T H E 2016
=392+ +9)78 0-78 RISING STARS 40 AND UNDER
&
FOOD: WHERE THE YOUNG AND POWERFUL DINE | DRINK: A GUIDE TO AREA DISTILLERIES FASHION: A DAY AT THE MALL | LUXURY TRAVEL: SKI UTAH WITH ROBERT REDFORD MY WASHINGTON: CHEF ERIC ZIEBOLD OPENS KINSHIP PERFORMING ARTS: ARENA STAGE REVISITS THE GEORGETOWN SALON
PA RT I PA ES! RT PA IE RT S! IE S!
=+0 ;)((-2+7 WHO TIED THE KNOT IN 2015
SHAWNA THOMAS
DANIEL LIPPMAN
REBECCA BERG
LUKE RUSSERT
Senior Producer, “Meet the Press,� NBC
Co-author, Politico Playbook
Political Reporter, RealClearPolitics
Correspondent, NBC News
Something about yourself people would be surprised to hear. I attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, which was also attended by — wait for it — BeyoncÊ. We were the same year. We were not friends. I will never, ever be the most famous person to attend that school. Most rewarding part of the job: When Chuck Todd asks politicians a question that makes them stop and think... and not give canned answers.
What are some professional highights fom this past year? I covered every twist and turn of the presidential primaries in Playbook, helped launch state Playbook newsletters in five states and wrote feature stories on how drones are now being used to film political ads. Most challenging part of the job: Keeping on top of the daily deluge of emails from people with tips for Playbook.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Being tapped by RealClearPolitics to cover the 2016 presidential race. The arc of this election is not what any of us expected, and it has been a privilege to write about this moment in history as it unfolds. Free time activity: Running on the Capital Crescent Trail and eating out around town.
Whom do you admire professionally and why? Aside from my mother, Vanity Fair writer Maureen Orth: Pete Williams, NBC News’ justice correspondent. He is a “just the facts� reporter who in times of intense turmoil — mass shootings, terrorist attacks, Supreme Court cases, etc. — is a rock of stability that brings comfort through his reporting. Advice to budding journalists: Don’t be defined only by social media.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| H O L I D AY | washingtonlife.com
28
T H E
WA S H I N GTO N
L I F E
1 6 2 0 XLI
=392+ +9)78 0-78 R I S I N G S T A R S & U N D E R
P O R T R A I T S B Y T O N Y P O W E L L | P H O T O A S S I S TA N T: S T E P H E N K E N M A K E U P : 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 A N D E L I N A S H E L E S T S P E C I A L T H A N K S T O T H E C A R LY L E H OT E L T H E R I G G S BY A N D I ST R AT E GY L A B S
F
rom members of Congress and White House staffers to athletes, reporters, doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and public relations powerhouses, it’s never hard to find people to add to our yearly compilation of the region’s movers and shakers age 40 and under. That’s due to the simple fact that there are so many younger people doing great things here. We photographed close to 50 individuals for our 11th annual Young & the Guest List, which highlights more than 300 stars in their fields. This is an election year, so many are involved in the political world. You’ll find portraits of and interviews with journalists who cover Capitol Hill and the White House, as well as political players on both sides of the aisle. Democratic Reps. Eric Swalwell and Ruben Gallego posed for us, as did their Republican colleagues, Reps.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
Will Hurd and Carlos Curbelo. New House Speaker Paul Ryan’s press secretary,AshLee Strong, also joined the throng along with the Republican National Committee’s Chief of Staff Katie Walsh and several officials now serving in the final year of the Obama administration. Our list also proves that politics isn’t the only game in town. We’ve included chefs and restaurateurs — two of whom appeared on the latest season of Bravo’s “Top Chef.� We showcase artists and photographers, doctors and philanthropists (like Bobby Gill, founder of Cupid’s Undie Run and recent Runner’s World cover star) and top athletes from the Washington Capitals, D.C. United and Washington Mystics. It’s a well-rounded, accomplished, inspiring and, dare we say, FUN group that defines youth, power and success in our great city.
29
YGL
REP ERIC SWALWELL
(D) Calif.; Ranking Member, Subcommittee on the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Returning over half a million dollars each year to constituents who are owed money by federal agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs or Social Security. What is the most challenging part of your job? Having the patience for an institution that doesn’t move as fast as I’d like or work together in a bipartisan way as often as I’d like. Do you have a mentor in Washington? Who is it and how has he or she helped you? Sen. Dianne Feinstein (DCalif.). When I was elected, she told me that there is no issue more important than the safety and security of the American people and she inspired me to join the Intelligence Committee. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? If you want to do public service, don’t set your sights on a seat, set your sights on a cause and you will find the right place to serve.
REP RUBEN GALLEGO (D) Ariz.; Former Marine and Iraq War Veteran; Senior Whip for the Democratic Caucus,Whip of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus,Vice Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and Vice-Chair of the Equality Caucus What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Graduating from Marine Corps boot camp and being an infantry Marine. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Do not start out your life aiming to be a member of Congress. Aim to be helpful to your community. If being an elected official is the best way to channel that, so be it. Second, remember that while being a member of Congress is something special, you as an individual are not. Whom do you admire professionally and why? Former Congressman Harry Mitchell. He inspired me to get back into politics and to be an advocate for veterans. He took tough votes in his district, knowing it would cost him politically. Tell us something people don’t know about you and would be surprised to hear. I love Zombie movies and “Pitch Perfect” one and two. I don’t know how to reconcile these two things.
