August 18, 2025: Help kids prepare for the start of school! Join us Aug. 21 for a back-to-school fundraiser for the Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation — and enjoy a wine tasting party — at Slater’s Market in Alexandria, VA
Monday Morning Magic from Inkandescent® PR + Publishing Co. — Every year, Inkandescent® takes on a nonprofit to support, and this year the organization we choose is the Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, founded by Andrea Walton.
A seasoned HR executive, published author, and purpose-driven philanthropist committed to building pathways to education for Black and Brown girls around the world, Andrea created the Foundation, which she says is a deeply personal mission-driven organization. “Having been a teen mom who earned her GED before climbing the ranks to become a Chief People Officer in the biotech and education sectors, I want to help others rise up and become their best selves.”
You are invited: Join Andrea and her team for an evening of giving and connection at its Back-to-School Fundraiser and School Supply Drive: Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Slater’s Market: 1552 POTOMAC GREENS DRIVE, ALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314 • slatersmarket.com.
“The event will raise funds to support the Foundation’s mission of providing scholarships and educational resources to underserved girls, while collecting essential school supplies for local students in need,” explains Andrea. “Guests will enjoy a welcoming atmosphere, light refreshments, and the opportunity to make a direct impact in preparing students for a successful academic year.”
“This is more than just a fundraiser,” says Slater’s Market owner Scott Shirley, who opened the popular wine, cheese, and sandwich market in 2020. “It’s a chance for our community to stand together, support our youth, and plant seeds for a brighter future.”
Scroll down for more details! I hope to see you on Aug. 21 at 5pm.
Until next Monday: May we all join forces, and be Empowered-Together.us. — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. www.Inkandescent.us
Help us help our kids: Community members are encouraged to bring new school supplies or make a financial contribution during the event. All proceeds and donations will go directly toward scholarships and educational support for students in Alexandria and beyond.
Appreciated donations include:
- Backpacks (new or gently used)
- Notebooks
- Pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters
- Pencil sharpeners, rulers, glue sticks, Post-it notes
- Composition books
- 1-1/2-inch binders
- Page dividers
- Loose-leaf paper
- Chromebook and charger (if you can!)
It’s a party! Bring your friends for wine, nibbles, and the joy of giving back:
- What: Back-to-School Fundraiser & School Supply Drive
- When: Thursday, August 21, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
- Where: Slater’s Market, 1552 POTOMAC GREENS DRIVEALEXANDRIA, VA, 22314
- Benefiting: The students supported by the Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation: theconcreterosescholarship.com
Photo by Ryan Belmore, publisher, ALXnow
And check out the event Andrea sponsored with Alexandria’s Mayor Alyia Gaskins, when she hosted her third annual back-to-school salon event at Iye’s Beauty Salon on Aug. 12. It provided free professional hairstyling, backpacks, and food to girls living in Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority properties across the city. The initiative stems from Gaskins’ experience serving on a gang prevention task force, where she learned that girls as young as nine were engaging in gang activity primarily due to low self-esteem. Andrea shares: “An event like this is so important because it provides not only confidence for the girls, but allows them to have access to education, and make sure that they have what they need to start the year off strong.”
That’s not all! Andrea will be the featured author at Elaine’s Literary Salon on Sept. 25, 6pm. Click here for details!
For more information, contact:
Andrea Walton, founder & CEO, The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation, theconcreterosescholarship.com
Email: andreawalton@theconcreterosescholarship.com
Cell: (626) 233-1409
About Andrea Walton and the Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation
The Concrete Rose Scholarship Foundation was born from both lived experience and unwavering belief: that brilliance can bloom in even the harshest environments.
Founded by Andrea Norwood Walton, a former teen mom who earned her GED and went on to become a C-suite executive, this foundation is rooted in resilience, equity, and global impact. We invest in underrepresented students—especially young women of color—by providing scholarships, mentorship, and access to education.
“What sets us apart is our personal connection to the journey,” Andrea insists. “This isn’t charity—it’s solidarity. We exist to remove barriers, build bridges, and help the next generation rise, fully rooted and in full bloom.”
Until next Monday: I send love, thanks, and wishes that your lifelong dreams come true! — Hope Katz Gibbs, founder and president, Inkandescent® Inc. Inkandescent.us
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