Cornerstone Craftsman

News

Alexandria remembers nonprofit leader Roberto Gomez, memorial set for Sunday

By James Cullum
Notes at a candlelight vigil at Cornerstone Craftsman for founder and executive director Roberto Gomez, who died on Nov. 10 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Hundreds attended a candlelight vigil for Cornerstone Craftsman founder and executive director Roberto Gomez, who died suddenly on Tuesday (Nov. 10).

The vigil was held Thursday evening outside Cornerstone Craftsman’s headquarters. A memorial service for Gomez will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday (Nov. 15), at the Oswald Durant Center at(1605 Cameron Street). Gomez leaves behind his young family, as well as the nonprofit’s 21 teen apprentices. A GoFundMe to support his 1-year-old son and partner has so far raised more than $14,000.

Go to Alexandria remembers nonprofit leader Roberto Gomez, memorial set for Sunday Read more
News

JUST IN: Cornerstone Craftsman founder Roberto Gomez dies

By James Cullum
Roberto Gomez speaks at a City Council candidate forum by the Alexandria Federation of Civic Associations (photo courtesy of James Minichello Photography)

Alexandria nonprofit leader Roberto Gomez died today (Nov. 10), his organization announced on social media. He was 39 years old.

Gomez founded Cornerstone Craftsman in 2021, teaching trade education to Alexandria youth and winning accolades in the process. His sudden death was announced by the Cornerstone Craftsman Board of Directors, and the cause of death has not been released.

Go to JUST IN: Cornerstone Craftsman founder Roberto Gomez dies Read more
News

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Abigail Spanberger tours Alexandria nonprofit Cornerstone Craftsman

By James Cullum
Smiling woman in a black suit shakes hands with construction workers in high‑visibility vests and white hard hats indoors.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger shakes hands with Cornerstone Craftsman pre-apprentices, Sept. 15, 2026 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger (D) got a firsthand look at Alexandria-based nonprofit Cornerstone Craftsman Tuesday morning (Sept. 15).

Spanberger made expanding workforce programs for children a part of her Growing Virginia Plan when she ran for governor. She toured the space and met with Cornerstone Craftsman’s stakeholders, including Alexandria Sheriff Sean Casey, Alexandria City School Board Chair Chris Harris and Clark Mercer, chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Go to EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Abigail Spanberger tours Alexandria nonprofit Cornerstone Craftsman Read more
News

Spring2ACTion eclipses goal and raises $3.5 million for Alexandria nonprofits

By James Cullum
ACT for Alexandria staff in Old Town (via Act For Alexandria:Facebook)

ACT for Alexandria has done it again. On Wednesday, Spring2ACTion, the biggest day of giving in Alexandria, raised more than $3.4 million for 198 area nonprofits.

Spring2ACTion is the main annual fundraiser for most participating nonprofits. ACT for Alexandria eclipsed its $2.5 million goal for the event, which drew participation from more than 7,000 donors, 198 nonprofits and more than 60 businesses.

Go to Spring2ACTion eclipses goal and raises $3.5 million for Alexandria nonprofits Read more
Around Town

Alexandria nonprofit Cornerstone Craftsman receives $10K donation, 100 laptops for apprentices

By James Cullum
(Left to right) Mayor Alyia Gaskins, Garrett McGuire of AT&T, Cornerstone Craftsman Executive Director Roberto Gomez and board member Melissa Riddy with donated laptops and a $10,000 check to the organization, Dec. 11, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

An Alexandria nonprofit that teaches trades to underserved youth received 100 refurbished laptops and $10,000 from AT&T and Human I-T today (Thursday).

Apprentices at Cornerstone Craftsman will each receive one of the laptops after they graduate from high school. The donations were made by AT&T after Garrett McGuire, the company’s regional director of external and legislative affairs, spoke with Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins about workforce development.

Go to Alexandria nonprofit Cornerstone Craftsman receives $10K donation, 100 laptops for apprentices Read more
News

Alexandria Chamber announces finalists for 2025 Best in Business Awards

By Ryan Belmore
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will present its 2025 Best in Business Awards on Oct. 23, 2025. (Credit: Alexandria Chamber of Commerce)

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce announced finalists Wednesday for its 2025 Best in Business Awards, describing the Oct. 23 ceremony as “our very own version of the Oscars.”

The awards will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Westin Alexandria Old Town, 400 Courthouse Square, with Burke & Herbert Bank presenting the event. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 7:30 p.m.

Go to Alexandria Chamber announces finalists for 2025 Best in Business Awards Read more
News

Alexandria nonprofits receive $110,000 in Community Foundation grants

By Ryan Belmore
New Cornerstone Craftsman headquarters (photo via Gabriel Elias/Friends of Cornerstone Craftsman)

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia is giving $110,000 to five Alexandria organizations through its 2025 Community Investment Funds. These grants, ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 each, support programs in the arts, child and youth development, and education.

Alexandria Symphony Orchestra gets $20,000 for its artistic programs and community outreach. Community Lodgings and Wilderness Kids Alexandria each receive $15,000 for their work with children and youth.

Go to Alexandria nonprofits receive $110,000 in Community Foundation grants Read more