Leesburg, VA June 2024

Our Gentlemen’s Issue

MAKAN SHIRAFKAN: FREE AT LAST!

LIFE + CULTURE

ARTS + CULTURE THE VERY REV. DANIEL VÉLEZ-RIVERA: JUST A STREET PREACHER A PLACE FOR MEN TO LET THEIR HAIR DOWN COMING FULL CIRCLE WITH MOBILE HOPE

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The Golden Rule

We are hesitant to toot our own horns here at Leesburg Lifestyle, but I would be remiss in not pointing out that last month's May Issue was the start of our 6th year publishing for the residents of Leesburg and Western Loudoun. In an age of instant gratification and 280-character blurbs on X, many have rung the death knell for longform print media. Well, it appears that positive community-centric stories do still have a place in our world and for that, I am grateful.

When I set out on this journey (and by sheer luck met our editor Melinda Gipson at a Loudoun Chamber event), the goal was to bring the community together in a positive way. What better way to do that than telling the stories of people doing good and shining the light on our advertisers who also put community first?

Much of this issue is dedicated to the men in our community doing just that. In each of our stories for our annual Gentleman's Issue, the Golden Rule comes to mind. We take a look at the journey of Makan Shirafkan and his quest to turn a wrong into a right and bring his experience to helping people. In the age of victimization as identification, he took a more positive route and the benefits are real. Our Hometown Hero this month has dedicated his life to making the world a better place and his efforts ultimately rewarded. Most of us have heard of Mobile Hope and the great work they do in our community, so we take a look at a man whose life was transformed by the organization. And finally, we look at how the owners of Skillz Kutz are not just cutting hair but creating positivity and community through their shop in Ashburn.

We can't always be perfect, but if we all had a bit more Golden Rule in our lives, the negativity and strife might just disappear. Just think of the change we can make.

Happy Summer Everyone!

June 2024

PUBLISHER

Hann Livingston | hann.livingston@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Melinda Gipson | melinda.gipson@citylifestyle.com

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

inside the issue

MAKAN SHIRAFKAN: Free at Last!

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

In Makan Shirafkan’s office, as in many lawyers’ offices, is a standing statue of Lady Justice. Somewhat unique to Makan’s own display is the replica of The Cyrus Cylinder that lies at her feet.

Makan is a proud Persian, one of many in our region who were part of the diaspora that fled Iran after the fall of the Shah. To Makan and countless others, the Cylinder represents history’s first charter of human rights, as it lays out Cyrus the Great’s post-Babylonian victory proclamation that freed the slaves, declared all people have the right to choose their own religion, and established racial equality. These foundational truths, plus every person’s right to justice under the law, are what guide Makan’s life as a criminal defense attorney.

Another guiding force in his passion for justice was his unjust conviction and subsequent incarceration for a crime he didn’t commit. It’s an injustice that Makan has been fighting for more than 27 years, and his exoneration — received unexpectedly at our deadline on May 3rd — makes for an exceptional story of perseverance against all odds.

Until recently, the only people Makan has told about his background are groups of students that he seeks to inspire about what’s possible if they never give up on themselves. He has been circumspect about his personal struggle for exoneration because he’s wanted his 9- and 11-year-old daughters to hear their father’s story from him first.

Another reason he hasn’t broadcast his past: “I never wanted to shed any bad light on anyone that was involved – particularly the judge, the jury, or the victim in my case.” Too often, that runs counter to human nature; “we all want somebody to be the victim, and somebody to be the bad guy; somebody to be the villain and somebody to be the hero. And, from what I know,

“I never wanted to shed any bad light on anyone that was involved – particularly the judge, the jury, or the victim in my case.”

that's just not what really happened. I'm no hero and there are no villains in my case. Sometimes life just happens. What happened to me was a mistake that we should hope never happens again.”

The bottom line, he says, is, “I went to prison for something I didn't do. That's why I'm here now. That's why I do criminal defense work and that's all I do. That's what distinguishes me and that's what drives me to do what I do. Every case is not just a case to me. It's a lot bigger. And sometimes that's a pro, sometimes a con. It's a pro because I treat every client like they're me 27 years ago. It’s a con because emotionally I get so invested in every single case.”

To understand what happened to Makan, you have to take yourself back to 1996. It was a time when many police practices in use have been disallowed by subsequent court rulings – practices like using a “six-pack” of photos to help victims identify their assailants. When all the mistakes are expunged, detectives appear to have singled out 19-year-old Makan because the color and make of the car he drove was similar to that seen at the scene of a felony assault at a 7-11 in Springfield.

Because he was home with his family when the crime occurred, Makan bent over backward to cooperate with investigators – so much so that he shaved his goatee and combed his hair forward to mask a shock of his white hair at their request – actions that made him more greatly resemble a sketch made of the true assailant. He only discovered years later that the real suspect was seen on the store tape by a policeman who responded to the complaint; a fact never shared

with Makan, his defense lawyer, the judge or the jury. Not knowing the policeman had seen this suspect, Makan’s lawyer didn’t call him at trial.

