Alexandria Jazz Fest
A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest
Get ready to celebrate the holidays at A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest - a festive gathering of music, art, and poetry!
The enchanting sounds of jazz will fill the air at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Old Town Alexandria as the culmination of the ALX Jazz Fest 2024 season. Featuring live music, art, and poetry. Grab your friends and family, and make it a night to remember!
Join us for the Pre-Mingle in the Grand Masonic Hall from 5-7PM or the Jazz Concert itself in the Memorial Theater from 7-9PM.
Beer and wine will be available to purchase in the Grand Masonic Hall before the concert by Port City Brewing Company.
Tours of the Memorial's iconic Observation Deck are available to purchase near the Jazz Fest check-in area from 5 - 7 PM (before the concert begins).
A Very Merry ALX Jazz Fest
Friday, December 13, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Old Town Alexandria
101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, VA 22301
RSVP: Free, but space is limited (RSVPs required)
SCHEDULE AT-A-GLANCE
- Mingling, DJ Set, Drinks with Port City, and viewing of Art Projects in the Masonic Hall:
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Live DJ Set by DJ One Luv
- Drinks (Wine, Beer, Cider) for sale by Port City Brewing Company
- Light Appetizers (Cookies, Fruit, Vegetables, Charcuterie)
- Complimentary Coffee and Hot Tea
- Exhibitions by 3 Art Projects commissioned by the Office of the Arts: David Amoroso, Ngoc ‘Naomi’ Le, Bex Novak
- Tours of Masonic Memorial Observation Deck
- Jazz and Poetry Performances in the Memorial Theater:
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- 7 PM: Opening and Poetry by Master of Ceremonies Sean Murphy
- 7:15 PM: Jazz by Night and Day Music
- 8 PM: Poetry by Poet Laureate Zeina Azzam
- 8:15 PM: Jazz by Wes Biles & Friends
- 8:50 PM: Special Appearance by Santa Claus
#artsALX
Jazz Fest performers were selected through the Office of the Arts Jazz Fest Advisory Team, a rotating team of community professionals from various organizations, including the Smithsonian, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series, the 930 Club, and the DC Jazz Festival.
About The Office of the Arts
The Office of The Arts promotes the value of arts and culture in Alexandria by nurturing, investing in and celebrating the creative contributions of artists and arts organizations. Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to the arts, the Office of the Arts works with local artists and arts organizations to build a vibrant community for all of the City's residents, workers and visitors.
JAZZ PERFORMANCES
Night and Day Music
(7:15 - 8:00 PM)
Michael Suser is a DC native who has worked as a jazz pianist, vocalist and band leader for the last 32 years. He began studying jazz piano in the 80's as a way to reduce the stress of his career as a Federal Probation Officer. In 1992 Michael started his own group. Night and Day, to perform Big Band, swing and jazz music, and the band continues to perform regularly throughout the metro area. He has an abiding fondness for the wonderful music of the Great American Songbook. Michael has two CDs to his credit, both with the backing of the Night A Day band.
Charlene Cochran is a classically trained vocalist who now sings jazz,
has been a band leader and independent voice over artist. A Washington native, Charlene's smooth vocal style has been showcased on both coasts. In the D.C. area, Charlene has performed at Blues Alley, the Kennedy Center, Andie Musik and the Strathmore Arts Center.
