Alyia Gaskins, a tenacious fighter for families, communities, and health equity, is the first African American woman to serve as the Mayor of Alexandria. She was elected in 2024 and is dedicated to building a healthier, more prosperous Alexandria for all.

More About Alyia
Alyia graduated from Vanderbilt University, where she majored in medicine, health, and society. She earned a master’s degree in public health at the University of Pittsburgh and further honed her policy chops with a master’s in urban planning at Georgetown and a Professional Certificate in Municipal Finance from the University of Chicago.
Alyia has been recognized locally and nationally for her commitment to public service with the following awards: Washington Business Journal 40 Under 40, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40, National Coalition of 100 Black Women Ebone Image Award, Center for Nonprofit Advancement Phyllis Campbell Public Policy Leadership Award, and Next City Vanguard.
Alyia is also one of 47 mayors from around the world for the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. She is also the Vice Chair of the Mayors Alliance to End Hunger and a member of The NewDEAL Leader, ULI sustainable

Leadership With Alyia

As a young child, Alyia was struck by words that have guided her ever since: “What does the Lord require of you but to seek justice” (Micah 6:8). She’s found her purpose in making sure cities work for everyone, leaving nobody behind.
Alyia knows that the people who are affected by an issue are most likely to know what needs to be done about it, so she reaches out, listens, and asks questions to make sure she hears different perspectives. She then collaborates with community members and colleagues across city government to figure out next steps and develop a plan.
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