About this Event
Every champion has someone who believed in them. For me, those people were my parents, Rev. Dr. Lee A. Earl and Zandra Earl.
Before founding LAZERA in 2018, they taught me that leadership is measured by the lives we touch and the opportunities we create. Their example left me with a lasting responsibility: when someone champions you, champion someone else.
Today, I carry their legacy forward alongside the young men of 1BROTHERHOOD EMPOWERED, the young women of All for 1 Sisterhood, and the adult leaders of COMMUN1TY+. They are finding their voices and creating change throughout our Route 1 community.
They are leaders we stand beside—and even champions need encouragement, investment, and opportunity.
Join us Saturday, December 12, 2026, at Mount Vernon High School for LAZERA's Founder's Day Celebration. Together, we'll honor our founders' legacy, celebrate community leadership, and welcome keynote speaker Bryan Hill, Fairfax County Executive, one of LAZERA's early champions.
Will You Champion a Champion?
- Celebrate with us: Attend our free Founder's Day celebration.
- Invest in potential: Give any amount to support leadership opportunities for youth and adults.
- Share your wisdom: Contribute words of encouragement to share with an emerging champion during the celebration.
- Become a mentor: Offer your experience as a mentor or guest speaker at a future leadership gathering.
My parents championed me. Today, I have the privilege of championing others. Together, we can champion generations.
With gratitude and purpose,
Yolonda Earl-Thompson
Executive Director | LAZERA
Event venue & nearby stays
Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.