Women of Alexandria: Leadership Across Public and Private Life

Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring four accomplished women who live in the City of Alexandria and have excelled in their respective fields. Representing public service, law, business, and cultural leadership, these panelists will share their personal and professional journeys, offering insight into the challenges, opportunities, and milestones that shaped their paths.

From leading a museum and running local businesses to serving as Mayor of Alexandria and practicing law, each speaker brings a unique perspective on leadership, community engagement, and balancing public roles with private lives. Together, they will reflect on what it means to lead in Alexandria, how their work impacts the city, and the lessons they have learned along the way.

Featured Speakers:

Alyia Gaskins

Mayor of Alexandria

Alyia Gaskins is the first African American woman to serve as the Mayor of Alexandria. Serving as Mayor since 2024, she is a tenacious fighter for families, communities, and health equity.

Amy Rutherford

Owner, Penny Post Paper Goods, Red Barn Mercantile & Pippin Toy Co.

A longtime Alexandria entrepreneur, Amy Rutherford has built three successful local businesses while also advocating for small business growth in downtown Old Town.

Karyn Kenny-Dougherty, Esq.

Attorney

An attorney with the New York City law firm, DeMarco Law, Karyn Kenny-Dougherty is an expert in cyber and financial crime and counterterrorism, and has been a consultant for the World Bank, a U.S. Supreme Court Fellow, and a Fulbright Scholar.

Jenny Waters

Museum Manager, Lee-Fendall House Museum & Garden

At 26 years old, Jenny Waters leads one of Alexandria's top cultural institutions, with a career dedicated to preservation, education, and community access.

Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance. If you are interested in asking a question to the panel, please submit a question to contact@leefendallhouse.org by Wednesday, April 8. Due to time constraints, we will not be able to ask every question that is sent in.