Street Style: Meet Melissa Riddy
“I was born and raised here—public schools all the way: MacArthur, GW Middle School, and TC Williams (now ACHS),” shares Melissa Riddy. “My parents grew up here too, both from Alexandria. We’re a big Jewish family!”
Melissa went on to study Music Theatre at Elon University in North Carolina, and minored in Dance. She was once a student at Chris Collins Dance Studio—and now her daughters, Emmy, 13, and Alice, 10, dance there, too. When we crossed paths at the studio’s recital, she was collecting tickets and smiled, joking: “Be careful—you’re going to get sucked in.” She now travels to several competitions a year. “That show Dance Moms gives us a bad name,” she laughs. “We’re a family.”
After college, Melissa moved to London. “I was avoiding real life,” she admits. “I got a six-month work permit for recent grads and showed up with two high school friends and an overstuffed backpack.” They stayed at a hostel before she landed a job as an office runner at an architecture firm. “Email had just started, so I delivered faxes and messages and got to know everyone.”
That’s also where she met her husband, Dave, a London native pursuing an acting career. “He was in the indie film Distant Bridges,” she shares. Today, he’s an editor for the American Transportation Association. The two have now been married for 22 years.
After a year of working in a pub—a true neighborhood fixture in London—Melissa moved back to the States. Dave joined her on a student visa and enrolled at NOVA Community College. Melissa transitioned into event planning, and they settled in Rosemont, where they’ve lived within a three-block radius for almost two decades.
Melissa Riddy
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Hair & Makeup: by Diti Bhasin
Shoot location: Old Dominion Boat Club
“We love Rosemont. Our first place was 640 square feet—it was $100K and felt like a million. We stayed for years and then bought a townhouse on East Linden. When I got pregnant with Alice, a house behind us became available. We’ve been here ever since.”
Melissa worked for the City of Alexandria for 14 years, first in Recreation, then Communications. “It was such a great experience. I learned so much about the city.” About five years ago, a friend encouraged her to apply for a role at Inova. “I wanted to give back, and now, as Director of Government and Community Relations for Inova’s Eastern Region, I do just that. We’re a nonprofit health system helping people every day.”
She also serves on several boards, a journey that began when former Mayor and Living Legend of Alexandria Kerry J. Donley spotted her at an Alexandria Chamber event. “He motioned to me—‘come here’—and asked me to serve on the board of The Center for Alexandria’s Children. When Kerry asked, you said yes.” Eventually, she became his Vice Chair. After his unexpected passing in 2022, Melissa stepped into the role of Chair. “I try to honor everything he taught me.”
Melissa also sits on the board of Cornerstone Craftsmen, a nonprofit teaching trades to at-risk youth. “I was so moved by Roberta Gomez and the work they were doing for kids who had been pushed aside. It’s life-changing to watch.” She also supports Move2Learn, a nonprofit focused on education and movement, thanks to a nudge from Brooke Sydnor Curran.
Her advice for getting involved? “Alexandria has a nonprofit for everything. Ask yourself—what are you passionate about? Students? Seniors? Start volunteering. Donate. Get to know the leadership. My dad always said, ‘Ask for the vote—people won’t just give it to you.’”
At Inova, Melissa advocates for community investment and strong partnerships. “I’m like a local lobbyist,” she says. Big changes are coming to Alexandria’s healthcare landscape, too. “We’re replacing the Seminary Road hospital with two brand-new facilities, one at the former Landmark Mall, the other in Franconia-Springfield. They’ll be patient-first, state-of-the-art, and open by late 2028.”
As a nonprofit, Inova also relies on donors. “TWIG, one of our auxiliaries, just gave us a huge check,” she says. “They raise money through their shop on N. Columbus. You can find amazing things there.”
Outside of work, Melissa unwinds with a tight-knit group of longtime friends—many from junior high—and others made during adulthood. “They’re the kind of friends you don’t need to dress up for or be in a good mood to see. They’re listeners. They show up.”
She also credits her husband, Dave. “He’s a great partner.” The family loves to ski and takes trips each year. “We went to Whistler over spring break. The kids are getting so good I have to keep up with them now!” she laughs. “My mom was a ski bum in Aspen and I’ve skied since I can remember. I wanted to give that to my kids.”
Her other great love? Their cinnamon-colored mini Labradoodle, Cindy. “I wasn’t a dog person. But during Covid, we brought her home, and she has brought us so much joy.”
This summer, the family has a full itinerary: LBI, Lewes for a wedding, and a cruise to Bermuda with her parents. “Before we know it,” she says, “it’ll be back-to-school again.”
Check out Melissa’s Street Style:
ABOUT MELISSA
Neighborhood: Rosemont
What is your hometown?: Alexandria, in the West End.
What would surprise people about you? In college, I majored in Music Theater and Minored in Dance.
Favorite movie: White Christmas (I am a Jewish girl who loves Christmas).
Guilty Pleasure: Filling online shopping carts and then “X”ing out.
Latest binge-watch: Ginny and Georgia, Season 3.
Bucket list travel destination: Seychelles in East Africa.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Whatever works on my body (sorry, 5 words).
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Sheath dress
Favorite trend: Brooches! I have always loved wearing them.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Ponds cold cream – the OG makeup remover.
Boots, heels or sneakers? Sneakers.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Walking with a friend.
Most fun way to stay active: Just started reformer Pilates with my daughter at Sculp’d in Old Town and love it.
Wellness goal: To not to be so hard on myself – less stress.
Want to try: Bungee workout, but my guess is that I will laugh all the way through it.
Proudest wellness achievement: Not sure I have achieved but working my way through perimenopause.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Living room
Antiques, modern, or a mix? Mix.
Last item bought for your home: New rug for my daughter’s room (she ruined the last one making slime).
Favorite way to entertain: Dinner party, and enjoying a fire pit afterwards.
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Clutter-free
Next planned purchase: Both my daughters dance competitively, so probably something for that.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love the Street Style profiles and learning about others in Alexandria.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Old Dominion Boat Club.
Your go-to shop: This is a sleeper, but Inova has an amazing gift shop with fun gifts and clothes and proceeds fund important programs, services, and equipment in support of Inova's nonprofit medical, education, and community programs.
Best food spots: I love Theismann’s!
Favorite local organization: The Center for Alexandria’s Children – I am the Board Chair. Their mission is to end child abuse in Alexandria.
Alexandria event you most look forward to: The Center for Alexandria’s Children Annual Gala, a Benefit Concert to End Child Abuse (in late Jan/early Feb). Food, booze, bands and fun while raising funds to end child abuse.
