Meet Alison Cheperdak — Your Modern Etiquette Coach

Alison M. Cheperdak, J.D. is a sought-after speaker, etiquette expert, and founder of Elevate Etiquette. She shares her expertise in modern manners and executive presence with individuals and organizations worldwide, having taught seminars at Harvard Law School, the U.S. Congress, and the White House. 

Her insights have been featured in Vogue, Fox News, The Washington Post, Southern Living, New York Post, and Daily Mail, among other publications. Across social media, Alison educates and inspires millions each month through her signature daily etiquette posts.

Alison’s passion for etiquette began more than a decade ago when she and her husband were planning their wedding. Engaged at twenty-two and eager to understand the finer points of wedding etiquette, she purchased her first etiquette book—unaware that it would be the first of countless volumes on etiquette, protocol, and emotional intelligence she would study cover to cover. Her background as a competitive ice dancer also instilled early lessons in grace under pressure, good sportsmanship, and poise.

A graduate with merit from The English Manner and Beaumont Etiquette’s Train the Trainer programs, Alison combines formal certification with real-world experience. Before launching Elevate Etiquette, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Villanova University and worked as a television reporter and anchor for an NBC station in New York. She later moved to Washington, D.C., where she received her Juris Doctor from The George Washington University Law School. Her career spans all three branches of the federal government—including service in the West Wing of the White House—as well as leadership in the private and nonprofit sectors.

Originally from New England, Alison now lives in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with her husband. Together, they share a love of historic home renovations and hosting with warmth and intention.