaz and Meredith Ackerman

STAND UP FOR TEACHERS: Teach for America (TFA) is well-known for the impactful work it does in the District’s public school system and also for its annual gala, which will take place in March. As a kick-off to the event, Katherine and David Bradley hosted the annual “Cocktails and Conversations” gathering to provide an opportunity for champions of TFA’s work to come together and converse about topics facing education today. Current corps member Nandi Stewart and TFA alumnus Brigham Kiplinger spoke movingly about their experiences in the classroom and the impact they are having here in Washington. SIGNING UP: Inspired by the evening, five new families joined the gala host commi*ee before departing.

Joseph Ruzzo, Leah Gansler and Mark Lowham VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Sharon Lee and Patty Andringa WL SPONSORED

Paul Alagero and Pandit Wright

Sean Horridge and Sarah Townsley

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS OF GREATER WASHINGTON ICON 14 DINNER AND TALENT SHOWCASE

Cary Pollack, Barbara Hawthorn, Jennifer Stoker and Joe Farruggio

Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL BACK TO THE FUTURE: This annual performance-filled evening showcases the newest crop of talent in Washington while helping to support future Boys & Girls Club endeavors such as the Teen Arts Program (TAP) and STEAM programs launched over the last 11 years. The event highlighted former club members and ICON Talent Showcase alumni as well, including one of the first winners from 2003 who performed on the cello and commi*ed to funding a scholarship for future youth artists. A<er challenging the audience to do the same, an additional $8,500 was raised on the spot for a grand total of $350,000.

Edward Han, Nancy Lee and Robert Lee WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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Jocelyn Babuscio and Juleanna Glover Eric Kessler, Nora Maccoby Hathaway and Sam Kass

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Roshanak Ameli-Tehrani, Skye Raiser and Sophia Maroon’

Nora Pouillon and Kevin Friend

S&R FOUNDATION’S ‘ILLUMINATE’ Evermay Mansion | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL WITHOUT LIMITS: The S&R Foundation’s “Illuminate” series is billed as a “21st century salon” where groups of engaging presenters lead discussions in the hopes of producing thought-provoking ideas and new hope for the future. Its most recent event featured panelists Lindsay Smith, Michael Babin, Pamela Hess and Yanique Redwood and moderator Sam Kass debating how to make access to healthy food the norm in our region. “We are dealing with the symptoms of what is a root cause and so o<en we waste resources trying to treat these symptoms as opposed to trying to go to the root cause of an issue,” said Kass, the former White House senior policy advisor for nutrition policy.

Kate Goodall, Lauren Bernstein and Gouri Mirpuri

Amy Dawson Taggart and Von Richardson VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Gilan Tocco Corn, Carol Lascaris and Vicki Kellogg

Megan and Donald Beyer

Irene Natividad and Sally L. Jones

WOMEN’S ART MUSEUM BENEFIT National Museum of Women in the Arts | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ COCKTAILS AND CABARET: The National Museum of Women in the Arts honored legendary chanteuse Karen Akers at its annual fall benefit, bestowing the Tony Award nominee with an Award for Excellence in the Performing Arts. Sally L. Jones and Irene Natividad served as cochairwomen for the evening which included cocktails, a seated dinner and a lively performance by Akers followed by dancing. The event raised $157,000 for the museum’s Shenson Chamber Music Concerts, a free performance series that showcases emerging and established artists.

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Mary Choksi, C. Michael Buxton and Nancy Stevenson WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Charlotte Buxton

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Amanda Loveland, Richard Mann and Lanie Mann Chris and Mandy Mills

FAIR CHANCE BUTTERFLY BASH

Randi Orava, JoJo Spallone, Amanda Marshall, Liz Levin

Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium | PHOTOS BY BEN DROZ FUNDRAISER FOR YOUTH: Former Redskins tight end Chris Cooley was celebrity emcee for the 2014 Fair Chance Bu*erfly Bash, an annual benefit supporting programs to be*er the lives of D.C.’s disadvantaged youth. Co-chairs were Patrick Chauvin, Miles King, Julie Rienzo and Kaci Williams. Carrie and David Marrio and other area leaders received honors for their commitment to helping children in D.C. Sponsors included Brown Advisory, Marrio* and The Ritz-Carlton, Koch Industries and Ridgewells Catering.

Chris Cooley

Rachel Charity and William Miller

Hilary Hansen and Eli Joseph

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Elizabeth Zelensky and Russian Ball Chairman Paul du Quenoy

Gabriela Coman with Prince and Princess Nicholas Obolensky, Ioana Lee, Rhoda Septilici and Leila Beale

THE RUSSIAN BALL Private Club | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Olga and Bob Ryan, Rose Marie Bogley and Robert Heggestad

Carole Feld

RUSSIAN WALTZ: The 2015 Russian Ball, held at one of Washington’s grandest private clubs, displayed all the pomp and circumstance befi*ing its aristocratic guests, including an operatic interlude with Russian soprano Yulia Petrachuk. Ball Chairman Paul du Quenoy and his co-chairmen, Prince and Princess Dmitri Obolensky and Prince and Princess Nicholas Obolensky made it onto the dance floor to waltz and mingle along with their white-tie and fur-clad guests. The Obolenskys are one of the Russian nobility’s oldest families and have been a part of international society since well before the Russian Revolution.

