The Washington Commanders are proud to celebrate the women who have shaped history, are driving impact today, and continue to lead the future. This month, we honor their achievements, recognize the work still ahead, and reaffirm our commitment to creating opportunities, and amplifying voices within our organization and across our community.

Caitlin Totty

Director of Sponsorship

1.5 years with the team

How are you or the women you admire driving sustainable, long-term impact (environmental, social, or economic)?

One of the biggest ways the women I admire are driving long-term social impact is by intentionally lifting other women up. They use their influence to advocate for others, whether that's recommending someone for a promotion, creating opportunities for women to lead major projects, or making introductions through their networks. What stands out most is that they don't just open doors, they make sure women have the voice and the platform to succeed once they're in the room. That kind of support creates a ripple effect, because when one-womanadvances, she's often bringing others along with her. I've personally benefited from women who have done that for me, and it's something I try to carry forward in my own career by mentoring, supporting colleagues, and making sure the women around me have opportunities to lead and be heard.

Natalie Payton

People Operations Coordinator

1 year 7 months with the team

What is one piece of advice you would give to young women aspiring to be leaders?

One piece of advice I would give to young women would be to seek uncomfortability. - it's in these moments when you are pushed to grow the most.

Charvass Taylor

Accounts Payable Specialist

2 years with the team

If you could highlight a female historical figure who inspires you, who would it be and why?

A woman by the name of Lenda Murray. She's the first black woman to win the title of Ms. Olympia and the first to hold the title in two different decades. Even though she is no longer competing as a professional bodybuilder, Lenda's impact continues to set the standard for the sport. She's a fierce advocate for women in bodybuilding and it shows through her mentoring of new competitors. Lenda is more than a champion; she is an icon and trailblazer.

Chastity Alston

Cinematographer and Editor

3 years 5 months with the team

Describe what you do with the organization and what "leading the change" means to you in your current role?

I work across the entire Washington Commanders organization capturing content that highlights both the team and it's connection with the community. My role includes filming game highlights and documenting community events while supporting departments such as marketing, ticketing, and sales. My favorite part about working here is the opportunity to create and tell meaningful stories while collaborating with talented coworkers throughout the organization to bring those moments to life.

To me, "leading the change" means using storytelling to spotlight the real impact happening in the community I come from. Working with the Washington Commanders allows me to share stories from across Washington, D.C., especially through the work of the community relations team and their partnerships with organizations supporting families in need. As someone from Southeast D.C., it's meaningful to help shape how those stories are told and to highlight the positive change happening in communities like the one that raised me.