REDEFINING FARMING
PROFILES OF EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN ACROSS THE EASTERN SHORE
We invite you to read about extraordinary women in our region and their many accomplishments! Women to Watch spotlights the work, dedication, talent and service of women on the MidShore who continue to lead in their respective fields and those who embody strength, vitality, leadership and integrity for our community.
We invited readers to nominate women who exemplify excellence, both in navigating their career path and as community leaders. Our portal that accepted nominations was open on stardem.com from January 15 - February 7. During this period, we received 212 nominations for extraordinary women who work or reside in Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Kent, Caroline and Dorchester counties.
An APG Media of Chesapeake internal committee and an external committee made up of community members met after nominations closed. They embarked on the extraordinarily difficult task of identifying women to interview for the 2025 Women to Watch Magazine. The committee worked through a set of criteria for the nominees. The criteria includes nominees’ community service, professional accomplishments and personal achievements, as well as their work with mentoring and inspiring others.
As you can imagine, it was an exceedingly difficult decision. Each nominee had invaluable contributions indelible both in the community and workplace. The names within these pages represent women who are breaking stereotypes to positively impact our world today while inspiring future generations. Our many thanks to the strong women at The Star Democrat, The Kent County News, The Dorchester Star, Bay Times & Record Observer, and Times-Record who made this publication possible.
— The Women to Watch 2025 Committee
Judy Tubman
Amanda
Patricia
Jackie
Amanda
Yixin Qiu
Julie Hickey
Lori Willis-Tucker
Wendy Weitzel wweitzel@chespub.com
Jo Ann Geiger jgeiger@chespub.com
bgriffin@chespub.com
David Anthony
Shania Garcia- Herrera Donna Baez
Moore
Kenia Itzep
Jennifer Quinn
JUDY TUBMAN
Equine Veterinarian
Kent Veterinary Center & Glasgow Farm
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
Maryland has more horses per capita than any other state in the country. Horses are not just a hobby here, they are a way of life and are inextricably linked to both Maryland’s history and future. As a veterinarian I have had the good fortune of weaving together conservationism, veterinary medicine and the ability to educate and mentor those interested in a career in veterinary medicine or related fields.
I have two jobs — Kent Veterinary Center and Glasgow Farm. At Kent Veterinary Center, I am able to see numerous client horses daily but also have the ability, with the use of a mobile unit, to visit clients on their farms. Glasgow Farm is a 100-acre horse farm in the Chester River watershed where I have put more than 20% of the land in Conservation Reserve Enhancement Programs and created two Department of Natural Resources ponds to provide waterfowl habitat. As a result, I was named Outstanding Cooperator of the Year for the conservation accomplishments and received the Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary’s Citation for commitment to the protection of natural resources.
Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH?
Becoming a veterinarian, doctor, lawyer or any other professional is a long process, and it starts with school and good grades. It also is beneficial to participate in clubs such as Pony Club and 4-H, or volunteer at the Humane Society. This provides a foundation of setting goals and achieving them. At the end of the process, you will be rewarded with a very fulfilling career.
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
I am inspired daily by my employees, clients and colleagues. Throughout school and my veterinary career, every person I have the fortune of dealing with provides me with a different outlook, a different perspective or a different approach to solving problems. They are all inspirational and have all allowed me to open my eyes to look at things from different angles, thus understanding people and problems better.
Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
Service is being available to my clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year; this is especially important in a crisis. My clients know that I am always a phone call away. I feel this is paramount in a life threatening situation, and I want to give those clients all the help and support possible through my skills and resources.
Five:
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
Becoming a veterinarian, doctor, lawyer or any other professional is a long process,. It is beneficial to participate in clubs or volunteer at the Humane Society. At the end of the process, you will be rewarded with a very fulfilling career.
Pony Club provided me with the foundation to teach and required that you were an effective instructor to climb up the ranks. Therefore, as a grade schooler, I started to teach & continue to do so today. In 2024, I mentored four young women that have their sights on veterinary school. Since the beginning of 2025, I have had three seminars: one for veterinarians at Kent Veterinary Center so they can receive continuing education credits needed to maintain their licences; another educational dinner for 50 clients hosted by a leading national pharmaceutical company discussing the developing medicine and treatments; and an all day seminar, held again at Kent Veterinary Center, for both Pony Clubbers and 4-Hers from Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania.
I am also very excited about the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Veterinary School opening in Salisbury in 2026. It will be the first veterinary school in the state. It will provide an important influx of veterinary talent to the state, and I expect to mentor students should the opportunity arise.
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Discover theDifference in Your Life
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AMANDA KIDD
Founder
Four Eleven Kitchen
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
As a food and hospitality innovator, I teach food entrepreneurs how to build unique businesses that stand out, serve a purpose and generate long-term success. What motivates me to make our community stronger is the fact that I have witnessed that profitability tends to be elusive for businesses that haven’t nailed down a sustainable strategy nor the right systems. The Foodpreneur Hub is a place where like-minded individuals can come together and grow their businesses through community and mentorship. Without the right systems in place, consistent profitability often becomes a moving target for many businesses.
Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH?
My number one advice for women hoping to take a similar path as I is to make sure you are willing to do the “inside” work necessary to serve others. As a leader, you must have the heart of a servant but the willingness of a warrior. There will be many unknown variables that will arise. You must be in a place of wholeness to gain insight of the strategy needed to lead well.
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
I honestly can not say that I have one person that inspires me. What actually inspires me is the person that is willing to keep placing one foot in front of the other, even with tears in their eyes. The person who will make sure that they have placed their own oxygen mask on before helping the next. The person who is willing to invest in themselves to be in a better position so that they can turn around and be a help to someone else. Those are the types of people that inspire me.
Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
Service can only come from the heart. If you have to think about it, you’re not serving.
Five:
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
My future goal is to leave behind a legacy of hospitality and love.
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PATRICIA GILBERT
Professor Horn Point Laboratory
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER. I am passionate about science — it is what I do and what I love to do. I am an oceanographer, and I study water quality, particularly the algae, and I am especially interested in those algae that form red tides. These are the algae that form blooms that can make people sick through seafood contamination, and that can have devastating environmental and economic consequences when they do occur. I have had incredible opportunities to study these events from the Chesapeake Bay to Florida, from the Middle East to China, from the Baltic Sea to Brazil. I am a professor at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and have the wonderful privilege to devote most of my time to research. I advise the work of graduate students who are hoping to make their careers in science as well. I am exceptionally proud of the success of my students and the career paths they have taken.
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH AS YOU?
Years ago, the field of oceanography was difficult for women. Women were not routinely welcome at sea due to age-old taboos. When you are an oceanographer, the sea is your laboratory. Times have changed. In my early cruises, I was often the only woman (if I was even allowed on board).
In my most recent cruises, I have been honored to have been among an all-women scientific party. Dual career couples (of which my husband and I are one) were also discouraged at many institutions. Tenure clocks were not favorable for women who took time for maternity leave or other parental responsibilities. These policies have also changed over time. We have come a long way, but there is more work to do to increase representation in the sciences even further. So my advice: stay the course. We need you.
I have had many mentors who have instilled in me their love of science. They have also shown through their words and actions that while we hope what we do is making a difference, the challenges are many. This is a lesson I keep reminding myself of in the current anti-science climate. Not every experiment follows the expectation; not every scientific inquiry gives us the answers we want. This inspires us to ask new questions, to reach for new tools and to understand that surprises in our data are opportunities to explore new ideas with new hypotheses and approaches. The quest for answers – and for solutions to improve our water and our planet does not stop.
Cour tesy photos
Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
The science I do inherently serves society: we need clean, unpolluted water. We should cherish and protect our natural resources that are under threat from pollution and climate change. The small part I can play in helping to understand how our waters are changing continues to drive the work I do.
Science is a collective endeavor. Nothing we do is a single effort. We rely on colleagues and collaborators. We rely on technicians, and we know that the very act of conducting a single experiment has many support systems. Service to me means giving back to the scientific community. I do that in many ways, such as serving our scientific societies, including a recent stint as president of our international society of limnologists and oceanographers. This is the only society with a mission to create and communicate knowledge of our world waters across the full spectrum of aquatic sciences, and to advance public awareness and education about aquatic resources and research. I have also provided my scientific expertise in litigation against polluters.
Five:
Stay the course. We need you.
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
The arc of my career is now nearer the end than the beginning. As I look to the future, I still have many goals yet to be accomplished. I recently completed a textbook on algae. I may have one more book in my future. I also have other specific goals on the projects I am now working on. Those are my small goals.