Wes Biles & Friends
(8:15 - 9:00 PM)
Born and schooled in Nashville Tennessee, began his music training in the third grade playing drums from the renowned teacher, Andy Goodrich. The next year he started playing violin, and by the 8th grade, took on the sousaphone and tuba. After a bass violin was donated to his jr high school, his band teacher, Don Q. Pullen, finally convinced him to study the instrument, and that became the love of his life. He graduated from Fisk University earning a B.S. degree, with distinction, in Economics also played varsity baseball for four years as a pitcher and team captain. He went on to earn M.S. Degrees in Econ from Boston University and MIT. He has enjoyed a career as a professional musician and teacher for more than 60 years. Over the years, he has worked and performed with Ike and Tina Turner, Aretha Franklen, Quincy Jones, Curtis Mayfield, The Jones Girls, Freda Payne, King Floyd, The Natural Four, Ronnie Wells and Ron Elliston, Dave and Esther Yarbough, Janine Gilbert-Carter, Manny Kellough, and many others. For the past 23 years, he taught electric and upright bass to 100s of students attending the infamous Washington Jazz Arts Institute, located in Washington D.C. He was awarded the Leadership and Service Award (2023), Washington jazz Arts Institute; Outstanding Legendary Musician, (2015), DC Legendary Musicians; and, DC Jazz Leaders in Service Award, (2024), Capitol Hill Jazz Foundation. He is the very proud father of five (5) wonderful sons.
POET LAUREATE
Zeina Azzam
Zeina Azzam is a Palestinian American poet, writer, editor, and community activist. She serves as the poet laureate of Alexandria, Virginia, for 2022-2025 and has been nominated twice for a Pushcart Prize. Her poems appear in literary journals and anthologies, and her poetry collection, Some Things Never Leave You, was released in summer 2023 by Tiger Bark Press. Zeina’s chapbook, Bayna Bayna, In-Between, was published in 2021 by The Poetry Box. She holds an MA in Arabic literature from Georgetown University and an MA in sociology from George Mason University. www.zeinaazzam.com
MASTER OF CEREMONIES AND FEATURED POET
Sean Murphy
Sean Murphy is founder of the non-profit 1455 Lit Arts, and directs the Center for Story at Shenandoah University. He has appeared on NPR's "All Things Considered" and been quoted in USA Today, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and AdAge. A long-time columnist for PopMatters, his work has also appeared in Salon, The Village Voice, Washington City Paper, The Good Men Project, Writer’s Digest, and others. His chapbook, The Blackened Blues, was published by Finishing Line Press in 2021. His second collection of poems, Rhapsodies in Blue was published by Kelsay Books in 2023. His third collection, Kinds of Blue, and This Kind of Man, his first collection of short fiction, published in 2024. He has been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize, twice for Best of Net, and his book Please Talk about Me When I'm Gone was the winner of Memoir Magazine's 2022 Memoir Prize. To learn more, and read his published short fiction, poetry, and criticism, please visit seanmurphy.net/ and @bullmurph.
ARTISTS FEATURED DURING THE PRE-MINGLE
David Amoroso
David Amoroso shows his admiration for Latin culture through his artwork. His artistic passion is divided between painting, photography, and block and screen prints. Although the majority of David’s work is dedicated to painting iconic portraits of everyday people, he also represents Mexican pop culture through his work. His involvement within the Latino art community has allowed him to create Mexican altars for Día de los Muertos and Guatemalan Alfombras de Aserrín. His art has brought him to exhibit and work in the DC Metro area, California, Arizona, North Carolina, Mexico, Central and South America. @amorosoart
Ngoc ‘Naomi’ Le
Naomi (Ngoc) Le was born in Vietnam in 1995. In 2020, she received her BFA from Towson University, in Baltimore, MD, and was honored with the Ro and Marius Award. Naomi has exhibited her work in the NextGen 7.0 Exhibition at VisArts, Out of Order at Maryland Art Place, and Katzen Art Center. She earned her MFA from American University in 2023. Most recently, she was selected as a 2023 Post-Graduate Resident at Torpedo Factory Art Center. @naomileart
Bex Novak
Bex Novak has been transforming people into artwork for nearly two decades. She is honored to paint in the magnificent and historic space of the Masonic Memorial. Her model’s designs are inspired by the space and are created with the intention to spread holiday joy. Photos with her artwork (the models) are welcomed and encouraged! @bexnovak
PRE-MINGLE DJ MUSIC
DJ One Luv
Jamal “DJ One Luv” Muhammad was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He has resided in the Washington, D.C. area since 1994. He is an established full time DJ, a talk show host, a visual artist and dedicated community activist in the Washington area.
