New Team Member Spotlight
In this edition of Team Spotlight, we celebrate the diverse talents and experiences of our newest team members. Each individual brings unique skills and perspectives, contributing to our collective mission. Whether through their professional backgrounds or personal interests, our team is dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. Stay tuned as we continue to highlight our newest team members in the future!
| Aster Libasu - WIOA Youth Employment and Training SpecialistAster brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role, and we’re excited to have her on board to help serve our clients. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she recently made the move to Alexandria, Virginia. Aster’s background includes working as an Employment Specialist at a mental and behavioral health organization (PACS) in LA, as well as serving as an ETS for the WIOA Adult program with Fairfax County. Her experience and dedication to helping others will be a great asset to our team. |
| Rayna Yu - Management analystRayna is a Communications and Data Analyst based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and has professional experience as a Data Analyst, where she developed strong analytical and creative skills. Rayna specializes in crafting marketing and social media strategies, combining data-driven insights with storytelling. She also contributes her expertise to community-focused initiatives, serving on the Marketing Board of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting marginalized groups. Rayna’s unique blend of skills makes her a valuable asset in both professional and advocacy spaces. |
| Lilia Mercedez Nino Gamez - Employment NavigatorSome of you may already know Lilia from her time as one of our co-located partners with Edu-Futuro. Lilia is a Colombian engineer with a deep passion for working with people and empowering communities to enhance their quality of life. Her career has cultivated a strong appreciation for diversity and the value of multicultural environments. Outside of her professional work, Lilia is an artist, creating vibrant multicolor abstract paintings! Please welcome her in her new role here at WDC! |
| Clarence Parkinson - Employment and Training Specialist for the 50+ Experienced Worker ProgramWith over two decades of experience, Clarence has made it his mission to uplift and empower vulnerable communities, including individuals with disabilities, displaced workers, and at-risk youth. His career spans a wide range of impactful roles, from providing therapeutic vocational and residential services to offering job development, direct coaching, and life skills training. Most recently, Clarence served as a Human Services Specialist at the Virginia Career Works Center in Annandale, where he helped clients with job searches, resume writing, and interview preparation, guiding them toward meaningful employment. His deep expertise in workforce development and unwavering dedication to helping others make him a valuable addition to our team and programs. Clarence’s ties to Alexandria run deep. Early in his career, he worked with the Youth Employment Program right here at the WDC, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back “home.” His return brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve. |
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| Kholeigh Foster - Data AnalystKholeigh Foster is a passionate advocate for social equity, dedicated to creating a fairer and more just world. She combines her love for justice with a practical approach, using data and collaboration to empower communities and drive meaningful change. Her work focuses on amplifying the voices of underrepresented and marginalized groups, turning their stories into actionable strategies that can transform systems and improve lives. A proud graduate of Howard University, Kholeigh holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Applied Data Science and Analytics. Her academic background reflects her curiosity about complex social issues and her drive to connect data with real-world solutions. Throughout her career, she’s worked with impactful organizations like the World Bank and the CANmbio Project, addressing challenges such as economic inequality and environmental sustainability. Kholeigh believes that sustainable change starts with understanding people’s needs and using innovative tools to tackle their challenges. But Kholeigh’s commitment to community goes beyond her professional work. She’s a firm believer in the power of connection, collaboration, and shared purpose. When she’s not diving into data, you might find her exploring museums, hunting for unique thrift store treasures, traveling to new places, or spending time outdoors with her dog. Whether in her career or personal life, Kholeigh is all about building meaningful relationships and creating spaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered. |
Archived Recruits
As we continue to introduce new recruits to our WDC team, we still want to acknowledge and spotlight those that were hired in 2024 to WDC in Alexandria, Virginia.
2024 WDC Recruits
| Priscyla Delgadillo - WIOA Youth InternOriginally from Bolivia, Priscyla recently joined our team. She gained valuable experience during her internship by assisting various IT departments with data management and quality assurance. We are excited to have her on board as she supports our front desk staff. |
| Nicole Hall - TANF SupervisorNicole, a native of Miami, Florida, began her career in public benefits in 2010 as an Economic Self-Sufficiency Worker in Daytona Beach. After relocating to Virginia in 2015, she worked for Fairfax County as a Human Service Worker. In 2018, she joined the City of Alexandria as a Benefit Program Specialist, handling SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid cases. Promoted to Senior Benefit Program Specialist in 2021, she now serves as the Benefit Program Supervisor for the TANF Team. Nicole is passionate about helping individuals achieve economic mobility. In her free time, she enjoys reading and watching true crime shows. |
| Anais Muheiddin - Youth Employment and Training Specialist[Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) and year-round youth programming]Anais has four years of experience as a Youth Advisor for the SYEP, dedicated to advocacy and youth development, helping young people navigate career planning and development. Her contributions also include supporting the ARPA Re-Employment and Upskilling initiative and facilitating Digital Literacy classes at WDC. Anais is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and making a positive impact in our community. |
| Sonia Martin - TANF Benefits SpecialistSonia recently relocated from Connecticut to Virginia. Originally from Cape Verde, she is fluent in Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish. Before joining the City of Alexandria, Sonia worked for five years as an Eligibility Specialist in Connecticut, focusing on guiding individuals through complex processes. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, exploring interior design, and discovering new cuisines. Sonia is eager to contribute to the team and make a positive impact. |
| Tara Brown - TANF Benefits SpecialistTara joined the City in 2003 as Administrative Support for Child Welfare. After five years, she moved to the Customer Relations team, where she spent a decade honing her customer service skills and assisting clients with various needs, including homeless shelter assessments and utility assistance. Her dedication led to her promotion to Benefit Program Specialist, where she has spent the last six years determining eligibility for SNAP and Medicaid. We are thrilled to have Tara on board and look forward to the positive impact she will bring to our team.
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