The most important goal for me, however, is to instill in my grandchildren (and the public at large) a wonder and an appreciation of our natural waters. Our world is full of natural resources that we must protect. It is – or will be soon– their responsibility to preserve our natural world. We may have subjected–and we continue to subject–Mother Earth to many abuses, but they should not despair. If we have a new generation of scientists with love and passion for our natural world, our future will be just fine. Whether my grandchildren become scientists or not, I hope they can appreciate the need for, and can advocate for, science for the greater public good.
WilsonJackie
Leading with confidence,community spirit
Story by Kenia Itzep
Jackie Wilson, senior vice president and area manager at Burke & Herbert Bank, has spent over three decades navigating the complexities of the banking industry. With 31 years of experience, her journey is marked by a commitment to helping others and encouraging community support.
Wilson's career began in 1993 at Easton Bank & Trust, where she quickly recognized her calling in the financial world. “I wanted to help people,” she said, reflecting on her career. “I love my customers more than anything.”
Today, Wilson oversees 15 Burke & Herbert branches across Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia –soon to be 16 with a new branch opening in Bethesda.
Wilson helped guide her team through two bank mergers in two years – Provident State Bank to Summit Community Bank and Summit Community Bank to Burke & Herbert Bank. She described the mergers as part of a broader trend in community banking driven by economies of scale. With rising regulatory requirements and compliance demands, she notes mergers like these allow smaller banks to pool resources and remain competitive.
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YOU GAIN PEOPLE’S TRUST BY PROVING
YOU CAN ADD VALUE AND THAT YOU KNOW WHAT YOU’RE DOING.
As a female leader in a traditionally maledominated industry, Wilson acknowledges the challenges she has faced but emphasizes the importance of confidence and preparation. “You definitely have to know your stuff,” she said.
Early in her career, she worked on the lending side of the business before transitioning to retail branch management. Along the way, she had strong, smart mentors who believed in her and guided her growth.
"You gain people’s trust by proving you can add value and that you know what you’re doing," she explained. Even in uncertain situations, Wilson believes confidence can make a significant impact. "If you do project confidence even in times of uncertainty, it goes a long way. And then it just allows you to go back and learn more or benefit from that situation that you were in."
That same confidence has fueled Wilson’s passion for giving back. She is dedicated to supporting local organizations and empowering her team to do the same. Burke & Herbert Bank sponsors events like the Festival of Trees in Easton and Summerfest in Denton, as well as various local sports teams, while also encouraging employees to volunteer through dedicated volunteer time off. The bank’s recent merger also led to the establishment of a $5 million foundation, which enables larger-scale donations to vital community initiatives. Recent beneficiaries include Aaron’s Place in Caroline County, Delmarva Community Services in Dorchester County and the Friends of Easton Volunteer Fire Department in Talbot County.
“Our team members live in the communities we serve; we want to strengthen those communities,” Wilson said. Burke & Herbert Bank also offers financial literacy programs on topics such as Banking 101, credit scores and fraud prevention, helping community members better understand and navigate their financial lives.
For Wilson, volunteering is not just part of her job — it’s part of who she is. "Giving back and volunteering have been at the forefront of my DNA since I’ve worked in this community," she shared. "I get a lot of personal satisfaction from volunteering. Sometimes we get hung up on our own issues, but when we give back to people who are less fortunate or in need in different kinds of ways, it just takes the focus off of what we think is difficult at that moment and puts it somewhere else in a much more meaningful way."
For young women interested in finance or leadership, Wilson’s advice is clear: “Don’t doubt your abilities.’ Take advantage of opportunities to give back, serve on boards and network. “You’ll see that you have more to offer than you think.”
Looking ahead, Wilson is committed to further strengthening Burke & Herbert’s position as a trusted community partner, continuing to invest in education, and dedicating both time and financial resources. “We’re on the street corner, at the ball games, in all the local events and in the school systems.” Their goal is simple: “to be responsible stewards of the community.”
AMANDA NELSON PARKS
Owner Fit Flock
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
I own and operate Fit Flock, a fitness studio in Chestertown. I believe nothing is more important than health, so I encourage individuals to move and exercise in ways they enjoy and will sustain throughout their lives as they age. I challenge clients (Flockers) to push themselves beyond what they believe is possible so they can continue to move throughout their lives and do the things they enjoy most. I am also the president of the United Way of Kent County, and I work with the board to strategize ways we can assist in elevating our community.
Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH?
Listen to your internal voice. There’s been many times when I ignored the voice inside me and listened to others, which didn’t lead to happiness for me. I have found to truly be happy you must listen within, even when others around you may not understand your vision. And have patience. Things rarely go as planned, or on the schedule we had hoped for. If you’re optimistic and flexible, the path will unfold before you.
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
I’m inspired by anyone who has overcome adversity and remained humble and kind. These individuals give me hope that no matter how difficult life can be, I will achieve my dreams.
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Four:
If you’re optimistic and flexible, the path will unfold before you.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
I define service as the act of giving without expectation of receiving something in return. Service to me means to lead in a way that gives purpose and inspiration to everyday life.
Five:
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
My big life goal is to own a historic waterfront farmette with Fit Flock on site. I’d like to bring other holistic health practitioners in for wellness weekend retreats, where individuals can unplug and get back to feeling healthy and at peace. I would also like to become a motivational speaker. I believe we’re all capable of doing more to better the world.
YIXIN QIU
Co-founder, Apollo’s Dream Foundation Technical Project Manager, Qlarant
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
My friend Auromita “Mita” Nagchaudhuri and I co-founded Apollo’s Dream Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission of bridging the digital divide in all walks of life both locally and internationally. Through a wonderful partnership with the Talbot County Free Library, and with the help of our amazing volunteers (mostly local high schoolers), we have been holding monthly tech clinics at the library since 2019 under the name MY Tech Clinic. As our services became more popular, we were formally incorporated as Apollo’s Dream Foundation in 2023. The new brand allows us to bring more programs and serve a wider population. Our biggest motivation is the smiles on people’s faces after we answer questions related to their tech devices or apps. We love seeing people become more confident and relaxed when they leave our clinic than when they arrive. This is what keeps us going.
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Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH?
1. Dream big and be entrepreneurial. When you have your own business, you have a lot of autonomy and you are only limited by your imagination.
2. Find something that you are passionate about that can also bring value and joy to other people.
3. Start local. Start with people and the community around you. Try to meet people in person. Virtual meetings can never replace face-to-face interactions.
4. Don’t be afraid of marketing yourself. Try to attend events where you have the chance to speak in front of a large crowd. It might be intimidating, but it’s the fastest way to reach a lot of people in person and you never know who is in the audience that can help you launch or expand your dream.
5. Be patient. As long as your business provides value to people, even if it starts small and slow, it will grow over time.
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
My co-founder Mita Nagchaudhuri is definitely my inspiration for what I do at Apollo’s Dream Foundation. I still remember the day when we sat in a local coffee shop where she brought up this idea of helping the local elderly population with their technology problems. She is the most selfless person I have ever known. She always puts other people before her and goes out of her way to make sure that everyone is taken good care of, from our customers, to partners and volunteers. More broadly speaking and on a personal level, I find that biographies and documentaries are my source of inspiration. My favorite quote recently is from a documentary about Christopher Reeve, where he redefines heroism: “I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
My definition of service is the positive impact you have on another human being. It is most satisfying to see a big smile on another person’s face after you solve a problem that has been bothering them for a long time; when you realize that a small act on your part means so much to another person and also helps lift up their confidence. These are what I see as service. These acts are not motivated by monetary reward or tangible gains. You are getting so much more than that. People’s gratitude, kindness and sweet gifts like eggs from their backyard make you believe the effort is all worthwhile. I experience the immense amount of joy that results from another person’s happiness. Helping others is a very therapeutical thing.
Five:
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
We have a lot planned for Apollo’s Dream Foundation. We have launched two new programs this year: a speaker series where one of our board members gives talks on everyday use of AI and cybersecurity in the age of AI. We are preparing for other timely topics and working with additional local organizations and communities to reach more audience. The other program is MY Tech Restore, which is a new sustainability initiative focused on reducing electronic waste. This program will teach community members how to refurbish used electronic devices and redistribute them within our communities, preventing more electronics from ending up in landfills. We are also looking for partnership with more high schools so that we can expand our tech clinic services to other counties on the Eastern Shore and beyond. We would love to use our organization as a platform to create more career opportunities for high school students.