As a DJ he is renowned for his classic Old School parties and events celebrating and paying tribute to the history and greatness of music and artists from years past. He is in high demand for various events from parties, festivals, corporate & community events, political events and major conferences. Since 2018 he has been the host of his weekly online show “The Old School Lunch Bag Mix”. Since 2016, Jamal has been the resident DJ for the National Education Association’s Annual Race and Social Justice Conference block parties held in different cities across the country. He takes great pride in giving back and giving his all in everything he does.
In essence, Jamal “DJ One Luv” Muhammad is truly a renaissance man.
@djoneluv
#artsALX
Transportation
Free parking is available the Masonic Memorial. Visitors to Old Town can also take Metrorail’s Blue or Yellow lines to the King Street-Old Town Station. For DASH schedule information, call 703.746.DASH (3274) or visit dashbus.com. For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visit wmata.com. For parking information, visit alexandriava.gov/Parking.
Event Information
For more information about the event, call the City’s Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592 or visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation.
For media inquiries, contact the newsroom at newsroom@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.
Disability Accommodation
For reasonable disability accommodation, contact daniel.guzman@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.5419, Virginia Relay 711.
ARCHIVES
Below you will find a collection of past ALX Jazz Fests, from pop-up events to our 45th Anniversary event.
ALX Jazz Fest Pop Up at the Market at Southern Towers
The City of Alexandria's Office of the Arts is proud to invite you to the first ever ALX Jazz Fest Pop Up Series! Over the next few months, enjoy free art activations, live jazz, and spoken word artists at various locations throughout Alexandria. In October, we partner with the Market at Southern Towers to provide a musical experience alongside the market's offerings of fresh fruit, baked goods, artisans, and health products!
Free and open to the public!
The Market @ Southern Towers
4901 Seminary Rd
Alexandria, VA
Sunday, October 22
12 - 2 PM
The Farmer's Market runs from 10am - 3pm
The Jazz Fest Pop Up performances runs from 12 - 2pm
Live jazz by Munit Mesfin @munit.mesfin
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Spoken word by
• Yohanes Molla Namaga @yohaneslm
• Mari Mused @marixmused
• Raquel Ra Brown @radigya
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Hands-on mask-making art project with David Amoroso @amorosoart with the Mobile Art Lab! 12 - 2pm
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ABOUT THE JAZZ ARTIST
MUNIT MESFIN @munit.mesfin
Munit Mesfin is an Ethio-Soul singer and award-winning songwriter and recording artist. In her performances, she blends her Ethiopian roots with the music she loves: jazz, soul, and reggae! She loves building community with music, be it with kids as young as 3 or as old as 103 ;) She has two albums that she did in her duet, Munit and Jörg, and recently, another with the band Project Locrea which recently won two Wammies (Washington Area Music Awards) for Best World music Artist/Group and Best World Music Song for an Ethiopian tune entitled Abet Abet that she performs on. In 2021, Munit also won the overall award for the Songwriters' Association of Washington's Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Competition with her song "Adwa", and was a finalist in their newest "Freedom Songs" category.
Munit is currently working on her first solo album, and a family music album with her son and daughters under their band, Munit and the Lovebugs! Besides her performances, she works as a teaching artist with Carpe Diem Arts, the Civic Circle and Wolf Trap, using arts integration for positive social and educational outcomes!
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ABOUT THE SPOKEN WORD ARTISTS
RAQUEL "RA" BROWN @radigya
Raquel "Ra" Brown was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa. She's been writing since she was 13. Using poetry and prose as an outlet (and saving her parents thousands in therapy sessions) she found and still uses her voice to express ideas and experiences: in love, life situations, lust, tragedy and traveling.
She has performed and written for other artists, performed on national and international stages and for many amazing audiences. Featured on many albums and has been published in a number of anthologies.
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MARIX MUSED @marixmused
Hailing from the Prince George’s County, Mari Mused is a young creative interested in the entertainment and advancement of black youth. Mari is a senior at the illustrious Morgan State University with future goals of becoming a physical therapist. You can follow her on instagram @marixmused to see her creative works.
