Annie Rhodes is the Director of the Virginia Memory Project and has been named one of 100 people to meet in 2025!

While pursuing a doctorate in health science at Virginia Commonwealth University, Annie Rhodes asked a simple question about how many Virginians had dementia and neuro-degenerative diseases and how many caregivers there were. No one knew.

In response, she launched the Virginia Memory Project, one of only four U.S. dementia disease registries, in June 2022 with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, VCU and the Virginia Department of Health. Starting in 2025, a new state law codifies the project in perpetuity, providing resources and policy support informed by the data gathered. Bipartisan support demonstrated how many people know someone impacted by dementia.

Anyone affected can join VMP by completing a two-minute survey. “We give data, resources and education to anyone who needs them,” Rhodes says. “We’re happy to collaborate at any time because it takes a village.”

Meet the 100 Impact Makers of 2025.