BallstonConnect Podcast

Dan Deceder is the Founder and President of Deceder Group, an architectural design firm right here in Ballston. Deceder Group is a next-generation design firm that balances creativity with dependability and embraces the exploration of technology. Founded on the desire to bring personalized attention and service to the design process, Deceder group prioritizes expertise, work ethic, and vibrant company culture - demonstrated in the uniqueness of each project they deliver. How does a Pittsburgh native relocate - and then reimagine workspaces in the national capital region? How has architecture changed with the modern workplace? And what does “Yinz” mean, anyways?

This year marks the 100th year Anniversary for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, one of our business community's most engaged advocates and invaluable assets. In addition to providing invaluable resources, programs, and advocacy benefitting its hundreds of member organizations - the Chamber has evolved over its century of history to meet a continuously evolving array of needs for our people, businesses, and charitable organizations… all to strengthen the business and economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. It's our pleasure today to host OUR FIRST FOUR-TIME guest - someone who is certainly no stranger to members of the Ballston community and Arlington as a whole. Kate Bates is Chief Executive Officer of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and has served an integral role in advancing businesses in Ballston and across Arlington County.  

Roy Phillips co-founded MarginEdge in 2015 to construct a creative solution to make running a restaurant easier. Now a leading restaurant management and bill payment platform, MarginEdge has been recognized on the INC 5000 list for two consecutive years and was named the 10th fastest growing company in the Greater Washington D.C. area. How does a restauranteur pivot to creating management solutions for the entire industry? How does a company go from a 4-by-5-foot closet to the INC5000? And what about Ballston makes it such an enjoyable place for the food-centric?

We're fortunate in Ballston to have an incredible array of neighborhood services – from coffee shops and eateries to bars and top-tier mixologists… but what if you could get all of that in the same place? Slipstream opened their Ballston location's doors on March, Miranda Mirabella and Ryan Fleming's fourth location in our area since bringing their passion for food and drink to us from the West Coast. A stylish cafe serving pour-over coffee by day & cocktails by night alongside small plates, Slipstream has quickly earned favor across the neighborhood. How does a nurse trade in her stethoscope for a coffee grinder? What's the secret to balancing great coffee and cocktail programs? And how can one perfect the ever-fashionable avocado toast?

Isa Seyran is the owner and operator of the Ballstonian, a mobile coffee cart serving Turkish coffee and pastries to the Ballston neighborhood He launched the Ballstonian earlier this spring after an illustrious and storied career in the upper echelons of Washington's restaurant industry. He earned acclaim and local celebrity with his 2022 publication, Waiter: Reflections & Memories: A Brief History of Washington DC's World-Class Dining Scene. He's been an active member of the Ballston community for 23 years and a staunch advocate for our community. How does a Turkish playwright and poet end up serving coffees for world-renowned chefs? What's it like to serve food critics and first ladies? And why are people lining up next to a red truck for their morning brew?

Carola McGiffert is the owner of 30 Minute Hit Arlington, a women's kickboxing gym right here in Ballston. After working in public and private sectors on US-China relations, she bought into the 30 Minute Hit franchise during the uncertainty of COVID. Her passion for fitness and women's empowerment led her to 30 Minute Hit, where she has developed a passionate and dedicated following in our district. How does a US/China relations expert find her way into fitness? How does one launch a fitness brand during a pandemic? And what about Ballston speaks strongly to future entrepreneurs?

Denise Adams is the Ballston Branch Manager for Northwest Federal Credit Union, a full-service financial institution ranking among the largest credit unions in Virginia and in the top 60 credit unions in the nation. She has spent decades in the financial services industry, and brings a unique expertise in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to an already-decorated workplace culture. What's the difference between a credit union and a “conventional” bank? What can employers learn from DE&I and accessibility practices to improve their workplaces? And how does a girl growing up in New York City realize her dream of becoming a strong businesswoman right here in Virginia?

