Commission for Women

Information about the Commission for Women including meeting minutes and annual activities.
Page updated on November 7, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Translate icon

About the Commission for Women

Upon completion of a 1974 study on the status of women, the Alexandria City Council established the Commission for Women in order to eliminate gender discrimination and to encourage equal opportunity for women in all aspects of their lives. Today, the Commission's members continue to provide advice and consultation to City Council on issues concerning women.

2024CFWGroupPhoto

Annette Maldonado

Annette Maldonado was appointed to the Alexandria Commission for Women in October 2025. She currently serves as a Senior Advisor in the federal government, leading collaboration initiatives across the 24 CFO Act Agencies to advance IT policy mandates. She has also taught courses at George Mason University. Before relocating to Northern Virginia, she served as a Program Manager at a community college in Tampa, FL, where she partnered with local government and private sector organizations to address workforce gaps in the IT field by providing technical training to unemployed and underemployed residents. Annette is passionate about expanding women’s economic opportunities through employment, education, and entrepreneurship.

Annette earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Wright State University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez. In 2021, she was selected as a scholar for the prestigious Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program at the George W. Bush Presidential Center, validating her commitment to leadership and public service.

She has resided in Alexandria, Virginia, since 2017 with her teenage daughter. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the local cuisine and historic landmarks.

Caroline Schofield 

Caroline Schofield was appointed as the Youth Member of the Alexandria Commission for Women in November 2025. She has resided in Alexandria her entire life and is currently a student at Alexandria City High School. Outside of school, she is on the varsity rowing team, the student newspaper, Model United Nations, and multiple honor societies, and enjoys volunteering in the community. 

Eva Bastianon

Eva Bastianon was appointed to the Alexandria Commission for Women in May 2025. Eva moved to Alexandria in 2018 and found kinship with Alexandrians who share a passion for empowering women and civic engagement. Eva has worked in project management in the pharmaceutical and art industries, and has previously volunteered for the Campagna Center. She looks forward to working within the Commission to promote local activism, community building and progress. Eva received her B.A. from Bryn Mawr College.  

Hope Nelson

Hope Nelson was appointed to the Alexandria Commission for Women in July 2025. A native of Tallahassee, Fla., she has been a resident of Alexandria since 2004. Prior to her appointment to the Commission for Women, she served two terms on the Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission.

By day, Hope is Director of Product and Marketing at The Motley Fool, and she’s also a writer with bylines in a range of newspapers, magazines, and websites. Her work has garnered a multitude of awards over the years, including from the Virginia Press Association and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. Her most recent book, Classic Restaurants of Alexandria, was published by The History Press in 2019. Hope has a master’s degree in American and Florida Studies from Florida State University and is an obsessive fan of all Seminole sports.

In her free time, Hope leads tour groups around Alexandria, Va., as owner of Alexandria Food Tours, volunteers at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, and races in long-distance triathlons and marathons. She and her husband live in Old Town Alexandria.

Jennifer Beatty

Jennifer Beatty was appointed to the Alexandria Commission for Women in December 2024. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor at American University-Washington College of Law. 

Jennifer has over 12 years of experience in international assistance. She has worked for the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Department of Justice.  She has worked on various topics, including national security, human rights, and humanitarian assistance concerns. She has been deployed to Colombia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, and throughout the Balkans. 

Jennifer holds a B.A. in Anthropology from Indiana University, a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School, and a M.S. in Forensic Science from Michigan State University. 

Kafi A. Joseph

Kafi A. Joseph, an Army veteran, was appointed to the Alexandria Commission for Women in March 2024. A Virginia resident since 2008, she has called Alexandria home ever since. Kafi is passionate about advocating for women's rights, focusing on equity and empowerment.

She currently leads the Subcommittee on Membership and Volunteering and previously served on the Housing and Transportation Subcommittee. Kafi also serves on the leadership team for the Emily JT Perez Foundation, empowering middle school girls and supporting women veterans.

Kafi holds a B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, an M.S. in Systems Engineering from George Washington University, and an MBA from Georgetown University. Professionally, she brings value to clients and the Metro DC community through her work at Accenture.

Krystle R. Bransky

With over 20 years of experience in both my professional career and volunteer work, I've developed a strong passion for supporting women and addressing the challenges we face today. As Director of Tax and Compliance for over 10 years at a large non-profit membership organization in Washington, DC, she brings a wealth of expertise in strategic and operational planning, financial leadership, and fostering supportive environments. She manages complex financial operations, ensuring compliance with federal regulations. Her journey has been profoundly influenced by the invaluable support and mentorship of her previous supervisors. This mentorship has been instrumental in her development and has deeply inspired her approach to leadership and mentorship. Commitment to empowering individuals through education and mentorship is a cornerstone of her work and volunteer efforts.

