Recognizing the Recipients of the 2026 Northern Virginia Leadership Awards

Floor Speech

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Mr. WALKINSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 2026 recipients of the Northern Virginia Leadership Awards presented by Leadership Fairfax.

Leadership Fairfax is a nonprofit corporation whose mission is to inspire, connect, develop, and engage the next generation of leaders in Northern Virginia, so that they are prepared to serve and strengthen our community. Over 2,500 alumni from their programs have become part of a fast-growing network of civic and business leaders in the region.

Each year, Leadership Fairfax recognizes individuals or organizations that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made extraordinary contributions to our community. I include in the Record the following names of the 2026 Northern Virginia Leadership Awards recipients:

The Non-Profit Organization Leadership Award was presented to Dyslexic Edge, a nonprofit devoted to helping all students become a success because of their dyslexia, devoting time daily to recognizing, celebrating, and developing the gifts of each child instructed.

The Non-Profit Individual Leadership Award was presented to Joe Meyer, the Executive Director and CEO of Shelter House. Joe has put tremendous work forward to managing six major shelters in Northern Virginia, establishing strategies to end homelessness and domestic violence.

The Regional Leadership Award went to Imam Mohamed Magid, Resident Scholar at the ADAMS Center. At ADAMS, Imam Magid plays a vital role in guiding the community through education, spiritual growth, and advocacy. His work has empowered individuals and families across generations, and his efforts to foster inclusivity and unity have earned him deep respect across diverse communities.

The Trustee Leadership Award was presented to Sylvia Lambert-Woodard, the President and CEO of Pathway Homes. Her visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to community, stability, and collaboration across Northern Virginia have made a meaningful and lasting impact on our region--and continue to inspire those she serves.

The Educational Leadership Award will be presented to Mrs. Elizabeth Scheurer, Vice Principal of Herndon Elementary School. Her visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to fostering community, stability, and collaboration throughout Northern Virginia have created a lasting impact on our region and continue to inspire those around her.

The Youth Organization Leadership Award was presented to LAZERA 1 Brotherhood Empowered Teen Leadership Team. This Youth-Led program focuses on reducing the impact and exposure to trauma among youth aged 12-19 through cultural enrichment and civic engagement activities.

The Youth Individual Leadership Award was presented to Tucker Wright, Ambassador of Homestretch. At just 16 years old, Tucker Wright demonstrated extraordinary leadership and compassion through eight years of dedicated service to families experiencing homelessness.

The Corporate Leadership Award was presented to You've Got Maids of Northern Virginia. Their teams work with precision and pride, following a proven process perfected over 40 years. Their leadership and dedication continue to inspire our community.

Mr. Speaker, the contributions of these individuals and organizations are one of the reasons why Fairfax is such a sought-after community in which to live and work, and this year's honorees highlight the legacy of Leadership Fairfax in preparing our community's future leaders to address the challenges we face. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating these honorees and thanking them for their service to Northern Virginia.

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