Lisa Fikes is the President & CEO of the Leadership Center for Excellence, the region's trusted, non-profit resource for leadership development and civic engagement. Since 1998, the programs offered at the LCE and the network they nurture has helped people change themselves, businesses, and our community. What skills do leaders need to develop to take themselves and their teams to the next level? What can we do to get more involved and give back more to our community? And how do 18 years at a church help prepare someone to educate and inspire the most impactful leaders of our region?

Christine Searle is the owner of Searle Business Solutions, and has spent more than three decades helping people and organizations navigate finances, taxes, and obstacles. After 24 years at the Red Cross, she served as an Audit Director responsible for internal audits of finance, supply chain, and disaster relief programs - all the while expanding her own business. Now, she uses her expertise in complex tax issues and tax law compliance for a variety of individual and business clientele. What's new for this year's tax season? How might inflation be affecting returns? And what can we already start doing to help us with next year's deadline?

Arlington is a true destination for businesses, talented employees, residents, visitors, and guests alike. Our proximity to the world's most powerful city - combined with our own business community's identity, forged over decades of hard work and innovation - makes Arlington an ideal location for talented people and impactful organizations to thrive and prosper. Despite all of our assets, amenities, and efforts… we're not without obstacles; unprecedented circumstances in the post-covid era have created new challenges for us to navigate and presented opportunities to “refine and redefine” how we work to grow economically and support our businesses and workforce. Ryan Touhill is the Director of Arlington Economic Development, bringing unique experience from neighboring Alexandria to our side of the fence in efforts to generate economic prosperity, collaborative partnerships, and inclusive development across all aspects of our community.

Ballston has long-served as a HUB for innovation and technology with impacts far beyond our neighborhood. From tech startups and higher-education institutions to researchers like DARPA, the organizations in our business community have created some of the most important technological innovations our world has seen - ever heard of the internet? The tech success of our neighborhood and region have led to incredible growth in the technology sector - but has also created opportunities to grow a talented workforce. Our guest today has founded a number of incredibly successful technology companies, and currently leads the charge for the Arlington Talent Pilot Program. Steve Cooper has built a decades-long career providing technological solutions for Fortune 100s, top federal agencies, and world-class non-profit organizations - and now, he's taking aim at the growing need for tech talent across Arlington.

2023 marks the 99th year of operations for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, an incredible asset and perennial keystone of Arlington's business community. In addition to providing invaluable resources, programs, and advocacy benefitting its hundreds of member organizations - the Chamber has evolved over nearly a century to meet a diverse array of needs for people, businesses, and charitable organizations… all to strengthen the business and economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. Kate Bates is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. She began with the Chamber as a Member Services Manager in 2007, and has served as its CEO since 2014. She's been named to the 40 under 40 by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, she serves on the board of the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and she might very well be the biggest Caps fan we know.

It's more than fair to say ARLnow has become a commanding presence within the Arlington community, and one of the premiere voices across our region. It's almost a sure bet that you've read (or at least shared) some of their coverage - over the past decade plus. As one of the country's leading Designated Market Areas, our region is one of the most engaged and captive  media audiences in the world. But with evermore increasing national influence, our market has opened doors for local coverage from dedicated teams like the one behind ARLnow. Scott Brodbeck is founder, editor, and publisher of Local News Now - which empowers local creators and builds a new model for community-driven, local journalism. In January 2010, he launched ARLnow, connecting hundreds of thousands of Arlingtonians, neighbors, and visitors to the news on our streets. More than a decade later, LNN publishes ARLnow, ALXnow and FFXnow. They also provide services to a growing community of partner sites including PoPville, GGWash, Potomac Local and Lake & McHenry County Scanner.

