Alonso is a member of the Youth Advisory Board for the Children's Science Center Lab, a group of high-achieving high school students who support our mission to inspire a love of STEM. Alonso leads our Educational Videos team, which recently launched a new initiative to create instructional videos for our STEM Kits. These kits are often distributed through community organizations that serve families with limited resources. While the kits include written instructions, we learned that English language learners may struggle to follow them. To improve accessibility, Alonso and his team were tasked with creating instructional videos featuring captions in multiple languages. Alonso managed every stage of this project—delegating scripting and storyboarding, overseeing filming, and editing the final videos. The first video was just completed, and though it hasn't yet been distributed, we know these resources will make a meaningful impact. By making the kits easier to use, the videos will help parents engage in STEM activities with their children—boosting confidence and making learning a shared experience. In addition to his technical contributions, Alonso has demonstrated remarkable leadership. Managing peers is a skill that many adults take years to develop, yet Alonso, a high school sophomore, has done so with respect and effectiveness. His ability to lead, communicate, and follow through makes him an outstanding volunteer and a role model for others.
At just seven years old, Nayeli Mahdi exemplifies the true spirit of service. As a military child and daughter of a Department of Defense Special Agent, she understands sacrifice and commitment—and channels those values into tireless volunteerism. In 2024, Nayeli founded her own nonprofit to support underserved communities, organizing donation drives and mobilizing volunteers to create meaningful impact. She collected 35 professional outfits for federal employees returning to the office on short notice, helping them reenter the workforce with confidence. Recognizing local food insecurity, she coordinated and delivered 700 meals to Embry Rucker Shelter. Her compassion extends to children and families. She led an initiative to assemble 50 holiday gift bags for children in a homeless shelter, distributed flowers and chocolates to families of deployed service members on Valentine’s Day, and served hot chocolate and cookies to 21 children in Loudoun County to promote kindness and inclusion. She also gathered and distributed 264 high-quality clothing items for foster children, ensuring they could dress with confidence. During Ramadan, Nayeli organized 30 young volunteers (ages 5–10) to complete service projects tied to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, nurturing a spirit of civic engagement among her peers. Despite the challenge of leading at such a young age, Nayeli has demonstrated unwavering leadership, compassion, and determination. Her efforts have directly impacted hundreds of individuals—and inspired countless others. Nayeli Mahdi is more than a volunteer; she’s a role model proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
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Susan Santoro has volunteered over 300 hours with OAR’s Jail Programs since February 2023, teaching incarcerated individuals at the Loudoun Adult Detention Center. Her classes cover parenting, communication, healthy relationships, and mindset tools for personal growth. Susan’s genuine commitment and non-judgmental approach allow her to connect deeply with her students, many of whom return to her classes even after completing them. She navigates the unpredictable jail environment with grace and professionalism, and her presence has been a guiding force not only for the participants but also for fellow volunteers. Susan’s dedication to empowering individuals and offering hope through education embodies the heart of OAR’s mission. Her impact extends beyond the classroom—she’s helped shape the culture of the volunteer team and supported the organization in ways that staff alone could not. Susan is compassionate, strong, and deeply respected. She’s truly making a difference in Loudoun County.
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The volunteer team at The Resourceful Woman Thrift Store is one of the programs at LAWS Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services that helps fundraise for the organization as well as help clients and survivors of their Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs as well as their Children's Advocacy Center with clothing and household necessities. Our volunteers donated over 2,000 hours of their time to help LAWS and The Resourceful Woman Thrift Store be a success. Fiscal year 2024 had an increase of 8% in sales over FY2023. In addition to the increase in sales, the volunteer team has made the store a popular and welcoming place for customers, clients and donors to be. They have been trained to be autism friendly, trauma informed and the list goes on. All of these positive changes help the store which in turn makes more income for LAWS to help their clients with safety, hope and empowerment. They value and cherish their 36+ volunteers that help each and every day. “Without this fabulous team we wouldn't be where we are today.” - Kathy Gilman of the LAWS Organization
Margaret “Margie” Shay, the dedicated Tuesday volunteer at Insight Sterling’s Reconnections program, brings joy, compassion, and structure to every session. Reconnections serves individuals in the early stages of dementia, offering engaging opportunities for physical, emotional, creative, and cognitive stimulation. Margie’s presence transforms Tuesdays into a highlight of the week. With a bright smile and positive energy, she goes far beyond expectations. During the 10:30 a.m. Daily Chronicle reading, she researches and prepares special Tuesday content each month, adding personal insights to make the experience even more interactive and enjoyable. Her impact is especially clear during activities. While she helps with games and lunch, her true gift lies in quietly assisting those who are struggling—often before they realize they need help. She steps in with compassion and discretion, never drawing attention to anyone’s challenges. This ability spares participants from frustration or embarrassment, creating a more comfortable environment for all. Margie sees the person, not just the disease. Her patience, empathy, and natural connection with participants bring out the best in everyone around her. She treats each individual with warmth and friendship, making her an invaluable and deeply appreciated part of the Insight community.
