Paula Fynboh to Receive 2025 Torch Award for Ethical Leadership
Arlington, VA – The Leadership Center of Arlington has selected Paula Fynboh (Lead ’23), Executive Director, Aspire Afterschool Learning to receive the 2025 Torch Award for Ethical Leadership, presented by Dominion Energy.
Aspire’s mission is to expand learning opportunities that help historically underserved students fulfill their potential through afterschool and summer learning programs. Under Paula’s leadership, the number of students served by Aspire has more than doubled in three years’ time. The students in Aspire’s programs, and their families, are grateful for the increased out-of-school learning support they otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford.
Paula’s leadership goes beyond impressive performance metrics. The Aspire team appreciates how she provides each team member with a combination of autonomy and support, plus the grace to make mistakes. She also works hard to combat burnout, lifts others up, and makes time to read with students every week. This ensures her work is informed by the day-to-day program experience with Aspire students.
“Paula Fynboh’s leadership is a stellar example of living organizational values on a daily basis” said Lisa Fikes, President and CEO of the Leadership Center of Arlington. “For her, values are not just words on a filed piece of paper, but rather a north star for living the organization’s mission in both good and challenging times.”
“We are deeply appreciative of Paula’s unwavering dedication to ethical leadership and her commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of underserved students. Her leadership at Aspire Afterschool Learning has created a nurturing environment where both students and staff can thrive,” said Scott Price, Regional Policy Director, Dominion Energy. “By leading with empathy and focusing on continued improvement, Paula demonstrates the values we hold dear at Dominion Energy. She is a deserving recipient of the 2025 Torch Award for Ethical Leadership.”
Peggy Fox, External Affairs Manager, Dominion Energy will present the award to Paula at the Leadership Center of Arlington’s annual Leadership Summit & Reception on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
The Leadership Summit is an opportunity for established and emerging leaders in the greater Northern Virginia/Washington, D.C. area to spend an afternoon connecting with one another and learning from some of the nation’s guiding voices.
The Leadership Summit also serves as the culmination of the Leadership Center of Arlington’s Lead and Ignite Classes of 2025, as well as Leadership Alexandria.
Learn more and register at leadercenter.org/summit.
About the Leadership Center of Arlington
The mission of the Leadership Center of Arlington is to connect, develop, and inspire leaders for personal growth, civic engagement, and community impact. For more information, visit leadercenter.org or call (703) 528-2522.
Media Contact
Jennifer Roeder
Communications Consultant
Leadership Center of Arlington
(703) 528-2522
jroeder@leadercenter.org