While obtaining her Master of Business Administration, she was honored to be inducted into the National Society of Leadership & Success, recognizing my commitment to leadership and academic excellence. Additionally, I was awarded the 2024 Unit Member of the Year for the State of Virginia by the American Legion Auxiliary, highlighting my dedication to financial transparency, service, and community impact.

Her dedication to the military community is deeply personal. Inspired by her father's service and her brother's current duty, she was elected as Treasurer for her local American Legion Auxiliary unit. She has organized holiday drives for military families and set up the inaugural Women’s Day celebration, highlighting the contributions of women in the military, and the inaugural Military Child celebration, recognizing the vital roles they play—both of which have become highly anticipated annual events.

She is inspired by the work of the Commission for Women and loves to bring her unique blend of professional expertise, personal dedication, and heartfelt commitment to the role. Her experience, skills, and passion will make meaningful impact to the Commission and help support and empower women within the community.

Nichelle Johnson Billips

Nichelle Johnson Billips was appointed to the Alexandria Commission for Women in September 2024.  Nichelle has been a resident of Alexandria since 2005, where she and her husband are raising their children.

Nichelle works for a global non-profit, supporting work on global health and education around the world. She has over 20 years of experience as an attorney for both the public and private sectors, and is passionate about bringing people together to solve the problems we face as a community.

Nichelle holds a B.A. in Anthropology and in International Studies and holds a J.D. She is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to the work of the Commission.  

Vanita Datta

Vanita Datta is a member of the Alexandria Commission for Women, bringing more than two decades of cross-sectoral experience in public, private, and nonprofit leadership. Her expertise includes experience in peace and security, global risk management, women and youth advancement, and strategic portfolio and policy leadership. Her career includes impactful assignments across Africa, South and South-Central Asia, Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East. Vanita Datta has two Master’s degrees, from Lesley University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. from University College London.

Yvette Jiang

Yvette (she/her) was appointed to the Alexandria Commission for Women in October 2020. She holds a BA in Philosophy, MA in Conflict Resolution and an MBA. She is a finance professional at Georgetown University. Yvette serves on the DASH Bus Advisory Committee and was a member of the Duke Street Transitway Advisory Group. Yvette is a graduate from the Alexandria City Academy and Alexandria Eco-City Academy.

Alexandria Commission for Women Status of Women Report

View the Alexandria Commission for Women Status of Women Report. For more information or to join an Alexandria Board or Commission, contact the Alexandria Clerk of the Council at 703.746.3975. To contact the Commission for Women, send an email.

Commission for Women Meetings

The Commission for Women is composed of 15 volunteers, appointed by City Council, and an Executive Director from City staff. The Commission meets the second Tuesday of every month, from September through June, at 7 p.m. in room 2000 at City Hall. All Commission meetings are open to the public.  Residents are welcome to attend meetings.

Commission sub-committees include data collection and assessment, events and programs, and public policy and advocacy.

Commission for Women Initiatives

Commission efforts are largely centered on:

(1) Supporting existing City programs that focus on women, specifically: Domestic Violence Program (DVP), Sexual Assault Center (SAC), Reproductive Health and  Alexandria Campaign on Adolescent Pregnancy (ACAP), Affordable Housing and Transportation.

(2) Providing guidance and advice to the City on relevant legislation and public policy issues.

(3) Sponsoring awareness and outreach events, including the Salute to Women Awards Program and Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

(4) The preservation and promotion of women’s history in Alexandria through the Women’s History Tour and related projects.  

In addition, the Commission stays active on affairs within the city. Commissioners learn about and provide insight on local issues by attending Council meetings, hearings and symposia, inviting speakers to Commission meetings, and attending educational and civic programs within the City and around the region. 

Commission for Women Events and Contributions

The Commission for Women sponsors annual community events, such as the Salute to Women Awards and Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.

Other activities throughout the year include:

  • Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities in October
  • Outreach at the Old Town Alexandria Farmer's Market
  • Celebrating International Women's Day
  • Supporting various events such as the Domestic Violence Safehouse grocery store fundraisers and the Domestic Violence Children's Holiday Party

Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities to volunteer for the Commission for Women include:  

  • Children's Holiday Party (children’s gift donations)  
  • Serving as a tour guide for our Women’s History Tour

To learn more about volunteer opportunities please email your contact information, interests and availability to the Commission.

Related Resources