Brewing Cultures, Building Teams: How a Visit to Alexandria Strengthened My Vision for AThLiteracy

By Jen Peeples-Hampton

There’s something about the Upper East Coast that just hits different in Spring. Maybe it’s the breeze off the river, or the welcoming theme of pink cherry blossoms like they’ve been waiting all winter to say, “Hello”. Or maybe—the people. Well, all of these factors were a part of my very first press trip to Alexandria, Virginia. An experience that wrapped me up in a kind of warmth I didn’t know I needed.

Captains Row Old Town Alexandria

Captain's Row

Through the thoughtful planning of Visit Alexandria’s coordinating staff: Allison O’Keefe, Caroline Secrest, Claire Mouledouxand, Todd O’Leary and Maven Media’s veteran facilitator, Meghan Gearino, to cover WorldPride taking place this year in the area-- what I found was far more than a scenic “getaway”. I experienced a city that walks the walk when it comes to culture, community/network, hospitality, and inclusion. I found inspiration, a different fuel of appreciation for fellowship. This discovery has integrated itself into my blueprint for my senior thesis, AThLiteracy. It’s as though these missing pieces made themselves present in real time, through real people, doing real work.

From the moment I arrived in Old Town, I felt it: that gentle blend of history bridging towards a reclaimed humanity. I touched the mason brick streets that not only guided us past boutiques, but to the current stories and memories energy that still reverberated. Locals greeted me and others on the press team like we belonged, with warm smiles and encapsulating founder stories. Tucked into every moment was a quiet confidence: this is a landmark that carries consciousness and breathes life into those who take care/occupy the area. Whether you’re sipping Turkish coffee from a 500-year-old brewing technique where you are guaranteed to feel charged when you leave at Turkish Coffee Lady, a woman-owned business Founded by Gizem White. This was a cultural bridge with an added experience of a microart gallary painted from the coffee beans by the Microangelist.

Press Crew with founder, Gizem White outside Turkish Coffee Lady

Or even flipping through queer romance zines at Friends to Lovers Bookstore, “the first romance bookstore in the D.C. metro area”; where it’s founder Jamie Fortin, expressed that its significance goes beyond novelty to a space created by and for women as well as queer people—a bookstore with a mission to center narratives that have historically been pushed to the margins. I kept thinking:

“This city doesn’t just preserve—it progresses. And it makes room while doing so.”

One of the most powerful undercurrents of Alexandria wasn’t listed on the itinerary—but it showed up in every commute, every conversation, and every introduction: networking.

Founder of Friends to Lovers Bookstore, Jamie Fortin

The kind that feels human. That says, “We see each other, and we might be able to build something together.” The theme of edifying businesses and it’s people is Visit Alexandria’s mission and heartbeat. An initiative to highlight founders is the very lifeline that has brought travelers from all over to visit the niche offerings only found in this area. For instance, where can you find cherry blossom infused popcorn? Or beautiful murals painted inside the boutiques by VA locals? Well, Made in VA. An LGBTQ-owned business that enriches local artists and creators. Over the 3-day trip, there were beautiful epithets of creativity and innovation. ­­Speaking with Morgan Pepin, Made in VA’s director of retail, reminded us that economic development is deeply relational, and that their business model proved that success doesn't have to be gatekept—it can be distributed, shared, and grown through community investment.­­

Made in VA Boutique

While leveled on the Potomac River, it was fitting to fellowship over oysters at Hank’s Oyster Bar, another LGBTQ-owned coastal staple in the heart of Alexandria—and one of the most unexpectedly grounding parts of the entire trip. Hank’s was where group had our first meal together and connected by sharing stories, flix suggestions, and comedic relief. Although this was my first press trip, and first time with this incredible group—I felt welcomed and seen. At the dinner table we met with Visit Alexandria’s President/CEO, Todd O’Leary as well as Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Claire Mouledoux. Leaders who understood the importance of community. For AThLiteracy, this is the kind of culture I want to cultivate:

Spaces where people gather, not just to perform or compete, but to connect. Where a team dinner isn’t just about calories and hydration, but about stories, laughter, and emotional fuel. Each day was full of energy met with evenings of comfort at Heron Hotel, the newest/renovated hotel on the block. The amenities were numerous as we took a tour with Harry Francis, the upbeat Director of Lifestyle as well as the GM, Matt Karow, and learned more about the hotel’s culture and events.

AThLiteracy Logo

Alexandria, VA sets the tone for inviting spaces and iterates the phrase, “Control what you can.” Even though there has been public expression to cancel diversity, equality, and inclusion, Alexandria has been an anchor to highlight and protect all that allows us to be.. us. City of Alexandria’s LGBTQ+ Task Force has been the light on The Hill. Their Chair, Diana Maurer and Staff Facilitator, Erika Kleiner have been soldiers in creating  safe spaces necessary for the cultivations of inclusive service provision to members of the LGBTQ+ people and communities in the City of Alexandria.

Just as LGBTQ+ adults need spaces to be heard and seen, our youth do as well. Safe Space NOVA, founded by Charles Costen-Sumpter and his husband, Jordan L. Costen-Sumpter is the safe space for youth that is geared towards facilitating and supporting them through challenges they may encounter.

In many ways, Alexandria was the unexpected mirror —showing me what’s possible when community, culture, and intentional design come together. Every conversation, every storefront, every shared story gave me something that theory alone can’t: a living example of what it means to create spaces that affirm, include, and inspire. It reminded me that the work of AThLiteracy doesn’t just live in curriculum or programming—it lives in how we gather, how we listen, and how we build with purpose.

As AThLiteracy continues to grow, it will carry these lessons forward—not just as reference points, but as foundational values. Because this project isn’t just about developing athletes; it’s about nurturing full, complex humans who lead with empathy, cultural fluency, and collective strength. What Alexandria gave me was more than inspiration—it was direction. And now, we move forward with that clarity, ready to build a future that’s just as intentional as the spaces that shaped it.