The 2025 Make Your Mark Awards Ceremony & Business Celebration lit up the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia last night as more than 350 attendees networked and celebrated with other business owners from across Prince William County.
As part of the third annual event, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Tourism (PWCDEDT) introduced the inaugural Make Your Mark Awards, a community-nominated award program recognizing outstanding businesses across key areas of innovation, growth, impact, and community leadership.
“Companies don’t start big,” said Chair Deshundra Jefferson, Prince William Board of County Supervisors. “This is why it’s important to support small businesses, because they create more than half of the new jobs in our country’s communities, including right here in Prince William County.”
In addition to the Board of County Supervisors, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura was a special guest at the event. He spoke to the audience about the importance of growing Virginia’s economy and addressing issues such as a workforce, particularly in the healthcare and biotechnology fields.
“We have to be ready to embrace innovation and be open to new ideas,” said Secretary Segura. “I want to commend PWCDEDT Executive Director Christina Winn and her team for being one of the most accessible economic development offices in Virginia. We know there are big things coming to Prince William County.”
Please join us in celebrating the 2025 Make Your Mark Award winners:
Under Marcus Silva’s leadership, Villagio Hospitality Group has curated an innovative portfolio of food and beverage destinations, transforming Innovation Park Manassas’ NOVA LIVE from an abandoned barn in 2014 to the third largest tourist attraction in Northern Virginia, according to Placer.ai data.
After rebranding from Farm Brew LIVE to NOVA LIVE in April, they played a pivotal role in the LIV Virginia Golf Tournament at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in June 2025 as well as last-minute support for the Taste of NoVA festival, drawing more than 5000 attendees, during the government shutdown in October.
Leah Sanders took over Woodbridge-based D&G Solutions from her father six years ago and brought him with her to the event. She has been named to several lists in the Greater Washington D.C. area, including Washington Business Journal's 2024 40 Under 40 Honorees list.
Since taking over the business, she has focused on operational resilience while growing a team that provides integrated logistics and supply-chain solutions critical to safeguarding the United States and supporting warfighting capabilities through multiple federal government contracts.
Since 1990, Carlos Castro, owner of Woodbridge-based TODOS Supermarket, has built a community-centered shopping destination designed to meet the evolving needs of local families. His immigration story is a well-known in Prince William County and his commitment to the business community reflects the hard work of one of the most diverse communities in the United States.
“My belief is that anyone can start a business and make something of themselves—no matter where they come from,” Castro said at that podium, expressing that he was overcome with gratitude upon receiving the award.
Only in its fourth year of operation, the Gainesville-based MOVE Business Chamber has made a huge impact connecting, informing, promoting, and advocating for American Muslim business owners by expanding access to opportunities and eliminating structural barriers often faced by the community.
Through its leadership and community-focused initiatives, including providing more than 75 events a year throughout the region, they have empowered entrepreneurs to grow, thrive, and make meaningful economic contributions across the region.
We’re proud to celebrate these remarkable businesses and grateful for their continued investment in Prince William County.
Thank you to all who attended, and stay tuned for more information about photos in the coming days.
Please save the date for the 2026 Make Your Mark Awards Ceremony & Business Celebration at the Manassas Magnoliya Grand Conference and Events Center in November 2026!