Our mission is to preserve and restore the diverse, historic environment of Shaw's 7th and 9th Street commercial corridors, offering residents and visitors a better place to live, work, shop, play, and pray.
Comprised of 11 leaders with diverse interests in the Shaw community, the Board of Directors has final accountability for the success of Shaw Main Streets. Board service entails a range of activities and duties, including establishing policies and goals, overseeing operations and finances, leading committees and projects, and raising funds for the organization.
Board Members are elected at the Annual Meeting. The term of each board position is 2 years.
2024-2025 Board Roster
Antwain Coward District Cryo, Representing Shaw Businesses
Mario DiFranco—TREASURER U Street Parking, Representing Shaw Businesses
Robert K. Johns Howard University, Representing Shaw Property Owners
Kristie Lee Jones Lee's Flower & Card Shop, Representing Shaw Businesses and Shaw Commercial Property Owners
Graham King Urban Athletic Club, Representing Shaw Businesses
Cheryl A. Lofton Cheryl A. Lofton & Associates, Representing Shaw Businesses
B. Doyle Mitchell Industrial Bank, Representing Shaw Businesses and Commercial Property Owners
Alexander M. Padro—EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR -Ex Officio
Meredith Pitts Mid City: Representing Shaw Residential Property Owners
Yared Tesfaye 1942 DC/U Street Holdings/DC General Construction, Representing Shaw Businesses and Shaw Commercial Property Owners
Todd Weiss—VICE CHAIR/VICE PRESIDENT Roadside Development, Representing Shaw Commercial and Residential Property Owners
Gretchen B. Wharton—CHAIR/PRESIDENT Retired, Representing Shaw Residents