AJ Jones
Leesburg, Virginia
Mom to Prince, 16
Nominated by Prince Parker
I nominate my mom, Ashley “AJ” Jones, for Mom of the Year for her nonstop
dedication to me and her community. For the past 12 years, my mom has been
my sole provider and has constantly exhibited her love for me and our great
nation. My mom proudly served in The United States Army for 10 years, but
this dedication to her country never got in the way of her love for me, her
only son, as we moved from state to state with several permanent changes of
station (PCS). Nine years after retiring, she is still today very much involved
with her community and those that live within it. My mom currently par-
ticipates in volunteer efforts for 89 Ways to Give, Lambda Beta Alpha Military Sorority Incorporated and Socialites of
Loudoun, a group of Loudoun County residents who strive for greatness in their community. In addition to volunteering,
helping others and her full-time job as a contractor, my mom has also been able to expand her brand and branch out,
following her dreams. Today, she trains with NOVA Roller Derby in hopes of being accepted into the league (one of her
longtime dreams) and is the founder of AJ’s Tasting Room, where she reviews Northern Virginia wineries, breweries and
distilleries. All of these reasons contribute to why my mom, Ashley “AJ” Jones, does not only deserve Mom of the Year (and
I may be a little biased), but “Mom of the Past Decade.”
Occupation: Intelligence analyst, owner of AJ’s Tasting
Room, freelance writer
Three fun facts about
you and your family:
My son and I love to travel! We try to go
somewhere special every spring break. We
have our own “accent” when conversing at
home, and there is an inside joke or dance
that applies to most situations.

What advice would you give
to new or expectant moms?
Stop. Take five to 10 deep breaths
(depending on the severity of situation).

What goals do you
have for your family?
Our goal for the near future is to further
our role in giving back to the community.

My son, Prince, is currently a junior at
Tuscarora High School and is preparing
to go to college. He aspires to major in
journalism/communications. How has motherhood changed
your outlook on life?
Motherhood changed my outlook on life
dramatically. The ability to put your chil-
dren’s needs before your own without a
thought is beautiful.

Describe a favorite
mom moment.

My favorite mom moment is my son nom-
inating me for this honor.

What’s your superpower?
Hearing. I can tune in or tune out. When
tuning in, I have the ultra-high frequency
hearing. When tuning out, all I hear is,
“Have you heard anything that I’ve said?”
What would you say your
secret is to balancing life/
family/work/motherhood? A calendar and the ability to say “no.” A
calendar helps keep me organized, and it
also shows me when I need to say “no” and
take time to recoup.

Favorite local spot?
AJ’s Tasting Room takes me to the best
wineries, breweries and distilleries in the
area! I can’t say that I have one favorite
local spot, but as long as I’m out doing
what I love, I’m in my comfort zone.

What are three things
you use everyday that you
can’t live without?
Kombucha, the Amazon app and music.

What’s the best thing you
are reading/watching/
listening to right now?
“This is Us,” “The Enemy Within,” and I’m
addicted to the “Hamilton” soundtrack.

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