Board of Directors
The Association of Wedding Professionals of Greater Washington, DC (AWP) is governed by a dedicated team of wedding industry leaders. Tasked with managing the day-to-day operations of the organization, the AWP Board works diligently to provide our members with pertinent educational content, efficient member services, and effective association business administration.
MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS
OPEN POSITIONS
PRESIDENT
VICE PRESIDENT
TREASURER
SECRETARY
PROGRAM CHAIR
MEMBER -AT- LARGE (DC)
DOOR PRIZE CHAIR
Ask how you can get involved and join the Board. info@awp-dc.com
TREASURER
Linda Joyce "LJ" Gyimah (she/her)
Owner and CEO of EMBRACE MAKEUP ARTISTRY
Linda "LJ" Gyimah is a makeup artist based in Northern Virginia with over 10 years of experience. LJ specializes in making women look and feel like the best version of themselves by enhancing their beauty. She has worked with brides from global backgrounds allowing her to hone her skills to meet the beauty needs of all clients. Weddings are full of love and joy and LJ takes the stress out of the day by creating detailed plans to cover everything you could imagine and beyond so you don't have to.
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Site Chair
KATHARINE HENNING (she/her)
Owner and Principal Planner of ISLAND CREEK EVENTS
Katharine Henning is the owner and principal planner at Island Creek Events, a full-service event design and planning company specializing in weddings, social gatherings, corporate events, and nonprofit fundraisers. Island Creek Events recently won #BestofChesapeake wedding planner 2023!
Before founding her own business, she served as the Director of Corporate and Employer Brand Strategy at an education technology company, where
she played a pivotal role in redefining the company's brand identity and orchestrating events with notable speakers, including First Lady Michelle Obama and Trevor Noah and more.
She holds a B.A. from Washington College, a M.B.A. from American University's Kogod School of Business, and completed the University of Oxford (England) Womens’ Leadership Development Program.
Katharine, her husband and two dogs split their time between their homes
in Oxford and Silver Spring, Maryland.
Membership Chair
CHELSEA MANRIQUE (she/her)
Area Director of Catering MORRISON HOUSE + THE ALEXANDRIAN HOTELS
Chelsea has been in the hospitality industry for 8 years. There is nothing she loves more than helping wedding couples celebrate the most memorable and special day of their lives! When she is not working, she enjoys volunteering in the community, especially with Special Olympics!
Sponsorship Chair
DEJA HICKS (she/her)
Event Planning Manager RONALD REAGAN BUILDING + INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER
Deja Hicks fell into the event world shortly after college in 2019. Without realizing, she has been planning events her whole life from catered dinners to intimate home gatherings. Deja has always had a passion for event design and decorating. She has recently become a free-lance Special Events Planner and Events Producer, where she able to create beautiful experiences for her clients. Events aren’t only her passion it’s her lifestyle; “Let all you do be done in love and decor.”
Since college, she has worked for wedding planning companies, event venues, and hotels executing their events. In 2024, she plans on perfecting her very own business “DN designs” which specializes in catered dinners, receptions and social events. In Deja’s spare time, she enjoys live music, traveling, time with God and wine tasting.
Door Prize Chair
JUSTIN ROSS (he/him)
Owner and Lead DJ of J. MUSE ENTERTAINMENT
Justin is the owner of J. Muse Entertainment, a Multi-Op DJ company, based in Southern, Maryland. His company provides music and lighting for weddings, corporate events, and brand advertisement. Prior to starting his own company, Justin worked for numerous event planning companies, hotels, and banquets facilities across the country and has served hundreds of clients since age 16.
Justin received his Master's degree from the University of Phoenix, Honolulu, Hawaii in 2014 and his Bachelor's degree from Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD in 2000.
Justin loves performing and helping clients create lasting memories. Justin put lots of planning and detail into his event performances, because every event is his "Superbowl" and you only get one shot to win the big game.
Owner of MARLISA CORNITCHER BEAUTY
Member-at-Large (VA)
MARLISA CORNITCHER (she/her)
Marlisa Cornitcher is a makeup artist, beauty expert, entrepreneur based in the Washington, D.C. area. She has worked in the beauty industry for over 12 years and has worked with beauty brands Estee Lauder and Smashbox. Marlisa has always loved all things beauty. She has a passion for and focus on creating polished bridal looks. She also assists her clients look incredible through the art of makeup and works with her clients to create a look that captures their unique style. Marlisa has been blessed to work with countless brides and my work has been featured in WashingtonWeddings and WashingtonianMag.
Member-at-Large (MD)
ASHLEYRAE SWANN (she/her)
Owner of CYGNUS STUDIO
AshleyRae Swann is a life-long arts and crafting junkie. Inspired by all mediums of fine art, literature, and antiques, her services are executed with equal parts heart and imagination. She believes every occasion is made more special with a little extra sparkle and creativity. Her design philosophy is simple: treat everyone as the unique spirit they are. There is only ONE you in the world. In her available time, AshleyRae is an avid reader, painter and swimmer. She enjoys travelling, spending time with family, and community advocacy. AshleyRae is the proud alumna of Virginia Commonwealth University and is an NCIDQ Licensed Interior Designer, a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and Association of Wedding Professionals of Greater Washington, DC (AWP).
The Member-at-Large is elected by the membership of the Association and serve a one-year term. Their main responsibilities are to be an advocate for the AWP membership body, while also keeping the AWP Board knowledgeable of any member concerns and opportunities for organizational growth.
The Member-at-Large inspires and motivates AWP Members to find innovative ways to help our community succeed.
Past President
NICOLE FINGERS (she/her)
Owner and Lead Stationery Stylist of FINGERS IN INK
Nicole Fingers Woodward, owner and head stationery designer for FINGERS IN INK fine invitations and stationery. Her stationery boutique, located in Arlington, Virginia, is celebrating twenty-one years in creating custom and trendsetting event invitations. Nicole’s enthusiasm and experience in the wedding industry brings a wealth of innovative ideas to the AWP organization. She has been an active member for nine years and has served on the AWP Board as Vice-President and President. Under her administration, she worked to elevate the AWP Brand. Nicole was known for bringing outstanding events and educational programs for members and followers.
Past President's Circle
Sharia Barksdale (2021) - VIVID Events & Designs
Nicole Fingers Woodward (2017) - Fingers In Ink
Amanda Smith (2016) - White Pumpkin
Tara Melvin (2012) - Perfect Planning Events
Marilyn Patterson (2010) - Joyous Events LLC
Jim Johnson (2008) - The Picture Story Studio
Susan Gildersleve (2006) - Perfect Wedding Guide
Ken Rochon (2004) - The Umbrella Syndicate
Steve Kimbell (2000) - Oracle Band
Marc McIntosh (1998) - The Wedding Experience
Shelby Tuck-Horton (1993) - Exquisite Expressions
Cindie Dayhoff (1987) - Founder and 1st President of AWP
INTERESTED IN AWP LEADERSHIP?
The AWP Board of Directors are biennially elected and devote their time and resources to growing the impact of the association throughout the Greater DC area as well as serving the full needs of our membership community.
The next election cycle will open in the fall of 2022 for Members-at-Large and the fall of 2023 for Board Members.
We encourage members interested in participating in AWP as a leader to explore the current volunteer opportunities available below:
Board Member Position - Partnership Chair
Membership & Retention Committee
Marketing Committee
Program Committee
Partnership Committee