Yulia Petrachuk

Prince and Princess Michael Obolensky

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Jake and Alice Tapper

Dana Bash and Jonah King

Cate Wooters, Stacy Kerr Wooters, Jen Jinks and June Van Ess Christopher and Leopold Reiter with Juleanna Glover

WL EXCLUSIVE

SHARE OUR STRENGTH COOKIE PARTY

Isley Gold, Benji Gold, Shari Yost Gold and Jason Gold

Share Our Strength National Headquarters | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL COOKIES AND CUSTARD: Share Our Strength’s second annual holiday party was one of the most anticipated kid-friendly events of the season. The daytime function benefited the No Kid Hungry initiative, a campaign to connect kids with the healthy food they need every day. Guests enjoyed holiday cookie decorating, arts and cra<s, and pastries and custard provided by Shake Shack, Corner Bakery and Otis Spunkmeyer. Guests included event host Dana Bash and co-chairman Jake Tapper (both of CNN) plus event host Shari Yost Gold and their families. Guests received a guide and video to help broach the subject of childhood hunger with their own kids.

Lili D’Amato, Jocelyn Luddy Quinn and Elliot Whitney

Debbie Shore VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

Holly Clubok, Dana Bash and Andy Clubok Ali and Azi Hendi

Hamid Kazemi and Kathy Jalali with Karishma and Jay Gulati WL EXCLUSIVE

BERIM FELLOWS PROGRAM RECEPTION Hendi Residence | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

Nasrin Parvizian and Gerard Kvasnovsky Hugh and Sarah Sabet

Mike and Eileen Massumi

IRANIAN ENTREPRENEURS: To celebrate the launch of the Berim Fellows Program, Azi and Ali Hendi hosted a reception to help support Iranian social change makers interested in addressing global challenges. Guests enjoyed a performance by Roya Bahrami and a live auction that included jewelry by Samira13. Co-hosts included Tabandeh Sizdahkhani, Conrad Cafritz, Julia Cohen and Neil Barre , H. Erdal Sarper, Panthea Mohtasham, James Foster Phillips, John Meekin, Nancy Reynolds Bagley and Soroush Shehabi.

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Roshanak Ameli-Tehrani and Navid Negahban WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

Tabandeh Sizdahkhani and Sara Haghdoosti

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Cameron Hamilton, Jim Ritter and Doug Gilbert

Dean D’Angelo, Matt Owens, Phil Deutch and John Chinuntdet

Andrea Sullivan, Jim David and Cheryl Cvetkovic

Blayne Grady and Ken Doyle Dave and Elizabeth Roberts with Bob Connelly

WL EXCLUSIVE

Kevin Moellering, Douglas McCormick and Dan Michaels

CAPITAL FOR CHILDREN’S TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT The Ritz-Carlton, Georgetown | PHOTOS COURTESY CAPITAL FOR CHILDREN GAMBLING WITH A PURPOSE: Members of the private equity and lending communities spend most of their days managing other people’s money and doling out financial advice. At the 7th annual Capital for Children benefit, however, the financial wizards got to put their own money down while competing in a heated Texas Hold’Em Tournament. More than $65,000 was raised that night at the poker table and a<er a tight contest, Lee Metz emerged as the victor, with Ma Owens coming in second, Ma hew Wheelock third and Keith Moellering rounding out the winners’ circle in fourth place. Guests stuck around even a<er they fell out of the tournament to network, mingle and sample gourmet ice cream sandwiches and s’mores.

Mary Beth Stanton, Kimberly Zirkle and Christine Doran

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Mark and Brenda Moore

Cathy Sachs, Nick Carosi, Mary Myers and Fred Sachs

WL EXCLUSIVE

Julian, Jenee and Gerald Padmore

INOVA TOWER DEDICATION Inova Mount Vernon Hospital | PHOTOS BY SEAN KELLEY

James and Juliette McNeil with Glenn Hopkins and Ronald Hobson

MAJOR DONORS: A<er four years of hard work, planning and $4 million in donations, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital celebrated the official dedication of the Mark and Brenda Moore Patient Tower with a special ceremony. The edifice is named for the philanthropists who pledged the $2 million lead gi<.

The addition features all-private patient rooms, expanded facilities for the Inova Joint Replacement Center and Inova Rehabilitation Center, a new gymnasium and cognitive suites and other advanced patient care areas. In addition to the Moores, donors included Earl and Amanda Stafford, James and Juliet McNeil, and Mike and Teresa Wheeler.

