Nene Spivy

Adalene “Nene” Spivy is a dedicated champion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, driven to ensure all youth have access and opportunities to succeed in a world that is rapidly requiring STEM skills and literacy in every job. Nene started her career in the telecommunications industry in systems engineering and marketing, developing new products and launching new markets during a period of rapid growth and deregulation. Called to greater community service, she pivoted into the nonprofit sector by combining her technology and business expertise with the nonprofit management skills and opportunities she gained through the Junior League. 

For the past 15 years, Nene has been the chief executive of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation, a nonprofit started 20 years ago as a signature project of the Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) to create a hands-on, interactive STEM-focused museum. Under Nene’s leadership, the organization experienced exponential growth, serving over a half million children and families at the Children’s Science Center Lab, which opened in 2015, and via mobile STEM programs delivered to regional schools, libraries and community spaces. Nene oversees current operations and the project to build the new 70,000 sq. ft. Northern Virginia Science Center, now under construction. Over $110M in public and private funds have been secured for the project through a public private partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, Loudoun County, and private supporters. 

Nene is a proud sustaining member of the JLNV. Her active leadership roles included serving as President, President Elect, Leadership Development Chair, Kate Hanley Family Shelter Project Chair, Fundraising Council Director, and The Enchanted Forest Event Chair for two years. 

Nene currently serves on the Board of Directors and as the Treasurer for the Association of Science and Technology Centers, an international association with 600 science museum and industry allied members. She also serves on the boards of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, and the Northwest Federal Credit Union Foundation. 

Nene is a graduate of Leadership Fairfax, past Chair of Fairfax County’s Community Action Advisory Board, and held multiple board leadership roles with Discovery Creek Children’s Museum. Nene holds a BS in Industrial Engineering from Virginia Tech and an MBA from University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and currently serves as Class Secretary. Nene enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and three adult children hiking, paddling and skiing.