JULIE HICKEY
Education Director
The Benedictine School
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
For most of my adult life I have worked for nonprofit organizations. And that is a wonderful way to witness true service and altruism. I have worked under remarkable leaders and alongside selfless coworkers with a passion for positively impacting their community. That has driven me to work for more than 20 years in supporting individuals with special needs. As the VP of Children’s Services at The Benedictine School, I continue to be surrounded by dedication and altruism in our faculty and staff. They are the heart of service in providing special education and residential supports for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Benedictine serves students for whom traditional school settings are often unsuccessful. These students are impacted significantly by their disability. But despite their challenges, they rise above them daily. Witnessing that is inspirational and being a part of helping them to rise above is an honor.
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Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH?
1. Believe in yourself. There will always be someone who questions or challenges your opinion, your ideas, or your journey. Be humble enough to consider the input of others. But be confident enough to do what you know you should and never lose the belief in yourself and your ability to impact others.
2. You can’t do it alone. Especially in mission-driven work, team is essential. Recognize the value that others bring to your work and life.
Be humble enough to consider the input of others.
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
I am blessed to have been surrounded by strong and supportive women who have inspired me throughout my life. Grandmothers, aunts, dear friends, my amazing Mom and sisters. But I am most profoundly inspired by my daughters. They each live their lives with such intention and grace – compassionately raising their children and quietly making the world better for those around them. They inspire me to do more and be more every day.
Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
Service is not about title or official role. It is about what we give for the benefit of others. For me, that has been in a career that is recognized as service-oriented. But one can live a life of service in many meaningful ways by putting others first and using one’s own abilities, interests, and talents to find ways to meet the needs of others.
Five:
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
Professionally – I am excited to look at new ways to expand the reach of our mission at Benedictine by creating new programs and services that can benefit those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Personally – I plan to continue spending time with my husband, daughters, and grandchildren; traveling, and enjoying life on the Eastern Shore.
MEET
Jackson Wright Emily
Redefining farming, one connection at a time
Story by Kenia Itzep
Emily Jackson Wright’s rainbow-colored outfits, youthful smile and Birkenstocks may not scream “traditional farmer,” but her impact on the community is as deeply rooted as the crops she helps grow.
As a seventh-generation farmer, Jackson Wright has been involved with farming since she was a child, and today, Emily’s Produce is a place where both fresh food and personal connections thrive.
Emily’s Produce began as a small self-serve stand on Church Hill Road in Cambridge, set up by her parents during her mother’s maternity leave to share the family’s fresh produce with the community. Over the past 25 years, that humble stand has flourished into a thriving operation, blending farming with agritourism.
Today, Emily’s Produce is more than just a spot to pick up fruits and vegetables. Visitors browse local items like grass-fed beef, homemade jellies, freshly baked goods and deli staples prepared in the farm’s full kitchen. During warmer months, families run to the fields to pick their own
“
JUST GET OUT THERE.
Photo by Jenn Quinn Creative
strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, flowers and pumpkins. They even have a farm-animal petting zoo for children, making it as much about the experience as it is about the produce.
For Jackson Wright, keeping the family business thriving has meant staying adaptable. “I think it’s hard… if you stick with just traditional farming and don’t diversify and try to keep up, it’s tricky, for sure,” she said, reflecting on the farm’s evolution. “I’m just so proud and thankful for what my family has done,” she added, pointing to her father’s decision to move beyond traditional farming and forging a new path toward more sustainable farming practices.
Working alongside her family has been one of Wright’s greatest sources of strength. She finds gratitude in their teamwork, where she has found her niche in customer service. “Customers are everything for me,” she said. “Just connecting with them and being able to make relationships.”
One of Jackson Wright’s favorite initiatives is Wright’s Supper Club, where families can purchase weekly
Photo by Jenn Quinn Creative
ready-made, farm-fresh meals. What started as a way to stay connected with customers year-round has become a lifeline for many, especially elderly residents who depend on off-season deliveries.
“We’re able to reach people we might not otherwise see,” Wright said. “It’s a good feeling – food is expensive these days – just seeing how thankful people are for a good meal at a good price and being able to check in on some lovely faces in our community.”
