The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia convened hundreds of leaders, community members, and changemakers for its annual Shape of the Region conference, an essential gathering focused on the pressing challenges and opportunities shaping the region’s future. This year’s event focused on the urgent challenges facing Northern Virginia’s youth—including bullying, school safety, substance use, and mental health access—while also highlighting solutions that can create lasting impact.
At the heart of the conference was the launch of the Insight Region® Data Report: A Portrait of Northern Virginia's Youth 2025, a groundbreaking research initiative from the Community Foundation. This report delivers critical data on the state of youth well-being in our region, equipping policymakers, educators, and community organizations with the insights needed to drive meaningful change. Expert panelists explored the report’s key findings and discussed actionable strategies to improve youth mental health services, expand access to resources, and strengthen community resilience.
Panelists included:
- Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq.,Executive Director, American Psychiatric Association Foundation,
- Sandy Chung, MD, FAAP, FACHE, Founder and Medical Director, Virginia Mental Health Access Program (VMAP),
- Rachael Deane, JD, CEO, VOICES for Virginia’s Children,
- Melanie Kay Wyatt, ED.D, Superintendent, Alexandria City Public Schools,
- Dr. Holly C. Matto, LCSW-C, Professor of Social Work, College of Public Health at George Mason University,
- Master Police Officer Thomas J. Rodriquez, Manassas City Police Department & Community Vitality Officer,
- Mark Shriver, President, Don Bosco Cristo Rey High School and Senior Advisor, Save the Children,
- Dr. Gregory Washington, President, George Mason University.
Each panelist addressed challenges such as mental health awareness, access to resources, and staffing shortages, while also focusing on solutions like increased funding for life-saving programs and stronger collaboration.
In response to community needs, CFNOVA will allocate over $100,000 in grants in 2025 to support children’s health and safety. Additionally, CFNOVA will collaborate with regional education foundations to engage students in shaping solutions for their own well-being.
We extend our thanks to:
- Our host, Drew Wilder of NBC4,
- Panelists,
- Moderators: Sage Bolte, PhD, LCSW, CST, FAOSW Chief Philanthropy Officer and President, Inova Health Foundation and Acting President, Inova Behavioral Health Services and Megan Mocho, Holland & Knight LLP, Community Foundation Board Member,
- Student Speaker, Morgan Stiller, Student at Robinson Secondary School and President/Founder of Rambassadors,
- Denise Bellows, PhD, Senior Director of Insight Region® at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
- Bob Kipps, Managing Director of KippsDeSanto and Board Chair at the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
- Regional partners,
- Attendees,
- Generous sponsors—Bank of America, American Psychiatric Association Foundation, Frank & Betty Wright Foundation, Inova, and the Potomac Health Foundation.
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