Michael and Teresa Wheeler VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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Joe Johns and Karina Smirnoff

Vincent Roberti and Gov. Dannel Malloy

WL EXCLUSIVE

LAB SCHOOL GALA

Jaclyn Mason and Sean Randall

Alex Richards, Geleisa George, Lauren McClenney and Joubert Glover

National Building Museum | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL CELEBRATING DIFFERENCES: The Lab School pulled out all the stops at its 30th anniversary celebration by honoring five remarkable individuals who once had learning differences themselves. From Rep. Elijah Cummings to Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Richard Ford, the awardees proved they could not only overcome their problems but unlock their full potential as well. Mayor Muriel Bowser reaffirmed her commitment to the children of Washington by pledging that all of them, “no ma*er how a child learns [or] where he or she lives in the District of Columbia,” would have access to schools serving their individual needs. Honoree Karina Smirnoff, of “Dancing with the Stars” fame, was spo*ed on the dance floor with guests who had “won her” during the live auction, including Lab School student Ethan Feinberg.

William Hamilton, Adair Hodges, Alaena Kaliszewski and Matt McCool

Quinn Bradlee and Alex LePere

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Megan Buccelli, Dondi Saunders, Kay Unger, Jeana Foster and Amanda Tiede

Lauren Shrewsbury and Kristen Fry

Heather Huneycutt, Rebecca Lady and Kim Shrewsbury Jason and Katie Yanushonis with Janet McCarthy WL EXCLUSIVE

HEROINES OF WASHINGTON The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner | PHOTOS BY JAY SNAP COMMUNITY HEROES: The March of Dimes feted its 2014 Heroines of Washington with a black-tie gala to honor the women’s dedication to community service. The awards, formerly known as Heroines of Technology, were broadened last year to include women in various industries. Among the winners were United Bank’s Kim Shrewsbury, who took home the Lifetime Heroine Award, and Mimi Yeh of Accenture Federal Services, who was presented with the Technology Heroine’s Award.

Mimi Yeh and Kathy Furlong

Robert Floyd VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM

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Jennifer Galasso and Alysha Young Gretta Rivero

Lyndon Boozer, Heather Podesta, Stephanie Green and John Tinpe

ESA CELEBARATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY Rep. Doug Collins Warner Building | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL FUN, GAMES AND ADVOCACY: The Entertainment So<ware Association celebrated 20 years of advocacy on behalf of the U.S. video game industry with an arcade-style, game-filled bash. Party-goers turned into kids again, donning Minecra< masks, playing Pac-Man and taking turns at Just Dance.

The video game industry has grown from earning $7 billion in revenue in 1994 to $21 billion today. “Video games are inspiring America’s next generation of so<ware engineers and graphic designers to fill tens of thousands of hightech jobs,” said ESA President and CEO Michael Gallagher.

Scott Payne and John Dickas

Gala Petrossian, Gerald Harrington, Irina Petrossian and Peter Mirijanian

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Chuck Robb and Lynda Bird Johnson Robb Calvin and Jane Cafritz

Susan Blumenthal

Zola Schneider

WOODLEY HOUSE BENEFIT Spices Restaurant and AMC Loews Uptown Theater PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

DINNER AND A MOVIE: The 18th Annual Woodley House Movie Benefit began with a reception featuring pla*ers of sushi at Spices Restaurant, and ended with popcorn and a special screening of Angelina Jolie’s “Unbroken” at the Uptown Theatre. Based on area resident Laura Hillenbrand’s eponymously named book, it tells the story of world-class runner Louis Zamperini’s horrific experiences as a Japanese prisoner of war during World War II. Proceeds from the event benefited local mental health patients who are working towards recovery and reclaiming their lives.

Elisa Moro and Sophie Burling WA S H I N G T O N L I F E

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James Alefantis and Septime Webre

Courtney Brown, David Williamson and Maggie Jo Buchanan

Petra and Joshua Peck WL SPONSORED

Dr. Willie Parker and Ilyse Hogue

MEN FOR CHOICE HAPPY HOUR Capitale, 1301 K St. NW | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL DON’T FORGET THE MEN: For its second annual “Men for Choice” happy hour event in Washington, NARAL wanted to create an opportunity to engage men and younger activists in the pro-choice discussion. And judging by the fact that the hashtag #MenForChoice was trending nationally by the end of the event, it appears they accomplished their goal and much more.

Guests sipped cheekily named cocktails such as Roe Rum Punch, Not So Old Fashioned and Pro Choice-tini, and helped to raise $45,000 for NARAL Pro-Choice America. Dr. Willie Parker’s heartfelt and impassioned speech about what drew him to be a provider, his passion for choice and why men are needed in the fight was the highlight of the evening.

