City of Fairfax, VA
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The Commission for Women identifies and addresses the needs of women in the City of Fairfax. This includes advising City of Fairfax officials on legislative and policy matters relating to women and advocating for programs to appropriately address their needs.
The commission also promotes programs to increase the awareness of all city residents about the many issues affecting their lives and helps to identify resources to meet their needs.
The Commission for Women regularly meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Manager's Suite Library, Room 316, at Fairfax City Hall.
The commission often recesses during the month of August. In December, the Commission usually meets for dinner at an area restaurant.
Meetings are open to the public. Please join us if you are interested in learning more about us or if you would like to present items to the commission for consideration. Advance notice is not required, but is encouraged. Please contact Lesley Abashian via email or call 703-385-7894 for details.
Commission for Women informational brochures:
City of Fairfax Commission for Women
Areas of Focus
2022-2024
- Advise the Mayor and City Council members regarding issues related to girls and women in the City of Fairfax.
- Collaborate with other agencies and organizations focused on addressing the needs of girls and women.
- Seek opportunities to support local charities during events sponsored by the Commission for Women.
- Sponsor and support initiatives that heighten public awareness of human trafficking, domestic violence and other illegal activities that especially impact girls and women.
- Recognize and celebrate the achievements of girls and women who make significant contributions to improving the lives of residents in the City of Fairfax.
- Advocate for policies and practices that particularly impact girls and women.
- Expand public awareness about the work of the Commission for Women to inform city residents and enable them to obtain information and support as needed.
- Foster the empowerment of women by facilitating and supporting educational and networking opportunities in our community.
- Access and analyze data to help inform the Commission for Women’s areas of focus, advocacy and decision making and regularly review commission practices and operational procedures to help ensure transparency, timeliness, relevance and consistency with the expectations of the Mayor, City Council and City of Fairfax residents.
- Promote an inclusive, diverse and equitable community in which women and girls of all backgrounds thrive
Student Representative - vacant.
Johnell Brown, Co-Chair, was appointed to the Commission for Women in November 2022.
Simmy King, Co-Chair, was appointed to the Commission for Women in May 2021. Simmy is a native of Canada, moving to Georgia in 1996, where she began her nursing career in the US. From 1997-2015, Simmy lived in Washington, DC. She and her husband moved to Virginia in 2015, and have lived in Fairfax City since 2018. Simmy is very excited about the opportunity to effect change and advocate on behalf of women in Fairfax City. Professionally, Simmy is Chief Nursing Informatics & Education Officer at Children’s National Hospital, a top 10 pediatric hospital in Washington, DC. She has more than 20 years of nursing leadership experience, and 25 years as a pediatric nurse. In her current role, she is accountable for the development and strategic implementation of information systems, technology, and education to advance safe interprofessional clinical practice. Simmy's board experience includes current service as an appointed American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) board member. Dr. King also served as an appointed board member for the DC Board of Nursing from 2011-2015, elected as Vice Chair from 2013-2015.
Lisa Whetzel, Vice Chair, was appointed to the Commission for Women in June 2019. Lisa has been with Britepaths (formerly Our Daily Bread) since 2005 and has been the Executive Director since 2007. Under her leadership, Britepaths has created impactful programs that stabilize families in financial crisis and help them achieve long term self-sufficiency. Britepaths was awarded Nonprofit of the Year 2019 by Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Greater Washington Good Business Awards. She is President of the Board of Alliance for Human Services and on the advisory board for Virginia Nonprofit Leadership Council. Lisa has more than a decade of nonprofit leadership and management experience. She has a proven record of success in business management, including financial management, constituent relationship management, business development, fundraising, marketing, public speaking, technology and branding project management.
Hogai Aryoubi, was appointed in 2023.
Filomena Crawford, was appointed to the Commission for Women in November 2022. Filomena “Mena” Crawford retired from the Federal Government in 2019 and is currently employed as a consultant with SAIC. She served in the U.S. Army as a military intelligence officer and was a family law attorney in Georgia. Originally from Ohio, she spent many years living overseas and now lives in Fairfax City since 2014. Mena earned a J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law and graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a B.A. cum laude with honors in International Affairs. Mena has a daughter who is a junior at Loyola University and a sweet dog named Shakira whom she adopted from the Fairfax County animal shelter shortly after moving to Fairfax City. In her free time, Mena enjoys traveling and is a Virginia Aviation Ambassador.
