Photos from the 2025 Washingtonians of the Year Luncheon
Honorees celebrated with past winners and their guests.
On January 15, 2026 Washingtonian gathered the 2025 Washingtonians of the Year honorees for the 54th annual luncheon at the The Willard InterContinental hotel. The lunch celebrates local DC philanthropists who are shaping the future of communities across the DMV.
The event opened with remarks by Washingtonian CEO, Cathy Merrill, who welcomed the group of current and past honorees, and emphasized the significance of the magazine’s long-standing tradition of spotlighting the change-makers of DC.
Tommy McFly, NBC4 Scene reporter and past honoree, introduced this year’s honorees and highlighted their accomplishments. The 2025 honorees then took to stage to share more about their experiences contributing to the DMV community. Each honoree was presented with a framed cover of their Washingtonian photoshoot and a personalized plaque.
Photography by Daniel Swartz and Evy Mages
Congratulations to our 2025 Washingtonians of the Year!
Yasmine Arrington Brooks, Founder and Executive Director, ScholarCHIPS
Christopher Bradshaw, Founder and Executive Director, Dreaming Out Loud
Ann Friedman, Founder and CEO, Planet Word
Mark Ein, Investor, Entrepreneur, and Philanthropist
Jean-Michel Giraud, President and CEO, Friendship Place
Judy Harris & Norm Ornstein, Founders, The Matthew Harris Ornstein Summer Debate Institute
Aza Nedhari, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Mamatoto Village
Bob Nixon, President and CEO, Earth Conservation Corps
Judith Sandalow, CEO, Children’s Law Center
Thank you to our sponsors: Johnson&Johnson and PNC for making the event possible.
Thank you to our event partners: WillardIntercontinental Hotel and Trebella Events
