How it works

Individuals under 40 years old who are making an impact in Northern Virginia and meet the honoree criteria below are nominated by someone who works with the individual either in a professional or volunteer capacity (you may not nominate yourself). Then nominees are emailed an invitation to complete an application.

Nominations and applications are reviewed by an anonymous selection committee. The committee considers the honoree criteria, below. Selection is confidential.

After the selected honorees are notified, they prepare and submit a personal video statement on leadership (max 30 seconds), answering one of a set of questions.

The honorees are recognized at a free virtual celebration (all are welcome to attend), followed by an in-person reception (for honorees only).

Key dates

• Friday, January 17, 2025: Deadline for nominations.
• Wednesday, January 29, 2025: Deadline for applications (must be nominated first).
• Thursday, February 20, 2025: Applicants are notified (regardless of if they are selected as an honoree).
• Friday, February 28, 2025: Deadline for honorees to submit a headshot and video statement (instructions to be provided directly to honorees).
• Thursday, March 6, 2025: Honorees announced.
• Tuesday, April 8, 2025: Honorees celebrated at a virtual event (11:00 a.m.) and in-person reception (4:30 p.m.). Honoree attendance is expected at both events.

Any nominations received after 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, January 17, 2025, or applications received after 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, will not be considered. Self-nominations are not allowed. Incomplete nominations and applications, as well as applications received before or without a nomination, will also not be considered.

Honoree criteria

• Live or work in Northern Virginia (Alexandria City, Arlington County, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Loudoun County, or Prince William County)
• Under the age of 40 as of April 8, 2025
• Complete nomination and application by the deadlines (listed above)
• Individual demonstrates impact in Northern Virginia through (1) professional and personal achievements, (2) civic engagement, (3) personal story

Leadership Center of Arlington and Leadership Fairfax affiliation is not required. Recognition as an honoree is not considered an endorsement.