The assailant was right-handed; Makan was left-handed. The assailant had no accent and spoke perfect English, but Makan’s accent was pronounced and at best spoke broken English. His first trial ended in a hung jury and Makan turned down a plea agreement offering to lessen the charge to a misdemeanor before his second trial. He declined the offer, continuing to maintain his innocence, despite facing a charge that could have put him in prison for up to 20 years. The second jury remained conflicted and so lessened his charges, but still sent him to prison for 14 months.

All Makan could think was, “This is a dream; this this is a dream. This is a nightmare! First, I sank into depression, because I'm like, I didn't do this. What is going on here?” Then he got angry. But he saw what anger did to multiple offenders so he decided instead that he’d turn this story around. He became a trustee, and then a representative for fellow inmates who had disciplinary hearings.

After he’d served his sentence, he was asked in his exit interview by a parole official if he felt remorse. “I told her, I've learned a lot from this experience. But I didn't do it. I just want you to know that I really didn't do this; I have no reason to lie to you.’ And I remember her telling me, ‘You will be back. People like you end up coming back to prison.’ Years later, I did go back to that prison, but as a lawyer.”

His road back was arduous. He went to Northern Virginia Community College for his Associate's Degree and then to James Madison University for a business degree, serving as president of student government and making the president’s list with a 4.0 GPA – all while working part-time and then full-time, sometimes sleeping in his car to manage the commute from D.C. to Harrisonburg. He worked at Ritz Camera where he met his wife, who at that time was a nursing student at George Mason. A night job as a security guard for a D.C. nightclub turned into a second career in nightclub management.

When he graduated with honors, he initially got interviews, and passed all the preliminary levels of scrutiny from prospective employers prior to an employment offer, but the opportunities always derailed in the face of his conviction. So, for a while, he rode the wave of urban music with nightclub owner Marc Barnes, a leading D.C.-area promoter, making a hefty salary as general manager in a job that afforded him travel to Los Vegas and Miami. “It was absolutely great money and a fun life; it was just a very live energetic atmosphere. But I wasn't happy. I was unsatisfied.” So, Makan told his partner, “I want to become a lawyer so what happened to me can’t happen to anyone else.”

Then he began talking to law schools. They lauded his academic record but most said, “You’re not going to become a lawyer,” citing his criminal record. There was precedent for a felon passing the bar and becoming licensed, but that candidate had admitted his guilt, something Makan still was unwilling to do. “Because of that, I could get into law school, but I couldn’t get a scholarship.”

Finally, Howard University Law School took a chance on him and gave him a scholarship, conditioned on his remaining in the top 10% in his class. He stayed on top. While in school he had a professor named Andrew Taslitz who had done work with The Innocence Project, who told him some 77% of wrongful imprisonment cases are based on mistaken identity. Brandi Harden and

Heather Pinckney, in the D.C. deputy public defender’s office for the homicide division, invited him to intern in their department. There he learned the ropes in criminal defense like few of his peers ever could.

Makan passed his bar exam with flying colors on his first try, then faced an uphill battle to receive his license. “As a convicted felon, I couldn’t pass a moral fitness test in the first go-round,” he explains, so he hired a lawyer to help him plead his case of first impression in the D.C. Court of Appeals. He made clear to his attorney that he’d rather not become a lawyer than have to lie and admit to something he didn’t do – a point he argued before the full D.C. Court of Appeals. “I told them, ‘It would be an oxymoron for me to lie to you in order to show you that I’m fit, so I’m not going to tell you what you want to hear.’ I said, ‘I don’t hold grudges against anyone or bear any ill will. It just makes me a different lawyer who can empathize with his clients and their parents. I can tell somebody who sits across from me in inmates’ clothes that I’ve sat in that very chair. When a mother tells me about her kid in prison, I can relate that my mother drove four hours each way every Sunday to South Hampton to see me for 30 minutes.’”

He added, “I’ve always started 10 steps behind everyone else. It just makes me work harder for where I have to get to. That's it, and all of that should be a positive rather than a negative. I’d rather tell you the truth because that’s the whole principle behind why I’m trying to become what I’m trying to become.” By this time, he notes, The Innocence Project had issued reports stating that mistaken identity was a significant factor in wrongful imprisonment, so the Appeals Court had that work to reference.

Unanimously, the panel voted that Makan should be allowed to practice, creating a precedent of his own. He began practicing in D.C. in 2009. Then he decided he wanted to return to Virginia and practice law where he was convicted.

“People told me, ‘You’re pushing it.’ I said, well, that’s what everyone has been telling me all along.”

So, in 2010 he took the Virginia bar exam and passed. One could argue that the fact that giving Makan a license to practice law without an admission of wrongdoing from him could be interpreted to be an admission of error on their part.

