A Special Interview: September 2023

What is the mission of GVOLC?
Our mission is to provide quality learning experiences that promote growth and nourish the development of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Community, challenging comfort zone, and leadership are our top values.

Tell us about a time when you saw the GVOLC mission in action.
I see GVOLC’s mission in action every time people step foot at Genesee Valley – I see participants, staff, teachers, administration, and co-workers connect with each other in a natural space outside of work or school. I see them create new learned connections about personalities, leadership patterns, learning styles, and general well-being for their fellow humans. Our staff help to form a space where participants can share experiences and bind those experiences into daily life.

What trends do you see in adult groups as they work on leadership and communication skills?
Adults generally start out reserved and skeptical then transform throughout the experience to being open, authentic, and willing. When taking adults out of the workplace, there is a sense of stress about not working that then progresses toward connecting with others. GVOLC creates an even playing field for all adults to work together and then process this information back to their work lives. At GVOLC we are able to simulate low risk activities that break down the barriers to discuss our feelings, challenges, goals and experiences.

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?
Having various responsibilities as a child and beyond has helped me to recognize the importance of thriving versus surviving. Being raised on a farm, I had space to make mistakes. I also learned the cost of those mistakes – not watering the plants, not putting the chickens away at night, forgetting to turn the watering hose off, etc. Those moments taught me how care, guidance, and support lead to success in these responsibilities or not. To be a successful leader, you must want everyone around you and your organization to grow and thrive. Forming into a leader is a JOURNEY as it consists of relationship building, performance, and trust! Trust between the mission of the organization, your co-workers and yourself is a process that takes time to grow. The moments when I felt my leadership come to fruition were when I put myself on the front line with my staff and was part of the magic work that makes Genesee Valley amazing. Being able to share those moments with your staff, be vulnerable and real makes for stronger team connections.

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?
Being willing to do ALL/ANY of the work that is needed for your organization to thrive. This doesn’t mean doing all the work directly but being willing to support your staff in getting the work done well. Like I mentioned above, being willing to be on the front line with them to get work done is so valuable for relationship building to continue to grow and develop staff!

A Special Interview: July 2023

What do you feel is the greatest challenge in Baltimore County and how does it impact you and your work?

There are many important challenges in the county and the region so it’s hard to pick one. From my company’s perspective, I would like to see more value in the taxes that we pay. I am in the asphalt and paving business so the need to keep our road maintenance programs fully funded and functioning is extremely important to me. This creates and provides jobs. It also keeps motorists and tax-paying citizens safe.

How does your work as a civic leader impact your work at Gray & Son?

Being present in the community has always been a very important part of our company values and to me personally. I believe giving back is good for the soul. It keeps things in perspective and helps one remember the big picture. I have been searching for a nonprofit to work with and recently joined the board of Turn Around, Inc. After spending time getting to know my LBC classmate, Turn Around Director Amanda Rodriguez, I learned more about Turn Around’s mission and felt a true connection. I knew in my heart it was meant to be. Being part of a nonprofit has and will continue to help me develop as a leader, as the nonprofit and for-profit worlds are very different.

How did the LBC experience shape you?

My experience at LBC was very rewarding for me personally and professionally. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone. The 360 assessment was extremely helpful to me as a leader of my third-generation family business— which is very tricky, I promise. LBC opened my eyes to many challenges that Baltimore County faces and has pushed me to want to be more involved and aware of what’s going on in my community.

Why did you choose to become a Lifetime Alumni Member?

Connections and relationships! I’ve met some of the most inspiring people at LBC and I am so very thankful for the relationships I made during the program. I hope that I will make more through being a Lifetime Alumni Member.

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?

I am not sure that I can say there is one single life experience that has shaped me as a leader. What I can tell you is who has shaped me as a leader. My grandfather and my father are the two most hardworking and giving people I have ever known! Their work ethic and integrity are what have made Gray & Son the reputable company that it is today. I am proud to help carry on in their footsteps. I hope my girls will feel the same way one day.

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?