30
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
REP CARLOS CURBELO R-Fla; Chairman, Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subscommittee of the House Small Business Committee Whom do you most admire professionally and why? Pope Francis is one of my heroes. He has demonstrated to the world that humility is a requirement for effective leadership. Here in the House, three great leaders took selfless actions to benefit the institution at a very turbulent time for House Republicans last year. John Boehner, Kevin McCarthy and Paul Ryan either stepped up or stepped down to put the interests of the American people before their own. What is the most challenging part of your job? Knowing that I am representing hundreds of thousands of people back home who are counting on me to fight for our community and strengthen our country, The opportunity to weigh in on issues that are fundamental to our present and our future and to make my contribution to the country that afforded me and my family freedom and a path to success are what keep me going when times get tough on the Hill. Also, knowing that I am part of the most important legislative body in the world. I take this role very seriously and I am honored to serve in this capacity. Free time activity: Being at the beach with my family — especially waiting in the ocean for the sun to set.
REP WILL HURD R-Texas; former CIA Officer; Chairman, Information Technology Subcommittee of the House Commitee on Oversight and Government Reform What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? It happened when I was an undercover officer serving overseas. I wish I could talk about it, but it’s classified. What is the most rewarding part of your job? I pursued this career to fix real problems for real people and when you can accomplish that, it’s awesome. I also enjoy speaking to students about being a person of character. Whom do you admire professionally and why? James Baker. When he was in government, he knew how to get things done and he was a statesman. Now, he is taking everything he learned and giving back to students in Texas. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Have a career before you enter politics. You can fix real problems if you have a background in something of substance. Free time activity: I try to play basketball with my buddies. I’ve been playing with since I was 13. I’m a little rusty though. My baby hook is not what it used to be.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
31
YGL
KATIE WALSH Chief of Staff, Republican National Committee What is the most challenging part of your job? Running the party at a time where we’ve been out of the White House for eight years. There are lots of voices in the party and they want things done well and have high expectations. It’s a great opportunity but also a huge challenge. Everyone has an opinion. There is a huge scope of what the RNC could do and we need to stay focused on core competencies that are vital to being ready for our nominee. Do you have a mentor in Washington? Who is it and how has he or she helped you? Yes, Dorinda Moss, my very first boss in Washington. She hired me as her assistant in 2007 and then as her deputy in 2009 at the National Republican Senatorial Committee. There are people who come into your life that forever change the trajectory of your career. Dorinda taught me to keep my head down and work hard. Most importantly, she taught me that everything we do is bigger than just one person. It’s a big lesson to learn that it’s not just about you — it’s about a better vision for the country. What do you like to do in your free time? Free time? What is that?! During baseball season you can normally find me watching a Cardinals game. Otherwise I like to spend time with my friends and my boyfriend. When I can find time to work out, I’m a big fan of SoulCycle.
ASHLEE STRONG Press Secretary, Office of Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. What is the most rewarding part of your job? There’s nothing more rewarding and humbling than walking into my office in the Capitol every day. Whom do you admire professionally and why? I’ve admired Peggy Noonan since I was an intern in the Senate after reading her book “What I Saw at the Revolution.� The day she quoted me in one of her Wall Street Journal columns years later was a big one. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Truly understand the subject matter you’re communicating. As Dana Perino says, always strive to be more prepared on policy than the reporter. Tell us something people don’t know about you and would be surprised to hear. I’m an avid backpacker and hike in Montana’s Beartooth Mountains each August. I’ve bagged some of the state’s highest peaks and am looking to reach the tallest, Granite Peak, as soon as possible. Favorite place to spend a Friday night: Quiet dinner with family and friends.
32
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
NED PRICE ROB MCDONELL
LIZ ALLEN
White House Director of Broadcast Media
White House Deputy Commuications Director
Whom do you most admire professionally? People in public service who recognize the work they do is important, but don’t act important. Free time activity: I enjoy a yoga, playing soccer, visiting art galleries and, of course, I look forward to not checking my Blackberry.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Reading the letters and emails people write to the President. It’s a privilege to read their stories, many of which move us to tears or laughter, about how their daily lives have been impacted by things we’ve worked on. Free time activity: I like to cook! Going home and making a good meal is a great change of pace from a computer screen.
KORI SCHULMAN White House Deputy Director of Digital Strategy What is the most rewarding part of your job? Utilizing technology and social media to connect Americans directly to the president and his administration. Something people would be surprised to hear about you: I contemplated pursuing a career in comedy before joining the Obama campaign in 2008.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
Director for Strategic Communications, National Security Council What is the most challenging part of your job? The pace. The scope and breadth of the issues the National Security Council handles are immense, so there’s truly never a quiet day. And every time I’ve thought a day would be light, relatively speaking, at least — world events have dictated otherwise.
CAROLINE ADLER
KATE BEDINGFIELD
Director of Communications, Office of the First Lady
Director of Communications, Office of the Vice President
What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Do not be above the grunt work. I moved to D.C. to be a press assistant for the Hillary Clinton campaign in 2007. I still prioritize the basics that I learned in the most junior job of a campaign press operation: keeping a messaging calendar; ensuring transcripts, schedules and press releases go out quickly; tracking clips; and being responsive to reporters.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Hearing from friends or family members outside of Washington and having them mention that they are really connected with something they saw, read or heard the Vice President do somewhere. Women you admire: Jen Psaki, Adrienne Elrod, Laura Nichols, Stephanie Cutter, Maura Keefe and Anita Dunn.
