Celebrating Past Board Members and Welcoming New Ones: Aspire’s Board of Directors
As Aspire prepares for the new school year and the beginning of a new program year with students, we are grateful to celebrate the service of six board members who recently fulfilled their terms of service (Alex Chacaltana, Valerie Colimon, Timothy Cotman, Erika Dogan, Sue Keith, and Ligia McEvoy). We are also thrilled to welcome five new board members (Erin Freas-Smith, Raven Greene, Vernita Marshall, Lauryn Smith, Jose R. Quiroz, Jr.).
While the past year has been a difficult one, our board members have been instrumental in ensuring that Aspire led with our values and stayed committed to serving historically underserved students as our community faced unprecedented challenges. Looking ahead, the new board members will guide Aspire in building on these accomplishments and strengthening our position in the Arlington community through new and deeper partnerships.
Outgoing Board
Last year, as Aspire began our new strategic roadmap, pivoted after federal funding cuts, and worked hard to ensure that we could continue providing no-cost support to students, our Board played a key role in shaping our vision for the next five years and steering us through difficult times. Throughout their time at Aspire, they oversaw Aspire’s expansion into two Title I schools, the opening of a new STEM Makerspace (the first of its kind in Arlington), and deeper programming for students and families.
The six members rolling off the Board served Aspire during both unprecedented times of growth and challenges, and we are so grateful for their leadership, advocacy, and support. Four of these members will also be joining Aspire’s Board Emeritus group to stay connected to Aspire and continue to volunteer their expertise.
Alex Chacaltana, SVP, Commercial Relationship Manager at Atlantic Union Bank, served one term with Aspire’s board of directors, supporting our Resource Generation Committee. In reflecting on his experience, he said “My three years on the Board of Directors at Aspire Afterschool Learning meant a lot to me. Last year Aspire went through some tough funding moments, but what stood out was how everyone — the leadership, the staff, the board — showed up with heart and determination. That resilience paid off, and seeing Aspire earn recognition from local organizations felt like a real affirmation of the work being done. I’m grateful for the people I served with, grateful for the mission, and especially grateful for the students and families who make Aspire such a special place.”
Valerie Colimon, Assurance Partner – Public Sector at RSM US LLP, served two terms on Aspire’s board of directors, supporting our Finance Committee. She shared, “My time on Aspire’s board has been both meaningful and inspiring. I’ve seen firsthand how the organization continues to adapt and grow while never losing sight of the individuals it serves. I’m proud to have been part of such a purpose-driven community.”
Tim Cotman, DEI Coordinator at Arlington Public Schools, completed his two terms (plus an additional year as Past Board Chair) on Aspire’s board of directors, serving as Board Chair and with the Performance Committee. He shared, “My time as a member of Aspire’s Board has been incredibly rewarding. I am most proud of the organization’s unwavering commitment to responding to the evolving needs of students and families. Two moments, in particular, stand out: Aspire’s ability to become a vital source of support for families during the pandemic and its resilience in the face of federal funding cuts. Time and again, the organization has met challenges head-on, often going beyond its core mission to ensure that students and families receive the support they need most.”
Erika Dogan, General Counsel & Controls Manager at Capitol Petroleum Group, completed her second of two terms with the board of directors (after initially serving two terms between 2010-2016), as Board Secretary and supporting the Governance committee. Looking back on her experience with Aspire, she said, “My time on the Board of Directors of Aspire Afterschool Learning has been both meaningful and rewarding. I deeply admire Aspire’s commitment to enriching students’ lives through education and opportunity. It has been a privilege to support such an impactful organization, and I am grateful for the experience, the people I’ve worked alongside, and the positive difference Aspire continues to make in our community.”
Sue Keith, SVP of Community at DCA Live, completed her two terms on Aspire’s board of directors, serving as Board Treasurer and supporting the Finance Committee. She shared, “The growth that Aspire experienced during my six years of board service, both in terms of the number of students served and the expansion of our programming, has been amazing. Federal funding cuts tried to knock us down last year, but we got right back up, and we’re stronger than ever. While my board service is ending, my commitment to Aspire isn’t. I look forward to serving on the Board Emeritus for many years to come.”
Ligia McEvoy, Director of Global Public Affairs at AT&T, completed her two terms on Aspire’s board of directors, supporting our Resource Generation Committee. She shared, “It has been a privilege to support an organization so deeply committed to ensuring every child has access to afterschool academic support and the opportunities they deserve. Over the past six years, I have been inspired by the resilience and unwavering commitment that Aspire has shown to the community. Witnessing the expansion of Aspire, specifically the Makerspace, has been especially rewarding. I look forward to seeing Aspire continue to grow and create even more opportunities for students in our community.“
Incoming Board
After pivoting from the first year post-funding cuts, Aspire is now focused on ensuring that our staffing and funding model is sustainable in the long term, that we are creating pathways for students to stay involved with Aspire and for South Arlington young people to develop skills in youth development, and that Aspire continues to be a safe and welcoming place for the whole community. As students right now face challenges around technology, mental health, and resilience, we are excited to welcome five new board members to partner with us and guide Aspire into exciting new stages. Each of these new members brings a unique skill set and perspective to Aspire, ensuring that we continue to set a high bar for student success and uphold our values in all that we do.
Erin Freas-Smith, Supervisory Program Manager at the Library of Congress, shared, “As an Arlington native, I am particularly inspired by and drawn to the mission of Aspire to close the opportunity gap of the historically marginalized students of Arlington. I look forward to closely collaborating with other like-minded individuals and community members to equip Arlington children with the tools they need to reach their individual potential. Aspire’s goals of access, inclusion, and equity mindset are ones that I would like to support and see grow.”
Raven Greene, Middle School Counselor at Arlington Public Schools, said, “Serving on the Aspire Board will be an extension of the intentional work I do each day as a middle school counselor. I look forward to working alongside community members who are equally committed to the continued growth and future success of South Arlington Students.”
Vernita Marshall, Reading Specialist at Arlington Public Schools, is excited to be part of Aspire’s work because, “As an experienced educator, I was drawn to Aspire Afterschool Learning’s mission and its impact on students, families, and the broader community. Aspire’s holistic approach focuses on strengthening academic performance, providing enrichment opportunities, fostering critical social-emotional skills, and partnering with parents and the community to support students’ success. I am honored to serve as a board member of such an amazing organization serving the youth of South Arlington.”
Lauryn Smith, Strategic Marketing Specialist at The Sycamore School, shared that afterschool programs have a unique place in her heart, as “Growing up, after-school programs (especially theater) helped me build confidence, find my voice, and develop a sense of belonging. I see these same transformative opportunities being offered to students at Aspire. I look forward to collaborating with others who are committed to empowering youth and strengthening our Arlington community.”
Jose R. Quiroz, Jr, Sheriff at the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, said that he was looking forward to being part of Aspire’s board because, “My commitment to public service extends beyond law enforcement. As someone who was raised in South Arlington and now has the privilege of serving as Sheriff, I’m honored to support an organization that helps underserved students build brighter futures through opportunity, education, and mentorship. Serving on the Aspire board of directors is another way I can help strengthen our community by investing in the next generation.“