Molly Haigh and Rodell Mollineau Aniello Alioto and Michael Darner

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Children’s Chorus of Washington

Joe and Candace Abbey with Steven and Allison Smith

Mark Hughes and Jacquenette Helmes

WL SPONSORED

CATALOGUE FOR PHILANTHROPY DINNER AND AUCTION Leon Harris

Sidney Harman Hall | PHOTOS BY TONY POWELL

INSPIRATION TO ACTION: The Catalogue for Philanthropy,, the area’s premier guide to charitable giving, honored its 2014-2015 class of nonprofit groups at a benefit dinner and live auction. The Chamber Ensemble of the Children’s Chorus of Washington helped entertain the crowd at the event, which was hosted by Catalogue of Philanthropy President Barbara Harman and emceed by WJLA-TV/ABC 7 anchor Leon Harris. A trip for two to the Galapagos Islands, courtesy National Geographic, was raffled off; auction items included a two-night stay at the Salamander Resort, a Broadway excursion and a week in Cape Cod.

Jane Harman and Barbara Harman 82

Linda and John Donovan

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PARTIES PARTIES PARTIES

International leaders, Nobel Prize winners, art enthusiasts and film lovers VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS AT WWW WASHINGTONLIFE COM!

ATLANTIC COUNCIL’S ISTANBUL SUMMIT SUADA CLUB ISTANBUL TURKEY (Photos courtesy Atlantic Council)

7 1 This private gala during the Atlantic Council’s sixth annual Energy and Economic Summit in Istanbul featured more than 350 political and business leaders from 40 countries who came to debate pressing issues at the nexus of politics, economics, security, and energy. Remarks from Atlantic Council Chairman Jon M. Huntsman Jr., Atlantic Council President/CEO Frederick Kempe and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz were among the highlights of the evening.

ITALIAN EMBASSY RECEPTION VILLA FIRENZE (Photos courtesy Italian Embassy) Italian Amb. Claudio Bisogniero and his wife Laura Denise Bisogniero hosted a reception for Nobel Prize-winning author Mario Vargas Llosa and cinematographer Vittorio Storaro.

The celebrated artists were in Washington with Alessandro Baricco to lead a symposium on the art of storytelling and filmmaking at Georgetown University.

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1. Jon Huntsman and Minister Taner Yildiz 2. Catherine and Robert Hormats

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3. Traditional Turkish dancers

‘PICTURING MARY’ EXHIBIT OPENING NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS (Photos by Tony Powell) The National Museum of Women in the Arts celebratedthe opening of “Picturing Mary,” which explores the concept of womanhood as represented by the Virgin Mary, with a private reception and viewing. The show brings together more than 60 Renaissance-and Baroque-era masterworks, borrowed from prominent European art galleries (including the Vatican Museum), churches and private collections. “Picturing Mary” is on display through April 12.

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7. Chester Gillis, Amb. Claudio Bisogniero, Patricia Vargas Llosa and Vi orio Storaro

4. Michael Finn

5. Bill and Dorothy McSweeny

6. Sr. Maria Frassati Jakupcak

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8. Laura Denise Bisogniero and Mario Vargas Llosa

WASHINGTON, D.C. PREMIERE OF ‘AMERICAN SNIPER’ BURKE THEATRE AT THE U S NAVY MEMORIAL (Photos by John Arundel)

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Two-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper made a brief appearance in Washington on the red carpet of the premiere of “American Sniper” in which he plays the role of Navy SEAL sniper Chris Kyle. Kyle’s widow, Taya Kyle, also attended. After receiving six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Cooper as Best Actor, the film broke box office records, grossing $90.2 million in ticket sales over release weekend.

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9. Bradley Cooper and Taya Kyle

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10. Rachel Murray

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11. Ryan Gallucci

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HOME LIFE Real Estate News and Open House I Inside Homes and My Washington Real Estate News and Open House | To come

3YX SR 7EJEVM International travelers Carisa and Slim Suleman turned their five-bedroom Colonial Revival house into an African oasis in Washington.

BY LAURA WAINMAN PORTRAIT AND KITCHEN PHOTOS BY JOSEPH ALLEN | ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY ANGIE SECKINGER INTERIOR DESIGN BY LORNA GROSS

HOME LIFE | INSIDE HOMES

either Carisa nor Slim Suleman ever expected a shower with plenty of hot water to change their lives, but one did just that. After studying international affairs and economics at Hamline University and Johns Hopkins University, Carisa decided to study developing economics under a socialist ruler. She found herself at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania where she spent six months with no running water and cooking by herself on a small hotplate because women were not allowed to eat in the University cafeteria. When a friend suggested she accompany him to visit friends in Nairobi over Boxing Day so they could enjoy five days of civilization and nice restaurants, the only question she had was whether he had hot water. Carisa ignored her pal’s insistent remarks that their host in Nairobi happened to be perfect for her, as she “had not traveled half way around the world to meet a man.”

