Political Leaders 2006 Profile: Charniele Herring

Name: Charniele L. Herring
Age: 36
Born: I was born in Dominican Republic. I am an “Army Brat”, so my growing-up years were spent in many places. I have been in the Northern Virginia area the longest.  
Current Digs: I live in Alexandria City and work in the District of Columbia.
Occupation: Attorney
Favorite part about the job: Winning.
First job ever? I was a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) and worked at Good Shepard Family & Housing Services.
Favorite book? The Joy Luck Club
Favorite movie? The Color Purple
Must See TV?  There is no such thing.
Comfort food? For me, it is not just one item of food, it is a combination of three things with an appropriate presentation: collard greens on cornbread and tomatoes on the side of my plate. Now that is comfort food.  
What's in your car CD player right now?  Scatchmo, Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony (the entire symphony not just the first movement), Jackie Wilson, Muddy Waters, Etta James, and Elton John.
Next journey?  Returning to Scotland.        
One thing people might be surprised to learn about you?  I am trained in and performed ballet for thirteen years—three years with the Virginia Ballet School & Company.
Last gift you received? A porcelain Native American doll.
Best advice you ever got? Plan ahead and expect success; fail to plan and expect failure.
Whom do you admire and why? My mother, Juliette Carolyn Brooks Herring. She is the most loving, strong, and courageous individual that I know.
If you could have dinner with any one currently living, whom would it be and why? A fellow Alexandrian, Mark Warner.  I just want confirmation that he is running for President.
Ambition, political or otherwise? I want to always be part of the political process and represent my community in some capacity.
Describe a perfect day. Spending time with my family in a place that is beautiful (with no cell phone), touring historic homes and looking at beautiful art. The day is finished with a dinner outside in a place that is surrounded by water fountains,  plants and flowers and the temperature all day is between 70-75 degrees with no humidity.