Learn More About Rachna

Rachna Sizemore Heizer knows what it means to fight for your family—because she's done it every day of her life.

Born in the United States to immigrant parents, Rachna spent her early years in India before returning to begin school in California. She spoke no English, which left her feeling isolated and invisible. But thanks to the power of public education, committed parents — and a healthy dose of Sesame Street — she soon found her voice and learned that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. That lesson guided her through college and law school at UC Berkeley, where she met her late husband Brian, a Navy officer who shared her commitment to service.

As a young attorney, Rachna practiced at top international law firms, specializing in complex corporate mergers and acquisitions, employment law, and business litigation—experience that taught her how to navigate complicated deals, analyze financial impacts, and bring competing interests together to reach solutions.

When they moved to Braddock District in 2001, they chose this community for what so many families seek: excellent schools, a place where people look out for each other, and opportunity for their children, Laura and Jake. But when Jake was diagnosed with autism, Rachna discovered how even the best systems can fail our most vulnerable kids. She became his fiercest advocate, fighting to ensure he, and every child, gets the education they deserve.

Turning Tragedy into Strength

In 2007, Brian suffered a fatal brain aneurysm. Overnight, Rachna became a single mother, juggling her career as a professor at George Mason University while teaching fitness classes to help pay for Jake's care. Through her grief, she made a promise to Brian: their children would be okay—and she'd work to make sure all children had that same chance.

Today, married to Craig Heizer in a loving blended family, Rachna has built a successful small business supporting government contractors while leading the online Human Resources program at Texas Tech University. Her work focuses on helping nontraditional students—working adults, veterans, and others balancing education with life's demands—achieve their dreams.

Proven Leadership When It Matters

Rachna’s lived experience and her promise to Brian shaped her advocacy. She developed workplace programs to promote neurodiversity, offered free trainings for families navigating special education, and served on boards like The Arc of Northern Virginia and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. She was also appointed to the Virginia State Board of Social Services by Governor Northam. In 2019, she ran for, and won, a seat on the Fairfax County School Board, making history as the first Indian-American elected countywide in Fairfax and the first Asian-American woman on the board. 

Rachna knows how to make complex systems work. As a lawyer, she’s negotiated major deals, worked with financial institutions, and advised organizations on workforce issues and as an advocate she worked with state and local leaders to enact real change. 

On the Fairfax County School Board since 2020, Rachna has served as Chair, Vice Chair, Budget Chair, and Fairfax County Planning Commission Liaison, delivering results for families:

• Helped secure millions in funding for Braddock District schools

• Led the search that brought us the National Superintendent of the Year

• Passed the first-ever collective bargaining resolution for school employees

• Raised teacher pay four times 

• Expanded access to advanced academics, mental health support, and inclusive education, 

• Banned guns in all school buildings and secured additional funding for safety and security measures.

• Stood firm against book bans, attempts to whitewash history, and attacks on vulnerable students and staff

While serving on the School Board, Rachna worked to build trust and get results by listening first, working tirelessly to solve people’s problems, and advancing policies to benefit the entire school system. She brings the experience, judgment, and financial know-how to ensure our county uses every dollar wisely and invests where it matters most.

As School Board Chair during tumultuous times, Rachna proved she can stand strong against MAGA extremism and bring people together to solve big problems.

Ready to Serve Braddock District

Rachna's running for Board of Supervisors because she knows what families need: an economy that creates opportunities for everyone, affordable housing and caregiving, and safe communities to give people stability, strong funding for good schools, services that work for all, and a focus on taking Fairfax County into the future.

Fairfax County is at a crossroads, facing economic and political challenges like we've never faced before. We need good leaders who stand up for our values no matter what. Rachna’s experience as a mother, attorney, professor, school board leader, advocate, and small business owner gives her the skills to tackle our toughest challenges. Her heart, shaped by struggle and loss, love and hope, ensures she'll never forget why this work matters.