It is my profound pleasure to introduce you to the woman behind Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s annual day of giving. Brandi Yee is responsible for raising millions upon millions of dollars for Alexandria’s non-profits. She might say that’s hyperbolic, but I think it’s spot on. As the woman who has been leading the charge behind Spring2ACTion since the beginning, Brandi has made it possible for our non-profit community to raise much-needed funds for their very important work. 

When I think of Brandi I think impact. She’s not just raising money through Spring2ACTion, she’s granting funds via ACT’s Capacity Building program, building racial equity cohorts, and organizing the biennial Impact Forum. The number of lives she’s touched through her work is tremendous and her impact on Alexandria is immeasurable. When you meet Brandi you are immediately charmed and equally impressed. Her infectious smile and good nature are so warm and welcoming. She is one of the most authentic people I know. What you see is what you get. And what you get is a delightful person, who thinks strategically, works her butt off, and cares immensely for our community.  Thank you, Brandi, for all that you do for us, our friends, and our neighbors.

Before I let you read about Brandi, we would both like you to get out your calendar, planner, or smartphone right now and add a reminder for Spring2ACTion on April 26. (If you’re not going to remember the date, the giving period started on April 12, so you can go ahead and click that link to give.) Then, tell all your friends, coworkers, family, and, well, anyone who will listen, to give to their or your favorite non-profit. We are hoping to raise more than the $2.6 million we did last year and engage 10,000 donors.  

To do our part, Red Barn Mercantile and Penny Post will each give $1,000 to the non-profit that gets the most business fundraiser designations. (It’s super easy to do, just check Red Barn Mercantile or Penny Post when you check out.) And another $500 per store for the designated non-profit that raises the most money. So, please consider a gift from $5 to $500 to even $5,000. Let’s leverage every donation to make an even greater impact! 

Photography by Renée C. Gage Photography.

Brandi is styled by The Hive.

ABOUT YOU

Neighborhood: Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

What is your hometown? Moraga, California 

What would surprise people about you? I love playing matchmaker – I’ve set up 3 couples who are now married!  

Favorite book or movie: Book: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, Movie: Sleepless in Seattle

Guilty Pleasure: French fries, especially the ones at Vola’s Dockside Grill and Ada’s on the River.

Latest binge-watch: Daisy Jones & the Six – I loved the book.

Bucket list travel destination: India

STYLE

Define your style in three words or less: Bright, feminine, & effortless

The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Emerson Fry caftans

Favorite trend: Resort wear

Beauty product you can’t live without: Tower 28 mascara and bronzer

Boots, sneakers, or sandals? Cowboy boots or sneakers with dresses

WELLNESS

Go-to way to de-stress: Pilates reformer classes

Most fun way to stay active: Pickleball with friends.

Wellness goal: Be in bed by 10:30pm on weeknights.

Want to try: Taking tennis lessons so I can keep up with my dad!

Proudest wellness achievement: Weekly Sunday Sabbath reflection and gratitude journaling

HOME

Favorite room in your home: My living room

Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix of both

Last item bought for your home: Platter from Good Kind Work

Favorite way to entertain: Cookbook potluck party – everyone brings something from the same cookbook so we all get to try a bunch of dishes. My next one will be Alison Roman’s Sweet Enough.

Clutter-free or well-lived in? I strive for clutter free…

Next planned purchase: Vintage Bread Board

ALEXANDRIA

What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? Alexandria Stylebook is my go-to source for all things beauty, design, style, and wellness in Alexandria. I also love learning about new local restaurants – just tried Virginia’s Darling and it was fantastic!

Favorite spot in Alexandria: Robinson Landing Pier by Barca, a great spot for outdoor barre3 classes, ACT for Alexandria’s Fall Social and Alexandria Restaurant Partners events.

Last purchase in Alexandria: fog linen hat (for my trip to Turkey!) from Red Barn Mercantile – did you know they donate 20% of sales to local nonprofits every week through their Good.Works.Wednesday program?  

Best food spot: Savory Crepes at Fontaine Caffe & Creperie, House Pho at Caphe Banh Mi, and Pitmaster’s Nachos at Pork Barrel BBQ.

Favorite local organization:  Can I say ACT for Alexandria?! I’ve been part of the team for more than 16 years. I am inspired by all of the nonprofits in our community – I encourage you to support your favorites (and find new ones!) during Spring2ACTion – there are 175 participating organizations!

Favorite annual Alexandria event: That’s easy…Spring2ACTion, Alexandria’s Giving Day on April 26. It’s a chance for everyone to give back to the incredible nonprofits in our community. Every donation counts!