Loudoun Economic Development Celebrates Women’s History Month with “She Inspired Me” Campaign

In March 2025, Loudoun Economic Development celebrated Women’s History Month, highlighting #WomenOfLoudoun who inspire and influence. The dedications were made by the Loudoun Economic Development team.

Kimberly Mazhari

I’ve had the privilege of working with Kimberly on and off over the past 10 years across various real estate development projects. From day one, it was clear – Kimberly is truly one of a kind. Her passion, drive, and tenacity make her an exceptional problem solver, always keeping the focus on customers, tenants and creating the best shopping experience possible.

No matter the challenge, Kimberly tackles it with integrity, optimism and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She continuously pushes herself beyond her comfort zone, setting a powerful example for every team she’s been a part of. Her dedication to growth and innovation is inspiring.

Thank you, Kimberly, for leading by example and encouraging those around you to grow, improve and strive for more every day – me included! #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by Jessica Park

Rosie Soto

Rosie is a dynamic and driven entrepreneur with an impressive background. I first met her in 2022 when she approached our team about expanding her thriving mobile pet spa into a brick-and-mortar location. With determination and vision, Rosie took the information we provided, identified the perfect space, and successfully launched Shear Love Pet Spa, which has now been serving the community for two years.

As a first-generation American, Rosie put herself through college while simultaneously attending grooming school, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and resilience. She has built not just one, but two successful businesses, never allowing obstacles to stand in her way. Her tenacity, grit, and unwavering commitment to her clients make her truly exceptional. It was a privilege to support her in taking the next step in her business journey. #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by KC Tregoning

Kerrie Schram

Kerrie and I met about a month after I joined Loudoun Economic Development, and we instantly connected over our shared career transitions. As newcomers to the cybersecurity industry, we made a pact to learn and grow together – and what a journey it has been!

It didn’t take long to see that Kerrie is a true powerhouse. Her dedication to helping others and giving back to the community is unmatched. She’s always the first to offer an introduction, eager to brainstorm new ideas, and gives 150% to everything she takes on.

Kerrie continually inspires me to step outside my comfort zone, build new connections, and embrace challenges with confidence. Accelerated Visions is incredibly fortunate to have such a passionate and kind leader driving meaningful change for Loudoun non-profits.

Thank you, Kerrie, for leading with heart and generosity. Your commitment to giving back sparks a ripple effect of kindness and creativity throughout our community! #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by Jessica Park

Robin Vander Voort

For years Robin was the Resource Teacher for my youngest daughter, Piper, at Hillside Elementary School in Broadlands. Robin was a fearless champion and unending source of compassion and support for Piper and for me and my husband while we worked to understand the Special Education resources Piper needed to be successful in school. Anyone who has ever had to go through the IEP process for their child can tell you that it can be daunting in the best of situations, and Robin was there every step of the way to explain, adjust, and advocate for Piper. Robin offered her own time over the summer to meet with Piper and send her letters to help her transition when Robin was promoted to her current position. Her impact was so great that when Piper had a chance to send one of her accomplishments this year to someone, she picked Mrs. Vander Voort. Robin’s deep care for her students, her thoughtful communication with parents, and absolute devotion to her profession is inspiring and we are so grateful that in her current role she will help so many families just like she helped ours! #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by Colleen Kardasz

Anna Johnson

When I think of inspiring women, Anna Johnson immediately comes to mind. Recognizing the significant lack of support, education, and resources available to new mothers, Anna founded A Path Forward to bridge this gap. Combining her expertise in fitness, nutrition, and lactation support, she has built a business dedicated to empowering mothers with confidence, connection, and control over their postpartum journey.

Anna’s unwavering dedication to her clients’ well-being, coupled with her professionalism and compassion, makes her an exceptional leader. We are incredibly fortunate to have A Path Forward in the Loudoun community, providing invaluable support to our local growing families. #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by KC Tregoning

Doode Johnson

When I saw the topic title “She Inspired Me”, I thought of the many strong women in my life that have been of great inspiration over the years, however there is one woman who instantly stood out for me.

