Street Style: Meet Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins
I first met Mayor Alyia Gaskins when she was serving on the City Council — right in my neighborhood playground during a National Night Out event we were hosting. Since then, I’ve seen her at nearly every business opening and major event in Alexandria, including the Chamber ALX’s Women’s Leadership Forum earlier this year. In 2024, she made history as the first African American woman to serve as the Mayor of Alexandria.
She shared, “I was raised by my mom, who sometimes worked two or three jobs. It was tough watching her juggle everything while managing health issues and often ending up in the emergency room. I grew up wanting to be a doctor to help other moms like mine. But I realized that even with the best care, you can’t manage diabetes with an empty fridge, or asthma if there are rodents in your home. Helping others means making sure people live in conditions that promote their well-being — through better housing, transportation, childcare, and opportunity.”
That realization led her to pursue a career in Public Health, focusing on getting to the root of these challenges. She studied urban planning and policy to understand how cities function and what systems are needed to help people thrive.
When asked what inspired her to run for office, she recalled: “I started on the Transportation Commission and attended the Alexandria City Academy to understand how our city operates. I served three years on City Council before deciding to run for Mayor. When Mayor Wilson announced he wasn’t seeking re-election, I asked myself, What work still needs to be done? What perspective do I bring that’s missing? That’s when I knew it was time to step up.”
For those considering public service, she offers this advice: “Sometimes we think we have to take on the whole world at once. You don’t. Start small. Send an email to the City Council. Attend a public hearing. Get involved with the PTA, a commission, or even lead your local Girl Scout troop. Mobilize around your passion and start building relationships now—it’s about finding what’s right for you.”
Her own career path wasn’t linear. “I took the MCATs and planned for medical school, but ultimately realized my goal wasn’t just to treat illness, it was to create healthier environments. With policymaking, I could help shape better outcomes for entire communities.” She later earned her Master’s in Urban Planning, realizing that “land and the decisions about how we use it shape almost everything about our health and opportunities.”
A self-professed lifelong learner, Mayor Gaskins also loves podcasts, especially those outside her field. “AI isn’t coming for your job; it’s coming for the jobs of those who don’t know how to use it,” she laughs. “I use it as a tool to plan trips, prepare for events, or learn quick facts about our city’s history. It’s a way to stay informed and serve better.”
Beyond City Hall, Mayor Gaskins runs her own consulting firm, CitiesRX, which builds physical, social, and economic health through community partnerships. “It’s an opportunity to combine my passions for planning and public health, collaborating with other cities to create healthier, more connected communities.”
Her family is often by her side at events—her husband, Greg, their two children, Ezekiel (5) and Eliana (3), and their 15-year-old beagle, Riley.
When asked what makes Alexandria so special, she doesn’t hesitate. “The people. Hearing their stories. Just yesterday, I was at the launch of Neighbor’s Favorites with A/R Workshop and other amazing boutiques from King Street, each with its own story and passion for creating something meaningful. These are creative, purpose-driven people who make this city what it is.”
And when Visit Alexandria announces yet another national ranking? “We already know Alexandria is an incredible place to live, work, and visit,” she smiles. “Seeing others recognize that just brings us even closer to number one.”
Check Out Mayor Gaskin’s Street Style:
Mayor Alyia Gaskins
Styled by: The Hive
Photography: Renée C. Gage Photography
Hair: Iye’s Beauty Salon
Shoot location: Alexandria City Hall
ABOUT ALYIA
Neighborhood: Cameron Station
Hometown: Pittsburgh
What would surprise people about you? I was a lacrosse goalie in high school.
Favorite book or movie: Bamboozled by Jesus by Yvonne Orji
Guilty Pleasure: Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food
Latest binge-watch: Abbott Elementary
Bucket list travel destination: Amalfi Coast
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Vibrant. Sophisticated. Chic.
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: M.M.LaFleur Aditi Dress.
Favorite trend: Bright-colored pantsuits.
Beauty product you can’t live without: Tinted moisturizer
Boots, dress shoes or sneakers? Heels or sparkle tennis shoes.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Sleep
Most fun way to stay active: Walking my kids to school.
Want to try: Pilates
Proudest wellness achievement: I recently went on a retreat hosted by For the Urban Soul in Serenbe, GA. It was the first time in a long time that I’ve taken time just for me to rest, journal, and spend time in nature.
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My kids' bedrooms. I spent a lot of time searching for the perfect themes and accessories
Antiques, modern, or a mix?: A mix
Last item bought for your home: A blue chair.
Favorite way to entertain: I love throwing holiday-themed parties and choosing all of the details from the food, to the drink, to the decor to match the season.
Clutter-free or well-lived in?: Well-lived in.
Next planned purchase: A new house.
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love how Stylebook highlights tips and recommendations from so many local, small business owners.
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Cameron Cafe
Your go-to shop: Mint Condition
Best food spot: Indochen
Favorite local organization: It’s hard for me to choose just one. Some of my favorites include Cornerstone Craftsman, Spitfire Club and NoVA Raft.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Annual Gala.