33
YGL JAMAL ABDI Policy Director, National Iranian American Council CAROLINE ADLER Director of Communications, Office of First Lady Michelle Obama LIZ ALLEN Deputy Director of Communications, The White House JUSTIN AMASH U.S. Congressman (R-Mich.) HELENA ANDREWS “Reliable Source” Columnist, The Washington Post CRISTINA ANTELO Interim President and CEO, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Insitute RONIT AVNI Founder, LocalizED CARLA BABB Pentagon Correspondent, Voice of America
CARMEN BERKLEY Director of Civil, Human and Women’s Rights, AFL-CIO Rebecca berg Reporter, RealClearPolitics KIRSTEN BERSET Sports Anchor and Reporter, WUSA 9 News BRADLEY BEYCHOK President, Media Matters for America DANNY BOICE Founder and CEO, Trustify SAGE BOLTE PH D Director, Life with Cancer, Inova Health System TIMOTHY BOULEY M D Global Health and Environment Specialist, The World Bank CHRISTOPHER BOUTLIER Interior Designer PARI BRADLEE Fitness and Yoga Instructor
MOIRA BAGLEY SMITH Communications Director, U.S. Justice Action Network
QUINN BRADLEE Founder and CEO, FriendsofQuinn.com
LUCAS BAIANO Political filmmaker
LEE BRENNER Business Development Lead, Microsoft
MEREDITH BALENSKE Vice President of Communications, Revolution LLC
ARTURO BRILLEMBOURG Founder and Managing Partner, AEB Capital
DESIREE BARNES Press Wrangler and Press Assitant , The White House
JENNIFER FELDMAN BRILLEMBOURG M D Physician
VINODA BASNAYAKE Chairman, D.C. Government Relations Practice, Nelson Mullins
BROOKE BROGAN Senior Public Relations Manager, BrandLinkDC
BRADLEY BEAL Shooting Guard, Washington Wizards SARA BECKSTEAD Assistant Marketing Director, Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers Carl bedell Attorney and President and CEO, ILION Management Strategies KATE BEDINGFIELD Communications Director, Office of Vice President Joe Biden KATIE BEIRNE FALLON Director of Legislative Affairs, The White House
34
FRITZ BROGAN Co-owner, Mission, Mason Inn and George MATTHEW BRONCZEK Managing Partner, Federal Home Company ASHLEY TAYLOR BRONCZEK Founder and CEO, The W.E.A.R. Project PAMELA BROWN Correspondent, CNN EVAN BURFIELD Co-Founder, 1776 KIKI BURGER Director of Marketing and Partnerships, Rock the Vote
LARHONDA BURLEY Senior Director, Partnership Marketing, The Washington Redskins ZACH CARTER Senior Political Economy Reporter, The Huffington Post GREGORY CENDANA Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO FRANCESCA CHAMBERS White House Correspondent, Daily Mail KEO CHEA Deputy Assistant Director of Community Affairs, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau AGGIE CHIN Executive Pastry Chef, Capella Hotel
Georgetown Business Improvement District
WALTER L CRONKITE IV Capitol Hill Associate Producer, CBS News LAUREN CULBERTSON Founder, Millenial Bridge Consulting PATRICK CUNNANE Senior Writer, The White House CARLOS CURBELO U.S. Congressman, (R-Fla.) JAKE CUSACK Managing Partner, CrossBoundary BROOKE DALEY Associate, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP KATE DAMON Owner, Kaze Design
GEORGE CHOPIVSKY III Managing Principal, The Fortis Companies
HEATHER DARAZS Creative Services Manager, CBS Radio
CLARA BRILLEMBOURG CHOPIVSKY Partner, Foley Hoag LLP
MICHAEL DARNER Executive Director, Congressional Progressive Caucus
RACHNA CHOUDHRY Co-Founder, POPVOX KARIM CHROBOG President and Executive Producer, 18th Street Films PHAEDRA CHROUSOS Associate Administrator, General Services Administration BRIAN COESTER CEO, Coester Valuation Management Service ELBRIDGE COLBY Senior Fellow, Center for New American Security MARYBETH COLEMAN Associate Director, JLL MATT COMPTON Digital Director, Democratic National Committee ADAM CONNER Account Manager, Slack PETER CORBETT Founder and CEO, iStrategyLabs DANIEL COSTA Director of Immigration Law and Policy Research, EPI RACHEL COTHRAN Communications Director,
PATRICK DOWD CEO, Millennial Trains Project DEVIN DWYER Contributing Correspondent and Coordinating Producer, ABC News JULIA EISMAN Global Marketing Solutions Client Partner, Facebook DOUG ELDRIGE Managing Partner, DLE Agency 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 Owner and Editor, A Lacey Perspective LLC BRIAN FALLON Press Secretary, Hillary Clinton Campaign
BRAD DAYSPRING Vice President of Communications, Politico
MEREDITH FINEMAN CEO, FinePoint JON FINER Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of State
LAUREN PRATAPAS DAYSPRING Director of Communications, CNN
ANNA FINK Women’s Equality Program, The Wyss Foundation
JENNIFER DESIMONE M D Dermatologist, Inova Medical Group
ASHLEY FORRESTER Corporate Director
ANAÏS DE VIEL CASTEL Co-Founder, Petite Lucette RENAUD DE VIEL CASTEL Director, Strategic Sourcing Network, Rubicon Global ANASTASIA DELLACCIO Director of Marketing and Communications, Sister Cities International LAUREN DESANTIS Capital Cooking Show
Marketing, EventsDC
PAUL-MARTIN FOSS President and Executive Director, Carl Menger Center for the Study of Money and Banking BRIAN FRIEDMAN Founder, Friedman Capital TULSI GABBARD U.S. Congresswoman (D-Hawaii) ALLEN GANNETT Founder and CEO,TrackMaven
TARA DIJULIO Commuications Director, Sen. Bob Corker MONIQUE DORSAINVIL Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of Public Engagement, The White House
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
MICHAEL DOVE Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Forum Theatre
TYRONE GAYLE Western Regional Press Secretary, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
2016
elahe izadi, 31
sam stein, 33
amanda terkel, 33 Senior Political Reporter and Politics Managing Editor,The Huffington Post
General Assignment Reporter, The Washington Post and standup comedian
Contributing Correspondent and Coordinating Producer, ABC News
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Well. I got hired at HuffPost. And everything that’s happened has stemmed from that point. So, getting hired, I guess. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Don’t worry about offending people, whether it’s bugging them for a job interview or a quote, or where the story leads you.