If you're in Ballston - stop, and look up! Our neighborhood is an urban oasis with neighborhood services, restaurants, retail, and office. And ALL those buildings towering above us are home to what makes our almost 24/7/365 community run. Chances are, one of those buildings is owned by The Shooshan Company; a local developer and community supporter for decades. They've imagined, executed, and managed some of the most impactful properties in Ballston, Arlington, and beyond. Kevin Shooshan, Principal at The Shooshan Company, champions all of its leasing and marketing information. With a history of managing tenant design and construction, securing major deals like GSA headquarters, and research analysis, he's the perfect person to connect businesses with their perfect fit community (that's us in Ballston). From office leasing to retail transactions, he's had a hand in some of the most recognizable and well-patronized businesses in Ballston.

If you're a Ballstonian - or Arlingtonian for that matter - you've at least HEARD of the Arlington County Board. And whether it's a business matter, a community or social issue, or a pandemic-related measure - our county's governing board has a hand in almost all of the policy decisions and capital improvement implementations we see in Arlington. Takis Karantonis is an Arlington County Board member, and more specifically, the Arlington County Board liaison to the Ballston BID. He is a graduate of Berlin's Freie Universitaet, Leadership Arlington, and the University of Virginia's Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. He's also the Senior Technical Advisor for the Microloan Program at the Enterprise Development Group of the Ethiopian Community Development Center - and former Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization.

In Ballston, our restaurant scene is one of our greatest assets, and one of the biggest reasons people are so drawn to our neighborhood - for employees, residents, and neighbors alike. And it's not just about locations with variety - like the plethora of options at Quarter Market and along Ballston Exchange. Events like the Quarterfest Crawl, the Walking Pizza Tour, Mix Madness, and others have brought well-deserved attention (and hungry mouths) to our community. And speaking of community, our guests today have quickly become stalwarts of the Ballston neighborhood - and embody the best parts of our local restaurant industry. Jason Johnston and Jonah Troth are the creators and co-owners of Ballston Local, a neighborhood hangout spot serving up crave-worthy food and craft cocktails, beer, and wine. After opening last summer, Jason and Jonah have already developed a dedicated following of fans - and have intrigued our community and neighbors with a unique lineup of events and programs.

*This episode has been reposted from 6/15 to correct a technical error and to address the closing of the public comment period for the Ballston West Metro Entrance* Ballston's multi-modal transportation options - combined with ease of bike and walk-ability - have positioned our neighborhood as one of the region's most accessible areas. And with improvements to our metro, bus stations, and sidewalks - it's getting even better with time. One proposed project in particular could drastically improve metro access and reimagine how the Ballston neighborhood flows in its continued growth and expansion: the Ballston West Metro Entrance. Robin McElhenny is the Transit Capital Program Manager at Arlington County. She leads the Capital Program Section of the Transportation Bureau overseeing the implementation of the County's transit capital improvement program. She plays a key leadership role in multi-year capital improvement priority-setting, project development, and implementation for transit infrastructure projects of local and regional significance.

Ballston is long-known as home to the most scientists and technologists per capita - but the neighborhood's exponential growth has made it a hotspot for a new demographic: dogs! At every park and street corner at any hour in Ballston, you'll find a furry friend and their owner perusing the streets of our neighborhood. With more dogs and dog-friendly options than ever, it can be overwhelming for some owners to find the right fit for their pooch. Caroline Carini is a co-founder of the Pals App, a modern approach to connecting dog owners in our community for quick and safe playdates at dog-friendly locations. What are some of the challenges urban pet owners face? What makes Ballston the perfect intersection of technology and pups? And has social-distancing impacted our pets' social skills just as much as ours?

Ballston has always served as a hub of technology and innovation for the Washington metropolitan region. As technology becomes even more intertwined in our lives (we know Alexa is probably listening as we speak), unique opportunities and creative integrations constantly present new experiences in the world we live in. Dalia Goldgor is the General Manager of Electric Gamebox, a Ballston newcomer hoping to reinvent how we play videogames. They combine projection mapping, touch screens, motion tracking and surround sound technologies to deliver an entirely new form of immersive entertainment.  How has gaming evolved with the emergence of innovative technologies? What's it like to watch hundreds of people each day try to figure out puzzles and strategies? And what's the future of entertainment-driven, consumer-focused experiences?