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YOHANES MOLLA NAMAGA @yohaneslm
Yohanes is a Poet, Podcaster, Blogger & more. He is the the author of the books 'የብርሃን ልክፍት' (Luminomania) and 'የብርሃን ሰበዞች' (Raffia grass of light)
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ABOUT THE MOBILE ART LAB ARTIST
DAVID AMOROSO @amorosoart
David Amoroso shares his “Pop Art” aesthetic through painting, photography, and block and screen-printing. Although the majority of David’s work is dedicated to painting portraits of cultural icons, he also represents everyday people and addresses social justice through his art. The influence of Mexico and Central America are apparent in his bold color palette, and he upholds traditional cultural artistries such as Papel Picado, altars for Día de los Muertos and Guatemalan Alfombras de Aserrín. David Amoroso has exhibited in the DC Metro area, New York, California, Mexico, and Central and South America. His work is frequently highlighted in cultural events, festivals and Smithsonian programs.
PLUS: Check out the full lineup of vendors at the Market! Come support local businesses!
Wonder Abyssinia Trading LLC @wonderabyssinia
Bakeology Pastries (treats/pastries)
Terry’s Taste (food) @terrystaste
Carlos’ Farm (produce)
Unique Shine Cherita (jewelry)
The Snack Lady (sweets) @thesnackladyllc
Sustainably D. Marie (clothes and items)
Day Dreamer Oasis @daydreamerscbd
IZORA (soaps)
Art Bae (art) @the_artbae_
Composting station by @alexandriavates
Thanks to the City of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) @alexandriavagov and Southern Towers Apartments @southerntowersalexandria for putting on the Farmer's Market each weekend.
45th Annual ALX Jazz Fest (2023)
This last summer, The Alexandria Jazz Fest (ALX Jazz Fest) celebrated its 45th anniversary! Despite a rain delay, more than 3,000 attendees attended this 3-hour event, full of music, spoken word, student poets, and a live mural painting.
Friday, June 16, 2023
6 - 9 pm
part of the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival
Waterfront Park
About The Office of the Arts
The Office of The Arts promotes the value of arts and culture in Alexandria by nurturing, investing in and celebrating the creative contributions of artists and arts organizations. Through engaging the community, encouraging participation, and facilitating access to the arts, the Office of the Arts works with local artists and arts organizations to build a vibrant community for all of the City's residents, workers and visitors.
Jazz performances
6:15 – 7:00pm
Joe Baione Quintet
Joe Baione grew up in a jazz drenched musical environment. His father, the clarinetist-saxophonist-educator Jim Baione, is a graduate of Philadelphia’s prestigious Combs Conservatory of Music, where he earned both his B.A. and M.A. in Music Education Degrees and first met Joe’s musician mother, Barbara. The other musical members of the Baione family include Joe’s two older brothers, bassist Tom and guitarist Jimmy. Following in his father’s footsteps, Joe studied both music education and jazz performance, graduating from the University of Maryland E.S. in 1995. Since then he has gone on to become a passionate and creative band teacher by day and an energetic and innovative band leader and performer at night. Joe Baione has performed at some of the most prestigious festivals and venues in the world, including the Trinidad Jazz and Steelpan Festival, Rochester International Jazz Festival, Clearwater Jazz Holiday, Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, The Iridium NYC, The Kimmel Center, The Freeman State and the Rehoboth Autumn Jazz Festival.
7:15 – 8:00 pm
Michael Hawkins and the Brotherhood
Growing up in Alexandria Virginia, Michael Hawkins became influenced by the vibrant music scene. Local musicians would play at his neighborhood’s recreation centers and parks on a regular basis. Hawkins began his music career as a trumpet player in his high school band. After switching to trombone, he finally settled on bass guitar. At 15, he began to work professionally in his native Alexandria, Va. By 16, he was leading his own band and performing regularly in the Washington, D.C., area. Upon receiving a full scholarship, Hawkins studied music at Virginia State University. Next, he made his way to New York City, where he earned a master’s degree in Jazz Studies from Queen’s College and shared the stage with some of the world’s greatest musicians.