Different leaders have different styles and that is what makes a good leadership team. At Gray & Son, our leadership team has a variety of traits that make us whole. My personal trait is being compassionate and having integrity. I want my employees to always know that I am fair, that they are part of the family, and that we know that they are our greatest asset.

[PHOTO]

On June 8 at The Gordon Center for the Performing Arts, LBC celebrated 40 years of service and community and the commencement of the LBC Class of 2023. The positive energy and excitement in the room was palpable. The LBC Class of 2023 was riding the high of a fantastic 10-month journey of personal and professional growth where they each made 51 new friends and came away with new vigor for civic engagement. Alumni from every decade of LBC’s history joined together to welcome the Class of 2023 to the alumni network and celebrate the organizations 40 year history. The event was made possible by generous sponsors, hard-working volunteers and supportive vendors. View the program and photo through the links below to learn more about these wonderful supporters and the great time had by all.

PROGRAM BOOK: LBC Ruby Anniv and 2023 Commencement Program Book 06 12 2023

COMMEMORATIVE VIDEO: Click here

A Special Interview: June 2023

What do you feel is the greatest challenge in Baltimore County and how does it impact you and your work?

Baltimore County has such a wide-spanning demographic, varying in levels of education, economic stability and opportunity, and access. We have communities steeped in great wealth and prosperity, and others struggling under the weight of abject poverty. We also have an incredible number of public and private companies, non-profit organizations, and government services with the means to provide resources to help alleviate the challenges experienced in our county. The greatest challenge is a gap between resource providers and those in need. There can be limited knowledge of and access to resources that would otherwise serve to support deficits in the community. Resource accessibility issues can include transportation, lack of disability consideration, or just general lack of knowledge of what’s available. Within my organization I’m very invested in working with our Senior Leadership team to expand employment and professional development opportunities for our internal talent, focusing not on an associate’s disability, but on their abilities, their skills, their potential, and their motivation to succeed. My HR team also works to stay connected to available resources and to assist with access for our Associates.

What do you see as LBC’s greatest strength as developed over its 40-year history?

LBC acts as a conduit in Baltimore County, drawing top leaders and civic-minded individuals to learn more about the region’s struggles and needs, while giving organizations who are working to serve the needs of the community a platform to convey their needs to a captive, engaged audience. This uniquely positions these organizations along with the LBC participants to address current opportunities in a relevant way. LBC also works hard to create a safe space for courageous authenticity, allowing for challenging conversations and working through difficult issues in a solutions-oriented environment. These nuances of the program create the ideal circumstances for making impactful connections and truly working toward change.

How does your work as a civic leader impact your work at the BISM?

As the Director of Human Resources for BISM, my work revolves greatly around creating and supporting employment opportunities and growth for all our Associates including those experiencing blindness. I am very intentional about training and development, performance management, and overall accessibility. I’m grateful for an opportunity to be a part of an organization that is so instrumental in the advancement and progression of blind rehabilitation and employment. My personal civic leadership gives me a chance to offer my time and skills in similar support to other causes with which I feel personally aligned. While my professional journey with BISM and my personal civic engagement journey exist on 2 different roads, both roads lead to the common goal of increased access to necessary and impactful resources and improved outcomes for members of marginalized communities in our region.

How did the LBC experience shape you?

My LBC Experience did change me and I believe I’ll be discovering residual impact in my career and civic engagement for years to come. LBC increased my sense of responsibility to the challenges in my community. I no longer have the false sense that “someone else will fix it.” This program elevated my level of personal accountability to be a driving force for the changes I want to see. LBC has also amplified my voice through my network and the LBC platform. I am excited to continue to grow in my civic engagement and look forward to years of continued engagement with this program.

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?

Mentorship – At every critical juncture in my life, I can identify the person whose mentorship made my progression possible. Some mentorship was intentional, and I am grateful for those who sought me out or to whom I reached out, who were willing to share their gifts and time with me. Others have mentored me without meaning to, leading by example, and giving me a guide to follow. In some cases, it was singing my praises in front of others, or giving me difficult feedback about myself to help me grow. I wouldn’t be the leader I am today without mentorship, and I am intent on paying in forward.

