By: Monica Ray
There’s a unique magic in being appointed to a new role, especially one as significant as joining the Washington Convention and Sports Authority Board (known publicly as Events DC). It’s a role that comes with great responsibility and opportunity, aligning perfectly with my passion for community transformation and my Alchemist brand of seeing and harnessing the power of potential.
I believe every new challenge is an invitation to not only make an impact but also to expand the reach of that impact—especially into my home community of Congress Heights, where the stakes are high and the potential is vast. The decision to take on this role wasn’t simply about the board seat; it was about the ability to champion new possibilities for my community, and to ensure that the voices and aspirations of those in Ward 8 are part of the conversation around economic development, entertainment, and employment.
Events DC: Elevating the City Through Entertainment, Employment, and Economic Impact
Events DC manages eleven premier venues across the city, from the iconic Walter E. Washington Convention Center to the historic RFK Stadium, and more recently, the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Congress Heights. Each venue embodies the spirit of innovation and growth that Washington, D.C., represents—providing spaces that serve as economic engines, entertainment hubs, and employment sources, attracting visitors from around the globe while creating meaningful experiences and opportunities for local residents.
The mission of Events DC is a bold one: to use these venues to entertain, employ, and elevate. These are spaces where memories are made, where fans and families come together, and where dreams come alive through events ranging from concerts and conventions to community gatherings and sporting events. They’re also key drivers of economic activity, providing thousands of jobs and creating countless opportunities for entrepreneurs, businesses, and residents throughout the city.
Building Bridges to Congress Heights: A Personal Mission
As the proud President of the Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation and a resident invested in the growth of Ward 8, my appointment is deeply personal. The Entertainment and Sports Arena, right here in Congress Heights, is more than just a venue. It’s a symbol of what’s possible when resources, opportunity, and community meet. It’s also a testament to the potential that my community has to be a major player in the city’s economic and cultural landscape.
My role on the board isn’t just about supporting the city’s larger mission—it’s about making sure that Congress Heights is a strategic part of that vision. We have an opportunity to redefine the narrative of our community and showcase what Ward 8 has to offer. From creating jobs for residents to ensuring our community feels connected and represented, my focus will be on making Congress Heights a cornerstone of Events DC’s work. After all, our city is strongest when all of its communities are thriving and when every resident feels invested in and excited about where they live.
Embracing the Challenge, Honoring the Community
My appointment to the Washington Convention and Sports Authority is a new adventure, but it’s also the continuation of a journey that began many years ago when I first set roots in this city. With every new opportunity comes the responsibility to stay grounded in my purpose: to uplift, empower, and create spaces where potential can flourish. This role allows me to work on behalf of the entire city while focusing on the unique needs and aspirations of my Congress Heights community.
Through my Alchemist lens, I see this as a chance to transform spaces and narratives, to elevate the stories of my community, and to create pathways to prosperity for all. This journey is only beginning, and I’m honored to take it on with the support of my community and the city. Together, we can make magic happen.