Even with fun, food, and entertainment options abound - the heart and health of the Ballston neighborhood relies on vital services provided by our healthcare professionals. Our guest today is an expert on resilience, health, and what it means to grow a business in Ballston. Dr. Sara Varghai is a Doctor of Optometry and the owner of NOVA Optique + Eyecare. Her extensive experience has included work in Baltimore, South Carolina, and Cleveland - where her residency with a heavy emphasis on ocular disease, as well as focus on specialty contact lenses and low vision rehabilitation. Since 2014, she's served the Arlington community's eyecare needs - and for the past year, through NOVA Optique + Eyecare in Ballston. What's it like to deal with insurance from the other side? How do you navigate the challenges of starting a public-facing practice during a pandemic? And why do we have to get that dreaded puff of air in our eyes when we get them checked out?

As a true urban center, Ballston has everything: food, drinks, retail, exercise, events, experiences… all within a few square blocks. But businesses of all industries and sizes face significant challenges - both daily and under special circumstances. Tara Palacios is the Director of BizLaunch, Arlington's Small Business and Entrepreneurial Assistance Network. She started the program in 2002 to help entrepreneurs grow and expand businesses in Arlington - and since its inception, the program has worked with over 50,000 business owners through sponsored workshops, seminars, and one-on-one counseling. What is the greatest challenge facing small businesses and entrepreneurs in our area? How did an aspiring journalist lead thousands of businesses to prosperity? What's on the horizon for Arlington's entrepreneurs?

We live here, we work here, we play here - so it's easy for us to see why Ballston, and Arlington as a whole, is such an attractive place to be. But what about those who aren't as acutely aware of the treasure that is our home? Emily Cassell is the Director of the Arlington Convention and Visitor Service - better known as StayArlington. For over 15 years, she has led destination marketing efforts in Arlington as Virginia's #1 county for tourism economic impact. Promoting meetings and conventions, visitor services, retail offerings, and our multimodal transportation - Emily has positioned Arlington as one of the premiere destinations for visitors across the country. What do visitors care most about when considering places to convene or explore? How has the pandemic changed tourism in Arlington? What opportunities are ahead via the Virginia Tourism Corporation Grant?

Christine Searle is the owner of Searle Business Solutions, and has spent more than three decades helping people and organizations navigate finances, taxes, and obstacles to achieving their business objectives. After 24 years at the Red Cross, Christine served as an Audit Director responsible for internal audits of finance, supply chain, and disaster relief programs - all the while expanding her own business. Now, she uses her expertise in complex tax issues and tax law compliance for a variety of individual and business clientele. Why are some people still waiting for the 2020 refunds? What new rules should we be aware of this tax season? And what's the most common mistake tax clients make?

It's the season of giving, and from our philanthropic businesses and community nonprofits, to our charitable partnerships and volunteer programs: Ballston is proudly one of the most engaged and caring neighborhoods in our region.  Joining us for the holidays on BallstonConnect, we have two of our community's most impactful organizations - and Ballston Holiday Wreath Market beneficiaries. Carmen Romero is the President and CEO of Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing - a nonprofit focused on increasing the availability of committed affordable housing units across our region. Sam Kelly is the Chief Executive Officer of Bridges to Independence - a nonprofit leading individuals and families in Arlington County out of homelessness and into stable, independent futures. How do these organizations work to support our neighborhood? Why is their work critical to the growth and development of communities across our region? And what are some of the ways they've navigated the pandemic?

We've been sharing our appreciation for our most impactful businesses and highlighting our community leaders throughout November - and now we're in that time of year where you might be using your Mastercard a little more than usual. Mastercard's mission is to connect and power an inclusive digital economy that benefits everyone by making transactions safe, simple, and accessible. Here in Ballston, their team of leading technologists are the brains powering and watch guarding the security of your data and the networks rely on each and every day.   Stacy Foster is Vice President of Mastercard's Technology Hub - just down the street on Fairfax Drive. One of the newest editions to Mastercard's Ballston team, Stacy has spent 20 years in project management and IT team leadership - and now drives their strategy to optimize the Hub's skillset and ensure global alignment. How is Mastercard anything but a “credit card company”? Why is Ballston the perfect location for employees developing innovative technologies? And what does it mean to “do well by doing good”?

