Maria is a vibrant civic leader, small business entrepreneur, and cultural advocate whose work reflects the heart and diversity of the City of Manassas. A longtime vender at the Historic Manassas Farmers Market, she has built a strong following for her creativity, hospitality and commitment to community connection. Maria founded LAREXPO (Latin-American Artisans and Entrepreneurs Expo), a platform dedicated to empowering artisans across Latin America. This initiative fosters community development through mentorship, collaboration, and the celebration of Latin American cultural treasures, bridging ancient traditions with a global marketplace. She is a staunch advocate to ensure young entrepreneurs have access to all opportunities to showcase the products that represent their native countries. Maria also serves on the Board of Directors for Historic Manassas Inc. and organized the first-ever “Mosaic at the Manassas Museo” event, highlighting the rich Latin American heritage of the region. Maria’s leadership has been instrumental in elevating the cultural and civic vibrancy of Manassas and creating a sense of belonging that keeps residents and visitors returning.

 

 

 

 

Miguel is the Founder and CEO of Great Eats Hospitality, a restaurant group that includes Zandra’s Taqueria in Old Town Manassas, Haymarket and Fairfax. He began his career in commercial real estate before launching his first restaurant in 2014, a bold step that helped energize the downtown Manassas business district. Today, he stands as a cornerstone of the local business community and one of the region’s most recognized civic leaders. His leadership includes service as Co-Chair of the Manassas Business Council, a former member of Historic Manassas Inc., and a graduate of the Leadership Prince William program. Miguel is a natural connector who believes small businesses are the backbone of community life. He continues to serve as a bridge between the business community and city leadership, promoting inclusive and sustainable growth.

 

 

 

 

Meet Sara Knight, Sweet Julia Grace Foundation Founder and Julia Grace’s Mom. Sara founded the Sweet Julia Grace Foundation (SJGF) after dedicating twelve years to caring for her medically fragile daughter, Julia Grace. Julia, who inspired her family with the quote, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storms to pass; it’s learning to dance in the rain,” truly lived out this spirit. Since founding SJGF in 2014, Sara has been determined to say ‘yes’ to families who hear ‘no’ way too often and has created a non-profit that has become the go-to resource for families and healthcare providers alike, who are looking for support for their patients. Through SJGF, Sara and her team of volunteers enter a Raindancer child family’s ‘inner circle’. From there, she is able to discern needs and wishes for their Raindancer, connect them with various resources, and also guide, mentor, and assist the parents as they navigate the various systems and trials of having a child with medical and/or special needs. Gifts and special support are given to both siblings and parents, and programs have been developed so families can be properly supported for the long haul. Sara often tells a family when she meets them for the first time: “I hope you know you are stuck with us now,” and has kept true to that statement in more ways than one. SJGF brings the community together and inspires volunteerism in all ages. Since being founded there have been over a thousand volunteers who have done their part to help SJGF help Raindancers, Dance in the Rain. Sara and SJGF have been awarded the 2023 Good Neighbor award by NVAR Cares, a “Local Hero Award”, “Community Angel Award”, the “Senator Colgan Advocacy Award”, and the “Agnes L. Colgan Community Service Award.”