WISE Program Empowers Entrepreneurs – The Zebra-Good News in Alexandria

Alexandria, VA – The WISE program officially launched in August at the Hybla Valley Community Center in Alexandria, bringing new momentum to entrepreneurship and workforce development in Fairfax County.

WISE—Workforce Innovation Success through Entrepreneurship—is a core part of George Mason University’s SOAR Initiative. Led by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) in the Costello College of Business, the program is powered by partnerships with Melwood, the W.I.S.H. Center, and Fairfax County. Together, these partners are offering the program completely free of charge to participants.

At the launch, Ajay Vinzé, dean of the Costello College of Business, spoke on the ripple effect of entrepreneurship. “A successful entrepreneur takes an idea, builds a company around it, and makes it profitable,” he said. Vinzé stressed that entrepreneurship not only sparks businesses, but also strengthens communities and fuels economic growth.

The Costello College of Business, named after local entrepreneur Donald G. Costello, has long championed the role of business as a tool for upward mobility. Through CIE, students and community members access programs like Patriot Ventures, the Honey Bee Initiative, and the Patriot Pitch Competition. Each provides training, mentorship, and real-world experience to help turn ideas into action.

Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk played a key role in shaping the vision for WISE. His push to make Fairfax a place where all residents can thrive earned recognition at the launch. Joining him and Dean Vinzé were Melwood CEO Larysa Kautz, W.I.S.H. director Eboni Borden, community advocate Yolonda Earl-Thompson, WISE instructor Andres Jordan, and CIE’s operations director Rebecca Howick.

“Our partnership with Melwood, the W.I.S.H. Center, and Fairfax County expands our social impact in the region,” Howick said. She called SOAR’s approach “a pipeline for people who’ve been left out of the entrepreneurship ecosystem,” adding that the work is about “revitalizing hope, transforming lives, and boosting our economy.”

The launch of WISE signals more than just a new program. It reflects a broader shift—one where entrepreneurship is accessible, inclusive, and community-driven. With each new participant, the initiative is planting seeds of resilience and shared prosperity across Fairfax County and beyond.

Post Views: 5