November is the month of giving thanks, and we are shining the light on the people, businesses, and parts of our community that make it so special. Every day and especially Veteran's Day, we're thankful for the opportunity to celebrate our servicemen and women - and in this case, a veteran-owned business. Charles Kachadoorian is a US ARMY veteran and co-owner of Good Company Doughnuts & Cafe. After deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kosovo, he and his sister Kate spent two years developing and planning the unique all-day neighborhood cafe concept. In 2018, they opened their doors, bringing a truly unique family-owned cafe to Ballston.

From Quincy Park to Welburn Square, Ballston is a surprisingly green urban environment. But how about taking some of that plant life inside?  Joe Ressler is co-owner of REWILD, a plant boutique that has opened their second location just days ago at Ballston Quarter. How does a former poker player open a plant boutique? What's the difference between a $5 plant and a $1,000 plant? And how does the experience at REWILD go way beyond walking out of the door with a cool new piece for your home?

Emma Violand-Sánchez has used her life experiences and acquired knowledge to change the lives of children in Virginia. She was Arlington's first Latina teacher, Arlington County School Board's first Latina member, and a staunch advocate for support and resources for the latino community in Arlington and beyond. In 2011, she founded the Dream Project, a non-profit organization providing immigrant and refugee students with mentorship, advocacy, scholarships and assistance enrolling into and graduating from Virginia universities and colleges. How does a 16-year-old come to the DC region on her own and become a regional leader? What were some of the obstacles in her rise to becoming the first Latina teacher and board member for Arlington County Schools? And how has the Dream Project impact thousands of lives of latino students and their families?

September 15th marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, and the perfect opportunity to speak with Susana Marino, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and one of our region's most influential businesswomen. As CEO of the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber, Susana has educated and empowered hundreds of small business owners and entrepreneurs in Northern Virginia.  How was the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce founded - and how does it help our region's businesses? Is Cultural Intelligence the future keystone of business? And why might the Canary Islands be a perfect place to expand business, and not just a great vacation spot?

Ballston is home to some of the most innovative, influential, and impactful organizations - not just in our region, but across the country. Each year we see more Ballston businesses recognized for their incredible growth and influence. Today, we're thrilled to share one of Inc Magazine's Top 500, recognizing the top-growing companies in the United States. Shy Pahlevani is Founder and President of HUNGRY, a national platform for top chef-made food production, delivery services, and so much more! How does a Ballston startup secure millions in funding from celebrity investors like Jay-Z and Usher? What's the inspiration behind a hi-tech platform connecting foodies to the best local chefs? And how did his upbringing in an entrepreneurial Iranian family impact how he views both business and life?

Ballston is home to over 80 bars, restaurants, and eateries: which means a ton of great food options and varieties… and ALSO a ton of talent in the kitchen. On today's podcast, we're speaking with someone who can help us all get better in the kitchen. Maria Kopsidas is the creator and owner of Cookology, a recreational culinary school located in Ballston Quarter where we can all get a little more comfortable making a delicious meal. How does an influential marketing guru get inspired to shift from a career in communications to opening a culinary school? How did her Mediterranean family inspire and influence her? What can the average home cook learn from Cookology? And why open a culinary school instead of a restaurant?

Shane Pomajambo, owner of WHINO in Ballston Quarter, is a Former New Yorker and has been an active and transformative member of the Washington region's art scene for the past 15 years. Now, with WHINO in Ballston, he's combining his passion for art with his appreciation for entertainment around exceptional food and drink. How did his New York City upbringing influence how he views and approaches art? What is WHINO and what can guests expect from their experiences there? And what about our neighborhood attracts such artistic, creative, and interesting minds?