What is the most challenging part of your job? The Internet is more crowded than ever, and it’s tougher and tougher to produce stories that break through the noise. We work hard every day to figure out what stories matter, what people are interested in reading and how we can get those pieces in front of them. Something people would be surprised to hear about you: I was a cheerleader all through high school and for a year in college.
What is the most rewarding part of your job? So many! Having the freedom to report and write about the silly and the serious, the funny and the important. Collaborating with some of the best journalists in the business. And in comedy: the feeling you get when you make a room full of people laugh by telling one of your favorite jokes. There is nothing like it. Advice to aspiring journalists and comdians: Work hard, be reliable, be kind.
Whom do you admire professionally and why? I admire Jake Tapper’s fierce pursuit of accountability and fairness in his reporting; Jonathan Karl’s fearless questions to power, incredible drive and curiosity and compelling storytelling; and Rick Klein’s incisive ability to distill the most complicated political issues and narratives of our day into cogent analysis. Free time activity: Travel and explore new places with my partner and my family.
Senior Politics Editor and Senior White House Correspondent,The Huffington Post
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| march
2016
| washingtonlife.com
devin dwyer, 33
35
YGL RUBEN GALLEGO U.S. Congressman (D-Ariz.) JENNIFER PAQUETTE GALLOWAY President, Wolcott Hill Group LLC PIERRE GARÇON 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
MICHAEL HAFT Co-Founder, Compass Coffee DANNIA HAKKI Co-founder and Principal, MoKi Media
SEAN GLASS Chairman and CEO, Advantia Health
MAHA HAKKI Partner, MoKi Media
SHANA GLENZER Chief Marketing Officer, MakeOffices
DAWN HALFAKER Owner and CEO, Halfaker and Associates
ANGIE GOFF Anchor/Reporter, NBC4 Washington
BLAKE HALL Founder and CEO, ID.me
HANNAH GOLDSTEIN Assistant Rabbi, Temple Sinai
36
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment: Having several billboards with my images a block from Times Square was pretty surreal, especially since they cast my best friend in the ad campaign and his beard was the size of a car. Whom do you admire professionally and why? I admire women who are able to balance work, community, family and rich personal lives. From Lena Dunham to Lynsey Addario, there’s been a rise in females supporting each other publicly and I think that’s incredibly important.
What is the most challenging part of your job? Maintaining focus and direction. Art imitates life and people are always telling you what to do. It is up to you to stay true to yourself and find your own path. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Finding people who truly connect with my work. There is no better feeling than bringing joy to another person. Greatest professional accomplishment: To be able to make art for a living!
GIO GONZALEZ Pitcher, Washington Nationals
DREW HAMMILL Deputy Chief of Staff, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi KATIE HARBATH Global Politics and Government Outreach Director, Facebook
ZACH GOODWIN Creative Director and Partner, iStrategyLabs MARCIN GORTAT Center, Washington Wizards NEIL GRACE Senior Communications Advisor, Federal Communications Commission
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
BIANCA GRIMALDI Founder and President, Washington Writing Group
INDIVAR DUTTA-GUPTA Director, Project on Deep Poverty and Senior Fellow at the Center on Poverty and Inequality, Georgetown University
MARK GILLESPIE General Manager and Creative Director, Youth Orchestra of the Americas
Artist
RYAN GRIM Washington Bureau Chief, The Huffington Post
ERIKA GUTIERREZ Founder and President, epgPR
LINDSAY GILL Executive Director of Business Development, Luke’s Wings
Photographer
MORGAN GREENHOUSE Founder and Managing Partner, verdeHOUSE
CARLOS GUTIERREZ JR Associate, Clark Hill PLC
BOBBY GILL Co-founder and COO, Cupid’s Undie Run
MARTIN SWIFT
SCOTT GREENBERG Marketing Director, Nonprofit and Arts & Entertainment, Sage Communications
JESSICA GROUNDS Founder and Principal Strategist, Solid Grounds Strategy
LISA GILBERT Director of Congress Watch, Public Citizen
KATE WARREN
RICHARD GRAVES Co-Founder and Vice President, Ethical Electric
BRYCE HARPER Outfielder,Washington Nationals S SHAR HASHEMI M D Founder, Nerve, Bone & Joint Institute EMILY HEIL “Reliable Source” Columnist, The Washington Post
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
ALEX MCCOY Chef and Owner, Alfie’s pop-up restaurant Chef and Partner, Crisp Kitchen and Bar What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? I made a promise to myself many years ago that I was going to open my first restaurant before I was 30. I spent years grinding behind the line, saving up, working my ass off and finally signed a lease to my first place, Duke’s Grocery, just a few days before my 30th birthday. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being able to see the look on a person’s face when they take that first bite of a dish you have spent hours working on and weeks perfecting. It’s the best feeling in the world. Advice to aspiring chefs: Never promise more then you can deliver, always deliver more than you promise and dont ever compromise your values or your sense of quality.