Her name is Doode Summers, and she is the definition of a phenomenal woman.  While we had gone to school together for years, we began to really get to know each other in 1986 and that is where our journey to sisterhood began.

Doode was the funniest person I had ever met, and we instantly clicked. Our teenage years were like most others, full of laughter, fun, and stories we will never ever forget (or share) and they were some of the best years of my life!

As we grew into adults, I watched Doode blossom into an amazing woman, mentor, teacher, wife, and mother.

In 1999, she was met with a health challenge that would buckle most but she faced it head on with the help of her sister who saved her life by donating a kidney to her. You will hear later how that moment shaped another very important moment in Doode’s life.

As the years progressed, Doode and her husband Rod were blessed with two handsome sons, Dalton, and Remy. Although she was busy raising a family and working full time at an alternative school, she did not slow down and somehow found time to open her heart and their home to children in need through the foster care system which brought them a third son named Tyler.

Fast forward ,through almost 40 years of friendship, to today and I find her as astonishing and wonderful as ever! How do I best paint the picture of why and how she inspires me? Checkout this list and see if she does not do the same for you.

1. She has managed to continue her work at Cedar Lane School for 26 years, assisting countless young people to navigate the everyday challenges they face, despite her field experiencing extremely high turnover. Some statistics estimate that close to half of special education teachers are out of the profession within five years and yet here she is still going strong.  Her goal is to help her students understand that even though they may be struggling in life, they can still follow their dreams and be successful. She even stepped in as the boys’ basketball coach at her student’s request which in turn led to a couple of those stories that I will never forget or share!
2. Her once small boys are all grown up now. Anyone who has had a hand in raising children knows that they do not come with an instruction manual. Being a parent is easy if you only care about raising them but when you want to raise them to be good, caring, and productive people it is HARD work! How did she do? Well, they are following Mom’s lead.  Dalton is proudly serving in the United States Army and Remy is a certified EMT/Firefighter serving his community. It does not get much better than that. Tyler is now 16 and his future is shining brightly ahead of him.
3. In 2020, COVID hit the world, and the majority made the choice to seclude themselves and wait things out. Not Doode, that is not her style. She jumped into action and kept a promise made to her sister some 21 years earlier to pay her sister’s kindness forward in thanks for saving her life. She did this by forming the Young Kings Movement (YKM) non- profit organization with the mission to engage, empower and encourage young men ages 13 to 18. YKM focuses on educational support, one-on-one mentoring, community service and most importantly life skills coaching. The young men they serve have a desire to be successful and YKM encourages them to follow their dreams. An excerpt from their website reads ” Why teenage males? Middle school is a critical time when a young man’s choices, both conscious and unconscious, begin to form the foundation of the man he will become.” The program has served close to 65 young men in the past 4 years and assisted 6 young men to graduate from high school last year.
4. She puts the walk behind the talk and stands by her word. She earns respect and is ever aware of how her actions impact the world around her. While others, including myself, could do more she gives absolutely everything she has in service to others.
5. She is still the funniest person I have ever known, and she loves with her whole entire heart. She sees the good in a world that is often ugly. She encourages others to better themselves and gives them the love and support to do so. I don’t think there is a system in place that can count high enough to capture all of the lives that Doode has impacted.

In summary, I hope you didn’t just read the words written and that you are left with a profound understanding of my friend and sister Doode’s life purpose.

And yes, She Inspired Me and always will!

Ps: If you would like to make a monetary contribution or volunteer your time for the Young Kings Movement, please visit https://ykm-loudoun.org/donate/

#LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by Shannon Wilson

Yasmeen Shields

Yasmeen is an outstanding community partner, consistently seeking opportunities to connect business owners for their mutual benefit. She is deeply committed to supporting the business community in Loudoun and takes proactive steps to assist Chamber members in need, ensuring they are promptly connected with our office’s resources.

