The Chamber ALX will honor "Community Champions" on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in a ceremony from 8-10 a.m. at Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road in Alexandria.
Here's a look at the honorees:
Photo courtesy of The Chamber ALX
Sharon Phox
Educator of the Year: Sharon Phox, Third Grade Teacher, James K. Polk Elementary School
“She works closely with new teachers, shares best practices, and leads professional development initiatives that uplift her colleagues and inspire collaboration within the school. Phox is also deeply involved with families, regularly engaging families and community members through workshops, volunteer opportunities and school events, creating a sense of partnership between the school and the community. Phox is a true advocate for the importance of family involvement in education and works tirelessly to make sure that every student’s home life is considered a vital part of their educational experience”
Government Employ
Photo courtesy of The Chamber ALX
Esperita J. Bullard
ee of the Year: Esperita J. Bullard, Chief of Customer Relations, Center for Economic Supports, City of Alexandria’s Depa
rtment of Community and Human Services
“Esperita has played a key role in advancing Food Security efforts with partners across the City. She and her team have worked to expand the availability of food resources including the number of farmer’s markets where SNAP benefits can be used to purchase healthy produce and the development of the Food Security strategic plan to respond more effectively to hunger and food insecurity in the City.”
Photo courtesy of The Chamber ALX
Jeffry Alberto
Hospitality Employee of the Year: Jeffry Alberto, General Manager, Tequila & Taco of HomeGrown Restaurant Group
“Jeffry started with us as a dishwasher and over the last 10 years moved his way up to General Manager. Jeffry is the smiling face of our restaurant group. Jeffry is a prime example of what we all thrive for in the hospitality industry. His energy and positivity is something that just cannot be taught. We can always count on him to make every situation better! Jeffry cares deeply for his employees, he understands what it takes to work from the bottom to the top.”
Photo courtesy of The Chamber ALX
Dr. David Weintritt
Health Professional of the Year: Dr. David Weintritt, Founder & President, National Breast Center Foundation
“For ten years, Dr. Weintritt has been instrumental in providing free cancer services to the medically underserved community. He serves many women without insurance and/or limited means in Alexandria. Dr. Weintritt has travelled all over the world to lecture, teach surgical procedures and assist in critical research for breast cancer on top of his busy medical practice, but always makes time to see and assist foundation patients who otherwise would have nowhere to turn. Dr. Weintritt's foundation brought the Walk to Bust Cancer to Alexandria in 2015, which has provided a very popular, moving and special opportunity for so many people to celebrate survivorship, honor and remember those who lost their lives to breast cancer, and support and uplift those currently in the midst of the battle.”
Photo courtesy of The Chamber ALX
Tesfaye Reta
Senior Provider of the Year: Tesfaye Reta, Outreach Coordinator & Staff Driver, Senior Services of Alexandria
“Recognizing Tesfaye's potential beyond driving, Senior Services Alexandria offered him the role of Outreach Coordinator, focusing on Alexandria's sizable Amharic-speaking community. His Ethiopian heritage and fluency in Amharic became powerful tools as he engaged deeply with the community through faith-based outreach, community events, and connections with residents at Claridge House. In his expanded role, Tesfaye's impact extended beyond mere outreach. He became a pivotal figure in advocating for the needs of Amharic-speaking residents, ensuring they were connected with essential services provided by SSA and DAAS. His knowledge of these services proved instrumental in supporting older adults and promoting their independence. His story is a testament to the transformative impact one individual can have on a community, bridging cultural divides and advocating for the welfare of vulnerable populations.”
Photo courtesy of The Chamber ALX
Heather Kerr
Utility Employee of the Year: Heather Kerr, Technical Trainer, AlexRenew
“Heather developed and implemented the Operational Training Program, designed to develop wastewater operator skills, transfer institutional knowledge, and support long-term workforce growth while fostering organizational resilience and reducing turnover. Credit to Heather’s drive and passion, this program has become a key component of our workforce development strategy and has led to a 25% promotion rate and improved operational performance. She has been an invaluable member of our team who’s dedication adaptability and leadership have made a lasting impact.”