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?

I know that the higher you advance in leadership, the fewer people there are who are in a position to hold you accountable in the conventional sense. This is why personal accountability is one of the most important personal traits for a good leader. Holding yourself to an elevated standard and having the self-awareness to acknowledge when you’ve fallen short of that standard and regroup is paramount to success and to motivating and inspiring others to want to work for you.

A Special Interview: May 2023

What do you feel is the greatest challenge in Baltimore County and how does it impact you and your work?

Baltimore County has a diverse community, great universities, healthcare and great amenities. There is so much potential to build upon, but the county will need to address infrastructure issues, such as transportation, school overcrowding and sewage to continue to attract businesses and residents and ensure economic growth. As publisher of the Baltimore Business Journal, it certainly plays a role in our coverage of Greater Baltimore. For the region to thrive, Baltimore County must thrive. We need a resilient region to continue to attract business and talent.

What do you see as LBC’s greatest strength as developed over its 40-year history?

LBC’s greatest strength is helping leaders connect the dots as it relates to the needs in Baltimore County and our role in advocating for and working towards creating more equitable, sustainable, and inclusive communities. We don’t know what we don’t know, and I now understand not only the ways in which I can make a positive impact but where my help is most needed.

How does your work as a civic leader impact your work at the BBJ?

I’m closer to the issues impacting our small business community. I use what I’m hearing and seeing to inform us on the issues impacting small businesses. I also think that my work as a civic leader has helped me to develop a great deal of empathy for the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities, which makes me a better advocate for our coverage of women and minority-led businesses and nonprofits.

How did the LBC experience shape you?

There were two experiences during my class time with LBC that had a significant impact on my worldview. First, was a presentation by United Way of Central Maryland. I wasn’t familiar with the term “ALICE families.” That you can have two people in the household employed full-time and still struggling to make ends meet really hit home the importance of a living wage – and even a $15/hr minimum wage doesn’t cut it. Second, was the day spent with the Baltimore County Police Department. As a Black woman, I struggled with some of the outcomes of the training exercises, but I also gained a greater level of understanding and empathy for how incredibly difficult the job of a police officer is.

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?

As a college student I had an opportunity to volunteer to tutor at a children’s home. It was challenging because these kids were dealing with issues of poverty, feeling abandoned, stigmatized. I spent a lot of time just listening and trying to find ways to help them better cope. That needed to be done before we could begin to dig into a school assignment. It’s a reminder to me every day that I’m leading individuals, not just teams; some that have challenges that I may not be privy to. I have to make space for that so that I’m a better listener but also a better support system when needed.

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?

I think one of the greatest traits missing from leadership is empathy. I know it keeps coming up, but when I hear about the companies with great cultures, it always boils down to whether employees believe that the leadership genuinely cares about them.
It brings to mind one of my favorite quotes from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

A Special Interview: February 2023

A Special Interview: August 2022

What do you think is the greatest challenge facing Baltimore County?

The challenges facing Baltimore County, and in fact, the whole region, are many, but if I had to pick one, I’d say that it’s the growing income gap and the shrinking middle class. Baltimore County is a wonderfully diverse place, but it’s like so many communities across the state and country. Healthy and thriving communities rely on strong connectivity between neighborhoods, great public schools, and a general sense of well-being across the entirety of the population. That’s becoming more and more of a challenge as so many socio-economic factors are squeezing middle and lower income families out of the American dream that we all grew up believing in and benefiting from. We need to work harder to create a fairer, more equitable and more connected Baltimore County.

How does The Y in Central Maryland address the needs of our community?

In short, in so many ways. We focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, and we do that at scale. As such, we work in the areas of early childhood development, community schools, afterschool enrichment, summer camp and enrichment, health and wellness, mentoring and so much more. In the past several years, we have also jumped into the food access arena, working hard to provide access to healthy food for those who are struggling. In all this work, we focus on building an inclusive community and breaking down the barriers that have historically prevented too many people and families from accessing these essential opportunities. To learn more about our mission and work, follow this link: The Y’s Case for Support.

