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AEF’s July 4th Celebration
Join Destination DC and our affiliated 501(c)(3) charity, the American Experience Foundation (AEF), for an exclusive Washington, DC celebration this July 4th! With a perfect view of the fireworks, this event is the best place to celebrate and give back to DC students. The private rooftop party will have food, drinks, music and access to air conditioning. Bring your friends and family and celebrate with us! The American Experience Foundation connects students to career opportunities in the hospitality industry and provides scholarships to qualified DC high school students studying hospitality. Buy individual tickets and packages now! When: Friday, July 4, 2025 7 - 10 p.m. Where: Potomac View Terrace The American Pharmacists Association 2215 Constitution Ave. NW Washington, DC 20037 Partnership Opportunities For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Haleluya Demeke, Partnerships Manager, (202) 789-7052. Your company will receive unmatched exposure to Destination DC VIP clients, hospitality and tourism leaders, meeting planners and industry partners. .button { display: inline-block; padding: 10px 20px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; color: #ffffff; background-color: #0a3264; border-radius: 6px; outline: none; } SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION HERE Participation Opportunities Don't have the budget for a full sponsorship package but still want to participate? Donate a VIP prize for our fundraising raffle. Donations can be considered tax-deductible donations to the American Experience Foundation. Contact Haleluya Demeke, Partnerships Manager, (202) 789-7052 for more information.
Akoshia Yoba's Story
Akoshia Yoba is the Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) at Maya Angelou Public Charter School (MAPCS) where she manages the Academy of Hospitality and Tourism and Business Academy programs. Ms. Yoba believes that the opportunity for her to work at Maya Angelou PCS is aligned with her life purpose, saying, “I didn’t choose it, it chose me.” She truly loves engaging with young scholars, exposing them to the world, and watching their evolution over the high school years. She believes that the best feeling is watching a young person’s eyes light up in a moment of sudden insight or discovery. “Money cannot pay for the feeling this inspires!” In her four and a half years at Maya Angelou PCS, she has been able to design and implement CTE programs to meet the school community’s needs in creative ways. Her role also involves strategic planning and administrative work beyond just the Academies. In addition to serving on the DC Career and Technical Education State Planning and Advisory Committee, Yoba is responsible for collecting student performance data, preparing reports for governing authorities, supporting program fundraising efforts and managing existing grants to keep the CTE programs running. As of now, Yoba says “I am focused on effectively meeting student needs as our school communities adapt to COVID-19 inspired, virtual learning platforms.” Ms. Yoba attended Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and holds a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership. Before working at MAPCS, she was a contributor to the Huffington Post, and enjoyed a fifteen-year track record of successfully delivering career and professional development seminars and training to clients. Some of them were held for the New York City's Board of Education, Washington, DC’s Hospitality High School and the Teaneck Community Charter School in New Jersey.
Ambassador Circle Awards
Destination DC’s Ambassador Circle Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals and organizations in attracting conferences to Washington, DC. Business Attraction Ambassador Award Awarded in partnership with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Recognizes the contributions and support of an ambassador for the District’s business attraction, retention, and expansion activities. Serves as a champion for promoting DC as a place to do business. 2023 Award Winner: JLL Partner Award Recognizes a DDC member business (or team of businesses) that has leveraged resources, reach and credibility to support international meetings sales and attract visitation to DC from around the world. 2023 Award Winner: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center Impact Award Recognizes the ambassador(s) leading a bid or program associated with a recent or upcoming conference that will have a positive economic and social impact on the city. 2023 Award Winner: Andrew B. Wolff, MD | Orthopedic Surgeon | Washington Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Chairman of the Annual Scientific Meeting for ISHA-The International Hip Preservation Society Connector Award Recognizes an individual in the community who eagerly helps DDC make connections through their existing networks. A champion of DDC’s work and a steadfast supporter of the Ambassador Circle program. 2023 Award Winner: Cattleya Wongkongkatap, CMP, M.B.A. | Director, University Events | The George Washington University Leadership Award Recognizes an ambassador who has demonstrated outstanding guidance, strategic vision and impactful leadership in the organization of a conference. 2023 Award Winner: Mitchell Cohen, MD, FACC, FHRS | Co-Director of the Heart Center and Chief of Pediatric Cardiology | Inova Children's Hospital Clinical Professor of Pediatrics | University of Virginia School of Medicine Chair Scientific Committee, 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Ambassador of the Year Recognizes an ambassador who has excelled in chairing a major conference and passionately represented our destination, significantly enhancing its profile and appeal. 2023 Award Winner: Gil Wernovsky, MD, FAAP, FACC | Cardiac Critical Care Physician and Pediatric Cardiologist | Children’s National Hospital, Professor of Pediatrics | George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Co-Chair, 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery