11 Residents Run For McLean Community Center Board In 2019

MCLEAN, VA—This year, 11 residents are running for the McLean Community Center Governing Board. Five candidates are adults and six are teens. The board has three adult and two teen positions available.

Residents of the Dranesville Small District 1A are eligible to run for the board. The board is tasked with setting policies and oversight of McLean Community Center facilities and programs of the Center. This includes the Alden Theatre and the Old Firehouse Teen Center.

The three adult candidates who receive the highest vote counts will be elected for three-year terms. Teen candidates, which include one from the McLean High School boundary and one from the Langley High School boundary, will be elected for one-year terms. Youth candidates do not have to attend these schools to serve on the board.

Residents of Dranesville Small District 1A can vote for candidates on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at McLean Day from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road. Absentee voting is also available Monday, March 18 through Wednesday, May 15. Absentee ballots can be obtained by phone at 703-744-9348, TTY: 711, by email (elections@mcleancenter.org), or in person at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, or The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road. Completed absentee voting affidavits and ballots must be received at either site by 5 p.m. on May 15.

Write-in candidates will have their votes counted if they receive 10 votes from 10 residents. For youth write-in candidates, the 10 votes must come from teens who live within the same high school boundary area as the candidate.

Below are statements from all 11 board candidates:

Adult Candidates

Maria Foderaro-Guertin

I’m excited to be a candidate for the board of the McLean Community Center, which has served my family for 14 years. We have greatly enjoyed the variety of events and offerings. I am a foreign language and history teacher with broad experience in management with companies and nonprofits. My career spans many organizations where I continued to advance my core values and culture of volunteerism and hard work. The newly renovated center can become a hub of activity for all ages. With your vote, I will continue to work with our board to expand offerings for our vibrant community.

Suzanne Le Menestrel

I have lived in McLean with my family for eight years. I am honored to be running for the Governing Board. A lifelong theatre fan, I avidly support The Alden Theatre and the MCC’s many arts programs. I am deeply committed to serving my community and the broader Washington, D.C. region. I am on the board of directors for the Prince George’s Child Resource Center, volunteered as a Girl Scout leader, mentor teen Girl Scouts working on their Gold Awards and contribute my expertise in child and youth development programs, policies and research to national advisory groups.

Sun Park

I am running to amplify the voices of young professionals. Having grown up in McLean and been on the board in the past, I understand both our community and this Center’s purpose. I want to shape the strategic direction of the MCC to reflect the changes in McLean. My priorities are to increase programming targeted at the growing young professional demographic, encourage more diverse cultural events sponsored by the Center and ensure that the funds allocated to the Center maximize the benefit of all. I’m committed to fostering a strong community and am excited for this opportunity to give back.

Carla Post

Our family moved to McLean in 2008 and immediately felt welcomed by the wonderful community. Throughout the years, we have benefited from so many MCC programs that I want to give back by joining the board. As a Director of Conference Services, I have 25 years’ experience planning and directing events, managing technology and budgets and leading teams supporting conference and facilities spaces. I’m also the Sustainability Project Manager for a major corporation and hope to work with MCC staff to promote sustainable practices and incorporate environmental education into the curriculum. Thank you for this opportunity to serve our community.

Barbara Protacio

I’m Barbara Protacio, and as a teacher, coach and mother of two, I have served country, community and family. When I graduated from Yale, I wanted to give back to the country that embraced me when I was adopted as a baby from Guatemala. I began my life of service as a Navy captain, a PTA president at two schools, and I am currently teaching first grade in Vienna. Now, I wish to serve my neighbors on the McLean Community Center Governing Board to provide programs and activities that create an inviting McLean community that embraces people of all backgrounds.

Youth Candidates

Langley High School Boundary Area Candidates

Alize Ashraf

I moved to McLean four years ago in eighth grade. Since then, McLean has had so much to offer me, from recreational soccer to Dranesville district meetings at MCC. Along the way, I’ve made some great friends at Langley High School and have become a part of the community through the school orchestra, Saxon Stage, clubs and honor societies. I’ve learned to handle responsibility and manage my time by helping Abrar Omeish with her 2019 school board campaign. I’m excited about getting more youth involved with the MCC. McLean has given me so much and I want to give back.

Anna Krause-Steinrauf

I have loved growing up in McLean. I am a Junior at Langley High School and value being a part of my school’s and McLean’s community. I am running as a candidate because I am passionate about making the McLean Community Center a place for everyone, especially youth. Through programs at the McLean Community Center, I have learned valuable skills and made friends. I would like to advocate for intergenerational programs to bring people together since many do not have extended family in the area. I have experience in planning and participating in meetings through Langley’s Service Learning Club.

Megan Markwart

A lifelong McLean resident and Junior at Langley, I’ve attended MCC programs since I was born, tagging along with my siblings to Music Together class. Redeemer Lutheran and my family taught me the importance of giving back and sports taught me the value of teamwork. Having played field hockey, soccer and track at Langley, elected Class of 2020 SGA representative annually and serving on the MCC Board this past year has prepared me to actively participate on next year’s Board. I support programming of interest to young adults such as the MCC-Alden-TEDxTysons event. Thank you for your vote.

McLean High School Boundary Area Candidates

Sabrina Benmira

McLean has been my home for as long as I can remember. I am committed to this community and the people that live here. My international background has allowed me to appreciate the diversity of McLean and connect with my peers. At McLean High School, I have fallen in love with field hockey and devoted my time to raising money for the American Cancer Society through Relay for Life. If elected as a board member, I will provide crucial insight into the lives of the youth and strive to make changes that are in the best interest of everyone.

Xavier Jimenez

Hi! I’m Xavier, a Junior from McLean. I’m running for the Board because I care about my town and the people in it. It’s my belief that making life more enjoyable, for even one person, makes the community stronger as a whole. When I was younger, I used to volunteer to usher the plays put on at the Alden Theatre. I’ve volunteered for the State Senate race in Virginia’s 35th district and interned on a local Fairfax election for Chairman of the Board. Due to my passion for the wellbeing of citizens, I believe I’d make a great Board member.

Lindsea Strelser

My name is Lindsea Strelser and I’m a junior at McLean High School. I’m the right fit for our MCC Governing Board because I will always keep the interest of McLean’s residents in mind when making decisions regarding what programs are available for you! As an ambassador for the Fairfax Office for Women, I have hands-on experience with planning fun, rewarding events and getting the most out of a budget! As a teenager myself, I’m invested in making the MCC as exciting and welcoming to the youth as possible. Please vote for me as your new Youth Governing Board member.