About Us

Educating the whole student since 2023 through research-backed learning strategies and hands-on community service.

About the National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA)

The National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity dedicated to supporting young people through arts, education, leadership, and creative development. NYVA serves as the Regional Partner for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area.

Through its regional work with the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, NYVA works with students, educators, schools, families, artists, and community partners to support participation in one of the nation’s longest-running programs recognizing creative achievement among teenagers.

The regional program provides information and support throughout the Awards process, including outreach to educators and schools, participant support, regional adjudication, student recognition, and opportunities to exhibit and celebrate outstanding student artwork.

NYVA is committed to providing a fair, respectful, and educational environment in which young artists can submit original work, develop their creative voices, and receive meaningful recognition for their achievements.

Since our founding, NYVA has rapidly expanded its institutional footprint across Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. by cultivating powerful community alliances. Our milestone initiatives include a formal partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority established in July 2025, alongside celebrated collaborative projects hosted at prestigious venues such as the Chinese American Museum and The REACH at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Whether staging international youth art exhibitions, honoring students with the Presidential Award for service hours, or leading critical regional outdoor investigations, NYVA continues to foster high-trust ecosystems that nurture active, vision-driven young citizens.

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented nationally by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers in partnership with Regional Partners across the United States and Canada. Regional procedures, deadlines, opportunities, and participation requirements may vary by region. Participants should refer to the official Scholastic Art & Writing Awards information and this regional program page for current requirements.

Tim Zhao

Co-Founder & President

Tim Zhao is a visionary educator and creative strategist with over two decades of experience bridging international design and community leadership. As the Co-Founder and President of the National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA), Tim leads the organization’s mission to empower the next generation of artists through high-impact programming and national recognition.

Before dedicating his career to youth empowerment, Tim served as a high-level creative leader on the global stage. His professional portfolio includes serving as the Creative Director for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and as a lead consultant for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. Formerly a regional Creative Director for Jack Morton Worldwide, Tim’s experience in large-scale storytelling and cultural event planning now serves as the foundation for NYVA’s premier events, including the annual Rising Visionaries Honors at The Kennedy Center.

In addition to his leadership at NYVA, Tim is a Governor-appointed Commissioner for the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the founder of Smart Art Studios in Fairfax County. A graduate of Renmin University of China specializing in Design and Art, his work today focuses on integrating the STEAM model into youth education, ensuring that creative vision is recognized as a critical pillar of future leadership.

Donna Jones

Climate Strategy Executive

Donna Jones is a climate strategy executive, writer, and systems thinker whose work explores the intersection of sustainability, institutional transformation, and human connection.

Her experience spans climate risk strategy in private markets, regenerative development, and the future of consciousness-based education. Working across finance, education, and community innovation, Donna brings a multidisciplinary perspective to building systems and environments designed for long-term resilience and human well-being.

Throughout her work, Donna has collaborated with leaders and institutions seeking to reimagine how investment, education, and community development can create deeper meaning and lasting social impact. She is especially passionate about designing spaces — from investment frameworks to universities and mixed-use communities — that foster resilience, creativity, and authentic human connection.

Her work reflects a broader belief that the future of leadership must integrate environmental responsibility, systems thinking, and a more human-centered vision for society.

Yingxi Zhao ‘Gisele’

Co-Founder & President

Yingxi “Gisele” Zhao is a McLean High School student and Co-Founder and President of the National Youth Visionaries Association (NYVA). Through community events, youth arts programs, and environmental service, she brings students together to participate in civic life. She is also the author of Everyday Hero.

Gisele serves as a youth member of the McLean Community Center Governing Board, President of the DMV Student Advisory Council, and Founder and President of Everyday Heroes Club at McLean High School. Her work connects storytelling with community action, with a focus on environmental responsibility and youth participation. She is interested in how local institutions respond to community needs and how young people can contribute to the decisions that shape their communities.

Debra Jones

Board Member

Debra Jones brings more than 30 years of experience in education and a deep commitment to helping students grow both academically and personally.

Throughout her career, Debra has created classroom environments rooted in empathy, flexibility, and acceptance. She believes every child deserves to feel valued and supported, and she has consistently fostered this through open discussions, multicultural learning experiences, and a strong emphasis on kindness and collaboration.

Debra is passionate about preparing students not only for academic success but for life beyond the classroom. She has integrated essential life skills into her teaching, including communication, active listening, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and adaptability. Her goal has always been to help students build confidence and develop the tools they need to navigate the world with curiosity and compassion.

Recognizing the importance of global awareness, Debra encouraged students to explore and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. Through projects and discussions focused on world traditions and shared human values, she helped students develop respect for others and an understanding of the broader world around them.

Today, Debra continues her work in education and personal development by teaching and practicing Transcendental Meditation, a simple and natural technique for reducing stress and enhancing overall well-being. Supported by hundreds of peer-reviewed studies, Transcendental Meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and promote emotional balance.

Debra’s lifelong dedication to education, personal growth, and helping others has positively impacted countless students and families.