Then he applied to practice in Federal Court in Virginia and something extraordinary happened. His original defense lawyer in the case where he was convicted, offered to sponsor him to practice at the federal court level. The day he appeared in Alexandria Federal Court, the usual pomp and circumstance ensued, and Makan’s friend and advocate began his petition to become a member of the federal bar. “All of a sudden, the judge says, ‘Stop.’ He gets up, and everyone stands out of respect for the Court, and he comes over to me and says something along the lines of, ‘I remember Mr. Shirafkan. I’m a judge in the Eastern District of Virginia. And many people take their hats off to me. I take my hat off to this young man because what he's accomplished is fantastic. We have a lot of catching up to do.’” Then both teared up.

Makan immediately realized this was the same judge who presided over his criminal trial. “I never planned this. I never meant this. The judge in my own case, who sent me to prison, is now here, admitting me into the federal court! I try not to say anything because I knew I would start bawling. The judge returns to his chair and says, ‘We need a recess,’ and tells me, ‘I want you to come to chambers.’” As he began to follow, a reporter told Makan, “I’ve seen judges do a lot of things. I’ve seen them yell, I even saw one throw a stapler, but in all my years I’ve never seen a judge demonstrate the respect of the Court like that. Whatever you’ve done, keep doing it.” Makan replied, “I’m just trying to put one foot in front of the other to survive, that’s it!” Said the reporter, “Just keep doing it.”

Essentially, he has. In the years since he’s been practicing law, Makan had the opportunity to meet with his accuser and reiterate his innocence, and petitioned Governor McAuliffe for a pardon. Makan’s judge wrote supporting the petition saying that he has great respect for

the jury system and the integrity of a jury verdict, but believes the jury's verdict in Makan’s case was erroneous and may have been affected by the inherent unreliability of eyewitness identification and the process that was used.

Because no DNA was collected in the case, the best the governor could grant was a “simple pardon and commutation of sentence,” and he did so. But as Makan has continued to fight to claim his citizenship, on May 3, 2024 after 27 years of fighting to seek justice, Honorable Judge, Steve Shannon of Fairfax Circuit Court exonerated him.

“This incident definitely changed my life,” Makan says. He thanks God that he was able to turn this story around from where it was headed or could have ended. “But at some point, you just want the truth. It sounds obsessive, but being punished for something you didn’t do is so much harder when you already have an acute sense of right and wrong.” After he received the news on May 3rd, he texted us: “After 27 years of fighting, this morning the Circuit Court of Fairfax finally dismissed my case. I didn’t even know nor expect it to happen today. So now I’m finally free! Next, we go for citizenship. That’s when we’ll have the party.”

Throughout the ordeal, Makan has stood up for the rights of immigrants and people accused of wrongdoing, with the original wanted poster from the 7-11 hanging over his shoulder on his office wall. “I don’t want to forget why I’m here, in this chair, in this office, and why someone is hiring me.”

For him, justice involves defending and protecting anyone accused of any criminal wrongdoing. “Step one is asking what evidence is there? Can the case be legally proven? Step two is, what are the mitigating factors?” Whether or not someone may be guilty of something, justice most often happens in the space between doing something illegal, and whether the proposed punishment is justified in that person’s circumstances, he maintains.

“If the case can be legally proven, it doesn’t end there. Now we need to talk about what is the right thing to do. I don’t think Justice is only ‘guilty,’ or ‘not guilty.’ Once a person has been

accused of a crime and their Constitutional protection has been satisfied, and a case can be proven, then we get to the question of what to do when a person admits they’ve made a mistake. Then , what is just? That's a lot harder question to answer than just guilty or not guilty.”

To impart justice, one must consider the individual. “Why did they do it? How can the problem be fixed so it doesn’t recur? What effects does it have on this person and others? Will our determination make this person better or worse for our community? How can we find a balance between what is fair for the victim, what ensures the safety of the community, and what allows this individual to move forward to become a productive member of our community? Not everyone needs to go to jail.”

True Justice takes the long view, in other words, and Makan’s sense of mercy stands alongside his love of justice. It’s a quality most prevalent in people who have suffered.

When he speaks to kids in school, in juvenile halls and those in trouble. He does so, not to align with them in some sense that he was dealt a bad hand, but to make them question their response to adverse circumstances. “You may have gotten handed some cards in life that you may not agree with. You may have come up in a bad neighborhood or from a broken home. You may have come up with a mother who has a drug problem or a father who was never there. These are things that life kind of hands us without us controlling it. But the right question is, what do you do in reaction to it? I've had clients myself, who were found guilty of a felony and they sit there and say, ‘Well, my life is over now.’ But then I say, ‘Why? Just because you were pronounced a felon?’ And that's when I tell them it is never over because, guess what? I'm sitting here an example of why you don't give up.”

“If I can use my story and save two people or 20 people, just by telling my story, well, then, we have made a positive out of something negative that happened.” He shares his story now, as the judge in his case told him, because “we got this one wrong. Let's do it right now.”

“Life is worth living and cherishing no matter what ups or downs we face,” he says.