Carisa and her traveling companion arrived at their host’s empty house around 6:30 p.m. and all Carisa wanted to do was bathe and sleep, so she sent her friend out without her.

Forty-five minutes into that fateful shower, Slim, her host, came home very surprised to hear the water running in what he had thought was his empty home. Not sure whether to enter with guns blazing or knock, Slim decided on the latter and got quite the surprise.

“This sweet, female voice answers ‘yes’ and I think oh my God, I must be dreaming,” her now husband Slim says with a laugh. “But sure enough, out stepped this gorgeous creature and the rest was history,” he says, adding that he thought “ Carisa was far more interested in that shower than she was

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PREVIOUS PAGE (clockwise from top left): Plum mohair and elephant upholstery cover the dining room chairs; the parlor maintains the “African” theme of the house through the tigerpatterned cow-hide chairs, the caramel cow-hide rug and the grass cloth wall covering; much of the original artwork including this Zebra painting, was custom made

by Kenyan artist Timothy Brooke; Slim says he did not get much say in the decor, but his cigar room, featuring the red coloring of the Maasai tribe, was all his own; items in the living room, such as the Phillipa Gregory painting of a Maasai woman and child, the Buddha statue and the knives, are among the Sulemans’ most prized possesions from their life in Africa.

THIS PAGE (clockwise from top left): Carisa calls the bed of her youngest child, Dylan, one of the most beautiful pieces in the house; most of the wood pieces were shipped from Kenya as part of the couple’s existing collection, such as the oval palm wood breakfast table; The kitchen is the room where you will most often find the whole Suleman clan, as cooking is one of their favorite family pastimes.

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in me at first.”

Twenty years and three kids later, Slim, who owns the African telecommunications company Imarasat, certainly seems to have won her over. The couple relocated their family from Nairobi to Washington, D.C. five years ago, after searching for the perfect neighborhood to call home for nearly two years before settling on their current stone colonial house in Potomac.

“We knew we wanted to be in a cosmopolitan area so that three children born in Nairobi wouldn’t be such an oddity,” Carisa says. “We started our search on the Virginia side and then transferred to Maryland as we wanted a ruralish area that was still close to the city. Eventually, Slim walked into this house and the owner just happened to be there, and they struck up a rapport.”

Slim personally inspected every nook and cranny of the house with the owner, who had built it himself decades before when his children had been about the same age as the Suleman kids.

“My background is in engineering and I knew he had really built the house to last,” Slim says. “It was a solid structure in the right place.”

The bones of the house may have been ideal for Slim, but the interior was less than ideal for Carisa. Decorated in what Slim calls “frills and floral everywhere” he knew he had a long redecorating process in his future.The Sulemans began working with designer Lorna Gross even before they had moved to the U.S. and they communicated mainly via email, which Gross said was a challenge at the time since she could not hear the tone or emotion in her clients’ voices.

The Sulemans worked in stages, prioritizing the rooms they knew they would spend the most time in over everything else.

“When we first moved in, I don’t think we used any rooms other than the kitchen or TV room for the first two years,” Carisa says. “All five of us even slept in the master bedroom together in two king beds. Coming from a flat in a Nairobi compound to this house, we were overwhelmed by its size.”

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The living room and parlor, which Slim refers to as the Africa rooms, quickly became the focal points of the design process as they had amassed a collection of original artwork, hand-carved wood palm pieces, authentic knives and spears (many of which were gifts from Maasai tribal leaders) and a mosaic mirror-encrusted Buddha statue that they wanted on display. However, the Sulemans did not want anything too thematic or on the nose, and everything needed to be livable.

“If my children couldn’t jump on it, I didn’t want it,” Slim says.

Gross used two of the artworks Slim had shown her as her inspiration and brought Africa to life in the space. From the olive colored cowhide rug, whose texture actually feels like grass, to the grass cloth wall covering and zebra, snake and tiger-patterned chairs, the rooms reflect the family’s heritage and beloved homeland.

“There is an elegance to what Lorna has done, but in a very family-oriented, comfortable way,” Carisa says. “I don’t know if the house has grown into us, or if we’ve grown into it, but it fits who we are now.”

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HOME LIFE | REAL ESTATE NEWS

Super-Sized Sales Properties selling for more than $5 million fly off the market in the District; the late venture capitalist Mel Estrinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Embassy Row mansion lists for $16.5 million.

BY STAC E Y G R A Z I E R P FA R R

PALACE LIVING: The former Embassy Row home of the late venture capitalist Melvin Estrin is on the market for a cool $16.5 million. The 13,800-square-foot mansion at TH STREET NW is the second most expensive house for sale within the District (the first is still the Textile Museum property in Kalorama which is on the market for $22 million). The nine-bedroom, 15-bath piazza-style estate was built in 2008 and boasts a media room, elevator and custom wine cellar.

