Alexsis Rodgers – Political Director, Black Futures Lab and Black to the Future

Alexsis works to make Black communities powerful in politics through her work at Black Futures Lab and Black to the Future Action Fund. As an organizer and policy leader for more than a decade, Alexsis has been on the front lines advocating for workers’ rights, health care, and college affordability. She established Care in Action in Virginia which led to passage of the first Southern Domestic Workers Bill of Rights and ushered in a historic election of women of color in 2023. Previously, Alexsis played a key role in achieving Medicaid Expansion and increasing birth control access as Communications Director for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia and Virginia League for Planned Parenthood.

Alexsis volunteers as 4th Congressional District Chair for the Democratic Party of Virginia and previously served as President of Virginia Young Democrats. Alexsis made history as a candidate for mayor of Richmond in 2020, finishing in second place and earning more votes than any woman in the city’s history. She is an alumna and former board chair of Emerge Virginia, a candidate training program for Democratic women.

Alexsis joins Women & Politics this week as an endorser for Willie Hilliard’s campaign for City Council in the 6th District. 

Ann-Frances Lambert – City Councilor and Candidate for City Council, 3rd District

Ann-Frances Lambert is a Richmond native, born and raised in Northside’s Battery Park and Ginter Park neighborhoods. After graduating from Saint Gertrude High School, she earned a BA in Communications from Howard University. The daughter of the late Senator Benjamin J. Lambert, III, she obtained firsthand experience in politics by attending numerous political functions with him. She began her journey in public service in 1989 as a page in the Virginia General Assembly. In 2000, when she served as City Council liaison to current Del. Delores McQuinn (D-81). She later became the Senior Policy Analyst for the City of Richmond’s Intergovernmental Relations department. Currently, she is the Vice President of Richmond City Council, and the representative for the 3rd district in Richmond, Virginia. In addition, she currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Governmental Operations Standing Committee, member of the Land Use and Transportation Committee, and Chair of the Richmond Sister Cities Commission.

Lambert spent 10 years in California, before coming to Richmond to start a drone business and be with her family after the passing of her oldest brother Ben. After coming home, she felt compelled to return to public service and build on her father’s historic legacy. The late Senator Lambert was instrumental in the Innocence Project’s first success in Virginia, and in supporting funding for Virginia’s public schools and HBCUs. “My father was the person who showed me how to bring communities and people together,” Lambert said. “Now is the time to put those lessons into action.”

Ashley Walker – Campaign Manager, Zac Walker for City Council, 1st District

I am a proud mother and wife, and a true Virginia native. Growing up in Poquoson and York County, I developed a deep love for the land, which led me to pursue a degree in Agriculture from Ferrum College. After 15 rewarding years in the Virginia Wine Industry, I took a break to focus on raising our wonderful son and embark on new adventures. I even had the joy of teaching Agriculture. Now, I work at Dominion Energy and am proudly helping my husband as his campaign manager for his run for Richmond’s City Council. My passions include gardening, hiking, and exploring the vibrant city of Richmond with my family.

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