Karen Cleveland, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia. In 2008, Karen continued to lead the effort to build and renovate housing for those in need. In an area known for high real estate costs, she must work all the harder as an advocate for affordable housing. Additionally, Karen spearheaded the ReStore, a retail home improvement store that benefits her chapter, as well as providing a “green” outlet for reusable supplies.
 
Linda Dunphy, Executive Director of Doorways for Women and Families. Linda’s organization provides care and safety for women and children facing homelessness or domestic violence. Her leadership has given the organization direction and an ambitious vision, and has made Doorways a very popular place to work.

Layli Miller-Muro, Executive Director of Tahirih Justice Center. Layli has maintained a clear vision and strategy for her organization’s work to eliminate gender-based crimes against immigrant women, even in the face of difficulties, financial and otherwise. It is a testament to her leadership abilities that she can motivate and coordinate her team of 560 volunteer lawyers, doctors, and marketers.

Receiving Honorable Mentions this year were Brenda Rhodes Miller, Executive Director of DC Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, for excelling at “one of the toughest jobs on the planet,” that is, fostering frank, collaborative communication about sex and politics; and Deborah Simpson Taylor, President and CEO of Vanguard Services Unlimited, for establishing a substance abuse treatment house in Arlington that faced major opposition (going all the way to the US Supreme Court) and continuing her inclusive, caring leadership style after 20 years service.

Photos from the 2008 EXCEL Awards Breakfast