Executive Director
Danielle Verbiest
Danielle Verbiest is an experienced nonprofit executive who believes that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential. A firm believer in the power of education, Danielle believes that all young people should have the equal opportunity to attend college and follow their dreams, and that providing equal educational opportunities can be a catalyst to bringing about societal change that will improve the lives of all. Read More
Program Associate
Sofia Phay
Sofia Phay joined ASF in August 2020 as its new Program Associate. In this role, Sofia helps coordinate programming and events, maintain communication with Scholars and mentors, and provide general administrative support for ASF's operations. Sofia comes to ASF after completing an AmeriCorps service year with Higher Achievement in Washington, D.C., where she served as the Program Support Fellow. Read More
Board of Directors
Our Board is comprised of members of the District of Columbia’s legal, business, nonprofit, and other professional communities. We support all aspects of the Foundation’s operations and often serve as mentors to Abramson Scholars.
Aaron Jenkins*, President
The Expectations Project
Elizabeth Sarah Gere, Vice President
Retired Attorney
Elizabeth Wilkins, Secretary
Office of the Attorney General of the District of Columbia
James McClelland*, Treasurer
Fannie Mae
Carmen M. Banerjee
U.S. Department of Justice
Kristy L. Carroll
United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Bruce Charendoff
BlueWave Merchant Partners
Deborah Blackhurst Doddy
Duke Ellington School of the Arts (volunteer)
Linda Fienberg
Retired Attorney
Susan M. Friedman
Retired Attorney
Marilyn Goldhammer
Retired Educator
Mitchell Lerner
Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
* Former ASF Scholar
David Levie
Venable LLP
Gail A. Lione
Dentons US LLP
Myles V. Lynk
District of Columbia Office of Disciplinary Counsel
Irvin Nathan
Retired Attorney
John F. Olson
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher
Hon. Richard W. Roberts (Ret.)
United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Diane E. Robertson
Peterson Wilmarth and Robertson LLP
Roger Sanchez*
Executive Office of Mayor Muriel Bowser
Brian L. Schwalb
Venable LLP
Margaret C. Simms
Retired Economist
Hon. Emmet G. Sullivan
United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Jie Wang
HelloBello.Biz
Volunteer / Student Liaison
Linda McKoy