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The Very Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera: “Just

a Street Preacher”

People sometimes describe The Very Rev. Daniel Vélez-Rivera of Saint Gabriel’s Episcopal Church ~ Iglesia San Gabriel, as a man without a church. To Father Daniel, “The church is not a building, but the people gathered in faith! In response to the question, ‘When will you build the church?’ we say, ‘We are building it each time we encounter people wherever we are.’”

St. Gabriel’s congregation in fact worships at four different locations: on Sundays, the English language service takes place at the Belmont Ridge Middle School at 10 a.m. (and on Zoom and Facebook Live); and the Spanish language service is at Saint James’ Episcopal

and your spiritual journey is enthusiastically embraced with love,” we can only say, you’ve missed a blessing.

Church in Leesburg at 3 p.m. (and via Facebook Live) with Sunday school for children and child care provided at both services. They’ve created the worship community of St. Gabriel’s at Ashby Ponds which meets monthly on the third Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. During the summer months, they hold Saturday bilingual services outdoors at the Chapel in the Woods on land owned by the Diocese of Virginia.

To those who have missed out on this vibrant Christian community, “where diversity is intentionally and authentically engaged, worship is wonderfully empowering,

Too often, the recently immigrated Spanish-speaking members of the congregation go unnoticed by the community at large, unless they’re engaging in one of the many colorful, traditional ceremonies they enjoy like the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe. In the photo at right, the group pictured includes clergy and dancers of the Irene Saucedo Dance Studio who interpreted prayers through movement for the Blessed Mother. “At St. Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel, we commemorate the feast at a bilingual Eucharistic service, the music is performed by a live mariachi band (Mariachi Imperio), and the folkloric dancers conclude with

“ENCOU NTER GOD , BUILD MEANINGF RELATIO NSHIPS AND MAKE A DIFFER THE WO R LD. THAT IS HOW WE OPERA

prayer through movement,” Father Daniel explains.

The Virgin of Guadalupe is the Patron Saint of Mexico and Patroness of the Americas. Her feast day on Dec. 12th commemorates her apparition to Saint Juan Diego in the hills of Tepeyac in 1531. She sent him to relay her message to the bishop at the time to build her a church atop Tepeyac Hill, which is the site of the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Such traditional ceremonies can bring a sense of home and family to an immigrant population, and serve to forge strong pathways for faith-based service among community minded congregations from other Loudoun churches. St. Gabriel’s ~ San Gabriel does not have the largest Spanish language ministry in Northern Virginia, but is one of the more diverse, featuring 13 Latino ethnicities, as well as Asian Americans, African Americans and White Americans.

No matter whether the gathering is a cooking class, a STEM competition, a food drive for a communion of saints, you can find Father Daniel in the middle of it. So, imagine our surprise that that’s not at all what he set out to do.

Raised in Puerto Rico, Daniel went to school in Boston for engineering and worked as an engineer for 20 years, at one point selling a deeply embedded operating system in telecommunications before the explosion in cell phones, and working on the Mars Pathfinder probe.

Raised Roman Catholic, he found the Episcopal Church to be a more inclusive and democratic institution to his liking. “By the time I was in my 30s, my priest asked me if I’d be interested in being a priest and I said, ‘yes.’”

So, he left tech sales and went to Boston University School of Theology where he received a Master in Divinity and a Master in Social Work. “As a bilingual person, I knew that I wanted to start Latino ministries in traditional Episcopal congregations and that I would be ministering to people with basic life needs and extra challenges.” His first seminary internship was to help start the first tuition-free, Episcopal Middle School for Girls in Lawrence, Massachusetts, called Esperanza Academy, which turns 19 next year. He was also part of the initial group of faith-based mental health providers at Trinity Church in Copley Square.

In the dozen years he’s been vicar of St. Gabriel’s, he’s worked to build connections among parishioners who are building the kingdom of God by helping their neighbors: working with groups like All Ages Read Together, teaching English to Spanishspeaking kindergarteners and their parents, making dolls, hats, scarves, and prayer squares for a ministry

to immigrants they support through the Diocese of the Rio Grande Borderland Ministries in Texas that has served thousands of migrants and asylum seekers. Also, through St. Gabriel’s own social justice ministry, Educando con Amor, provides after school STEAM programs for children and adolescents.

St. Gabriel’s has a young demographic, and the St. Gabriel’s at Ashby Ponds community has increased the 65+ membership to about 8% of the congregation mix. Regardless of age, all are encouraged to become involved in the church’s various mission projects. Several members have developmentally disabled children who are also invited to serve as they are able in worship and community service.

In March, St. Gabriel’s teenage robotics teachers took 2nd Place honors in the Step-Up Loudoun Youth Competition for their “Four Seasons of STEM” curriculum. And this summer, the church will host nine weekly summer camp sessions in Sterling and Leesburg including culinary arts, robotics, Java programming, drawing, painting, chorus, theater, and more.

He sums all this activity up as “just being a street preacher.” He adds, “Mission work is meeting people where they are – just being present. And one of the gifts that God has given me is that I’m a networker. I love to engage with people, listen to stories, share stories. Jesus was a networker. Jesus was an evangelizer. And what happens in most churches of all denominations is that the community becomes building centric. The congregation and its leaders must work hard to avoid being bound by their four walls. God so had it that I would become a priest of a church with no building, because it forces St. Gabriel’s to be outward looking.”

“My dream is that we will find a permanent home so that we’re not nomads anymore,” he admitted. “But the place definitely needs to be in the community and for the community,” meaning it first has to be accessible to public transportation, and then also open to community-based programs.

With more resources, he’d reach out to Loudoun’s large Southeast Asian community and invite more of this community to become part of St. Gabriel’s. “I love to dream. It’s part of being an engineer and sort of my entrepreneurial background. Dreams are free and no one should be precluded from being at God’s table.”

For now, he’s focused on finding ongoing space for St. Gabriel’s Educando con Amor ~ Educating with Love program that provides after school educational programs for children and adolescents ranging from science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts. Some of the classes take place at the Sterling and Douglass Community Centers, part at the Leesburg Apartments,

which has a three-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment that’s a “Community Education Department” operated by the Loudoun County Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention. Some classes take place in the St. James’ parish hall.

“We do science labs, math tutoring, computer programming. Middle schoolers do Scratch programming, high schoolers do Java programming. We use the Arduino hardware platform for participants to learn how to program robots. We have a folkloric dance group who practice at St. James two days a week. We do digital art. We do conventional art drawing and paintings.” iPads were donated to make some of the digital art classes possible.

“Different expressions of art are important components to teach along technology because every little bit of exposure will uncork a child’s potential through education. Maybe because I was an engineer I know that technology and creative thinking are a pathway to move ahead a little bit more in life. Some of our children struggle – their parents also struggle because their children may not be given the same opportunities as their peers. We prepare children to be curious enough and knowledgeable enough to say, ‘I know how to do that.’”

Because he is so identified with the marginalized communities, Father Daniel received $880,000 from Catholic Charities and the Loudoun County Government (ARPA program) for rental assistance during COVID because he was among those who could best apply the funding where it was needed. It’s a double-edged sword; while St. Gabriel’s may be best able to help, they are also impacted when disruptions in the community occur,  like when Inmed Partnerships for Children closed its doors last year. That was particularly difficult for the church, which had six parishioners employed by the organization. To the positive, COVID does seem to have made St. Gabriel’s more visible for its anchor role in serving Loudoun’s poorest.

“We figured it out. We made it work. I’ve never worked so hard in my life,” he recalls. But that’s our mission: “Encounter God, build meaningful relationships and make a difference in the world. And that is how we operate,” he says. It’s all done with such joy, that any activity is worth a visit. They provide cooked meals at Shelter House one Friday a month, and he invites families including teens age 15+ to serve and engage with the guests. For information on how to help serve others in Loudoun through their community education programs. Just drop Father Daniel an email (fr.daniel@saintgabriels.net) if you are interested in helping. Donations and conversations about how you can serve others are welcome too.

live theatre

The Phantom of the Opera Summer Camp Musical Theatre

June 28, 29, July 5 & 6 at 7:00pm

June 29, 30, July 6 & 7 at 2:00pm

Murder on the British Express

Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

June 29 & July 13 at Oatlands in Leesburg

July 20 at ONO Offshore in Chantilly

August 3 at Casanel Winery in Leesburg

August 9 at Creek’s Edge Winery in Lovettsville

August 17 at C’est Bon by Savoir Fare in Round Hill

August 23 at Effingham Manor Winery in Nokesville

Puffs - Summer Camp Musical Theatre

July 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 7:00pm

July 14 & 21 at 2:00pm

StageCoach Banditos Teen Improv

June 8 at 7:00pm

Rated S Sketch Comedy

June 14 & 15 at 7:30pm

StageCoach Bandits Improv

June 21 at 7:30pm

Engaging Workshops

Delve into sessions designed to enhance your

Dynamic Roundtable Discussions

Participate in meaningful discussions that promise to spark innovation and collaborative solutions.

Strategic Business Connections

Expand your network with women who share your drive, ambition, and vision for success.

Coming Full Circle

JOSÉ AYALA MOVES FROM HOMELESSNESS TO MENTORSHIP THROUGH MOBILE HOPE

Six days a week, José Ayala stops for coffee on his way to work his two jobs. Sometimes, the 25-year-old splurges on a cookie.

He arrives at the car wash where he’s paid to carry out the trash. It’s heavy, he explains, too heavy for the owners to lift. Cleaning the accessories and shoveling out dirt and mud from the concrete slab and drain are not part of José’s contract, but he shovels and shines nonetheless.

“They don’t pay me to do this,” José says. “I do it because it's the right thing to do. If the place is clean, customers come. I get to have my job.”