Another point of pride is her management of the farm’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, where consumers purchase a share of a farm’s harvest in advance. “I’ve really made some great connections in the community… it’s really like a family connection with all of our CSA customers,” she said. “They opt to have a share of the farm goods, and we treat them like family.”
Jackson Wright’s dedication to agriculture extends beyond the farm. She serves on the boards of Young Farmers of Maryland and the Maryland Ag Education Foundation and is a part of the LEAD Maryland Fellowship Program. She also leads educational field trips at the farm and teaches at Saints Peter and
Paul School in Easton, helping children understand where their food comes from and why farmers are essential.
Over the years, Emily’s Produce has evolved into more than just a market –it’s a community hub that supports local farmers, creates jobs and educates the next generation about agriculture. As a young woman navigating a traditionally male-dominated industry, Jackson Wright acknowledges the challenges of being taken seriously at times. But her approach has been simple: “Just get out there.”
For Jackson Wright, supporting the community goes both ways. “As a farmer in the business world, we’re asking people to come to our market and support us, but I feel like you have to support the community you’re in and the people in your community,” she said.
Jackson Wright may not fit the image of a traditional farmer, but that’s exactly what makes her stand out. By blending innovation with tradition, she’s growing more than crops – she’s cultivating connections, nourishing her community, and redefining what it means to be a farmer as she continues to grow within the market.
Abigail Hollis, Owner, Abigail Hollis Photography
Alison Fluharty, Manager, Head Floral Designer, Patti’s Petals Florist, Gardens and Gifts
Amanda M Kidd, CEO/Founder, 411 Kitchen/ Beat the Rush
Amanda Nelson Parks, Owner, Fit Flock
Amy Horne, Executive Director, St. Michaels Community Center
Amy Keller, Owner/CEO, Aging at Home Solutions
Amy Kreiner, Executive Director, Talbot Chamber of Commerce
Anetta Biscoe, Site Director, Critchlow Adkins Childern’s Centers, White Marsh
Anne Middleton, Surgical Assistant/Healer, Aya Healthcare
CeeCee McQuay, Owner, Advanced Payoll Solutions
Chanae Neal, Special Education IA, Talbot Co Public Schools
Christina Wingate-Spence, Executive Director, Cambridge Main Street
Christy Cecil, Owner, C Perfection Pool Care Llc
Coleen Lynn- Simpson, Director, Creative Counseling LLC
Cristy Morrell, Executive Director, Critchlow Adkins
Children’s Centers
Crystal Wyatt, Property Manager, Meadows of Cambridge Apartments
Danielle Burke, Owner/Operator, Burke’s Barkers Pet Grooming and Boarding
Barbara Lee Jefferson, Owner, Paws Up Shuttle, LLC
Beth Whipple, Client Relationship Manager/Office Manager, Whitten Retirement Solutions
Betta Fraccaroli, Owner, Eastern Shore Business Services
Dr. Brandi Nichole Wallace, Owner/Trichologist, The Hair Clinic Rx
Brandy Guy, Senior Account Executive, Avery Hall Insurance
Bridget Campbell, Partner, Campbell and Furneisen Law
Brittany Marvel Wallace, Civil Engineer - PE, Lane Engineering
Cameron Ronayne, Executive Director, Community Mediation Upper Shore (CMUS)
Caroline Petosa, Owner & Editor & Chief, My Eastern Shore Wedding
Casey Beck, DVM Medical Director, Veterinary Medical Center
Casey Scattergood, Realtor, Cross Street Realty
Cathy Cassell, Chief Executive Officer, Channel Marker, Inc.
