Aster Libasu - WIOA Youth Employment and Training Specialist

Aster brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role, and we’re excited to have her on board to help serve our clients. Originally from Los Angeles, California, she recently made the move to Alexandria, Virginia.

Aster’s background includes working as an Employment Specialist at a mental and behavioral health organization (PACS) in LA, as well as serving as an ETS for the WIOA Adult program with Fairfax County. Her experience and dedication to helping others will be a great asset to our team.

Rayna Yu - Management analyst

Rayna is a Communications and Data Analyst based in Fredericksburg, Virginia. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and has professional experience as a Data Analyst, where she developed strong analytical and creative skills. Rayna specializes in crafting marketing and social media strategies, combining data-driven insights with storytelling. She also contributes her expertise to community-focused initiatives, serving on the Marketing Board of a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting marginalized groups. Rayna’s unique blend of skills makes her a valuable asset in both professional and advocacy spaces. 

Lilia Mercedez Nino Gamez - Employment Navigator

Some of you may already know Lilia from her time as one of our co-located partners with Edu-Futuro.

Lilia is a Colombian engineer with a deep passion for working with people and empowering communities to enhance their quality of life. Her career has cultivated a strong appreciation for diversity and the value of multicultural environments. Outside of her professional work, Lilia is an artist, creating vibrant multicolor abstract paintings! Please welcome her in her new role here at WDC! 

Clarence Parkinson - Employment and Training Specialist for the 50+ Experienced Worker Program

With over two decades of experience, Clarence has made it his mission to uplift and empower vulnerable communities, including individuals with disabilities, displaced workers, and at-risk youth. His career spans a wide range of impactful roles, from providing therapeutic vocational and residential services to offering job development, direct coaching, and life skills training. Most recently, Clarence served as a Human Services Specialist at the Virginia Career Works Center in Annandale, where he helped clients with job searches, resume writing, and interview preparation, guiding them toward meaningful employment. His deep expertise in workforce development and unwavering dedication to helping others make him a valuable addition to our team and programs.

Clarence’s ties to Alexandria run deep. Early in his career, he worked with the Youth Employment Program right here at the WDC, and we’re thrilled to welcome him back “home.” His return brings a wealth of experience, passion, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Kholeigh Foster - Data Analyst

Kholeigh Foster is a passionate advocate for social equity, dedicated to creating a fairer and more just world. She combines her love for justice with a practical approach, using data and collaboration to empower communities and drive meaningful change. Her work focuses on amplifying the voices of underrepresented and marginalized groups, turning their stories into actionable strategies that can transform systems and improve lives.

A proud graduate of Howard University, Kholeigh holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master’s in Applied Data Science and Analytics. Her academic background reflects her curiosity about complex social issues and her drive to connect data with real-world solutions. Throughout her career, she’s worked with impactful organizations like the World Bank and the CANmbio Project, addressing challenges such as economic inequality and environmental sustainability. Kholeigh believes that sustainable change starts with understanding people’s needs and using innovative tools to tackle their challenges.

But Kholeigh’s commitment to community goes beyond her professional work. She’s a firm believer in the power of connection, collaboration, and shared purpose. When she’s not diving into data, you might find her exploring museums, hunting for unique thrift store treasures, traveling to new places, or spending time outdoors with her dog. Whether in her career or personal life, Kholeigh is all about building meaningful relationships and creating spaces where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered.