Community Bridges Inc.

Theresa Testoni is a dedicated community champion whose generosity, leadership, and steady commitment have made a lasting impact on Community Bridges Inc. and the girls and families the organization serves.

A longtime supporter of Community Bridges, Theresa consistently gives her time, talent, and resources to ensure that young women in grades 4-12 have what they need to thrive academically, personally, and emotionally. She is deeply motivated by their mission to empower girls to become confident, engaged students and strong, compassionate leaders in their communities.

One of Theresa's most meaningful contributions has been helping to establish and strengthen a partnership with the Rainbow Community Development Center. This partnership has supported the ongoing distribution of nutritious food and healthy snacks for girls and their families—an essential resource that strengthens well-being and removes barriers to learning. Since 2020, this effort has contributed to the distribution of millions of pounds of food to the Community Bridges community.

Additionally, Theresa played a key role in helping to secure a 15-passenger van, expanding the organization's ability to safely transport students to programs, college visits, and leadership opportunities. She also helps coordinate the Adopt-a-Family holiday program, ensuring that families experience joy, dignity, and support during the holiday season, and the Blazers for Her initiative, which collects professional attire so that girls are prepared and confident for workforce opportunities.

"Theresa's impact goes far beyond any single program," said Shannon Babe-Thomas, Executive Director of Community Bridges. "She is a connector, problem-solver, and tireless advocate who continually expands the network of people invested in [our] mission. Her work helps strengthen the entire ecosystem of support around the girls and families [we] serve."

Theresa's commitment reflects the heart of Community Bridges: when a community comes together around its young people with intention and care, meaningful and lasting change is possible.

Support Community Bridges this by visiting GiveGreaterDC.org!

Photo taken by Shannon Babe-Thomas. Additional photos by Community Bridges

🎓 Finding confidence—and a future—in new places

“Being part of College Access with Community Bridges has been such a great experience. They didn’t just help me step by step with applications, financial aid, and my essay—they also encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. The New York trip gave me the chance to really see myself there… and I could.”

This fall, she’s making that vision a reality—heading to Hofstra University to study Mechanical Engineering. ⚙️

“I’m very thankful to the Community Bridges College Access Program for giving me these experiences and opportunities—and for not giving up on me.”

This is what exposure, encouragement, and persistence can do. 💙

🎓 From uncertainty to confidence—this is what College Decision Day is all about.

“Their support and mentorship gave me confidence when I doubted myself and made me feel like I wasn’t going through it alone.” – Betel Issak
Northwood High School | headed to the University of Maryland (C.D. Mote Scholar)

The college journey can feel overwhelming but no one should have to navigate it alone. Today, we celebrate resilience, growth, and the power of mentorship. ✨

📸 Pictured: Betel (left), alongside Sudipta Dasmohapatra (Georgetown University) and Ethan Dastugue (Vanderbilt University), who shared their time and insights to help support our students on their college journeys.