Memphis Gold's journey has lasted over half a century - spanning four full-length albums, nine international tours, and the covers of almost every leading blues magazine. You can find him at our first Cars & Coffee, 7/26/21. How did he first get his start - and how did he parlay it into such an impactful international career? What's it like to share the stage with James Brown, Brett Michaels, and The Temptations? And why did he dedicate himself and his time to helping both veterans and the homeless?

VIDA Fitness is one of our region’s premiere health and fitness clubs, and has emerged as a staunch advocate of equality and a dedicated supporter of people in need. Their Ballston location opened in March of 2020, and was a local leader for innovative health, safety, and sanitization processes throughout the pandemic.  Aaron Moore - the Director of Operations for VIDA Fitness, Aura spa, Bang Salon, and SweatBox in Washington, DC and Arlington, VA - has developed and expanded VIDA’s upscale studios from a start-up in 2006 to over $40mm in annual revenues.

May is National Inventor's Month, and we're celebrating the innovation and ingenuity of our neighborhood. Ballston is home of the internet, the barcode, and countless other everyday technologies. Today, we touch on one of our community's most exciting upcoming projects: the renovation of George Mason University's Arlington Campus.  Dr. Liza Wilson Durant is a Professor and Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives & Community Engagement for the Volgenau School of Engineering at George Mason University, and is one of the leading minds behind the GMU Arlington Campus’ transformation. We're talking cybersecurity, business development, and Ballston as the center of an innovation hub.

Ballston is in Bloom, and we're focused on how our community interacts with nature. It's not just our outdoor green spaces and our Farmer's Market - our neighborhood is home to one of our world's most impactful global environmental nonprofits: The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy has been in Ballston for over 20 years, and we spoke with someone who's seen it all: Regina Jackson is the Director of Office Services for The Nature Conservancy, and has seen incredible growth in both her organization and our community.

Ballston is in bloom, and we're shining a light on the amazing ways our urban neighborhood becomes one with nature. April means the return of the Ballston FRESHFARM Farmer's Market, and we've got Caitlin Tuttle of FRESHFARM with us to talk about all the incredible offerings we have this year. We're talking about Caitlin's journey to FRESHFARM content creation, what it takes to create a successful market, and what our Ballston market-goers can expect this season!

To honor Women's History Month, we’re speaking with Dr. Karyn Ewart, Founder and Head of School at The Sycamore School, located right here in Ballston. Dr. Ewart is a licensed clinical psychologist who has worked in public and private schools for over 20 years. She believes in engaging students to be active members of the community to grow, develop relationships, and effect change. We’re talking about The Sycamore School, her personal and professional journey, the meaning of community, and the challenges women still face.

In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re speaking with Jessica Miller - a Managing Director of the Tenant Advisory Group at Cushman & Wakefield, and the co-author of A Woman’s Guide to Successful Negotiating. We’re talking about her journey, challenges women still face in the workplace - specifically in the commercial real estate industry - and what advice she’d have given her younger self as she climbed the ladder of success. We also hear her perspective on the impact of COVID on the office market, and what she predicts will happen for the future of work on this episode of BallstonConnect.

Romance may steal the limelight during Valentine's Day, but there are many kinds of love - and we LOVE our guest, Sarah Fraser. She's the host of The Sarah Fraser Show, a longtime friend and steward of Ballston, and one of our region’s most beloved radio and television personalities. What was it like to publicly share her weight-loss journey? How did she and her “Schman” Dan first meet? She’s stayed incredibly busy and we know she’s an expecting mother-to-be - and quite soon! We’re talking life, love, and Ballston with Sarah Fraser on this episode of BallstonConnect.

Love is in the air this February in Ballston, but maybe you’ve found love in a different place: your local animal shelter or pet rescue organization. We speak with Sue Bell, Executive Director of Homeward Trails and Sam Wolbert, President and CEO of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. What’s the inside scoop on their animal adoptions right now? What challenges do they face? How are they filling the demand for fur love here in Arlington and beyond - and why do our pets love us so much?