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Loudoun Mentors is a collective of multicultural Loudoun County alumni who have provided free virtual mentorship to underrepresented and underserved students since 2020. They also host monthly in-person career and college panels with LCPS Black Student Union and CAMPUS programs, supporting teachers with scholarships and alumni resources. In 2024, they organized Riverside’s Black History Month presentation, participated in Tuscarora’s HBCU fair and student tour to Hampton and Virginia State, and were featured by the Loudoun Times. Every mentee is matched with a mentor of similar background working in their field of interest, creating a culturally relevant, supportive community. Now accessible via Schoology and the LCPS website, Loudoun Mentors reaches nearly every school in the county. They’ve joined the MLK Foundation Youth Committee, received several honors including the NAACP Youth Achievement Award, and increased student volunteers at the Darrell Green holiday event from 5 to 12. Their work extends into middle schools, connecting students and teachers with resources, internships, and scholarship info via social media and newsletters. In 2024, all five graduating mentees returned as mentors. Loudoun Mentors is not just a program—it’s a growing movement empowering Loudoun’s youth through connection, visibility, and opportunity.
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In 2024, Mahdi Thompson demonstrated unwavering dedication to service, making a profound impact in his community alongside his daughter, Nayeli Mahdi. As a military family, their shared commitment to service shines through every initiative. Through a suit drive, Mahdi helped 35 federal employees return to work with confidence, many of whom expressed they couldn’t have afforded professional attire without the donations. At the Embry Rucker Shelter, he coordinated the delivery of 700 meals, improving distribution efficiency and ensuring families had access to food during the colder months. Mahdi’s efforts brought holiday joy to 50 children in a homeless shelter through donated Christmas gifts, boosting morale and lifting spirits. He also led a clothing drive that provided 264 high-quality items for foster children, helping them feel more confident and connected to their peers. Beyond managing logistics and volunteers for these projects, Mahdi actively supports his daughter’s nonprofit, dedicating countless hours to ensuring her vision for community service becomes reality. His leadership, both in and out of uniform, has created a ripple effect of positive change across Loudoun County. Mahdi Thompson exemplifies what it means to serve—with compassion, perseverance, and purpose.
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Cameryn has volunteered for 10 years in Loudoun County with Loudoun Mentors, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and the Loudoun Coalition on Women and Girls (LCWAG). She was honored in Loudouns 40 under 40 in 2022, and has always strived to give back to the Loudoun community. She is currently doing an initiative for Black History Month to fundraise and donate hundreds of books by Black authors to educators in the community via class sets. She worked with hundreds of Black and Brown LCPS alumni to organize and support LCPS youth in 2020 to create a community where students of color felt welcome and at home. With Loudoun Mentors she is able to continue to help LCPS graduates feel supported as they enter a new stage in life.
Pat volunteers in many aspects of the Dulles South Senior Center. She is a head of Special Events, decorating the Center for Every Holiday and Special Event throughout the year, mostly on her own. She Volunteers at the Cafe, she designs and executes many projects, and is herself a member of our Center. Her events always gather large numbers of participants. Pat is always ready to help in emergency situations (if we are running short on volunteers at the Cafe for example). She also was an advisory board member serving as the president for 5 years. She contributed to the Center by doing fundraisers and gathering revenue for special activities at the Center. Pat has been volunteering for 12 years in Loudoun County, and over 8 years in many different capacities at DSSC. She is truly irreplaceable with her many talents and her experience working for the City of Tulare in California before she moved to Northern Va. She brings her artistic talents and professional experience, and she truly cares for her fellow members to have the best experience possible. She is a respectful, compassionate and polite member of our community, always extending a friendly and helpful hand to any member in need.
Diane Vidoni has volunteered with Loudoun County Animal Services for three years. During that time, she has explored every nook and cranny of “how to volunteer,” from scrubbing dishes to fostering critically ill kittens. Diane’s compassion and kindness shines in everything she does. Her time at the shelter brings smiles to the faces of staff and animals alike. In her three years of volunteering, Diane has donated over 1100 hours of volunteer time socializing cats, helping with housekeeping, fostering sick kittens, and helping at shelter events. Her willingness to try new things and stay involved is boundless.
At just seven years old, Nayeli Mahdi exemplifies the true spirit of service. As a military child and daughter of a Department of Defense Special Agent, she understands sacrifice and commitment—and channels those values into tireless volunteerism. In 2024, Nayeli founded her own nonprofit to support underserved communities, organizing donation drives and mobilizing volunteers to create meaningful impact. She collected 35 professional outfits for federal employees returning to the office on short notice, helping them reenter the workforce with confidence. Recognizing local food insecurity, she coordinated and delivered 700 meals to Embry Rucker Shelter. Her compassion extends to children and families. She led an initiative to assemble 50 holiday gift bags for children in a homeless shelter, distributed flowers and chocolates to families of deployed service members on Valentine’s Day, and served hot chocolate and cookies to 21 children in Loudoun County to promote kindness and inclusion. She also gathered and distributed 264 high-quality clothing items for foster children, ensuring they could dress with confidence. During Ramadan, Nayeli organized 30 young volunteers (ages 5–10) to complete service projects tied to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, nurturing a spirit of civic engagement among her peers. Despite the challenge of leading at such a young age, Nayeli has demonstrated unwavering leadership, compassion, and determination. Her efforts have directly impacted hundreds of individuals—and inspired countless others. Nayeli Mahdi is more than a volunteer; she’s a role model proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
Location: National Conference Center
Date: May 1, 2025
Time: 5-9PM
Take a look at the incredible success from last year’s OVAs!
