Alison M. Cheperdak, J.D.

Meet The Heart and Mind of Elevate Etiquette

Author, Attorney, Entrepreneur,
and Internationally Certified Etiquette Coach

Alison's passion for etiquette began more than a decade ago when she and her husband were planning their wedding.

After getting engaged at the age of 22, Alison had numerous wedding etiquette questions on her mind. To find answers, she purchased her first etiquette book, hoping to get some quick guidance.

Little did she know, that book would be the first of countless volumes on etiquette, protocol, and emotional intelligence that she would read cover to cover. In addition to her personal studies, Alison grew to appreciate the many different ways one can learn manners. Her time as a competitive ice dancer taught her valuable lessons in good sportsmanship, grace under pressure, and resilience.

Alison graduated with merit from The English Manner and Beaumont Etiquette’s Train the Trainer Grade One and Grade Two Programs.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Villanova University, Alison worked as a TV news reporter and anchor for an NBC station in New York. She then moved to Washington, D.C., where she attended The George Washington University Law School.

As an attorney, Alison worked in a large corporate law firm and in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of the federal government, including the West Wing of the White House. She also served in a senior leadership position at a national nonprofit. Her knowledge of business etiquette helped her convey her ideas and arguments more persuasively, while her dining skills were refined after many meals with colleagues and friends.

Originally from New England, Alison now lives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. with her husband of ten years. In addition to their professional roles, Alison and her husband, a real estate entrepreneur, have renovated several properties together, with a particular fondness for historic ones. They are currently working on their third historic renovation project, this time in Georgetown.

My hope is that through Elevate Etiquette I will be able to share what I’ve learned, help you avoid repeating my mistakes, and amplify or initiate your appreciation for the art and palpable impact of kindness, consideration, and compassion.

"
the only
that never fades.

- Audrey Hepburn

beauty
"
Elegance is