Last year, we began 2020 speaking to a local leader with her finger on the pulse of Arlington's business community. At the time, we had no idea how much would change over the next 12 months. Having navigated so many obstacles as a community, we catch up with Kate Bates, President and CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce on how Arlington united, rallied, and led our region's coronavirus response.

With 2021 in full swing, we open the year with the founder of one of Ballston's largest and fastest-growing businesses. Don't believe us? Ask Forbes! We're kicking off Season 4 of BallstonConnect Podcast with Jere Simpson, President and CEO of KITEWIRE, who tells his story and how he created a company that's redefining mobile security. Jere joins us to talk about his entrepreneurial childhood, breaking into business with a few tough lessons, and leading his team with the most forward-thinking culture strategies.

2020 has been unlike anything we'd imagined - but we're not leaving without holiday cheer and reliving some of our favorite moments. In our final podcast of the year, we speak with the man himself - Santa Claus - and revisit some of our best segments of 2020. How has COVID impacted the teams at the North Pole? What does Santa think of The Giving Tree at Ballston Quarter? Answers to those questions and some of our top moments from this year in this episode of the BallstonConnect Podcast.

Marymount University has been one of Ballston's most impactful and longest/standing institution.  In this episode of Ballston Connect Tina Leone talks to Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University.  We will learn the history of Marymount University in Ballston, how they pivoted to continue teaching students during the pandemic, and what an education of the future will be.

The onset of COVID-19 has made outdoor dining the most popular way to eat at restaurants. This is great during the spring and summer, but what will happen as the temperature begins to drop? Many European nations have long enjoyed year-round dining, but now it is our turn to learn the secrets to making outdoor spaces comfortable, even as the snow starts to fall.  Tina Leone chats with Kate Paine, a Commercial Development Specialist with Arlington County, and Javier Candon, the owner of SER Restaurant in Ballston. We'll discuss what restaurant patrons can expect to see in the coming months, and what challenges the restaurants will face as they face the new season. 

We know that each neighborhood in Arlington has a certain feel. There may be a particular look or brand tied to an area, and that is no accident. Items like banners, benches, and even trashcans can help create a feeling in a public space. This process is known as placemaking, and it is a multifaceted process of creating an identity for a location.  In this episode, Tina Leone chats with Stephanie Pankiewicz, a  Partner and Landscape Architect with LandDesign. We'll learn which components designers consider when creating a placemaking plan, how great design can impact human behavior, and how placemaking could be permanently changed by the pandemic. 

In this episode, we are talking about hair. Most of us have it, but it became clear in the last year that few of us have any idea how to cut or care for it.  We chat with Ajia Minnis, owner of Ballston's newest salon, Thrive Hair Bar. We learn what makes Thrive unique as a business specializing in natural styles and hair care, why education about hair and scalp health is so important, and what role hairstyling plays in Black communities. 

The unemployment rates are up, there's a looming presidential election, and COVID conditions are still in full force. How does all this impact our own local real estate market?  Tina Leone checks the state of the regional market with Jonathan Fox, Principal of The Fox Group with Compass in Arlington. We'll learn if the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the local real estate market, which area in Arlington is "up and coming," and Jonathan's advice for those looking to buy or sell a home. 

We're covering one of the most daunting aspects of adult life: financial planning.  Tina Leone chats with Clark Miller, Financial Planner and President of Ascent Wealth Strategies Group. Clark helps us demystify the process of planning for your financial future with easy to follow advice on how to get started, and how to grow your investments.  We also meet the man behind the plan as we learn what childhood experience motivated Clark to turn to financial planning, and what tips he would give to his friends. 

How does Arlington County attract businesses to the area? Tina Leone chats with Telly Tucker, the Director of Arlington Economic Development, to learn how they bring business and keep them in Arlington.  We also find out how AED has pivoted to support the local economy during COVID-19, and what Telly sees for Arlington's future.