MARJORIE MEEK-BRADLEY Executive Chef, Ripple and Roofers Union; contestant, “Top Chef� Season 13 What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Being nominated for the prestigious James Beard Foundation Rising Star award two years in a row (2014 and 2015). What is the most challenging part of your job? Trying to stay current without losing yourself to trends. Do you have a mentor in Washington? Mike Isabella has played a huge role in my D.C. career and I still go to him for advice. Advice to aspiring chefs: Keep your head down and work hard. Free time activity: Free time? That would be nice.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
KWAME ONWUACHI
Chef and Owner,The Shaw Bijou; contestant, “Top Chef� Season 13 What is the most challenging part of your job? People management. Being the person in charge has its perks, but it also comes with dealing with people who have different emotions and ways they respond and react to things. Something people would be surprised to hear about you? My first job was at McDonald’s and I loved it!
AGGIE CHIN
DANIEL KRAMER
Executive Pastry Chef, Capella Hotel; RAMW Pastry Chef of the Year
Managing Partner, Duke’s Grocery
What is the most rewarding part of your job? Being able to make people smile with the menus and dishes. In the grand scheme of things, my job is fairly frivolous, but it allows people to take a break from their hectic lives and for the two hours or so they are dining, they can slow down and enjoy the company of friends and loved ones, relishing the ability to treat themselves and each other. Favorite place to spend a Friday night: Work.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? The biggest thrill was the first rush of customers on the day we opened Duke’s Grocery. I get a version of that same feeling when the first guests of the day come in. Free time activity: I have a plot in a community garden and I’ll take any chance I can to get my hands in the dirt. I’ve had the most luck with heirloom tomatoes and numerous kinds of basil, some of which make their way onto our menu.
37
YGL Elizabeth Heng Chief of Protocol and Member Outreach, House Foreign Affairs Committee James Henry Founder, Teavine Justin Herman Federal Social Media Lead, General Services Administration Jaime Herrera Beutler U.S. Congresswoman (R-Wash.) nate hodson Communications Director, House Republican Conference Rachel Holt Regional General Manager for the East Coast, Uber Inc. Braden Holtby Goalie, Washington Capitals Frances Holuba Director of Social Enterprise, Politco Roger Horowitz Co-Founder, Pleasant Pops scott horvath Bureau Social Media Lead, USGS Heather Hughes Vice President, AIG SunAmerica Funds Nicholas Hunter Vice President, Business Development, POUNDS Mary Anne Huntsman Concert Pianist elahe izadi Reporter, The Washington Post Will hurd U.S. Representative, (R-Texas)
bobby gill, 32
Co-founder and COO, Cupid’s Undie Run What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment?Creating a fundraiser and growing it so that is now bringing in $5 million for neurofibromatosis research every year. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Standing in front of thousands of people at the start line on race day, in my underwear, freezing my butt off, and being able to tell the crowd how much money they collectively fundraised that year ... It’s such an amazing feeling.
38
timothy bouley, m.d. 34
sekwon jang, m.d. Hematologist and Oncologist, Inova Medical Group
s. shar hashemi, m.d. 40
Global Health and Environment Specialist, The World Bank
President and Founder, Nerve, Bone and Joint Insitute (NBJI); surgeon
What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Hard work is not enough, you have to also be creative, considerate and constantly evaluating success and failure. To have real impact, you need to be a good communicator and willing to help others be their best, too. Free time activities: Rock climbing and rummaging around Community Forklift.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Creating the first multidisplinary institute in Washington, D.C. specializing in the care of complex neuromusculoskeletal conditions. What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing a patient who lacks function, intervening and seeing a restoration of function.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Adora Andy Jenkins Senior Vice President of External Affairs, Information Technology Industry Council Brad Jenkins Managing Director and Executive Producer, Funny or Die Nate Jenkins Senior Advisor to the Director and Acting Chief of Staff, White House Office of Management and Budget
| march
2016
| washingtonlife.com
ZACH GOODWIN
PETER CORBETT
Partner and Creative Director, iStrategyLabs
CEO, iStrategyLabs
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? This past year was full of such incredible, career-best projects for me and the creative team at iStrategyLabs (ISL). We had a chance to pitch and win work that I’ve been passionate about for almost a decade. We created an unusual, inventive campaign for the award-winning USA Network show “Mr. Robot.” I had a chance to write and direct commercials for Dramamine and Beano. We won the chance to be Volkswagen’s social agency of record. It was the result of the work of so many great and gifted people at ISL. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Do as much work as humanly possible. Don’t wait until you have some credentials or say-so from someone else to do what you’re passionate about. Don’t assume that anyone really knows how to do it — we’re all just figuring it out. Be self-critical and ruthless about what you’re good at and not.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Growing iStrategyLabs into a globally recognized digital agency. I started it in my apartment in Logan Circle eight years ago and grew it to 80-plus employees without outside investors. What is the most challenging part of your job? Not being able to capture all the opportunities that come our way. To do that I would need to be in D.C., New York, Los Angeles and the EU simultaneously all the time! What is the most rewarding part of your job? I love seeing millions of people engage with the campaigns, technology and products we develop. Free time activity: Reading! I’m a voracious reader of foreign affairs and macroeconomics.