Nancy Taylor Bubes of Washington Fine Properties is the listing agent.

THE DISTRICT Woody and Elizabeth Brewer sold LELAND STREET NW to Kenneth Weeman Jr. and his wife Kathryn for $1,625,000.

The 1940 center hall manor house includes six bedrooms and five baths in the much sought-after neighborhood of Rollingwood.

Mr. Brewer is a senior executive at Fannie Mae. A recent two-story addition features a family room with stone fireplace and an outstanding ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suite with marble bathroom and dressing room. The lower level boasts a large recreation room and au pair suite plus an exterior flagstone terrace.

William F. X. Moody, Robert Hryniewicki

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and Adam Rackliffe of Washington Fine Properties were the listing agents while Michael Schaeffer of Coldwell Banker represented the buyer.

Philanthropist and Russian-American relations advocate Susan Carmel Lehrman sold WATER STREET NW APT N- in Georgetown for $6 million to Bill Moroney.

Mr. Moroney is CEO of the consulting firm Moroney Partners. The four-bedroom, fourbath residence offers expansive views of the Potomac River from two private balconies.

Interior features include a large living room and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows, custom built-in cabinetry and a chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen

with adjacent breakfast room. TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Michael Rankin represented both the buyer and the seller.

Kenneth Weber and Stephanie Copeland sold WINDOM PLACE NW in North Cleveland Park to Patrick Hoang-Vu Eozenou and Joana Pereira for $1,420,000. The 1925 farmhouse was completely renovated in 2013 to maintain the character of the property but with no modern detail â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the house even has a pet spa â&#x20AC;&#x201D; being overlooked. The listing agents were William F. X. Moody, Robert Hryniewicki, and Adam Rackliffe; and Nate Guggenheim and Anne Savage of Washington Fine Properties.

Joshua Harrison of Long & Foster represented the buyers.

Boyd Hudson, former anchor of National Geographic Explorer and former co-anchor of NBCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sunday â&#x20AC;&#x153;Todayâ&#x20AC;? program, purchased TH STREET NW at The Griffin in Foggy Bottom. Steven Delonga sold the property to Mr. Hudson and his wife Betty for $2.1 million. Mr. Hudson now hosts the show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wild Chroniclesâ&#x20AC;? on PBS. The 3,600-squarefoot, three-bedroom, four-bath penthouse boasts panoramic views of Georgetown, the Key Bridge and the Potomac River easily enjoyed from the more than 1,200 additional square feet of exterior terraces and balconies.

The posh unit boasts an open floor plan, chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen and parking for three cars. Mr. Delonga is the founder and CEO of Ste-Del Services, an Alexandria corporate apartment rental company. He recently downsized to a threebedroom condominium at NORTH MEADE STREET in Arlington, which he bought from Patricia Magno Arizu for $1,780,000.

The buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent for the transaction was TTR Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realtyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Maura Shannon; Washington Fine Propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; William F. X. Moody, Robert Hryniewicki and Adam Rackliffe represented the seller.

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MARYLAND Joel Glazer, the owner of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and son of the late billionaire Malcolm Glazer, sold COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE for $4,350,000 to Kevin and Amanda Jacobs. The NFL executive and his wife, Angela, purchased the 7,700-square-foot property in 2008 for $4.7 million. The Glazer family has controlling interest in the First Allied Corporation and owns the British soccer team Manchester United. Kevin Jacobs is executive vice president and chief financial officer for Hilton Worldwide. The extraordinary stone and wood Colonial property in Bethesda was built in 1993 and exquisitely renovated in 2009 to include a two-story foyer, formal living and dining rooms, stunning paneled library and glassenclosed conservatory. The five-bedroom house also features a game room, theater, and outdoor terrace situated on a two-acre lot backing up to Congressional Country Club’s golf course. Long & Foster’s Marc Fleisher acted as the listing agent while Wendy Banner, also of Long & Foster, represented the buyer. The Glazers also recently sold their Palm Beach residence for just under $13 million.

Ken and Linda Bedingfield purchased STANMORE DRIVE in Potomac Falls from Andrew and Tracy Warren for $3,725,000.

Mr. Bedingfield is a senior executive at KPMG, a government contracting firm. The eightbedroom, 12,000-square-foot Colonial was built in 2013 by Halco Homes and features interior amenities that include a gourmet kitchen, butler’s pantry, and 11-foot ceilings. The property also includes a two-acre lot with pool and tennis court.W.C. & A.N. Miller’s Henry Stuart was the

listing agent while Long & Foster’s Michael Matese was the buyer’s agent.