José’s efforts don’t go unnoticed. Sometimes, the owner calls him at his second job, Honest Tom’s, where José works as an auto mechanic apprentice. She tells him to walk back over when he gets a break because she bought him lunch. “She gives back to me just like I’m giving to her,” José says. “They take care of me.”

José has come a long way since he first stumbled onto Mobile Hope’s campus in 2016. “When José came to us, he was a shell of who he is now,” says Donna Fortier, founder and CEO of Mobile Hope. “He was depressed, very sad, had no confidence in himself, and was undocumented.”

Undocumented means unable to work, which is all José wants to do.

Originally from El Salvador, José’s parents abandoned him as an infant. An aunt took him to Mexico and then later to the United States. As a student at Dominion High School, José watched as seniors were graduating and going off with the military recruiters.

“I was like, wow, that seems interesting,” José says. “I really wanted to do this. So, I asked them for paperwork, and the guy told me I had to fill it out with my social security number and this and that, and my mom and dad had to sign the paper. At the time, I didn't really understand what social security was, so I went home and told my uncle. And he laughed at me.” That’s how José learned that the doors to the American Dream are not open to people like him.

Feeling crushed and defeated, José’s grades began to suffer. He got into trouble and had to see a probation officer for six months. His uncle kicked him out, and without transportation to get to school, he dropped out. Eventually, José’s probation officer discovered that he had no food or place to live.

“He told me, ‘I cannot get involved in something like that; that's something that you have to call an officer and report,’” José recalls. “I told him that I wasn't going to do that. He told me, ‘I know a place, I'll go get you some stuff.’ And he came to Mobile Hope and got me some

CONTINUED >

groceries. He talked to Miss Donna and gave me her card. He told me, ‘If you ever need anything, go there.’”

Founded in 2011 as a special project of Inova Loudoun, Mobile Hope became an independent 501(c)(3) a year later, providing support and emergency shelter to fill a demonstrated need for youth who are at-risk and likely would otherwise fall through society’s cracks.

While food and shelter are important, Donna emphasizes the pillars of guidance and empowerment that mentors provide to move vulnerable youth forward. It’s these mentors who help infuse the services with the potential that she and her staff see in the youth they serve, and the organization needs more of them.

“Mobile Hope is filling a niche that I’m not sure any other nonprofit in the county fills for a population that is especially vulnerable,” says Loudoun County Supervisor Mike Turner (Ashburn District.) “It’s such an urgent need, and José is such a compelling case.”

Charity Navigator rates Mobile Hope at 97%, a fourstar rating in categories that span from measuring impact to leadership to financial accountability. At our writing, Mobile Hope is serving 112 at-risk youth in Leesburg, just as they helped secure housing and food for José.

“All he wanted to do was work,” says Allyson Ruscitella, director of development at Mobile Hope, recounting how Costco had donated a shed to Mobile Hope. Wearing jeans in 102-degree weather, José assembled it in a day. “We just knew we needed to invest in this kid.”

A Mobile Hope volunteer connected them with an attorney who listened to José’s story before saying he could not help. Mobile Hope then paired José with a volunteer mentor that Fortier describes as life-changing for him. “In grant writing, we describe what we do, and so much of it is about the clothes, the housing, the food,” Donna says. “But guidance, love, and support — we can't put a number on those. Funders don't tend to understand that mentorship is probably the biggest difference because clothing doesn't help people get back on their feet when things don't go right in life. These kids need somebody who listens, who they’re connected to, and who loves them. And that feels too feely, for lack of a better word, for funders to latch onto, but mentorship is what sustains Mobile Hope.”

The attorney called back and said an administration change could help José but that he would need to register with immigration. His mentor took him to the office in Fairfax, then Donna and Allyson drove José to Falls Church, where, for $2,500, they got him a temporary work permit. Left: A homeless

José’s work permit coincided with the opening of Mobile Hope’s trade school, funded by Google. Armed with a work permit, José was able to accept Honest Tom’s offer of a paid apprenticeship.

“It has been amazing,” Allyson says. “José now knows how to install brakes, change oil, and repair our donated cars. What I wish everybody knew is when you invest in these kids and they start to experience that feeling of success, agency, and empowerment, then they want to give back. I mean, José is chomping at the bit to give back.” To Mobile Hope and to the other youth on its campus, José serves as the ultimate success story.

To José, the most difficult part of the journey was not having the opportunity to choose what he wanted to do with his life. “I couldn't go ask for a job, I couldn't have a credit card, I couldn't have a car, I couldn't drive,” he says. “I mean, it wasn't that I couldn't — I wasn't allowed to.”

Now that José has some of these freedoms, he accompanies Mobile Hope as a volunteer in the homeless outreach program, “Listen for the Honk.” He donates his time and talents as an auto mechanic to help Mobile Hope get donated cars into usable condition, either for other kids to use for transportation to and from work, or to be sold to help fund the organization.

“I'm getting paid, I’ve got friends, and I work with really great people,” José says, “and now, if I need to help Mobile Hope or help Miss Donna fix a car, I can definitely do it.”

