From commanding National Guard deployments to leading digital equity efforts in global tech, this year's honorees are powerful changemakers whose legacies are reshaping the future for generations to come.
"These women are architects of equity," said Tyrone D. Taborn, CEO of Career Communications Group. "They are not just making an impact—they are rewriting what leadership and legacy look like across every sector of society."
Special Honorees Include:
- Joy Moore, Educator, and Matriarch of Maryland's First Family
Moore's lifetime of quiet service laid the foundation for her son, Governor Wes Moore's historic leadership. Her impact spans classrooms and communities, serving as a beacon of intergenerational strength and dignity. - Winsome Leslie, CEO & Founder, DevSolutions Consulting, LLC
An international development strategist with over 25 years' experience across Latin America and the Caribbean, Leslie is a global expert in small business innovation, economic diplomacy, and inclusive growth. Formerly with the Inter-American Development Bank, she is known for brokering multimillion-dollar partnerships and advancing equity-driven economic solutions throughout the Caribbean and beyond.
2025 Impact Award Honorees:
- Maj. Gen. Janeen L. Birckhead, Adjutant General, Maryland Military Department
First Black woman to lead a state's National Guard, advocate for health equity, and a decorated veteran of national defense and public service. - Karen Dates Dunmore, Sr. Director of Community Engagement & Workforce Development, UMMC
Three-decade champion for educational access, health equity, and economic opportunity for Baltimore residents. - Dr. Frances "Toni" Draper, CEO & Publisher, AFRO-American Newspapers
Fourth-generation publisher preserving and modernizing one of the nation's most enduring Black media institutions. - Dr. Aprille Ericsson, Aerospace Consultant, Ericsson Integrated Strategies
Pioneering aerospace engineer and former Assistant Secretary of Defense, who helped shape landmark NASA missions and national STEM strategies. - Terri Lee Freeman, President & Executive Director, Reginald F. Lewis Museum
Civic leader and cultural steward elevating African American history through education and community transformation. - LaTara Harris, MBA, Chief of Staff, Prince George's County Executive's Office
Corporate and nonprofit executive advancing legislative priorities and young women's empowerment across Maryland. - Joni Holifield, Founder & Executive Director, HeartSmiles, Inc.
Baltimore-born advocate uplifting youth through leadership, entrepreneurship, and emotional wellness since 2015. - Jacqueline C. Hrabowski, Trustee, Abell Foundation
Mentor, philanthropist, and former T. Rowe Price executive championing early childhood education and civic engagement. - Yolanda E. Jiggetts, CEO, Park Heights Renaissance
Grassroots leader revitalizing Baltimore's Park Heights community through inclusive planning and development. - Brenda Johnson, IT Service Manager, Johns Hopkins APL
Tech leader and nonprofit executive driving innovation while uplifting families affected by cancer. - Nia Jetter, Sr. Principal Technologist, Amazon Global Robotics
Trailblazing roboticist shaping the future of autonomous systems and advocating for diversity in STEM. - Detra Miller, Administrative VP, M&T Bank
Banking executive and trusted advisor helping diverse entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses. - Dr. Tiffany B. Mfume, Associate VP, Student Success, Johns Hopkins University
Higher ed strategist who drove double-digit retention gains and equitable outcomes at two major universities. - Jan Morrison, Founder & CEO, TIES
STEM education architect shaping national learning ecosystems and future-ready school models. - Kendra Parlock, VP of Partnership Development, NPower
Tech workforce leader driving performance accountability and sustainable partnerships. - Councilmember Phylicia Porter, Baltimore City Council, District 10
Public health advocate and legislator focused on environmental justice and inclusive civic engagement. - Krystal Porter, MEng, Solution Architect, Leidos; Founder, STEM City USA
STEM visionary and digital equity leader connecting underserved communities to future-ready careers. - Dr. Destiny Simone Ramjohn, VP of Community Health, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Public health expert advancing systems-level solutions to address health disparities and social impact. - Dr. S. Rasheem, Professor, Morgan State University
Intersectional scholar shaping research and curriculum that centers race, gender, and justice. - Judy L. Smith, Chief Strategy Officer, MD Department of Commerce
Strategist and technologist driving performance and innovation across state economic development initiatives. - Shelonda Stokes, President, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore
Engineer and civic trailblazer transforming Baltimore's downtown through tech, equity, and business growth. - Tammi Thomas, Chief Development Officer, TEDCO
Economic development leader scaling innovation, marketing, and access to capital for Maryland entrepreneurs. - Angela Wheeler, CEO, A. Wheeler Consulting
Fundraising strategist and nonprofit consultant who has generated over $70M for high-impact causes. - Alicia Wilson, Esq., VP for Civic Engagement, Johns Hopkins University
Dynamic leader at the intersection of philanthropy, urban development, and racial equity. - Matice Wright-Springer, Partner & SVP, Booz Allen Hamilton
First Black female naval flight officer, now transforming defense systems through digital innovation.
About the Impact Awards
The Impact Awards celebrate women who drive measurable change and social transformation. Honorees are selected for exceptional leadership in public service, technology, education, community development, and entrepreneurship.
"These leaders are modeling what inclusive power looks like in action," said [Insert Name], Event Organizer. "They are the heartbeat of our communities and the blueprint for our shared future."
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Source: Career Communications Group
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