Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said, “young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow, they are the leaders of today.”
At just 18 years old, Catherine “Cassie” Page is already showing what the next generation of leadership could look like. In May, Cassie was named the 2025 Youth Honoree of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 Awards, a recognition given to exceptional young changemakers making a meaningful impact in their schools and communities.
Cassie is a recent graduate of Bishop Ireton High School who has dedicated much of her teenage years to championing youth involvement in civic life. She served as the youngest commissioner in Alexandria, representing the Mayor on the City’s Information Technology Commission. She has completed an internship at the U.S. House of Representatives where she focused on technology and environmental policy. Her advocacy work with the United Nations Association on gender bias in STEM earned her national recognition as a Girls Leading Change Nominee by the White House Gender Policy Council. Most recently, Cassie Co-Chaired the United Nation’s-affiliated Dynamic Teen Coalition.
Her time at the U.S. Senate Youth Program representing Virginia stood out as one of her most memorable experiences. “It was an incredible opportunity. I got to meet students from across the country, ask questions during briefings with national leaders, and share space with other young people who care deeply about the future,” she said.
Closer to home in Cameron Station, where she has lived her whole life, Cassie is known for helping neighbors troubleshoot tech issues and volunteering to walk their dogs. She considers fellow Cameron Station resident Mayor Alyia Gaskins as a mentor and major source of encouragement.
Whether knocking on doors during local elections, serving on advisory boards, or showing up for others, Cassie brings energy and purpose to every role that she takes on.
However, she was also quick to keep things in perspective. “At the end of the day, I’m still a teenager. I love policy and civic engagement, but I also love being outside, hanging out with my friends, and spending time with my dog.” Most days, she can be seen with her six-year-old Labradoodle, Buddy, out and about in the neighborhood. On Wednesday evenings, you may find her at Cameron Café catching up with long-time residents, whom she fondly calls her “Silver Hairs.”
In the fall, Cassie will begin her next chapter at American University, where she plans to study political science and take part in the key undergraduate leadership program.
Congratulations Cassie and good luck!
Ava Avila and her husband Justin chose Cameron Station as their home in 2019. They briefly moved to Hawaii in 2020 and relocated back to the community in 2024. Ava serves as a subcommittee member of the Communications Committee for the Welcome Committee and The Compass blog. On most days, you’ll find her at the gym enjoying the workout classes or practicing with her choir – a passion that has taken her all the way to Carnegie Hall!
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