Welcome from Board Chair Devanshi Patel
Change touches everything. It reshapes our county, our institutions, and the rhythms of everyday life. It challenges us to think differently, act boldly, and come together with purpose.
In moments of uncertainty, it is not policy alone that guides us. It is people. It is the strength of our relationships, built on trust, dialogue, and shared commitment, that gives us the power to shape the future we want to see.
For more than 70 years, Advance Arlington has been that gathering place. A space where neighbors become collaborators. Where questions lead to insight. Where ideas are not just heard—they are valued.
Advance Arlington is where ideas take root and community takes action.
We do not endorse candidates. We elevate voices.
We do not take sides. We build bridges.
We do not debate each other. We ask the important questions.
Residents from across Arlington come together. Not to agree, but to engage.
To gather.
To think.
To shape our future.
We are more than a meeting space. We are a movement, grounded in respect, guided by curiosity, and inspired by the power of dialogue to shape what comes next.
On behalf of Advance Arlington, welcome to the 2025–2026 program year.
Stay connected.
Learn more.
Join the conversation.
The future of Arlington is not written by one person. It is written by all of us, together. We look forward to learning, questioning, and growing with you.
Welcome to the 2025-2026 Program Year
The Advance Arlington Board offers several opportunities for combined in-person and virtual hybrid programs throughout the year. See current and future program updates, as well as a video recording of our most recent program, below.
Viewers can also find recordings of all of our previous events at our "Past Programs" tab as well.
Did you miss our November program?
Changing Benefits, Lasting Impact:
What Medicaid and SNAP Cuts Mean for Arlington
Federal cuts to Medicaid and food-assistance programs are expected to deepen challenges for Arlington’s most vulnerable residents and the local systems that support them. In fiscal year 2024, more than 29,000 Arlington residents relied on Medicaid, and nearly 10,000 received SNAP benefits to meet basic food needs. With recent policy changes, many families may face increased barriers to healthcare and nutrition, creating ripple effects across the community.
Join Advance Arlington for a timely conversation with local and state leaders as we explore how these federal cuts are affecting Arlington, what safety nets remain in place, and how our community can work together to close the gaps.
Congressman Don Beyer, representing Virginia’s 8th District, brings decades of leadership and public service to his role in Congress. Serving on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Joint Economic Committee, he focuses on fostering economic growth, advancing equity, and strengthening support for vulnerable Virginians.
Jessica Crothers is the Director of the Public Assistance Bureau at Arlington County Department of Human Services. She oversees programs that connect residents to essential support, including Medicaid, SNAP, and other public assistance services, ensuring that Arlingtonians receive the resources they need.
Lesley Daigle, only the third CEO in Arlington Free Clinic’s 30-year history, continues AFC’s mission to provide high-quality, whole-person healthcare to uninsured Arlingtonians. Prior to joining AFC, Lesley had a 10-year career at AFC’s critical community partner, VHC Health, and before that was a practicing corporate attorney.
Charlie Meng is the Executive Director and CEO of the Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC), which has served two million families by providing dignified access to free, supplemental groceries. Today, AFAC helps nearly 4,600 families each week get fresh produce, chicken, fish, milk, and eggs so families can stay in their homes, workers can keep their jobs, children are ready to learn, and mothers and babies get the nutrition they need.
Scott Surovell is the Virginia State Senate Majority Leader. He represents parts of Northern Virginia and has championed expanded access to Medicaid and SNAP, working to ensure that all Virginians have the healthcare and nutrition support they need.
Cicely Whitfield Johnson is the Chief Programs Officer at Bridges to Independence. She leads efforts to help Arlington families access critical supports such as SNAP and Medicaid, ensuring that neighbors facing hardship can meet their basic needs and move toward stability and independence.
DID YOU MISS ANY OF OUR PAST PROGRAMS?
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Your membership fuels inclusive, engaging discussions on the issues that matter most in Arlington. With four accessible membership levels, you’ll enjoy full access to programs, exclusive benefits, and opportunities to connect with neighbors shaping our community’s future. Join us and the conversation!
powering conversations together
The support of our donors and sponsors power the conversations that matter most, connecting neighbors online and in person to explore ideas, spark dialogue, and shape Arlington’s future.
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Welcome New Board Members!
We are thrilled to introduce our new Board officers and five stellar new Board members for the 2025-26 program year.
Board of Directors Officers
Chair: Devanshi Patel
CEO, Center for Youth and Family Advocacy
Vice Chair: Tony Weaver
Managing Partner, Olsen Weaver LLC
Treasurer: Jay Miranda
Global Affairs Advisor
Secretary: Jeanne Broyhill
Immediate Past Chair
New Board Members
Monique "Moe" Bryant
Executive Director, Challenging Racism
Sandy Chesrown,
President, Waverly Hills Civic Association;
Board Member, Arlington Artists Alliance
Chris Concepcion
Management and Program Analyst
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
John Musso
Government Affairs Manager, Arlington Chamber of Commerce
Mohsin Syed
Former Chief of Staff, U.S. Department of Transportation
Thank You Outgoing Board Members!
We extend our deepest thanks to the departing board members who have served and provided our organization with such dedication and invaluable leadership.
Sherry Delaney
2024-2025
Gerry Laporte
2019-2025
Chuck Morley
2012-2025
Margarita Muzzall
2024-2025
John Vihstadt
2022-2025