Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Strengthens Northern Virginia by Showing How Connected We Are

March 24, 2026

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia hosted the annual Shape of the Region Conference on March 24, 2026 at Valo Park in McLean. The Community Foundation welcomed an auditorium full of business leaders, innovators, and changemakers who sought bold ideas and practical solutions to shape Northern Virginia’s future. While we brought a wide range of professional perspectives, we shared one overarching goal—to identify strategies that strengthen our economy, workforce, and quality of life.

Watch the recording any time!

After enjoying refreshments and breakfast, all attendees headed into the Conference ready to answer the question: What does a thriving Northern Virginia look like—and how do we get there?
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This year’s Conference centered on the interconnected systems that define community well-being—from health, housing, and transportation to education, arts, philanthropy, and economic opportunity—and how collaboration across sectors can strengthen resilience and drive shared progress.

To help us answer these questions, the Conference program featured a powerful keynote presented by Paul Misener of Misener Innovation LLC, and engaging Lightning Talk speakers spanning across subject matters.

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Lightning Talk Speakers included:

HOUSING: Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, Bright MLS
HEALTH: Dr. Garima Sharma, Inova
TRANSPORTATION: Elizabeth Kersey, Transurban
EDUCATION: Andrew Hanson, Strada Education Foundation
ARTS: Ethan Heard, Signature Theatre

One attendee reflected on social media, "The conversations focused on the systems that shape thriving regions—education, health, housing, economic mobility and philanthropy—and how thoughtful, collaborative leadership can drive durable outcomes. A special nod of appreciation to [The Community Foundation] for convening such a substantive, forward-looking dialogue and creating space for cross-sector collaboration that truly matters...Grateful to be part of a community that’s thinking long-term—about families, impact and the future we’re collectively building."

Together, we can move beyond conversation and actively build a brighter future for Northern Virginia.

We extend our special thanks to:

Keynote speaker, Paul Misener, Misener Innovation LLC
Lightning Talk speakers, Dr. Lisa Sturtevant, Bright MLS; Dr. Garima Sharma, Inova; Elizabeth Kersey, Transurban; Andrew Hanson, Strada Education Foundation; Ethan Heard, Signature Theatre
Our host and moderator, Drew Wilder, NBC 4
Harry Klaff, Avison Young, and CFNOVA Board Chairperson
Generous Sponsors (listed below)
Promotional Partners (listed below)
All attendees
The team at Valo Park
Monique Michael Photography