ALEXA JOHNSON Co-owner, Ella-Rue ANNE JOHNSON Executive Director, Generation Progress AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON Executive Director, Waitt Institute BRIAN JOHNSON Director of Federal Relations, API
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
KRISTA JOHNSON Co-owner, Ella-Rue JONATHAN JORDAN Featured Dancer, The Washington Ballet PÉTER KALOTAI Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Hungary GOLDY KAMALI Founder and CEO, Scoop News Group OLIVIER KAMANDA CEO, Ideal Impact
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
CASSIDY KARAKORN Deputy Director for Consumer Marketing, Human Rights Campaign NICHOLAS KARNAZE Founder, stubble & ‘stache CODY KEENAN Director of Speechwriting for President Barack Obama, The White House CHRYS KEFALAS Vice President of Executive Communications, National Association of Manufacturers;
U.S. Senate Candidate
BRIANNA KEILAR Senior Political Correspondent, CNN JOSEPH P KENNEDY III U.S. Congressman (D-Mass.) RYAN KERRIGAN Linebacker, Washington Redskins SIM KHAN Attorney and Founder, 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 KENDRA KOJCSICH Vice President, Global Health and Social Input, Porter Novelli
39
YGL KENDRA Kojcsich Vice President, Global Health and Social Input, Porter Novelli Julie Kohler Managing Director, The Democracy Alliance AJay KORI Co-Founder, UrbanStems daniel kramer Managing Partner, Duke’s Grocery
Feinstein (D-Calif.)
Media, The White House
Washington Ballet
daniel lippman Reporter and Co-Author of Politico Playbook, Politico
Tommy McFly Morning Show Host, 94.7 Fresh FM, CBS Radio
Stephanie Nguyen Co-Founder and Lead Product Designer, Landmark
Kirsten Lodal Co-Founder and CEO, LIFT
Marjorie meek-bradley Executive Chef, Ripple and Roofer’s Union
Derek Luyten Region Director of the Asia Division, International Republican Institute
Jennifer mellon Vice President, Trustify
Paul Nitze Special Assistant to U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Virginiat
Carine Krawiec Owner, Carine’s Bridal Atelier
Chase Maggiano Executive Director, Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington
Jackie Kucinich Senior Politics Editor The Daily Beast
Kadrieka Maiden Owner, Style and Image Network
Anna Lefer Kuhn Executive Director, The 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 Relations, Walt Disney Company
Rebecca Mark Senior Adviser to House Republican Conference Chairwoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.)
seth moulton U.S. Congressman (D-Mass.) brad lackey Vice President, The Presidio Group Giuseppe Lanzone Co-Owner, Peruvian Brothers and Varsity Lightweight Rowing Coach, Georgetown University mario Lanzone Co-Owner, Peruvian Brothers michael lastoria Founder, &pizza Becky Lee Executive Director, Becky’s Fund Jesse Lee Director of Progressive Media and Online Response, The White House Svetlana Legetic Co-Founder, Brightest Young Things Zach Leonsis Vice President and General Manager, Monumental Network, Monumental Sports and Entertainment dean lieberman Press Secretary, Sen. Dianne
40
Anne Mahlum Founder and CEO, solidcore Violetta Markelou Photographer and Makeup Artist Jaclyn Mason Owner, Charm Georgetown Oriana Skylar Mastro Assistant Professor, Georgetown University JOHN McCarthy Director, Social Innovation Programming, Mission Hub LLC Kevin McCarthy Entertainment Reporter, FOX 5 alex mccoy Chef and Partner, Crisp Kitchen and Bar; Chef and Owner, Alfie’s Amber McDonald Senior Counsel, Baker & Miller and Founder, The Kindness Collective rob mcdonell Director of Broadcast
Spike Mendelsohn Chef and Restaurateur - Good Stuff Eatery and We the Pizza flavius mihaies Journalist and Consultant, The World Bank Alex Mills Actor, SyneticTheater Jennifer Mishory Executive Director, Young Invincibles sujata mitra Senior Director of Commuications, News and Politics, The Huffington Post Navroop Mitter CEO, ArmorText Danielle MoodieMills Adviser on LGBT Policy and Racial Justice, Center for American Progress evan morgan Partner, Revolution Growth michael moroney Director of Public Affairs, Story Partners alfred morris Running Back, Washington Redskins cori sue morris Blogger, Bitches Who Brunch; Digital Strategist 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 and Producer, Neekola Entertainmentt Heidi Nel Principal, Picture Motion Jared Nelson Featured Dancer, The
Co-owner, Café Bonaparte, Malmaison and Napoleon
Michael Pope Virginia Reporter,WAMU 88.5 Drew Porterfield Director and Curator, Long View Gallery
Elizabeth North President, Curiosity Stream Jummy Olabanji Anchor and Reporter, ABC7 News Steven Olikara Co-Founder and President, Millennial Action Project sondra ortagus Head Booker, THE Artist Agency Laura O’Shaughnessy CEO, SocialCode Alex Ovechkin Left Wing and Captain, The Washington Capitals and Founder, Crazy Eights Ali pardo Deputy Press Secretary, Republican National Committee
ned price Director, Strategic Communications, National Security Council La Celia Prince Ambassador of St.Vincent and the Grenadines Jen Psaki Director of Communications, The White House Andrew Rafferty Political Reporter, NBC News Manu Raju Senior Political Reporter, CNN Ryan Reilly Justice Reporter, The Huffington Post anthony rendon Infielder, Washington Nationals Steve Ressler President and Founder, GovLoop
matt pauls Managing Member, Champouse Group, LLC Allison kaminsky Putala Principal, Kaminsky Putala
Ben Rhodes Deputy National Security Advisor, Strategic Communications and Speechwriting, The White House
Trita Parsi President, National Iranian American Council
Joseph E. Robert III Board of Directors, Fight for Children
Raymon Pal Territory Manager, Western Union Business Solutions
Josh rogin Columnist, Bloomberg View
Dan Pfeiffer Vice President of Communications and Policy, GoFundMe Hilary Phelps Founder and Creative Director, GJ Media Group LLC Macon Phillips Coordinator, U.S. Department of State Amanda Polk Philanthropic fundraiser Ada Polla President and CEO, Alchimie Forever Omar Popal
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
morgann rose Principal Dancer, Washington Ballet Joanna Rosholm Press Secretary, Office of the First Lady, The White House 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
| march
2016
| washingtonlife.com
2016
dannia hakki, 31
Co-Founder and Principal, MoKi Media What is the most challenging part of your job? Running a full-service, boutique PR agency consumes my life, especially given our high-profile roster, which includes names like Shinola, Moët Hennessy, Union Market and Ann Taylor. We represent lifestyle brands, so ultimately, the brands are my lifestyle. In this industry, it’s hard to separate personal life from work life. Admires:. Arianna Huffington. Mentor: IJ.com White House Correspondent Kate Bennett.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| march
2016
scott greenberg, 32
Marketing Director, Nonprofit and Arts Entertainment, Sage Communications What is the most rewarding part of your job? When clients like S&R Foundation, D.C. Jazz Festival or National Cherry Blossom Festival trust me and know that my team is going to create truly special, strategic product for them. I have a great team I can count on and clients who are willing to try things that are new and different. Mentor: The Washington Ballet’s Septime Webre.
