Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you, Nene for being one of the Chamber’s 2024 Women’s History Month spotlights. Learn more about the Northern Virginia Science Center here.

Where were you born and raised and, if it was someplace else, when and why did you come to Loudoun?

I was born in Vienna, Austria, and German was my first language.

My mother and I came to the U.S. when I was 3 to live with our American family in Georgia, and later in Tennessee. I attended Virginia Tech to study engineering and moved to Northern Virginia for my first job. I’ve been here ever since, except for a short break to attend grad school at UVA and get my MBA. I love Virginia and consider it to be my true home!

Tell us about your business/nonprofit, and how long you’ve been in your industry.

The Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that operates the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall and STEM programs traveling to schools and other community venues across the region. The Foundation is also developing the Northern Virginia Science Center here in Loudoun. This will be a world-class, interactive regional science center for families, students, and learners of all ages made possible through a pivotal public-private partnership. I’ve been working in the non-profit and museum sector for the past 22 years. In the early days, I was like a sponge, learning all I could from leaders in the field and attending every industry conference. While I’m still learning, I’m now honored to give back to the science museum industry, serving on the Board of Directors for the Association of Science and Technology Centers and as the Treasurer.

How did you get into this line of work?

By a most circuitous path! I started my career in telecommunications doing systems engineering, product development, and launching new markets. As exciting as it was, I yearned to make a greater impact in the community. I began volunteering, serving on non-profit boards, and ultimately made non-profit work my day job.

Have you had any special mentors or inspirations that guided your career?

My greatest inspiration is the many women leaders and change-makers, past and president, who honed the art of philanthropy through service in the Junior League. Tackling housing, healthcare, and education and focusing on the betterment of women’s and children’s lives for over a hundred years, these women have been a guiding light to me and many non-profit leaders. Trained Junior League leaders have started and run countless non-profits across communities in four countries! Interestingly, Leagues have helped start dozens of children’s museums as well as science and discovery museums across the US, which inspired Junior League of Northern Virginia leaders to do the same.

What is the best part of your job and why?

There are so many “best” parts, I can hardly choose! STEM content is so wide-ranging and cool, yet I love the people development side most – it always makes my day to see the excitement and enthusiasm of the youth we serve as well as the passion and creativity of our team members, both staff and volunteers, that deliver our mission. They are a constant source of inspiration!

What is it like doing business in Loudoun/Northern Virginia?

We are blessed to live in such an extraordinary part of the world, surrounded by so many amazing minds and resources. Yet, we have many people here who need help to participate and thrive in our community. Fortunately, people in Nova are extremely caring. It’s wonderful to see the time, talent, and treasure our non-profit and many others receive as we work to better our region. Sometimes, however, being in such a large and transient place can feel disconnected, and our home doesn’t feel like a home to all. There is always more we can all do to lift up our region and engage more people in the process of doing so.

What does Women’s History Month mean to you?

Pausing to remember that we stand on the shoulders of giants. So many women in our past laid the groundwork for the opportunities we enjoy today. I owe my education and my career to all those before me. My degrees and jobs were not options for women in the past.

What is your favorite things to do when you are not working?

Hiking, paddling, tennis, skiing, and travel – especially with my family!