Leadership Arlington

Photos: Leadership Arlington’s Monte Carlo Fundraiser

By ARLnow.com
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Leadership Arlington, a local nonprofit that works “to develop trained leaders who are committed to building and strengthening our community,” held its annual Monte Carlo fundraiser at Reagan National Airport over the weekend.

The event drew some 450 people, the group said. Among those pictured above are Leadership Arlington graduates Megan Lake (of Bean Creative), Bobby Wright (of Virginia Heritage Bank), Mary Johnson (of ESI International), Lee Anne McLarty (of the Rosslyn Business Improvement District), Omar Sider (of SuperStar Tickets — and an avid poker player), and respective spouses.

Additional photos can be found on the Leadership Arlington Facebook page. From the group’s press release:

With more than 450 Washington metropolitan community stakeholders in attendance, Leadership Arlington’s eighth annual Monte Carlo Night exceeded expectations. The event was held Saturday, March 9, 2013 at Ronald Reagan National Airport, Historic Terminal “A.” Proceeds from this event support Leadership Arlington’s mission and Youth Program.

The theme of the evening was “Monte Carlo Night Goes to Paris.” Guests were transported to an elegant Parisian soirée without having to leave the DC area. Patrons were treated to an exciting array of activities from a silent auction benefiting the Leadership Arlington Youth Program to Monte Carlo casino-style gaming tables. Mark Ingrao, President of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce, graduate of the inaugural Leadership Arlington Signature Program Class of 1999 and member of the Leadership Arlington Board of Regents, led guests through an exciting live auction as the evening neared its end.

“We were thrilled to receive such amazing support from the community for this year’s Monte Carlo Night,” said Betsy Frantz, President & CEO of Leadership Arlington. “This event is critical to the success of the Youth Program and mission of the organization. We appreciate the collaboration of leaders from the area validating our organization.”

Each year, the “who’s who” in the business, nonprofit and public sectors enjoy the opportunity to connect with other key leaders in our community in a fun and elegant environment at Monte Carlo Night, and this year was no exception.

Photos courtesy Leadership Arlington

Audition Tapes Sought for ‘Arlington’s Got Talent’

By ARLnow.com

Arlington is getting its very own talent show.

The Young Professionals Program of Leadership Arlington is currently accepting audition videos for “Arlington’s Got Talent,” a talent show scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 27.

The event will showcase Arlingtonians who can sing, dance, play a musical instrument, do stand-up comedy or show off any other type of entertaining, family-friendly talent. Links to audition videos can be sent to [email protected] or mailed to the address listed on this Facebook page. The submission deadline is Friday, Nov. 2. Participants must be at least 21 years old.

The talent show will take place at the Clarendon Ballroom (3185 Wilson Blvd) starting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Tickets are on sale online for $30. Proceeds will benefit the Leadership Arlington Young Professionals Program Scholarship Fund.

Event to Explore the Gangs of Arlington

By ARLnow.com

Arlington may have a relatively low crime rate and a reputation for being a idyllic “urban village,” but there are still gangs — including the notorious MS-13 street gang — operating in our midst.

An event next week will remind residents that Arlington is not without gang activity and gang-related violence.

On Tuesday, April 17, Leadership Arlington will be holding a panel discussion entitled “Arlington County Gangs: Exploring the Shadows of Our Urban Mayberry.” Part of the organization’s spring speaker series, the event will focus on “the threats that gang activity present to the Arlington community,” “contributing factors to youth participation in gangs” and “initiatives in place to address gang-related violence.”

The speakers include Robert “Tito” Vilchez of the Arlington County Task Force, a member of the Arlington County Police Gang Unit, and Meredith McKeen of Northern Virginia Family Services.

Gang activity might not be visible to many residents, but it is to many of Arlington’s youth. One in six Arlington Public Schools students know at least one person who is involved in gang activity, according to the event invitation.

The panel discussion will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the WETA building (2775 S. Quincy Street). Tickets are $40 for the general public and $30 for Leadership Arlington members. Lunch is included in the price of admission.

Leadership Arlington Seeks “Rising Stars”

By ARLnow.com

Leadership Arlington, a nonprofit organization devoted to community-oriented leadership training, is seeking “rising stars” to join its Young Professionals Program. The application deadline is August 1.

The organization issued the following press release this morning.

Leadership Arlington is seeking rising stars with potential to apply for its Young Professionals Program. Do you know of a promising up-and-comer within your company?

This selective program provides affordable leadership skills training to your brightest employees in an interactive and experiential setting. Meeting twice monthly from September until January, the sessions focus on philanthropy, civic engagement, and leadership skills development.

“I really enjoyed the Leadership Arlington Young Professionals program. It helped me expand my horizons and grow as a person and member of my community,” said James Bierbower, E Group, Inc.

Benefits to local organizations include employee loyalty, retention, and workforce stability. As a program of the Leadership Arlington, participants have opportunities to connect with over 700 members in 500 organizations in the area. Additionally, members of the inaugural Class of 2011 expressed a renewed appreciation for Arlington, and the intention to plant roots in the community.

“I learned how to be a more active citizen in the Arlington Community by giving my time and talent to the community to make Arlington a better place for the people who live here,” said Brandon Jenkins, Marymount University.

Application deadline is August 1, 2011. Contact Liz Nohra, Chief Operating Officer, [email protected] to receive additional information. Please visit Leadership Arlington’s website at www.leadershiparlington.org to apply. Limited scholarships are available.