Danielle Wilson, Sr. VP, Chief Nursing Officer, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health
Deborah Hudson Vornbrock, Executive DirectorChief Executive, Martin’s House & Barn
Desiree Jefferson, Youth Program Director, His Hope Ministries
Donna Austin, Site Director, Critchlow Adkins Childern’s Centers, Easton Preschool
Dysheika Strawberry, Board of Education President, Talbot County Public Schools
Elizabeth ( Beth) Spurry, Principal, Tred Avon Family Wealth
Emily Groll, Co-owner, Eat Sprout
Emily Jackson Wright, Operations Manager, Emily’s Produce
Emma Brown, Co-Owner/Co-Founder/Realtor/ Strategist, Flaneur, The Vacation Rental Company
Erin Windsor, Executive Director, Pleasant Day Medical Adult Day Care
Fletcher Johnson, Business Owner, Elevate Your Health LLC
Genevieve McFarlane, Stevens Palmer LLC/Bay East Title LLC
2025 NOMINEES
Holly DeKarske, Executive Director, Easton Economic Development
Ivette Furneisen, Partner, Campbell and Furneisen Law
Jacqueline D. Wilson, SVP Area Manager, Burke & Herbert Bank
Jaime Frankos, VP Global Partnerships and Alliances, Ferretly
Jane A. Canter, Owner of the Law Offices of Jane A. Canter, LLC, Law Offices of Jane A. Canter, LLC
Jeanmarie Richardson, President, The Digital Architects
Jenell Sutton, Senior Director of Client Services and Billing, For All Seasons
Jenna Ferrier, Owner/Operator, Casually Crushed LLC and Lashedbyjenna
Jessica Kastel, Middle School Teacher (TCPS) and Treasurer and Past President (SMFD), TCPS and St. Michaels Fire Department
Jessica LaPerch, Owner/Operator, Cabin Fever Play Centre
Jinell Smithmyer, Owner, Chesapeake AIM
Joan Nubie-Miscall, Owner, Treasure Chest
Jordan Ezra, Massage Therapist, Bodywork Energetics
Judi Olinger, Executive Director, Chesapeake Neighbors
Judy Tubman , VMD, Founder, CEO and Veterinary Practitioner, Kent Veterinary Center and Glasgow Farm
Julie Hickey, Education Director, The Benedictine School
Kari Skinner, Owner & CEO, Tumbleweed of Hope
Katharine Henning, Owner, Island Creek Events
Katie Luckett , Director of Marketing, Communications & Education, Choptank Electric Cooperative
KC Bridges, Owner, Preppy Redneck
Keieve Colbert , Site Director, Critchlow Adkins Childern’s Centers, Easton School age
Kelly Bonnette, Speech Therapist, Building Bridges
Kelsey Spiker, Deacon, Christ Church
Kim Newcomb, Owner, Terry K & Associates Inc
Kimberly Jones, Consultant, Saved by Grace
Kristin Tallent, Co- Owner COO, Right Choice Plumbing & Rooter
Lakia Pierce, Post Judge Advocate & Project Manager, American Legion Mannie Scott Post 193
Lauren Catterton, Director of Sales, The Tidewater Inn
Lauren K. Weber, Vice President of Strategy and Development, For All Seasons
Dr. Lauren Zimmer, Pediatrician, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health
Lea Barlett, Owner, StarCycle
Leslie Fraley, Owner / Accountant, Leslie’s Bookeeping Services
Lisa Widmaier, Executive Director, Eastern Shore Area Health Education Center
Lori Willis-Tucker, President-Owner, E.L.B. Incorporated
Lynnette Lamp, For All Sesons Clinical Intern; M.S. in Applied Psychology Candidate University of Baltimore Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts Division of Applied Behavioral Sciences
Dr. Maggii Sarfaty, Professional Artist, Maggii Sarfaty Fine Art
Marissa Wallie, Chiropracter, Coastal Chiropractic LLC of Easton
Marlene Thomas, Site Director, Critchlow Adkins Childern’s Centers, St. Michaels
Mary E. Falkenstein, Executive Director, Bayside Community Network, Inc.
Megan B. Owings, General Counsel, David A Bramble, Inc.
