After nearly two decades as the founder and CEO of Clapp Communications, an award-winning communications firm, Barb made the bold decision in 2019 to sell the company and dedicate herself to a deeper mission: creating career opportunities for those who need them most. Having grown up under difficult circumstances herself, Barb understands firsthand the power of access and support in changing lives.

Since stepping into her role at DWD, Barb has transformed the nonprofit from concept to a full-scale national workforce development organization that has served over 6,000 Dwyer Scholars across five states since inception in 2021. Serving underserved individuals, DWD removes barriers to success by providing person-centered case management, need-based wraparound services—such as transportation, childcare, and housing support—free CNA and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) training, and job placement support.

In this episode we interview Jaz Erenberg. Jaz is a muralist who creates community centric public artwork. Over the last 6 years, her practice has grown through collaboration with communities to build creative ways to make them feel seen and heard throughout the process. Using workshops and events, communities have become an integral part of how she creates public artwork. When a community is involved in how their space can be transformed, their sense of ownership and pride is reignited and they become a stronger, more connected community. We hope this episode brings some color to your day and inspires you. Enjoy!

David is the executive director of the Pikesville Armory. This public, private, and community 17-acre project has the opportunity to re-imagine the area. In this episode, we discuss the scope and vision, as well as the community feedback that has gone into the project. We also discuss the project's regional implications and the national implications of the work. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, we feature Quandra Gray the founder of What The Sprout!

After years in visual design, Quandra was drawn to a new type of creation—one rooted in health and sustainability. With no backyard for gardening, Quandra found the power of growing microgreens at home. Now, she's helping others cultivate microgreens for better health and community impact—all from the comfort of home.

Quandra uses her experience to help others grow their own food. She's teaching people how to cultivate microgreens for health and make a positive impact on their community—all from the comfort of their home. We hope you enjoy!

Arion Long is the CEO of Femly. She's a visionary who is revolutionizing the FemTech industry. As the Chief Estrogen Officer of Femly, Arion has transformed a subscription box service into an award-winning enterprise with patented technologies. She is the creator of the world's first touchless pad and tampon vending machine, a game-changing innovation that is increasing period care access in restrooms across the nation. More than 25 states require access to period supplies in restrooms around the U.S. Arion’s invention uses sensors that work for all skin tones and allow users to wave “hello” to access organic sanitary products from femly. In this episode we explore her entrepreneurial journey and why she chose Baltimore as her company's headquarters.

Dionne Joyner-Weems is a global brand builder, a dynamic storyteller, author and a passionate changemaker who has garnered a reputation for her unparalleled energy and ability to turn challenges into solutions and moments into movements across industries.

For more than 16-years, Dionne Joyner-Weems served as the Chief Marketing Officer for the city of Baltimore, and also founded the development of the organization’s Community Affairs division. She has received numerous awards for her civic leadership, but it is her passion for the innovation and revitalization of major urban communities that keeps her mind racing.

Today, if she were asked, her proudest career accomplishment it would be finding the audacity to use her love of storytelling to fuel Baltimore’s fastest civic-social movement, #MyBmore Project.

In today's episode we interview Bob Manekin regarding Baltimore's real estate evolution over time. Bob is currently the oldest Commercial Real Estate Broker in Baltimore City and he shares major Baltimore real estate projects and milestones going back to world war II. We discuss his journey from the military to family business to commercial brokerage. Bob shares his love of Baltimore and it's grit and capacity to reinvent itself. We hope you enjoy!

A third-generation Marylander, Senator Ben Cardin has been a national leader on health care, retirement security, the environment and fiscal issues while representing the people of Maryland in the U.S. Senate, and before that in the House of Representatives. Currently serving as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has worked across party lines to further U.S. national security and to ensure that good governance, transparency and respect for human rights are integrated into American foreign policy.

In this episode we discuss his upbringing in Baltimore and how his work in Baltimore has led to 58 years of public service. Senator Cardin shares his greatest achievements, his vision for Baltimore, and the traits that have made for a successful career. We hope you enjoy!