VIRGINIA The Thomas P. Steindler Trust purchased WHANN AVENUE in

Langley

Forest

from

Andrew Heller for $4.2

million with the help of RE/MAX Allegiance’s Cliff and Lisa Beek sold MCGILL TERRACE NW for $5,850,000. Mr. Tanya Sabel, the listing Beek is a telecom and satellite industry pioneer and founder of multiple agent, and Washington mobile technology companies. The custom-built stucco masterpiece was Fine Properties’ Jennifer completed in 1999 to include a wood-paneled library, expansive multi-level Thornett, the buyer’s terraces, elevator, and lush landscaping and tennis court. Washington Fine agent. Thomas Steindler Properties’ Ellen Morrell, Matt McCormick and Ben Roth were the listing is a litigation partner at agents while Jeff Mauer represented the buyer.

McDermott Will & Emery LLP and is based in the Firm’s Washington company based in McLean. Washington Fine D.C. office. Mr. Heller is a venture capitalist Properties’ Marianne Predergast represented and former trustee of the Langley School both the buyer and the seller in the transaction. who has relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Elegant design and timeless appeal — not to 2001 McLean Colonial is a designer’s dream, mention custom built-ins, an open floor plan boasting an enormous master suite with two and chef ’s kitchen — make this six-bedroom, huge walk-in closets and a professional chef ’s 6,500-square-foot Craftsman a property of kitchen. The six-bedroom property sits on true distinction.

Boston Properties executive vice president just under two beautifully manicured acres complete with a resort-style pool and hot tub. Ray Ritchey bought a new house at CHAIN The custom-built Arts and Craft-style BRIDGE ROAD in McLean for $3,325,00. The property at MACKALL AVENUE in three-bedroom, five-bath property was once Langley Forest was sold by owner and the home of the late hotelier and philanthropist builder Steve Yeonas Jr. to Josh Benner for H. Cabell Maddux II who died in May 2014 at $3,875,000. Mr. Benner is a senior executive the age of 97. The classic Colonial was built in of Strategy and Corporate Development at 1937 and boasts a beautifully luxe interior and Millenium Health. Mr.Yeonas co-owns Yeonas well-manicured grounds of almost two acres & Ellis, a custom residential home development featuring a pool and cabana.

PROPERTY LINES FILLMORE SCHOOL LISTED: The former Fillmore School at TH STREET NW in Georgetown is being sold by George Washington University through TTR Sotheby’s International Realty for $14 million. Proceeds will go to support the renovation of the Corcoran Gallery of Art. The 22,860-square-foot building sits on 1.25 acres and was built in 1893 and named after President Millard Fillmore. It was an elementary school until the 1970s when it became the Fillmore Arts Center and eventually

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part of the Corcoran in 1989. Michael Brennan Jr. is the listing agent.

SPRING VALLEY GREEN BEAUTY: The environmentally- friendly “green” residence at GLENBROOK ROAD NW is for sale for $5.5 million. Originally built by Chryssa Wolfe at Hanlon DesignBuild, a local builder known for innovative design and green/smart homes, the stucco Colonial has eight bedrooms and incorporates 7,705-square-feet of high-end

| F E B R U A R Y | washingtonlife.com

finishes and state-of-the-art green technology.

The outdoor kitchen with grill, refrigerator and a stone fireplace transforms the backyard into a great entertaining space while the swimming pool, fire pit, cabana with changing area and bathroom add to the property’s allure as a perfect outdoor oasis. TTR Sotheby’s Theo Adamstein and Jonathan Taylor are the listing agents.

Send real estate news to Stacey Grazier Pfarr at editorial@washingtonlife.com.

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HOME LIFE | OPEN HOUSE

Unique Finds From luxury penthouses to former school buildings, the real estate market is ripe with one-of-a-kind spaces this season

MCLEAN

ASKING PRICE: $5,500,000

GEORGETOWN PIKE[ MCLEAN[ VA This exceptional residence is situated on more than five acres and has been meticulously maintained to exacting standards. Offering over 12,000-squarefeet of living space on three levels, the house features eight bedrooms, eight full-baths, three half-baths, a gourmet kitchen, master suites on both the main and second levels and a grand walkout lower level. The stunning backyard offers a pool, spa and pool house.

TURNBERRY TOWER PENTHOUSE NASH STREET[ TS [ ARLINGTON[ VA

ASKING PRICE: $3,095,000

Turnberry Tower Penthouse is the ultimate in luxurious living. Featuring a formal portecochere entry, Turnberry Tower includes spa services and an indoor pool. The unit offers two bedrooms, a large den, three full-baths, a private elevator, 11-foot ceilings, a custom wine room and spectacular river views from a 500-square-foot terrace.

LISTING AGENT: Lou Cardenas, 202-669-4083, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

LISTING AGENT: Mark McFadden, 703-216-1333, Washington Fine Properties

GEORGETOWN PENTHOUSE K STREET NW[ PH [ WASHINGTON[ DC

Luxury abounds in this spectacular penthouse with over 4,100 square feet of living space and 180-degree views of the Potomac River.This residence offers grand living and dining rooms and a gourmet kitchen in addition to a master suite with his-and-hers en suite baths and walk-in closets. There is also a guest bedroom with an en suite bath and a staff room. Outside, the nearly 1,000-square-foot terrace overlooks the Potomac and features a brick arbor, pergola and built-in grill.