Internationally, Hawkins has toured and performed with some of the biggest names in music. Hawkins has toured abroad in Japan, Russia, Ukraine, China, Germany, Italy, Canada and Scandinavia. Michael has led groups and performed in prestigious venues such as New York City's, The Village Vangaurd, Sweet Basil's, Dizzy’s Coca Cola Club (Jazz at Lincoln Center), and house Bassist at Cleopatra's Needle, Joe Segal's Jazz Showcase (Chicago), Jazz Bakery (Los Angeles), Ragatta Bar, Sculler's (Boston), The Dakota (Minneapolis) and Yoshi's (Oakland).
A sought after side-man, Michael's dynamic Bass sound can be heard on numerous recording projects such as Cyrus Chestnuts "You Are My Sunshine" (Warner Bros.), "Genuine Chestnut" (Telarc), and on various performances, and songwriting collaborations.
8:15 – 9:00 pm
Sharón Clark
Washington, D.C. standout Sharón Clark has brought festival and concert audiences to their feet across the globe. Ms. Clark has made countless international tours, from Europe to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Russia, where she has developed a major following. Ms. Clark has performed as a featured soloist with the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, the Richmond Symphony, and the Baltimore Symphony.
Both the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and The Ludacris Foundation chose Ms. Clark to perform for their separate tributes to Quincy Jones. Ms. Clark won the Gold Medal and $10,000 top prize at the Savannah Music Festival's American Traditions Competition. She then took first place in the Billie Holiday Vocal Competition, which offers a $2,500 prize along with a featured appearance with the Baltimore Symphony.
Poetry readings
6:10 – 6:15 pm
Zeina Azzam
Zeina Azzam is a Palestinian American poet, writer, editor, and community activist. She serves as the poet laureate of Alexandria, Virginia, for 2022-2025 and has been nominated twice for a Pushcart Prize. Her poems appear in literary journals and anthologies, and her poetry collection, Some Things Never Leave You, will be released in summer 2023 by Tiger Bark Press. Zeina’s chapbook, Bayna Bayna, In-Between, was published in 2021 by The Poetry Box. She holds an MA in Arabic literature from Georgetown University and an MA in sociology from George Mason University. www.zeinaazzam.com
7:00 – 7:15 pm
Sami Miranda
Samuel "Sami" Miranda grew up in the South Bronx and resides in Washington, DC. He is a visual artist, poet, and teacher who uses his craft to highlight the value of everyday people and places. His work is heavily influenced by Puerto Rican culture and family history, as well as his interactions with his students, people he encounters in his travels, and DC locals. Much of his work is figurative and explores how the body and face illustrate the successes, hardships, and beliefs that people carry with them. He is the author of Protection from Erasure, published by Jaded Ibis Press, Departure, a chapbook published by Central Square Press, and We Is, published by Zozobra Publishing. He is currently working on collaborative projects with musicians and visual artists about the deep connections they can make through their artwork. Samuel's artwork has been exhibited internationally in Puerto Rico and Madrid, as well as New York and Washington, DC. Most recently, Samuel's artwork has been included in the Smithsonian's new Molina Family Latino Gallery inaugural exhibition ¡Presente! His artwork has been included in University and private collections.
8:00 – 8:15 pm
ACPS Student Poet Laureates
Two recipients for the Alexandria City Public Schools Poetry Award will read a poem each as part of the closing set for the 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest. The student poet laureates will be announced at the April 26 ACPS Poetry Award Ceremony.
Live mural painting during the performances
Experience the live creation of a masterpiece before your very eyes, inspired by the music and spoken word poetry on stage and produced by the artist behind famous murals featured at DC's Art All Night and Ben's Chili Bowl.
