County Executive Pittman, Caucus of African American Leaders Honor 14 Trailblazing Women
Program included keynote address from former Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens
Annapolis, MD - Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman and Carl Snowden, Convener of the Caucus of African American Leaders (CAAL) honored 14 trailblazing female local leaders during the 5th Annual Michelle Obama Awards.
“The fact that 78% of the county workforce is led by women department directors speaks to the true impact of women in our county,” said County Executive Pittman. “It is an honor to recognize these changemakers doing the work in our communities, and to hear their stories.”
The awards program occurs annually during Women’s History Month to recognize women who have had a tremendous impact in Anne Arundel County. It is named after former First Lady Michelle Obama, who advocates for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, health and wellness; and serves as a role model for women.
This year’s theme was “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” CAAL member and local activist Delorma “Dee” Goodwyn emceed the ceremony, and former Anne Arundel County Executive Janet Owens provided the keynote address regarding her service as the first woman to hold the office
“The 14 Michelle Obama Award honorees epitomizes why Anne Arundel County is seeking to be the best for all,” said Carl Snowden. “These trailblazers include a college president and women who have demonstrated a propensity for good. We were delighted to have former County Executive Janet Owens to keynote this event.”
Honorees included:
Roxana Rodriguez, Co-Founder of Caliente Grill
Kris Valerio Shock, Executive Director of Leadership Anne Arundel
Mary Spencer, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County (CFAAC)
Virginia Thomas, ACDS Board Member and Former Director of Anne Arundel County’s Department of Aging and Disabilities
- Emma Buchman, Community Advocate and Director of March On Maryland
- Ron-Shaye Clark, Gospel Singer/Songwriter and Empowerment speaker
- Jackie Coleman, Executive Director at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts
- Nora Demleitner, 25th president of St. John's College, Annapolis Campus
- Reverend Gay Green-Carden, Pastor of Asbury Jessup United Methodist Church
- Laura Gutierrez, Manager and Hispanic Liaison of the Office of Community Services of the City of Annapolis
- Vanessa Jones, Faith Leader and Owner of House of Loving Care Assisted Living
- Jan F. Lee, Director of Marketing of the Banneker-Douglass Museum
- Gertrude Makell, President of the Galesville Community Center Organization and County Veteran leader
- Priscilla “Pat” Montague, Director of the Annapolis Drum and Bugle Corps (AD&BC)
To learn more about the Michelle Obama Awards and read the short bios of the honorees, visit aacounty.org/moawards.
The event will reair on Arundel TV tonight at 6pm. Viewers can watch on:
- Arundel TV Live
- Channel 38 on Verizon
- Channel 98 on Comcast / Broadstripe