Taylor Geaghan, was appointed to the Commission for Women in November 2022. Taylor earned a B.S. in Health Sciences from James Madison University and a Master of Health Administration from George Mason University. She is currently employed at ICF, a global consulting company, supporting contracts with the CDC, SAMHSA, HHS, NIH, and several state and local agencies, with a focus on providing targeted health services and solutions that improve outcomes for all populations. A lifelong Northern Virginia resident, Taylor grew up in Centreville and moved to the Westmore neighborhood in Fairfax City in 2020 with her husband and fur babies: dogs, Pooka and Paddy, and cat, Charlie. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her beloved JMU Dukes and Baltimore Ravens, taking advantage of all the wonderful sights in Fairfax, baking delicious treats for her family and friends, and volunteering at several local charities and community events focused on women’s issues and animal welfare. Taylor is thrilled to have been appointed to the Commission and is particularly looking forward to supporting and being a resource to young women in the community during her tenure.
Brenda Kuhlman, was appointed to the Commission for Women in February 2013. She has worked for the Virginia Department of Social Services since 1999. Previous community involvement includes twelve years as director of Main Street Child Development Center, a childcare center serving low - moderate income families in the City of Fairfax; and as a board member on the Northern Virginia Association for the Education of Young Children. She is additionally a member of the Writers of Chantilly and a regular contributor to the Country Register newspapers. She’s also an avid organic gardener; a self-proclaimed expert on road food; and forever working on the Great American Novel.
Heidi Tirjan, was appointed in 2024.
Brenda Young, was appointed in 2024.
Staff Liaisons
Lesley Abashian is the City's new Director of Human Services. She provides information and advocacy for city residents seeking human service assistance. She manages the city's contracts with county and regional agencies, staffs the Human Services Committee and Commission for Women, and is designated Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance Officer. Lesley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Public Manager.
Membership
The Commission for Women is composed of a total of nine members appointed by the Mayor and City Council. Both men and women may apply for appointment.
Residency
One must be a registered voter and resident of the City of Fairfax for at least one year prior to application for membership, and remain a city resident during tenure on the Commission.
Term
The term of membership is three (3) years. One may seek reappointment to additional terms. Some applicants are appointed to finish the term of another member who leaves the Commission prior to term's end.
Date and Time of Meetings
The Commission for Women regularly meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Library, Room 316, at Fairfax City Hall. The Commission often recesses during the month of August. In December, the Commission usually meets for dinner at an area restaurant.
Officers
The officers of the Commission for Women include: Chair, Secretary, and Vice Chair/Historian who also serves as Public Relations Officer. The term of office is typically, though not necessarily, one year.
The Chair prepares the agenda for monthly meetings, chairs the meetings and represents the Commission in the community and before Council.
The Vice Chair chairs meetings in the absence of the Chair.
The Secretary records minutes of every meeting and drafts correspondence as needed.
City Staff Support
The Director of Human Services serves as the staff liaison for the Commission for Women. The Director of Human Services maintains the Commission roster and distributes the agenda and minutes of each meeting. The Director of Human Services maintains an office at City Hall and can be reached either by telephone at: (703) 385-7894 or email cfw@fairfaxva.gov.
Meeting Agenda
04-16-2024 (No agenda, meeting was cancelled)
Meeting Minutes
04-16-2024 (No minutes, meeting was cancelled)
2024 Calendar of Events:
January
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
CFW meeting on January 9, 2024
February
President's Day Holiday
American Heart Month - "Wear red for women's heart health"
Eating Disorders Awareness and Screening Week (2/26 - 3/2)
CFW meeting on February 20, 2024
March
Women's History Month
International Women's Day (3/8)
Social Work Awareness Month
Free Women's History Month Event: "The Power of Words: Female Voices Matter”." More Info
CFW meeting on March 19, 2024
April
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
Equal Pay Day (4/9)
National Infertility Awareness Week (4/21 - 4/27)
World Autism Awareness Day
CFW meeting on April 16, 2024
May
Memorial Day Holiday
Celebrate Family Home Child Care Providers
National Mental Health Awareness Month
Women’s Health Month
World Ovarian Cancer Day
CFW meeting on May 21, 2024
June
Juneteenth Holiday
Pride Month
National Cancer Survivors Day
CFW meeting on June 18, 2024
July
Independence Day Holiday
American Disability (ADA) Day
CFW meeting on July 16, 2024
August
19th Amendment Ratified (8/18)
Women's Equality Day (8/26)
National Non-Profit Day
No CFW Meeting
September
US Labor Day Holiday
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Rape Abuse and Incest Awareness
Suicide Prevention Week
CFW meeting on September 17, 2024
October
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
CFW meeting on October 15, 2024
November
Veterans Day Holiday
Thanksgiving Holiday
National Family Caregivers Month
CFW meeting on November 19, 2024
December
Christmas Holiday
World AIDS Day (12/1)
Human Rights Day
CFW meeting on December 17, 2024
Information about resources can be found on the City of Fairfax Human Services Webpage.