How can the community support your work?

Thanks for asking! There are many ways that someone can support the work of the Y.  One way is to become a member of the Y, which I guarantee will be a positive for you and your family. A second way to support our work is to volunteer.  We have many types of volunteer opportunities and many ways to do that, whether it’s through one’s company or individually. For more information, follow this link: https://ymaryland.org/volunteer. Finally, one can donate to support our work. With financial support from the community, we can make anything we do happen. To learn more, follow this link.

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?

When I reflect on growing up and going to college, I would say the fact that I needed to be very independent and work early in my life, and the fact that I had to pay for my college tuition myself as our family had a lot of kids and not a lot of extra cash laying around. That made me understand the value of hard work, and the fact that grit is often more important than whether someone went to a “brand-name” school. As I think about my career, the fact that I’ve worked in multiple industries and in both the private sector and in the not-for-profit sector has given me a wider perspective as both a leader and an innovator.

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?

There’s undoubtedly more than one important personal trait needed to be a good leader, but in my experience I believe that a great leader is someone who can attract, develop and get the most out of a diverse set of people. Great leaders surround themselves with people who look and think differently than them, and who bring different experiences to bear. As such, one has to realize that there is no one way to lead when one has a diverse team. I think it makes leadership more interesting and gratifying.

A Special Interview: July 2022

What is uniquely important about this state primary election?

It’s extraordinarily important that every voter vote in every election they are eligible to vote in. Even if you don’t like the candidates or the race is not super competitive. Politicians and parties use the voter file – the publicly available list of all the registered voters and which elections they’ve voted in – to figure out which voters and communities to prioritize and which folks to ignore. When only some voters and communities show up to vote, it makes our whole community weaker. It leads politicians to overemphasize some issues and ignore others and makes it harder for us to govern ourselves together in a way that respects and benefits everyone. So this election is obviously extremely important because of the many tight races and influential offices on the ballot. But it’s also important just because it’s an election and because everyone’s participation is essential.

What is the greatest challenge to fulfill your mission of getting every person in every precinct to vote in every election in Baltimore?

The greatest challenge is building a network of local leaders in each voting precinct who are dedicated to including every single voter in their precinct. It’s hard work to identify those leaders, It’s hard work to support them and resource them in developing plans to do great outreach in their neighborhoods. And it’s particularly hard to sustain and grow their leadership from election to election. But it makes a huge difference. So we go to work at the Baltimore Votes Coalition everyday doing that work of growing our network of community leaders and then supporting and resourcing with everything they need in order to eventually include every voter in their community.

How are you inspiring the next generation of leaders in your field?

I had an amazing experience this spring working with students from across the region this spring on a “Democracy Data Science Hack-a-thon” to analyze the Baltimore voter file and provide the local leaders we serve with critical information that can help inform their strategies and message to the community. They produced some amazing products like a precinct turnout dashboard to inform party at the polls hosts, histograms of various aspects of Baltimore City Voter data, analysis of how voter turnout connects with other Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance signals, and visualizations of where civic group have strong membership and where they need to grow. It was so valuable for us to work with these students. I hope they go on to continue bringing their data science skills to the work of building a work inclusive democracy and I know that the work they did with us has already inspired some of the existing leaders in our field to try out new ideas and strategies.

What life experience has most shaped who you are as a leader?

I co-founded the Students Learn Students Vote Coalition with Clarissa Unger in 2016. The SLSV Coalition is the national hub & largest nonpartisan network in the country dedicated to increasing student voter participation. Our work over the last seven years to grow and cultivate and steward this community to more than 400 coalition partners with a reach of over 2,000 higher education institutions has taught me so much about the persistence and humility and tenacity required to build power with a constituency.

In your opinion, what personal trait is most important to being a good leader and why?

The tenacity to try something new paired with the humility to listen to feedback and the tenacity to keep going in spite of opposition. I guess that is three personal traits? I stand by my answer anyway. Leaders need to be multifaceted!