Knowing the candidates on the ballot, the steps you need to take before November 5 and avoiding mis and dis information, are all crucial elements as the 2024 elections nears. Learn more about exercising your right to vote in this episode with Windy Deese of United Way of Central Maryland and Jared DeMarinis, Maryland’s State Administrator of Elections. 

As the 2024 election approaches, guest host Windy Deese sat down with Natasha Murphy of Black Girls Vote and Indira Obichere of United Way of Central Maryland to talk about the importance of being an active participant in the democratic process. Listen to learn more about how you can make your voice heard on the issues that impact you and your neighbors most. 

In this episode, we sat down with three women connected to United Way of Central Maryland whose passion for childcare leads them to work to transform the childcare industry, building stronger futures for children, parents, providers, and communities. Hear from United Way’s Molly McGriff and Nalia Frisby and long-time Women United members, Vickie Cosby to learn more about the child care and early education space in Central Maryland.

If you’re left wanting more, consider registering for our upcoming Women’s Forum on September 26: uwcm.org/WUForum

• September 26 from 2 pm – 6:30 pm
• Port Discovery
• Featured speaker, panel, networking, and more!

From Chef Daphne, who saw something special in him, to opening his own restaurant, Chef Saon Brice has become an impactful community leader. Hear from Chef about the role of mentorship in his journey and how he has broken down barriers along the way.

If you would have asked young Saon Brice if he thought he’d become a chef, he would have laughed and said no, a cowboy. Hear how Chef went from wanting to be a cowboy to becoming a musician, chef, and mentor. 

In this episode, we sat down with three women (and 2021 Changemaker Challenge grantees) who work every day to empower women to rewrite their stories. Hear from Veronica Jackson of Pivot and Angeles Evans and Diana Beeson of TurnAround, Inc. to learn how they work to drive equity, access, and opportunity for the women they serve. 

To learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites: 

Pivot Program 

TurnAround, Inc. 

Workforce development, a bystander intervention program, and art therapy for cancer patients are just three of the ideas pitched at the 2021 Changemaker Challenge. We sat down with three grantees of the Changemaker Challenge, Van Brooks, Sonia Su, and Dawn Volkart, to learn more about the challenge, their experience, and advice for future applicants.

Applications for the 2024 Changemaker Challenge are open now: uwcm.org/changemakerchallenge

To learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites:

Van Brooks, Safe Alternative Foundation for Education

Sonia Su, Kits to Heart

Dawn Volkart, Owls in Action

2023 has been quite the year for us at United Way of Central Maryland. Hear from two staff members about their highlights from this past year and take a look back at what we’ve done to strengthen the lives of our neighbors in Central Maryland. 

During Hunger Action Month, we sat down with Leah Paley, CEO of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and Evan Lutz, Founder and CEO, of Hungry Harvest to discuss food insecurity and what their community organizations are doing to tackle the issue to support their neighbors.

Learn more:

• Anne Arundel County Food Bank
• Hungry Harvest

Everyone deals with mental health challenges differently, but often the signs of struggle can be similar. It’s important to be mindful of your mental wellness--and to check in on others who may be suffering.

Certain communities face stigmas and barriers to accessing the help they need. In this episode, we talk with Dominiece Clifton, CEO and founder of Move X Still, and Gwen Schemm, a former Division II athlete who now works at United Way. Listen and learn how you can guide your own healing journey--and help others.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• United Way 211 Helpline
• School of Healing Podcast Instagram
• School of Healing Podcast page  
• Gwen Schemm's Instagram post