ASKING PRICE: $4,550,000 LISTING AGENT: Mark McFadden, 703-216-1333, Washington Fine Properties

FILLMORE SCHOOL

ASKING PRICE: $14,000,000

Built in 1893, the Fillmore School formerly served as an elementary school, arts center and studio space for the Corcoran College of Art. The 54,292-square-foot parcel is a remarkable opportunity in a highly desirable neighborhood where such a substantial offering is rarely available.

LISTING AGENT: Michael Brennan Jr., 202-330-7807, TTR Sotheby’s International Realty

TH ST\ NW[ WASHINGTON[ DC

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MY WASHINGTON Kim Sajet, director, National Portrait Gallery

BY KEVIN CHAFFEE

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HOW DO YOU ATTRACT YOUNGER VISITORS WHO MIGHT SURMISE THAT THE NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY IS A STODGY PLACE FILLED WITH PICTURES OF DEAD PRESIDENTS? The key is to get them in the door, because once they are here they realize we have a lot of amazing -- often contemporary -- art and innovative programming. To reach people and make a statement we’ve consciously been looking for “wow” moments in the community. For example, we projected images of art on the side of our building last August, and commissioned a six-acre portrait – “Out of Many, One” - made out of sand and dirt on the National Mall last October that could be seen from space. I’m very keen on introducing contemporary performance around notions of identity. We want the museum to be multi-channel, multilingual and multifaceted.

HOW HAVE YOU MOVED ON FROM THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE 2010 “HIDE/SEEK” EXHIBIT THAT ANGERED MANY PEOPLE WITH ITS DEPICTION OF ANTS CRAWLING OVER A CRUCIFIX? While I was not here during the exhibition, what I strive to do is involve more members of the community in dialogue as an exhibition concept is being developed. Recently, one of our wall labels was questioned by a member of the public which led to a spirited discussion with the visitor and curators. In the end, we tweaked the text to mutual benefit and learned something new. I believe the Portrait Gallery is a place to have the tough conversations about American identity.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PORTRAIT ON PERMANENT DISPLAY? For a while I’ve been obsessed with Christian Schussele’s “Men of Progress” (1862), not because of what it shows, but what it doesn’t; most notably women and other minority inventors. For example, in 1809, Mary Dixon Kies received the first U. S. patent that helped in hat manufacturing; and Henry Blair, an African-American, invented a machine which allowed farmers to plant more corn using less labor in less time.They are completely missing in this fictional image of American innovation.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACHIEVE OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS? I’m sick of reading that Washington has no good contemporary art, and then citing the few exceptions – that don’t include us. I want the Portrait Gallery to be at the center of contemporary portraiture for the nation.

MY TOP SPOTS 1. The Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building. Look for the hedgehog on one of the ceiling roundels!

2. I love the Phillips Collection. They do innovative programing and have a fantastic permanent collection.

3. The Folger Shakespeare Library – their manuscript exhibitions are amazing.

4. The National Gallery of Art. I pay homage to their version of John Singleton Copley’s “Watson and the Shark.” Plus their stores!!

5. I can walk to Union Market from home, and I walk my dog, Tasmania, there on weekends.

The restaurants near my office: (6) Proof, Oya Zaytinya, NoPa, Jaleo, Rosa Mexicano, Poste. I make sure to visit them all, and often!

7. The new City Center designer stores and restaurants are opening – right opposite the NPG offices. This may prove to be fatal.

8. The vibe of the 14th Street Corridor.

9. The other Smithsonian museums — my colleagues are truly extraordinary. Truth be told, I am jealous of the National Zoo’s panda.

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K I M S A J E T P H OTO C O U R T E S Y; P I E R R E - A U G U S T E R E N O I R , L U N C H E O N O F T H E B OAT I N G PA R T Y, B E T W E E N 1 8 8 0 A N D 1 8 8 1 . O I L O N C A N VA S , 5 1 1 /4 X 6 9 1 /8 I N . AC Q U I R E D 1 9 2 3 . T H E P H I L L I P S C O L L E C T I O N , WA S H I N G TO N , D C ; FO LGE R L I B RARY P H OTO CO U RT E SY W I K I M E D I A CO M M O N S/ I N GF BR U NO ; P R O O F P H OTO BY DA R KO ZAGA R; CITY CENTER COURTE SY PHOTO.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? Meeting amazing people. Since starting the job I have met everyone from President Obama, Supreme Court justices, inventors such as Palmer Luckey, sporting heroes (Hank Aaron and Brooks Robinson), entertainers (Renee Fleming, Rita Moreno and Katy Perry) and business leaders (Ted Turner, Michael Bloomberg).