| washingtonlife.com
maha hakki, 26
erika gutierrez, 32
What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Some people, my friends included, think of PR as a profession dedicated solely to event planning when, in fact, events are a small part of the job. So, while people may think I hop from party to party with a glass of Moët in hand, the reality is that I spend nine hours a day behind my Mac writing press releases and pitching ideas and proposals. Favorite place to spend a Friday night: Dancing the night away at Soundcheck.
Whom do you admire professionally and why? My father (Carlos Gutierrez). He has worked so hard his entire life and continues to accomplish the goals he sets for himself, never slowing down. As an immigrant from Cuba who went on to become the CEO of Kellogg’s and secretary of commerce of the United States, he has taught me that with hard work and perseverance, the sky is the limit! Advice to newcomers in PR: Be aggressive and confident ... but always remember to stay humble.
Partner, MoKi Media
Founder and President, epgPR
41
YGL Jayne Sandman Principal, BrandLinkDC Michael Sapienza CEO, Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation Ed Scarpone Executive Chef, DBGB Kitchen and Bar
Sam Stein Senior Politics Editor, and Senior White House Correspondent, The Huffington Post
kori schulman Deputy Director of Digital Strategy, The White House
ashlee strong Press Secretary, House Speaker Paul Ryan
Nikki Schwab U.S. Political Reporter, The Daily Mail online
Harrison Suarez Co-Founder, Compass Coffee
Ryan Seelbach CEO, Seelbach Entertainment Group
Jesse Suskin Manager, Government Relations and Public Policy, Google
sultan shakir Executive Director, SMYAL
eric swalwell U.S. Representative (D-Calif.)
Ilya Shapiro Senior Fellow in Constitutional Studies, CATO Institute
martin swift Artist
jeff sheely Co-Founder, UrbanStems Jed Shein Digital Director, Embassy of Israel
Muna Shikaki Correspondent, Al-Arabiya
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Opening a store after the recession. Whom do you admire professionally? [Spanx founder] Sarah Blakely. She was told no so many times and figured out a way to build a billion-dollar empire.Tell us something people don’t know about you and would be surprised to hear? I am a fine oil painter.
42
alexa johnson, 31
What is the most challenging part of your job? Staying three and four steps ahead of what our customers preferences are going to be. It’s the delicate balance of what’s happening day-to-day in the store and what we forecast they will gravitate towards next season or even the season thereafter. I’m procuring merchandise six to nine months before it hits the floor based off the pulse we’re getting from our clientele today. Free time activity: Going to Middleburg where I grew up.
stuart siciliano Partner, Hamilton Place Strategies Aaron Silverman Chef and Owner, Rose’s Luxury Kyrsten Sinema U.S. Congresswoman (D-Ariz.) Alex skatell Founder and CEO, IJ Review Amos Snead Founder and Partner,
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Karin Tanabe Novelist and writer Stephanie Taylor Co-Founder, Progressive Change Campaign Committee Steve Taylor Principal Software Engineer, Invincia Inc. amanda terkel Senior Political Repoter and Politics Managing Editor, The Huffington Post
Hallie Sherard Director of Business Development, KGD Architecture
Co-founder, Ella Rue boutique consignment shop
ASHLEY Spillane President, Rock the Vote
Leo Schmid Senior Marketing and PR Manager, Richard Sandoval Restaurants
adam sharp Head of News, Government and Elections, Twitter
krista johnson, 33
Jason Spear Legislative Associate and Deputy Communications Director, Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) Paige Speyer Owner, Wink DC
Nicole Schade Lifestyle Account Manager, TAA Public Relations
Co-founder, Ella Rue boutique consignment shop
Bryant Row LLC
Shaunna Thomas Co-Founder, WeAreUltraViolet.org Shawna thomas Senior Producer, NBC Meet the Press lindley thornburg RICHARDSON Public Relations Consultant, Heather Freeman Media & Public Relations Emily Tisch Sussman Director of Campaigns, Center for American Progress Elliot Totah President, Oxbridge Development
| march
2016
| washingtonlife.com
2016
jessica moore, 36
Government Relations Director,Walt Disney Company What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? One of the favorite days of my career was working with Blue Star Families to bring some Disney magic to military families stationed in Vicenza, Italy. Together we brought over 3,000 books for the children, Mickey came all the way to Italy to greet the families and first lady Michelle Obama was our very special guest reader. It was such a fun day showing support for our United States military families overseas who sacrifice being near their loved ones in order to support our country. Whom do you admire professionally and why? First lady Michelle Obama has spent her time in the White House reminding families how important it is for children to be physically active, encouraging Americans to support military families and highlighting the importance of continuing education. In between sack races and push up contests, she’s had a lot fun doing it. Most importantly, she always makes being a mom her first priority. I love that my daughter — and children everywhere — have such a positive role model. What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Be kind. No matter how busy you are, there is always time to be nice to other people. Even when no one else is looking.