One of the most rewarding collaborations with Yasmeen is the Membership Orientation meetings. During these sessions, she provides valuable insights into Chamber membership, while I have the opportunity to share how Loudoun Economic Development can support local businesses. This partnership creates a mutually beneficial dynamic, strengthening our collective efforts to foster a thriving business environment in Loudoun. #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by KC Tregoning

Terri Teeter

I met her through work, but I am claiming her as my own.

Terri is many things: a mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, granddaughter, farmer, teacher…friend. She opens her home and heart to many and dedicates a great deal of her life to tending to and caring for life. She grows flowers, fruit, plants, and vegetables. She still has thriving plants that were started by both her great-grandmother and grandmother. She farms on land that has been growing food for over 100 years and has been tended to by multiple generations. She cares for her animals. She teaches younger generations to farm because it’s important for people to know how to grow their own food. She is strong, courageous, and has stories that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect.

She has created a beautiful life for her family and friends and her caring nature spreads to everyone around, especially her children and grandchildren. As farmers in Loudoun, she and her husband Jim keep their community fed and through all of the challenges that farming brings, they persist.

Simply put, she is amazing and embodies the meaning of love, nurture, and continuity. #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by Ramona Thompson

Julie Molthen

I am honored to highlight Julie Molthen for the Women’s History Month Campaign. With over a decade of devotion to elementary education, Julie is an outstanding educator and mother who makes a significant impact on our students’ lives in our community. Her dedication, innovative teaching methods and positive influence on her students has made an impact on her students’ educational and emotional growth. She is currently working as a Reading and Math Interventionist as well as an EL teacher at Moorefield Station Elementary and served as both a first grade and second grade teacher at Belmont Station Elementary for twelve years.

Her patience and dedication to care for 30 plus children daily are an inspiration while wearing many different hats. When she steps into her classroom she sees and nurtures physical, mental and spiritual wounds. She is more than an educator. She is a guidance counselor, a nurse, a mentor, a coach, a parent, a role model and the list goes on.

Julie is a mother of three college graduates and graduated herself from Wake Forest University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Teaching and has a Master of Education – Med, Literacy from the American College of Education. #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by Lisa Molthen

Dee Schrader

Every day, we have the opportunity to bring a little more kindness into the world. Dee Schrader, the founder of A Bright Spot, inspires just that. Her organization that has sent out over 50,000 uplifting cards to caregivers, hospitalized children, seniors, deployed service members, and so many more. She reminds me that simple yet powerful acts such as handwritten messages of encouragement and love, sent to those who need them most. Bringing a moment of joy; a reminder that someone cares; a bright spot in someone’s day; and ultimately making the world a better place. #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun

Below you’ll see a picture of her giving cards to one of the recipients on his 100th birthday. #LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by Amy Mugford

The Entire Team

What inspires me most about the BBBC providers is their collaborative approach to patient care. These six dedicated women work holistically to support their patients, creating a profound and positive impact on families in Loudoun County through comprehensive care, education, and community engagement. We are so lucky to have them here in Loudoun!

BBBC is home to six women-owned businesses, all of which share a common mission: to provide holistic, compassionate, and evidence-based care to growing families. These providers include:

🌷 Caroline O’Neil – BBBC owner, Hypnobirthing instructor, and licensed massage therapist
🌷 Hilary Biesecker & Heather Swartz – Owners of Loudoun Homebirth and Healthcare, certified nurse midwives specializing in home births
🌷 Susan Martin – Owner of Susan Green Living, esthetician, and yoga practitioner
🌷 Lilly Seng – Loudoun Lactation and Education, board-certified lactation consultant
🌷 Lindsay Durand Massumi – Virtual Physio, pelvic floor physical therapist
🌷 Donna Figueroa – Midlife Midwife Functional Health, certified nurse midwife specializing in functional medicine for women’s health

#LoudounPossible #WomensHistoryMonth #WomenOfLoudoun – Dedication by KC Tregoning