José’s mentor has worked with him for the last two years to show him how to file his taxes, and this year, José was surprised that he wouldn’t be getting money back because he earned enough to bump himself from a 10% to a 22% bracket.

José credits Mobile Hope and his mentor for pushing him out of his comfort zone and forcing him to walk the walk in order to learn. He submitted the paperwork for a five-year extension of his work visa and he’s waiting on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for approval. His long-range goal is to apply for a green card, and then the options of military service or jet-engine mechanics become available.

“The new José has confidence, and a lot more respect,” he says of his progress. “I’ve got the skills and the confidence to help, so I'm not here just to get help, but I'm here to help, too.”

“And now that I have that confidence, I don't want to keep it to myself,” José says. “Sometimes, you just need somebody to believe in you. That’s the biggest thing. They made things happen, and that's something that I cannot repay, but it’s something that I appreciate a lot.”

a place for men to LET THEIR HAIR DOWN

SKILLZ KUTZ SHINES A LIGHT ON THE NEIGHBORHOOD BARBERSHOP

The first time we met Kimberly Thomas and her husband Rio Rojas, it was a memorable encounter filled with laughter and memories. It was another one of those “divine encounters” we’ve experienced when delving into the stories of Loudoun’s “community first” businesses. But in the case of Skillz Kutz Barber Shop in Ashburn, the ambiance is undeniably unique.

Kimberly’s upbringing in the Air Force instilled in her a deep appreciation for diversity. Upon settling in Loudoun, she noticed a gap in the community—a lack in abundance of barbershops fostering inclusivity for all hair textures. This observation sparked a desire to create a space where every patron, regardless of race or ethnicity, feels welcomed and valued for expertise

in their hair type. With Rio’s expertise as a Master Barber and Kimberly’s vision, Skillz Kutz came to fruition.

They both envisioned a welcoming place where men could relax, engage in conversation, and leave feeling satisfied with their appearance. From the diverse selection of music playing in the background to the option of watching sports on TV, from clients helping themselves to coffee and refreshments to the comfortable lobby seating, every aspect of Skillz Kutz is designed to make clients feel at home. When Skillz Kutz opened its doors this year, it exceeded expectations. At Skillz Kutz, it’s not just about the haircut; it’s about the entire experience. They emphasize quality service and have sought out skilled barbers to ensure everyone receives the level of professional service they deserve.

They’ve created an atmosphere where anyone can walk in and know they can be serviced professionally. And as they continue to grow, they see Skillz Kutz expanding beyond Ashburn, now with clients driving from all over the D.C. metro area, from as far away as West Virginia. Despite being new, they actively seek to support community events where they can also contribute and make a positive impact.

Skillz Kutz isn’t just a barber shop; it’s a beacon of unity and fostering relationships in the community. With each visit, they’re not just providing a haircut; they’re shaping an experience that celebrates diversity and fosters connection. The future is bright for Skillz Kutz, as they continue to expand their locations and make a positive impact, one Skillz Kutz at a time.

ELEVATING ELEGANCE

THE RISE OF BOURBON ROOMS IN MODERN HOMES

Step into a realm where tradition meets luxury—imagine your living room transformed into a bourbon room; anchored with moody colors, rich leathers, oversized chairs, and details that exude sophistication and comfort. Embracing the bourbon room aesthetic is more than a home improvement; it’s a commitment to a lifestyle of understated elegance.

Rich leather chairs and classic Chesterfield sofas create a sense of old-world charm and comfort central to the bourbon room aesthetic. Deep browns and rich hues generate warmth, while their robust structure and elegant form offer visual centerpieces that invite relaxation and conversation.

The integration of dark, moody colors demands a discerning choice of paint sheen. Matte finishes absorb light and reduce glare, which can overpower the subtleties of darker hues, thus enhancing the room’s inviting ambiance. For an effective balance, bouclé fabrics present a modern twist. Their nubby texture contrasts beautifully against leather, providing a subtle interplay of materials that enrich both comfort and style.

An authentic bourbon room would be incomplete without the quintessential display cabinet, showcasing a selection of fine bourbons and spirits. These cabinets are not merely storage but a stage for a connoisseur’s curated collection. Crafted from rich

woods, with glass inlays and soft backlighting, they invite admiration and appreciation of the art of distillation.

Opulent chandeliers become the jewels of the room, casting a soft, ambient light that accentuates the deep wood tones and leather hues. A chandelier with an antique finish or adorned with wrought iron or brass elements complements the bourbon theme, bringing both illumination and grandeur to the space.

Crystal drinkware is as much about the beauty as the bourbon itself. Displaying cut crystal glasses and decanters adds a layer of sophistication and serves a practical purpose. Crystal, known for its clarity and brilliance, enhances the visual pleasure of bourbon tasting and elevates the sensory experience.

To add to the richness, consider incorporating wood-paneled walls or coffered ceilings that echo the grandeur of historic clubs. These elements of design bring a sense of depth and grandiosity, crafting an environment that is both noble and cozy.

