Cydny A. Neville, MAEd, LPW Class of 2013 (Lean, Mean 2013)
Member, Dumfries Town Council ~ 7th Grade English Teacher ~ Entrepreneur
Tell us a little about what you do:
As a Councilwoman, my duties include: creating policies, setting tax rates, approving the annual budget and enacting ordinances to carry out those policies. To date, I’ve championed the following policies that were approved with support of the Council:
- Updating the Town’s nondiscrimination policy to include protections based on gender identity and sexual orientation;
- Moving the Town’s Election Day from May to November;
- Making the November Election Day a holiday for Town Staff;
- Co-championing the Town’s resolution regarding Coal Ash;
- Championing a means for Town PD to work with PWC PD, to better serve citizens with disabilities;
- Championing a Business Resolution, to support existing Town business, and help those interested in starting a business in Town, to navigate the process!
As a teacher, I facilitate lessons to help my students master the 7th grade Standards of Learning. I also take great pride in shaping the minds of the leaders of tomorrow! I whole-heartedly believe my students have the potential to be, and achieve, whatever they wish in life. I’m blessed to have the opportunity to teach the next president, next Forbes business owner, next Oprah, the next Poet Laureate, and future !
What’s new since you graduated from LPW?
Well, when I was participating in LPW, I was the Director of Community Services for the Town of Dumfries. I now have been elected by the citizens of the Town, to represent them on the Town Council. I’ve also become an empty-nester, and strive daily to be the best empty-nester I can be, and find someone to bring my trashcan around on Tuesdays and Wednesdays! LOL! I’m truly blessed!
What is your favorite LPW memory?
This is a difficult question, because there were many favorite LPW memories. I developed relationships with amazing leaders in Prince William through my class – truly the “leanest, meanest of them all!” I enjoyed the human services session, and helped lead my team to victory by finding a very frugal lunch for team #FlowerPower (I think that was our name), with $5. I also enjoyed our session with Parks and Recreation, where we provided insight on a park design. Collaborating to volunteer at SERVE after graduation was always awesome! However, the greatest impact has been the bonds that last beyond graduation.
How has Leadership Prince William helped you get to where you are today?
I applied to LPW, because…let’s be frank, I’m a little nosey. I viewed the program as one that would truly help me learn and understand the inner workings or Prince William County, and how all of the moving pieces interacted in order to establish and maintain the wonderful community in which we all live, work, and play. Leadership Prince William definitely did that and more!
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is being brave enough to act upon something that is much greater than yourself, to: guide, direct, impact, inspire, motivate, and/or create something for the greater good of others-despite adversity. Leadership is the state of being absolutely FEARLESS in your pursuit of a purpose; a vision that a higher power has emblazened on your heart. Leadership is selfless; its rewards have no monetary value, but those who authentically possess it are spiritually wealthy. Leadership is also being brave enough to “move” alone, with confidence that others will eventually follow. #OwnYourPOWER
Any final thoughts?
I’d like to share that I managed to get a bill, “Jo’s Law” (HB2474) passed that will be a blessing to many in the Commonwealth. I’m eternally grateful to those who made the magic happen by contacting their representatives, and to my delegate, his team, co-patrons, and all state representatives for passing it unanimously.
Thank you, LPW, for making me the April Spotlight!