2025 Prospective Board Members
Edie Juno
Edie works in environmental policy, focusing on climate change and land use. Prior to her current role, she worked at the World Resources Institute researching the benefits of forests and as a wildlife technician with the National Park Service monitoring piping plovers. She has a BS in biology and a MS in conservation ecology and environmental policy. A recent transplant to Northern Virginia, Edie is also part of the Arlington MN Regional Master Naturalist network. She loves reading, drawing, and exploring local trails with her husband and dog (always stopping frequently to look at cool plants and animals).
Ajani Simmons
Ajani Simmons is a passionate nature advocate, photographer, and member of the Northern Virginia Bird Alliance’s Community Engagement Committee. As an Arlington Regional Master Naturalist and recipient of the Virginia Master Naturalist “New Volunteer of the Year” award, Ajani blends science, storytelling, and heart to inspire deeper connections with the natural world. Whether leading the Birdathon team Avian Avengers or crafting inclusive outreach experiences, Ajani brings a creative, community-focused approach to conservation. Outside the field, you'll find Ajani chasing trails as an ultrarunner, experimenting with vegan recipes, or geeking out over mushrooms. At the core of it all is a mission to help cure Nature Deficit Disorder by making nature feel joyful, welcoming, and within reach for everyone.
David Hopkins
David recently retired from a career in financial services. He now has time to pursue his passion for the outdoors, wildlife and, especially, birds. As a former CPA, auditor, CFO and CEO, David brings a strong financial acumen to the NVBA board. David is an avid skier, hiker, fisherman and, now, bird watcher. He lives with his wife Joelle in Alexandria, along with their two spaniels Henry and Brody (who are also passionate about birds).
Danielle Brigida
Danielle Brigida is a lifelong wildlife enthusiast who picked up birding a decade ago, and never looked back! She currently serves as the Senior Director of Wildlife Communications and Strategy at World Wildlife Fund (WWF), where she leads efforts to connect people with wildlife through strategic communications and storytelling. With two decades of experience, Danielle has held leadership roles in digital strategy and communications at the National Wildlife Federation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and the Department of the Interior—always with a focus on engaging people with nature and inspiring conservation action.
Aurora Borghi
Aurora Borghi (she/they) is a freshly minted Fairfax Master Naturalist (Spring 2025 cohort) who finds joy in giving native species—feathered and otherwise—a place to thrive. By day, they wrangle software as a Software Engineer; on the weekend, they are covered in soil at Earth Sangha’s native plant nursery, wrangling invasives as a park steward with the City of Fairfax's Forest Rescuers, or helping out at Fairfax County Park Authority's Laurel Hill Park. Off the trails, they unwind with their indoor tuxedo cat, Sea Legs, knitting, watching Star Trek, or playing video games with friends.
Stacy Yike
Stacy grew up in a family that taught respect and awe for the natural world, and she is passionate about creating a sustainable world for this generation and those to come.
Stacy has served on three nonprofit boards and supported multiple nonprofit communities as a board consultant and liaison. Her passion for serving others was honed during her 20+ years of military service, which enables her to equip nonprofit leaders with tools to achieve greater impact. Stacy has lived in Northern Virginia off and on since 1995. She love to travel, read, and create sustainable wildlife habitat in her backyard and community.
Carolina J. Sanabria
My name is Carolina Sanabria, and I'm an Environmental Science graduate from George Mason University. I've recently started an exciting new role as a Wonder Wagon Naturalist for the Fairfax County Park Authority. I'm truly passionate about wildlife conservation and constantly seeking new learning opportunities. In my free time, I love going on nature walks, exploring new places, and volunteering to support environmental initiatives.