EVENT DETAILS
Heroines of Washington is one of the area’s most unique events, recognizing and honoring women in the D.C. Metro Area for their dedication to community service. Since 2001 the March of Dimes has honored 168 "heroines" and raised more than $4.9 million to make sure one day all babies are born full term and healthy. Guests include directors, CEOs and other high-level individuals from local corporations and government agencies.
At the gala, all finalists are recongized and a winner is awarded is each of the following categories: Healthcare, Real Estate, Technology, Professional Services, Public Sector, Rising Star, and Lifetime Achievement.
A highlight of the evening is the Corporate Heroine Award, which was announced earlier this summer. Julie Smith of Bozzuto is this year's Corporate Award winner.
Congratulations to our 2024 Finalists!
Alisa Rosenberg, Junction Development
Amita Vyas, George Washington University
Amy Dantin, Chicago Title Insurance Company
Bailey Fellinger, ServiceNow
Brittany Wilson, CMA Technology, Inc.
Dayana Villanueva, M&T Bank
Evelyn Baltimore, Malloy Auto Group
Jacklyn Wynn, GDIT
Joanne Cash-Neverdon, Peraton
Kader Gümüs
Kate Kovarovic, Grumpy Combat Veterans + Friends
Kate Rock, Guidehouse
LaToya Staten, Fearless Digital
Laura Gordon, Maryland Chamber of Commerce
Laura Evans Manatos, Laura Evans Media
Lauren Kim, HITT
Lt. Colonel Phi Tran, Defense Healthcare Management Systems
Mahsa Dornajafi, pgEdge
Maria Coakley David, C.J. Coakley Co., Inc.
Michelle Corder, EY
Nancy Kuhn, Shulman Rogers
Nicole Miller, Savills North America
Pam Promisel, George Mason University
Shyamali Roy Hauth, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Hunter Mill District
Stewi Corno, Microsoft
Tina Swallow, Hirondelle Solutions
Corporate Heroine Award Winner: Julie A. Smith, The Bozzuto Group
EVENT LEADERSHIP
Thanks to the leadership of our volunteer chairs and committee members, we are honored to present this year's event. The March of Dimes and the families we support are grateful for the generosity and effort of the team that makes this event a success.
2024 Co-Chairs: Holly McKenzie, PwC & Diane Nguyen, Microsoft Federal
Holly is a seasoned Enterprise Transformation professional, leading her clients through catalyst events for over 20 years, including integration and digital evolution. She brings diversified operational effectiveness and implementation experience in regulated industries, including aerospace and defense, government service providers, utilities, and energy.
In addition to serving clients, Holly serves as a PwC Diversity Partner Champion and the sponsor for the Washington Metro Women’s Inclusion Network. Holly is a proud Indiana Hoosier alumna, serving on the Kelley School of Business Dean's Advisory Board and the Chairperson for the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Holly describes her "Why" as two-fold: First, as the proud aunt of a NICU graduate, Holly is grateful for the education and support March of Dimes offered her sister during their NICU journey, and the healthy life her niece enjoys. Second, she is an advocate for celebrating the sacrifices of time and talent the women of this great city provide to their communities. She believes the Village is stronger by the contributions of these Heroines.
Diane Nguyen is CFO of Microsoft Federal. Prior to joining Microsoft, Diane served as Vice President of Finance at Science Application International Corporation (NYSE: SAIC), and Chief Financial Officer of EverWatch, an Intelligence based government contracting private equity company. Previously, she held a 15-year career at General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) – with her last position as CFO and VP of Finance in the General Dynamics Information Technology business unit where she led finance, facilities, security, and procurement operations, and oversaw and integrated over $4B in acquisition deals.
Diane began her career in public accounting at Coopers & Lybrand and has more than thirty years of financial and accounting experience in the government contracting space serving as a strategic business partner to achieve company goals and maximize shareholder value. Diane’s industry background encompasses strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions, internal controls, business intelligence and compliance functions.
Diane resides in Oakton, VA with her husband and has two daughters (Taylor 19, and Abby 16). Outside
of work Diane enjoys the outdoors and spending time with her family.
As a mother, Diane realizes the birth of a healthy baby is a true blessing and how important the work March of Dimes is doing to make this possible for all women regardless of social or economic background. Diane also has seen firsthand the benefits of the advances of NICU care given to her nephew who is now a healthy 2-year-old boy. It’s an honor to be co-chairing the March of Dimes Heroines Gala for 2024, recognizing the amazing women in the Washington area for their service to the community and the incredible organizations they represent while raising critical funds for maternal and infant health programs.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Through partnerships with companies, organizations and individuals, the March of Dimes is able to create unique moments for your clients, vendors and leadership teams. They participate in an exclusive dining event while supporting a critical cause. Sponsorship opportunities are available at a variety of levels for our events, providing you with brand recognition, civic engagement and an exclusive client entertainment opportunity within the event. Click
here to go to the event page, then click on BECOMING A SPONSOR. We look forward to working with you to discuss your partnership with the March of Dimes. Please contact Bevan Bello at 571-257-2300 or
[email protected].
Fund The Mission
Moms and babies need you now more than ever.
Data show that the U.S. remains among the most dangerous developed nations in the world for childbirth. Over 700 women die each year from pregnancy-related causes, and the CDC reports that 60 percent are preventable. The preterm birth rate is on the rise. Two babies die every hour in the United States.
Fund the Mission gifts are 100% tax deductible and direct contributions to help helps fund:
- NICU support program for families
- Prenatal programs for moms-to-be
- Programs that promote health equity for moms and babies and directly combat racial disparities in maternal and child health
- Educational programs
Past Honorees and Testimonials
Former Heroine Testimonials
“Being recognized as a Heroine of Washington was such an honor. While volunteer work is not something you do for accolades, it is so validating when others recognize the importance of the work you are passionate about and acknowledge the impact your efforts are having on those around you. Throughout the Heroines of Washington nomination and selection process I met amazing women doing great things for our community . It was an opportunity to connect with others who understand the drive to fix problems, serve others, and persist despite the challenges. I came away feeling like these are "my people" and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this community
.” -- Carrie Brown, ASRC Federal
“It is a true honor to have been recognized by the March of Dimes as a Heroine of Washington in technology. Since then, I have been fortunate to serve on the Heroines of Washington selections committee, learning about so many incredible professional women who give their heart and soul to the serve the needs of the community. March of Dimes does such important work to support healthy babies and I am impressed in how they also lift up the great work of other non-profits
” -- Maribeth Luftglass, George Mason University
“The March of Dimes’ mission to give “a fighting chance for every baby” is something near and dear to my heart, as I have personal experience with this. In fact, my own company’s corporate philanthropy mission is to support organizations that help children with illnesses. To be named a “Heroines of Washington” in acknowledgement of my community service is truly humbling, and I am proud to be in the company of other like-minded women executives and entrepreneurs who also have won the award.”
-- Kristina Bouweiri, Reston Limousine
“The impact of the March of Dimes has had for so many is inspiring of what is possible whem we are driven by a deep sense of purpose. The heriones award recognition provided me with the ability to share ideas and encourage others to also be driven by purpose both personally and professionally. I remain deeply in awe of those honored and proud to be part of an amazing group of leaders.”
-- Christina Frederick, Sapient
“I was introduced to Heroines as a nominee in 2011, and becoming a part of the Heroines of Washington community has been wonderful for me both personally and professionally. Through Heroines, I’ve made connections including teaming partners and service providers who support the growth and success of my company. Also, I’ve made new friends who are kindred spirits in their devotion to social responsibility, community outreach and charitable giving. Seeing the March of Dimes helping so many families and recognizing women for their community service is truly inspiring. I’m honored and grateful to support the March of Dimes and Heroines of Washington.”
-- Marta Wilson, Transformation Systems
“Being selected as a finalist and then winning as a heroine was truly an honor. The process was handled with such thoughtfulness and professionalism. I was made to feel very special for inclusion in this event, initially as a finalist and ultimately as a heroine. The community of women I came to know at the March of Dimes, fellow finalists and honorees as well as volunteers and past winners was an amazing group. I was continuingly inspired by the transformative work each one did and was truly humbled to be a part of it. Now that I’m a past winner, it is my privilege to help with the process. I’ve enjoyed being on the committee encouraging nominees and reviewing applications. I will be most excited to attend this year’s event and share in the great work we are doing to promote amazing women and support for a critical need in our world –helping raise awareness and funds for premature infants and their families.” -- Wendy Feldman Block, Savills Studley
View our updated event acknowledgements and waivers here.