6 - 9 pm
Aniekan Udofia
Aniekan Udofia has built up a formidable reputation as a powerful Painter and illustrator. Whether through multi-layered compositional complexity and suggestive narrative or straightforward human form, there is often autobiographical narrative at play.
Udofia garnered national attention in the early 2000s with his illustrations, working for publications such as XXL, Vibe, DC Pulse, Frank151, While You Were Sleeping, and The Source.
In recent years he has become well known for his many vibrant murals around Washington DC with quite a solid clientele list, including Toyota, American Express, the Office of Unified Communications, Murals DC, the Museum of Public Art, and a host of small businesses and property owners.
His murals share the rich history and culture of the different communities they are created in, whether it's the gagged George Washington on 15th and U Street or the very bright and colorful Marvin Gaye in the Shaw area of Washington DC, and his most famous Ben's Chili Bowl mural, Udofia's public works speak for themselves.
Aniekan lives and works in his studio in the Adams Morgan area of Washington DC.
Master of Ceremonies
Introduction 6:00 – 6:10 pm
Tatiana Figueroa Ramírez
Born in Puerto Rico, Tatiana Figueroa Ramírez graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from UMBC and an M.A. in Public Management with a focus on Nonprofit Management and Leadership at UMD. She has received fellowships from VONA Voices and Anaphora Arts, having worked with Willie Perdomo and Danez Smith. Tatiana currently performs, facilitates workshops, and hosts events in the DC area, having previously done so across the United States and the Dominican Republic at venues including The Kennedy Center. Much of her community and poetic efforts are dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices and empowering young women of color. Her work has been featured in MSNBC’s “Leguizamo Does America” and The Acentos Review, among other publications. Tatiana is the author of Coconut Curls y Café con Leche (2019) and Despojo (2020).
Special Thanks to
The 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest Activation Team
Comprised of professionals from the Smithsonian, NPR, and the Levine School of Music, the 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest Activation Team supported Office of the Arts staff in the review and selection of jazz musicians for the 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest. Musicians were considered based on talent, range of jazz styles, live performance experience, as well as additional considerations for regional impact and/or cultural resonance with Alexandria.
John Hasse
During his 33-year tenure at the Smithsonian Institution, Curator Emeritus John Edward Hasse developed exhibitions on Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ray Charles. He led the Smithsonian’s efforts to build the world’s largest museum collection of jazz history, including the 200,000-page Duke Ellington Collection. John founded the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra, now celebrating its 32nd season, and international Jazz Appreciation Month, celebrated in 40 countries. His books include Beyond Category: The Life and Genius of Duke Ellington and Discover Jazz. He has written 50 articles on music for The Wall Street Journal and is the recipient of two Grammy Award nominations, two honorary doctorates, and two ASCAP awards for excellence in writing on music. John has lectured on leadership, the arts, and music in 25 countries. His website is: johnedwardhasse.com.
Suraya Mohamed
Suraya Mohamed is a senior manager on the NPR Music team. A 3-time Peabody award-winning producer, sound designer, and editor, she is also the recipient of 3 Gracie Allen Awards and an NEA Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service. With years of experience in podcast creation and long-form documentary series production, she is a versatile media professional who also specializes in project management, content development, and multi-partnership collaborations.
Jeremy Castillo
As Director of Performance and Contemporary Music at iconic D.C. community music school Levine Music, Jeremy oversees contemporary music education—specifically heading up the Jazz Program, Rock Program, and Levine Music Theater—and the school's popular professional concert series. Jeremy is a member of the Recording Academy, and before coming to Levine in 2012 was a longtime private guitar instructor, session guitarist, independent soundtrack composer, and a member of a professional, long-running rock band in Los Angeles. Jeremy holds a bachelor's degree in guitar performance from George Mason University and still actively plays—over the past 30 years has played on dozens of notable stages, in various ensembles, across the country. But he's found his greatest professional joy over the past decade in helping Levine modernize, grow, and positively impact the lives of its students, staffers, and supporters. Jeremy lives in Fairfax, Va., with his wife, two kids, and too many pets.