In designing a bourbon room, remember the importance of layering textures and elements. Wool or woven rugs anchor the space and add acoustic comfort. Wall sconces or floor lamps with warm bulbs cast a gentle glow and a selection of hand-picked antiques or artisanal pieces tell the homeowner’s story.

A bourbon room is a celebration of luxurious comfort, encapsulating the essence of classic elegance reimagined for the contemporary connoisseur. It’s a space where every element is carefully curated to create an experience that transcends the ordinary, beckoning you to linger, reflect, and enjoy the ambiance of your own design.

Yet, the journey to such bespoke refinement does not need to be solitary. For those inspired to transform their own spaces, guidance from a seasoned expert can illuminate the path to the melding of tradition with contemporary luxury, the weaving of dark, rich textures with the gleam of crystal, and the harmony of grandeur with comfort.

I’m the owner and designer at Bellissima Design Group. In addition to my expertise as a keynote speaker, I bring a wealth of knowledge on the creative use of spaces, including the nuanced art of converting a living room into a bourbon room. My design presentations are captivating explorations into the possibilities that our living spaces hold.

Leesburg Lifestyle invites you to her regularly scheduled design presentations routinely at River Creek Club and other organizations throughout Leesburg.  At a recent event, she shared this advice:

“In the pursuit of a home that reflects your essence, remember that while trends ebb and flow, true elegance remains constant, untouched by time. It is in that timeless luxury where your space finds its voice, crafted with expertise to echo your unique style for years to come.”

Bellissima Design Group also offers private consultations for those seeking a more personalized touch. Through one-on-one sessions, homeowners uncover the unique character of their homes and personal style, ensuring that each room reflects its owner’s taste.

For further details, please contact me directly. I’m available by phone at 703-936-1772, or email me at lisa@bellissimadesign.com

Learn To Dance

The Way to a Man’s Heart

Caribbean Curry Chicken with Orange Jasmine Rice

I’ve always focused my energy into cooking fresh and healthy meals for my family, but some are real man pleasers. One of our family’s favorites is Caribbean Curry Chicken with Orange Jasmine Rice. It’s hearty and easy to prepare, using just one dish, but it also has a dash of the exotic. This meal will take you to the warmth of the Caribbean and fill your belly with smiles. Average price per serving: $2.47!

ingredients:

• 1lb Boneless Chicken Things or 4 Leg Quarters (cut in half):

• Your favorite seasoning:  I use Adobo or All purpose  (it’s to taste)

• 2.5 Tablespoons of Curry Powder (I use blue mountain Curry)

• 1 Small Yellow Onion chopped

• 1 small green pepper chopped

• 2 garlic cloves chopped

• 1 jalapeno, scotch bonnet, or habanero (optional)

• 3 sprigs of thyme of 1 tablespoon of dried thyme

• 3 Tablespoons of Olive Oil

• ½ Water

• 1 Golden Curry (Brick)

• 1 Russet Potato cut into chunks

• ½ Cup of Baby Carrots

directions:

Step 1. Season Chicken thighs or quarters with your all-purpose seasoning, curry, onion, peppers, garlic, and hot pepper.  (Leave for one hour.)

Step 2. Heat olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add chicken without the vegetables, and slightly brown chicken on each side (3 minutes per side).  Once chicken is

STYLISH SENIOR LIVING AT Ashby Ponds

slightly brown, add the vegetables that were in the bowl. Add water and 1 brick of curry. Cook for about 30 minutes.

Step 3. When about 15 minutes remain, add potato and carrots and continue to cook covered. Once cooked, remove from heat, then salt and pepper to taste if necessary.

ingredients:

• 1 Cup of Jasmine Rice

• 1-1/3 Cup of Water

• Zest of 1 orange

• ½ teaspoon of salt

directions:

Step 1. Add water to the saucepan with a lid. Bring to a boil.

Step 2. Once at a boil, add rice, salt, and orange zest.

Step 3. Reduce heat to low and let rice simmer for 10 minutes until water is absorbed by the rice.

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Remember, if you’re looking for an even faster way to feed your family, you can also stop by our restaurant Marie de la Fleur Monday through Saturday for either a $10 buffet breakfast or lunch, a scrumptious restaurant-style dinner, or an incomparable Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday! Visit us at 19375 Magnolia Grove Sq., in Lansdowne Woods. Catering is also available on a budget. Call 703-726-0100.

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“The picture on the left was what motivated me to get healthy! When I saw it, I could not believe it was me. The picture on the right (after) is me now, 50 pounds lighter and have kept the weight off for over four years, thanks to BeBalanced! Not only did I lose weight, but I have so much more energy, I sleep better, and I don’t wake up soaked in sweat like I used to. I am excited to have the women of Northern Virginia join me on this journey to better health and wellbeing. If you are struggling to lose weight, and feel like yourself, BeBalanced can help!” - Jan, BeBalanced owner