Charm City Dreamers

Alicia went from a trade highschool in East Baltimore, to becoming the youngest and first African American partner at Gordon Feinblatt, and today she is the Sr. VP of impact investment and Sr. Legal Counsel to the Port Covington Development team where she was the lead negotiator in the passage the largest Tax Increment Financing Bill in US history at the time of $660 Million.

Jay A. Perman, MD, became the sixth president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) in July 2010.

A pediatric gastroenterologist, Perman continues to practice medicine through his weekly President's Clinic, where he teaches team-based health care to students of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, law, and social work. Interprofessional, team-based care is a priority of Perman's: In 2013, he established the Center for Interprofessional Education to train all UMB students to provide high-quality, affordable health care and human services within a team-based model.

Dr. Perman is strengthening UMB's role in improving the health and well-being of its closest neighbors. In 2014, he established the Office of Community Engagement to coordinate UMB's varied outreach projects — with special emphasis on West Baltimore — and to leverage resources so that the University may respond quickly and effectively to identified community needs. In fall 2015, Perman opened the UMB Community Engagement Center in West Baltimore to provide direct health, employment, legal, financial, and social services to nearby residents and to engage with them in neighborhood-strengthening advocacy projects.

Named one of Maryland's Most Admired CEOs in 2013 by The Daily Record, Perman is focused on creating a dynamic University culture.

Marc has served as the professional leader of the Associated system since 2003 and is one of only six individuals who have held this position over the Associated's 100-year history. In this important leadership capacity, Marc has provided vision and practical strategies to enhance community building, resource development and deployment and the fostering of alliances with a wide array of strategic partners.

In spite of such a tragedy, Van did not let this stop him. He went on to graduate from Loyola Blakefield and later from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications; all the while still working hard at therapy, making a miraculous recovery. Van was recently appointed as Director of Governer's Office on Service and Volunteerism.

We hope this story inspires you to overcome your toughest obstacles.

Rebecca Alban Hoffberger is the founder, director and principal curator of the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM). As a life-long devotee of the power of intuition and fresh thought, Rebecca is constantly challenging the status quo. In this episode we explore how Rebecca founded the museum, delve into her view on the art world, and share her vision for the future.

Verlando Brown was born and raised in West Baltimore. He is committed to using his story and experience to uplift other first generation college students. Verlando was a thought partner on Michelle Obama's Reach Higher Initiative.

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Fostering Change Network's expertise in child welfare begins with Founder and CEO Shalita O'Neale, a highly trusted and nationally recognized professional both inside and outside of both social work and foster care circles. Shalita's ultimate goal is to dispel the stigma of foster care by highlighting the contributions of alumni of the foster care and providing them with the resources, tools and peer network that will allow them to excel.

James Piper Bond is the CEO and President of the Living Classrooms Foundation. His mission is to strengthen communities and inspire young people to achieve their potential through hands-on education and job training, using urban, natural, and maritime resources as "living classrooms."

Judge Friedman is an Associate Judge on the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, 8th Judicial Circuit. She was the first female orthodox judge in the state of Maryland and has been leader and role model for inspiring change. Among many accomplishments Judge Friedman was listed in Maryland's top 100 women by the daily record.

MaryBeth Hyland, founder of SparkVision, believes that when you connect people through purpose, there's no limit to what they can do. Her organization crafts culture, and designs experiences to strengthen the bonds that help people accomplish extraordinary things together. SparkVision creates environments where people thrive. MaryBeth is most proud of her role as a foster parent and volunteer work in the community.