Dozens of volunteers in Alexandria will be recognized next month for their contributions to the community last year.
Eighty-five honorees have been announced in Volunteer Alexandria’s annual awards program, Volunteers are the Heart of Alexandria, happening Thursday, March 12. The nonprofit, a top coordinator of volunteer services in the city, recorded more than 112,000 service hours in 2025 from over 4,260 volunteers — an estimated value exceeding $3.8 million.
“Every day volunteers play a critical role in making sure that every resident has what they need to thrive,” Mayor Alyia Gaskins said in a release. “From assisting at local food pantries to shoveling snow for seniors to mentoring the youngest Alexandrians, volunteers go above and beyond to support their neighbors.”
During the ceremony, eight individuals and one business will be presented with awards, while 77 volunteers will receive an “Above & Beyond” recognition.
Marian Van Landingham Lifetime Achievement Award
Brooke Sydnor Curran — Curran is the founder of nonprofit Move2Learn and has “dedicated the past 25 years to serving Alexandria,” according to Volunteer Alexandria. Move2Learn works with 20 Alexandria City Public School locations to engage students and educators through physical activity.
“ACPS educator feedback is overwhelmingly positive; 94% of respondents to a 2025 survey shared that students now have increased awareness of ways to self-regulate their emotions as a result of Move2Learn’s mind-body movement exercises,” Volunteer Alexandria wrote.
Joan White Grassroots Service Award
Meg Milroy has been “a cornerstone of the Del Ray Farmer’s Market since 2019,” in addition to supporting community events like Art on the Avenue and the Del Ray Halloween Parade for more than 25 years. Her commitments also include Friends of Duncan Library, ALIVE!, Miriam’s Kitchen in D.C., Humane Rescue Alliance and Food Rescue US, where she has completed over 160 food rescues since 2022, according to Visit Alexandria.
“Whether serving as a block captain, course marshal, registration volunteer, or event lead, Meg shows up ready to help,” Volunteer Alexandria wrote. “Her leadership at the market runs deep, serving for over seven years as Volunteer Market Manager, expanding the role to include overseeing volunteer scheduling and ensuring the market runs smoothly week after week. Meg also manages the market’s social media account and supports the local nonprofits featured at the market.”
Autumn Rose “uniquely revitalized two cornerstone Del Ray traditions – Pam’s Pie Contest at Art on the Avenue and Mount Vernon Community School’s Big Flea – by combining creativity, meticulous organization, and inclusive volunteer leadership.”
The pie contest contributes thousands of dollars to the Alexandria Women’s Domestic Abuse Shelter, and Rose helped expand entries by handing out free pie dishes at the Del Ray Farmer’s Market.
Rose is also credited with taking the flea market “in bold new directions” through a social media campaign “featuring two now-iconic ‘Fleas’ — Phil and his unnamed counterpart.”
Youth Volunteer Service Award
Allyson Castillo, a senior at Alexandria City High School, is “exceptionally active in her school community,” spending about 25 hours each month to school and community activities. She is a volunteer teaching assistant for middle school French, an AVID ambassador and workshop leader for GMU’s Early Identification Program, where she aids high schoolers in becoming first-generation college students. This is in addition to directing her church’s youth choir, being a camp counselor and student leader for the Libraries of Guinea initiative.
“Allyson embodies the hope, dedication, and community spirit of a true youth leader. She plans to become an educator and is eager for her upcoming missionary experience; she is driven to help, with a deep commitment to aid others,” Volunteer Alexandria wrote.
55+ Award
Since 2021, Ellen Balis has been “an instrumental volunteer for ALIVE!’s Housewares program, ensuring that individuals setting up a new household receive the basics they need to make their new residence a home.” She is also a reading tutor at William Ramsey Elementary School.
“Ellen will travel to collect donations when older Alexandrians aren’t able to bring their items to donation sites,” Volunteer Alexandria wrote. “If during a delivery she discovers that residents do not yet have food in their apartment, she will bring groceries to help.”
Also since 2021, Pam Goodell has been “a key volunteer” for ALIVE!’s Furniture Program, where she began to assist with pickup and delivery of donated furniture, before diving into other tasks like scheduling and serving on the Furniture Committee. She has served as the program’s chair since May 2025.
“Her ability to ensure that donated furniture reaches families in need efficiently and reliably helps recipients create safe, functional homes,” Volunteer Alexandria wrote. “Pam’s thoughtful attention to the needs of families and other volunteers has strengthened the program, making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.”
Volunteer Coordinator Award
Rachel Lotz leads more than 100 volunteer tutor-mentors in the Wright to Read program, where she has been “a pivotal member” since 2019 and updated the Mentoring Squared program, “which pairs seasoned mentors with new volunteers to share best practices.”
“In her 6 years, WTR’s volunteer base has more than doubled, significantly impacting the number of students being served. In addition to exceptional recruitment, Rachel dedicates significant effort to ensuring volunteers are supported and valued,” Volunteer Alexandria wrote.
She is also a part of the Alexandria Mentoring Partnership and frequently teaches other organizations about best practices.
Kathy Mimberg, Alexandria City Public Schools’ Volunteer Coordinator, has overseen the recruitment of 3,679 volunteers and has “strengthened ACPS’s volunteer experience by running a well-organized process from start to finish.”
“Kathy does not treat volunteers as names in a database; she builds relationships, listens to their interests, and intentionally places them where they can make the greatest impact,” Volunteer Alexandria wrote. “Her innovative recruitment ideas enable successful support of Career Days at James K. Polk, as well as expanding to Patrick Henry Elementary. Her passion for recruiting judges for Science Fairs and National History Day demonstrates her commitment to academic enrichment.”
Business Philanthropist of the Year
Burke & Herbert Bank — “Branch employees serve on local boards, collect in-kind donations and volunteer for nonprofits, plus the newly formed Burke & Herbert Bank Foundation directs funds to organizations that serve communities across Northern Virginia,” Volunteer Alexandria wrote.
According to the organization, the bank has engaged with more than 18 local nonprofits and is the presenting sponsor for the Old Town Festival of Speed & Style, an annual major fundraiser for three featured nonprofits.
“Serving their community beyond banking needs, Burke & Herbert is a shining example of the positive impact a business can have when leadership embraces community engagement,” Volunteer Alexandria wrote.