The Commission for Women is responsible for a number of important initiatives that positively impact residents. We advocated to establish regulation of family home child care and helped bring School Age Child Care (SACC) programs to City of Fairfax Schools. We advocated for creation of the position of Human Services Coordinator to provide assistance to residents in accessing contracted health and human service programs.
We were the first City of Fairfax commission to send a member to Richmond to testify on legislative issues. And we were the first City of Fairfax commission to sponsor a legislative breakfast (which is where a lot of politics happen!) for members of the General Assembly. We were also the first City of Fairfax commission to develop a website filled with information, photos and resources and to offer our informational brochure in Spanish and Korean.
Projects reflect members’ interests and passions. A recent conference “Get the Facts & Take Action: Human Trafficking” was co-sponsored with commissions for women throughout the region in January 2016. Over 200 attendees participated in this eye-opening event at the Stacy Sherwood Center. Previous conferences included end of life issues, child care provider recognition and training, women seeking elected office and women-owned businesses. We also sponsor annual Community Day of Service with groups such as GIRL, Inc.; recognize volunteers; and advise City of Fairfax Officials on legislative and policy issues. An ongoing focus is domestic violence.
Student representative posing as a first-time voter at Display Table.
Kids posing for 'Your Vote Matters' at Display Table.
On the second Saturday of October each year, the Commission for Women hosts an information table at the widely attended Fall Festival. Informational brochures about domestic violence, sexual assault, child care, mental health, legal assistance and many other human service programs of interest to women are displayed.
On March 12, 2024, City of Fairfax Mayor, Catherine S. Read, presented commission members with a proclamation celebrating the Commission's 40th anniversary and Women’s History month.
On March 10, 2020, City of Fairfax Mayor, David L. Meyer, presented commission members with a proclamation celebrating Women’s History month. Members pictured are Beth Young, Roxanne Rowley, Pat Addison, Hulian Larson and Stacey Hardy-Chandler .
On July 10, 2018 City of Fairfax Mayor David L. Meyer and the City Council presented The Quilt Patch owner, Leslie Pfeifer with a proclamation commending her for her long-term membership in the business community in the City of Fairfax and expressing the City’s gratitude for her dedication to supporting women and their families and for her generous contributions to those in need in the community.
The Quilt Patch opened in the City of Fairfax in 1974 making 2018 the 44th year of continuous operation. Ms. Pfeifer became the owner of the business in 1989. She is retiring later in the year. The Commission for Women supported the proclamation and hosted a reception for Ms. Pfeifer prior to the City Council meeting.
On March 13, 2018 City of Fairfax Mayor David L. Meyer proclaimed the month of March 2018 as Women’s History Month, celebrating the spirit, courage and contributions of women in the City of Fairfax toward enriching the quality of life for all members of this community.
On March 14, 2017 City of Fairfax Mayor David L. Meyer proclaimed the month of March 2017 as Women’s History Month, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women, their spirit, courage and contributions toward enriching the quality of life for all members of the community in the City of Fairfax.
On January 12, 2016, City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne in concert with the City Council proclaimed the month of January 2016 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the City of Fairfax to support the rights of human trafficking victims and to recognize the efforts to end human trafficking and its effects on our community.
The City of Fairfax Commission for Women partnered with Fairfax and Arlington Counties and the City of Alexandria to provide an educational opportunity for the residents of our community to learn how they can prevent and end human trafficking in our schools, medical services, youth services and law enforcement in a joint event in January 2016.
On October 14, 2014 City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne and the City Council presented a proclamation designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Members of the City of Fairfax Commission for Women received the proclamation and Sandra Bromley, Fairfax County-Wide Domestic Violence Coordinator, addressed the Council on the topic of domestic violence.
On March 26, 2013 City of Fairfax Mayor Scott Silverthorne proclaimed the month of March 2013 as Women's History Month, celebrating the spirit, courage and contributions of women in the City of Fairfax toward enriching the quality of life for all members of this community and especially as caregivers to family as they approach end of life.
On March 13, 2012 City of Fairfax Mayor Robert F. Lederer proclaimed the month of March 2012 as Women's History Month in the City of Fairfax, celebrating the spirit, courage and contributions of women in the City of Fairfax toward enriching the quality of life for all members of this community.
On March 22, 2011 City of Fairfax Mayor Robert F. Lederer proclaimed the month of March 2011 as Women's History Month in the City of Fairfax, celebrating the spirit, courage and contributions of women in the City of Fairfax toward enriching the quality of life for all members of this community.