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Women in the Mount Vernon District play leading roles in civic organizations, elections, education, business and public service, strengthening their communities throughout the year.

Katherine Ward has served on the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens’ Associations since 2007 and is now its co-chair. She advocates for community priorities while balancing responsibilities with both the council and the Potomac Riverkeeper Network.

Other women serving on the council’s board include Co-Chair Judy Harbeck, Secretary Tamara Srader, Education Chair Cathy Hosek and Planning and Zoning Chair Bindu Mathur. Ellen Young represents the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation, while Marty Lowery represents the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations. Lowery also assists the Mount Vernon District office with events and research for special projects.

In Lorton, South County Federation President and Education Committee Chair Wendy Henley has spent years working to improve residents’ quality of life and foster a stronger sense of community.

Women are also a familiar presence during election season. Jessica Nichols of the Mount Vernon Democrats and Valerie Wohlleben of the Fairfax Republican Party regularly meet voters outside the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, including during early voting and the farmers market. In a range of weather conditions, they answer questions, register voters and encourage participation.

Their work reflects the broader contributions of women across the district, including federal employees, teachers, social workers, mothers, small-business owners and corporate leaders. Fairfax County’s Women’s History Month 2025 profiles also feature local female leaders, including Mount Vernon District Chief of Staff Christine Morin.

Several nearby destinations highlight women’s history year-round. The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial at Occoquan Regional Park honors those who fought for voting rights, while the Lucy Burns Museum at the Workhouse Arts Center preserves another part of that struggle. George Washington’s Mount Vernon also showcases preservation work led by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.