carl bedell
President and CEO, Ilion Management Strategies; former Army captain What is the most challenging part of your job? Time management. Running a solo law practice and a consulting firm while balancing commitments to the non-profits I work with requires constant scheduling and often sacrifice of personal time. Fortunately, my closest friends are involved in most of the same philanthropic activities, so social time often coincides with the philanthropic work. What is the most rewarding part of your job? When I get to contact a veteran client who has been fighting for disability benefits for years and inform them that the Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded retroactive benefits. Often times, those benefits are life changing.Whom do you admire professionally and why? My mother, Col. Mary Beth Bedell. She spent her career overcoming roadblocks to lead an incredibly successful military career. The personal sacrifices she made for her family and country instilled in me my desire to serve. She taught me to set goals and to follow dreams. She continues to be a source of inspiration for me. Free time activities: Working with artists or non-profits. Between ACCADEMIA DC, the D.C. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (and the Sweethearts & Patriots Gala), and Crusade for Art, my free time is consumed pretty quickly.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| march
2016
| washingtonlife.com
43
YGL Chris Vieson Partner, Public Strategies Washington, Inc. John Wall Point Guard, Washington Wizards katie walsh Chief of Staff, Republican National Committee Jake Ward President and CEO, Application Developers Alliance kate warren Photographer Becca Glover Watkins Communications Director, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr Pepper Watkins Manager, Accenture ali weinberg Digital Journalist, ABC News Kristen Welker White House Correspondent, NBC News paul wharton Owner, Paul Wharton Model/Management; Lifestyle and Fashion Expert and TV Personality Christina Wilkie National Reporter, The Huffington Post antonio Williams Senior Director of Government and External Affairs, Comcast Erica Williams simon Social Impact Strategist and CEO, EWS Strategies Raffi Williams Deputy Press Secretary, Republican National Committee Tom Wilson Right Wing, Washington Capitals
kim kingsley, 36
Brian Friedman, 37
Jayne Sandman, 36
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Playing such a central role in the creation, development and evolution of POLITICO. I was one of POLITICO’s very first employees, helping it grow from a garage band startup to a global media company with 450 employees. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m honored to be an important part of POLITICO’s origin story.
What is your advice to people aspiring to succeed in your profession? Work very hard. Everyone says, ‘Follow your dreams,’ but to succeed you have to do more than follow them. You have to pursue and realize them and never accept anything but what you want. You’re going to hit a wall, many walls, so optimism, vision and a willingness to find a way over the wall are important.
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? 2015 was an amazing year for BrandLinkDC, but hosting a luncheon for Michelle Obama was my favorite moment. Do you have a mentor in Washington? Mark Ein. He’s able to distill seemingly complex issues into very concise action items that have helped us build our company smartly.
Chief Operating Officer, Politico
44
Real Estate Developer and Investor; Founder, Freidman Capital
Principal, BrandLinkDC
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
Rashad Young City Administrator, Washington, D.C.. Stephanie Young Director, African American Outreach, The White House
| march
visit
washingtonlife.com
2016
| washingtonlife.com
NATASHA CLOUD
NATE SCHMIDT
ANDRÉ BURAKOVSKY
NICK DELEON
Guard,Washington Mystics
Defenseman,Washington Capitals
Left Wing,Washington Capitals
Midfielder, D.C. United
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Being considered a professional athlete. From the time I was little I dreamed of playing in the WNBA with all the best athletes in the game, and now I’m here! I’m truly humbled and blessed by this entire experience. Advice to aspiring athletes: Be true to who you are. Do not let anyone tell you you’re not good enough, fast enough, smart enough, or strong enough.
Do you have a mentor in Washington? How has he or she helped you? My teammate Brooks Orpik. He’s a guy who defines what it is to be a player, from how he treats people to how he acts at the rink. I hope to have the same traits as I mature. He is a very good person. People would be surprised to hear: My family has a cabin in Minnesota and my mom only lets me cook when I’m there. I’m the cook at home. I’m quite the chef.
What is the most challenging part of your job? Every game is a big challenge. You play with and against great players. I’m young but I want to be the best, so I am constantly trying to improve on the ice. Each day, I give every ounce of effort possible to achieve my ultimate goals in the NHL. If I fail in this regard, then I let myself down, and more importantly, I let my teammates down. Admires: Former NHL player and fellow Swede Peter Forsberg..
What do you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment? Winning the Lamar Hunt Open Cup with D.C. United in 2013. The feeling of winning this cup cannot be put into words. The joy on everyone’s face was priceless, and having my mother at the game was just an added bonus Hobby: Building model cars. It’s a fun process and to see the final product always feels good. They’re cool decor as well! Admires: Bob Marley and Evander Holyfield.
WA S H I N G T O N L I F E
| M A R C H | washingtonlife.com
45