News & Politics

2011 Washingtonians of the Year

Honoring local heroes whose good works and generous spirits make Washington a great place to live and work

This is the 40th anniversary of the Washingtonian of the Year awards. Since 1971, we’ve honored more than 650 men and women who have made the area a better place for everyone. They have been out-standing public servants and caring private-sector leaders who embody the ideal of corporate citizenship. Creators of organizations that house the homeless and feed the hungry. People who keep the lights burning on theater marquees and those who keep hope in the hearts of our neediest citizens.

We’re proud to honor the 2011 Washingtonians of the Year and to salute the many past winners who continue their good work. They make us proud to be Washingtonians.

Slideshow: Washingtonians of the Year Through the Years


Catherine Reynolds

Catherine Reynolds

Philanthropy From the Heart


Molly Smith

Molly Smith

Lighting the Way for a New Southwest DC


Fatima and Ibrahim Savage

Fatima and Ibrahim Savage

Home and Hope for Montgomery’s Neediest Kids


Tom Sherwood

Tom Sherwood

Covering Home


James H. Billington

James H. Billington

Opening Literary Treasures to All


Hecda Cuadros

Hecda Cuadros

Speaking the Language of Hope


Nancy Sanger Pallesen

Nancy Sanger Pallesen

Public Health is a Family Legacy


Robert Zagorski

Robert Zagorski

“If you do good, you feel good”

Washingtonians of the Year appears in the January 2012 issue of The Washingtonian.

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