The Leadership

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The Leadership experience is all about the people. Help us find the next generation of leaders who will build a better Baltimore, together.

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A powerful day of learning and reflection with The Leadership Class of 2025 at Kennedy Krieger Institute last week.

From exploring education and equity to deepening connections within the cohort, this session reminded us of the impact of inclusive leadership in every space.

Last week, the Class of 2025 gathered at The Cube CoWork for Session Four, exploring Housing & Community Development through the lens of vacants and their impact on our communities.

A huge thank you to Tammira Lucas (Class of 20/21) for hosting us at The Cube CoWork and to Melanie Kerr (Class of 2024) for providing incredible catering! Both also shared their expertise as speakers, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship.

Grateful for their leadership and the meaningful discussions that are shaping the future of our communities!

📢 This past Wednesday, our class gathered in Annapolis for an immersive session at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum. We heard from key leaders, toured the historic State House, and attended legislative committee hearings to gain firsthand insight into the policymaking process. It was an insightful and impactful day!

The Leadership Class of 2025 is building momentum! 🚀 Yesterday, we gathered at the National Federation of the Blind for Session Two, marking our third and final Foundation Day. This session focused on exploring power dynamics and sources of power in leadership, while also deepening the connections within our cohort. The journey continues as we grow, learn, and lead together!

🌟 Introducing The Leadership Class of 2025! 🌟

Our journey together has officially begun! The Opening Session was filled with energy, connection, and thought-provoking conversations. We can’t wait to see how this incredible group of leaders will grow, collaborate, and make an impact throughout the year. Stay tuned for more updates as we embark on this transformative experience!

And to close out this transformative year of 2024, please meet Jess Solomon (2024):

“Since 2020, the world has experienced seismic shifts, and so has my work. Being in the Leadership program right now has been invaluable. I’m making genuine connections with Baltimore thought leaders, deepening my understanding of policy-making and local dynamics. These experiences give me insight that I find myself immediately applying as a business owner, arts advocate, and adaptive leader. Leadership is giving me space and time to bridge the experiences I’ve gained over the last 4 years with the evolving needs of the city and reinforces my commitment to advocating for longer-term, equitable investments in our artists and cultural institutions.”

Living a life with purpose says so much about a leader. Meet Terry “Uncle T” Williams (2024):

“The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without a purpose.”
-Dr. Myles Monroe

“Therefore, our greatest challenge is discovering our “ PURPOSE “and knowing why are we here and what is it that we must fulfill before we leave this earth. So remember: The true substance of life is finding the “PURPOSE” in which the Creator created you for and fulfilling it. And until you do that, you are not really living -you are just existing.”

Food is a universal language for Melanie Kerr (2024):

“I am very proud to be a Baltimore native. Growing up in Baltimore as a young adult, I fell into the belief that in order to succeed, I needed to leave Baltimore. After spending time in New York, Los Angeles, & San Diego- I awoke to the reality that success begins in your mind the moment you choose to create your reality. With that I came back home.

After graduating Rochester Institute of Technology & Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, I spent a great portion of my career in restaurants and philanthropy through food. My mantra “food is a universal language” has empowered me to become a first generation business owner in Baltimore and create a legacy for my family. I am a Baltimore City Firefighter Wife, a mother of 2 incredibly bright boys, and 1 beautiful doggo.

I am the very proud Owner and Executive Chef of Chauncey’s (Eat More Chauncey’s) a catering & private event company. At Chauncey’s we center healthy scratch cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and an unshakable commitment to quality & service. We partner with local non-profits, farms, and small businesses to intentionally uplift our Baltimore community through food.

I found my way to The Leadership through a choice to seek community, inspiration, and collaboration with professionals who are committed to improving Baltimore. I look forward to continuing to build on the relationships I have been able to forge in such a short time.”

We all know what it means in Baltimore when someone asks you which school you went to! Meet Kimberly Moffitt (2024):

“I’m originally from North Carolina, but Baltimore is home. I’m a Poly Mom, founding parent of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys, and a lover of all-things arts in this great city. In fact, it was being a parent in Baltimore that helped cultivate my connection and commitment here. See, I never saw myself as the mothering type, but once I had my own children it became clear of a mission to see ALL children embody agency — that voice that enables you to speak confidently about your thoughts and actions and advocate for your needs and desires. It’s a skill that has to be cultivated as none of us are born with it, but I have relied upon the adage/unknown quote, “walk in like you own the place” to help develop mine. Whether in PK-12 settings or higher education, I cannot think of a more important tool to teach and offer strategies to children and adults alike to develop that life skill within. Learning self-advocacy is another form of freedom that opens our eyes to new possibilities and allows us to embrace our rightful position in society. Thanks to Baltimore City Schools and UMBC for providing the opportunity for me to practice those muscles of my own voice, and then calling upon me to share that skill with others.

Through my time with The Leadership, I had the opportunity to work with and befriend many who are showing up and showing out for Baltimore. I appreciate having that model and knowing that there is, in fact, a place for those of us who are not native to Baltimore, but love it just the same. Let’s do this, BCE!... “

Effectively hearing the unspoken is a beautiful thing to say . . .the words of Ethan Marchant (2024):

“As a designer, I take pride in deeply listening and innovating around the specific needs of each design challenge. Over my career, I have learned that the best designs are the result of the thoughts, conversations, and voices of all stakeholders, synthesized into a cohesive concept that embodies community. The most transformational outcomes rely on effectively capturing, synthesizing and stacking the ideas and dreams of these stakeholders in a manner celebrates the voices of all. My experiences throughout the Leadership program have only deepened this understanding. The perspectives I have gained into the wide array of work being done in Baltimore is fascinating and the thoughtful approach from so many Leaders inspires me. I have learned to listen better, to more effectively hear the unspoken, and to understand the deep-rooted passion in the continual evolution of Baltimore.”

Surviving AND thriving, please meet Nii Sowah (2024):

“In 1991, as an eager freshman, I embarked on a journey to Baltimore to attend the esteemed Morgan State University. I aimed to earn a degree in business, secure a job, and live happily ever after. Little did I know that this journey would offer me so much more.

Following my intuition, I chose to stay in Baltimore after graduation, a decision I am profoundly grateful for. Over the years, I have worked across local and state government, private industry, and the non-profit sectors. This diverse exposure has enabled me to lead and contribute to numerous impactful city and regional initiatives.

My professional path has been dedicated to community development, a field that resonates deeply with who I am. It’s not just my career; it’s my calling. I have devoted myself to uplifting under-served communities throughout Baltimore, striving to make a meaningful difference.

On a personal note, I am happily married, a proud father of two wonderful sons, and an excited Pop-Pop. Reflecting on my journey, I find myself in a season of transformation and gratitude, cherishing the experiences and growth that have shaped my life.

As Maya Angelou once said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.””