2025 NOMINEES
Megan Cook, Mayor, Town of Easton
Melanie Donohue, Designer, Jamie Merida Interiors
Dr. Melinda Butler, Doctor, Preston Family Physician
Melissa Johnson, Site Director, Critchlow Adkins Childern’s Centers, Cordova
Melissa “ Missy” Whittington, Director of Tenant Services, MASS: MidAtlantic Support Services
Michelle Abplanalp, Associate Broker, Rosendale Realty
Morgan Foster, CEO/Founder, The Pivot Process
Morgan Schafer, Owner, The Market at Church Creek
Nikki Randolph, Sr Vice Commander Dept of Maryland, American Legion Post 278
Olivia G. Slaughter, Certified Prosthetist Orthotist, Real Life Prosthetics
Pamela Thornton-Miller, Athletic Director, McDonough High School (MD)
Pamela Tibetan, CEO - Songwriter, PJT Entertainment
Patricia Glibert, Professor, Horn Point Laboratory
Patti Wood, Owner, Patti’s Petals Florist
Paula Turner-Coleman , Ed.D., Salon Owner; District Education Supervisor of Science, Health, P.E., & Environmental Literacy; Cater2USalon and Makeup Bar; Dorchester County Board of Education
Rachel Stoyanov, Leader/Coordinator, Healthy Talbot and Midshore Behavioral Health
Robin M. Sample, CEO/Founder, Peace by Pieces/ Journei by Robin
Samantha Basham Loza, Owner, The Village Maternal Holistic Wellness Center
Samantha King, Food Services Coordinator, Caroline County Public Schools
Sara Shelley, Executive Director, Plastic Free QAC
Shawna Payne, MBA, CHC, Founder and CEO, The BE Academy
Shelly Holland, Business Owner, Speedytax
Shontia Williams, Finance Manager, Ava’s Hospitality Group
Stefanie Johnson, Executive Director, His Hope Ministry
Stephanie Hambleton, Lawyer, Hambleton Law
Stephanie Rose, Nurse Practioner, Owner, Bella Rose Medical Aesthetics & Wellness
Stephanie Shipley, Owner/Lawyer, Shipley Law Firm
Susan S. John, Owner, The Zebra Gallery
Suzanne Fischer, Clinical Counselor; Self Employed, Suzanne Fischer M.A.
Tamara A Jackson, President, T’s Divine Sweets & More, LLC
Tasha M. Wilson, Author and Entrepreneur, Dr. Tasha Robinson, CEO, Bountiful New Beginnings
Terri Charest, Senior Account Executive, Avery Hall Insurance
Tonya Agostino, President, Founder, Unstoppable Joy Co.
Tracy Johnson, Director of Pohanka Community Partners, Pohanka Automotive
Tricia Wilson, New Woman Owned Business, Wilson Realty & Staging
Vicki Paulas, Executive Director, Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC)
Virginia Lewis, Photographer, Virginia Lewis Photography
Yixin Qiu, Co-Founder, Apollo’s Dream Foundation Technical Project Manager, Qlarant
Congratulations!
We areproud to sharethat Dr.CaseyBeck has been nominated fora WomentoWatch award!
Anyone whoknows Dr.Beckknows howdeeply shecaresabout herpatients, herclients, andthe work shedoes every single day. Her dedication to lovingand healingthe animals she cares formakes adifference in so manylives, andwecouldn’t be prouder to see herrecognized forit.
Congratulations, Dr.Beck, andtoall thepast,present and future WomentoWatch!
(410) 822-8505
28966Information Ln, Easton, MD 21601
Mon -Fri:7am-8pm |Saturday: 8am-4 pm |Sunday: Closed
The Preppy Redneckisauni boutique whereyou'llfind treasures, jewelr y, housewar clothing, hand-craftedgifts fr localaristsand more!
213A S. Talbot Street St Michaels MD 21663 thepreppyredneck.net
LORI WILLIS-TUCKER
President E.L.B. Incorporated
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
We are a collision repair center that restores vehicles to pre-accident condition through expert collision repair, precision painting and refinishing. Our goal is to provide exceptional workmanship and high-standard service that our customers have come to expect. We support our community by providing trusted, safe solutions to keep their families safe on the road. We also provide an educational environment that inspires career opportunities for aspiring professionals and sponsor various charitable initiatives.
Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH?
My advice to women is to never let fear hold you back. Push through, take risks and strive to be the best. When someone tells you it isn’t possible, always challenge that. Never take no for an answer. Hard work always pays off in any career or life circumstance.
First and foremost, my father was a tremendous influence, his encouragement to be fiercely independent and his example of entrepreneurship was powerful. He worked day and night to be successful, and I model that. Also, I have been privileged to work with various female leaders who have taught me strength, effective communication, poise and professionalism are the tools to being a true leader. Creating a team culture of trust and alignment of purpose is essential for any company in growth mode. I am most proud of the thriving careers we have helped develop and who are now as leaders in our industry.
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Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
Quality sums us up in a word. We have a customerfirst philosophy. This means every job must meet the highest standards, using only the best products and technologies available to deliver a flawless repair. We go above and beyond by advocating for clients to their insurers and make sure each repair is completed to our high quality standards.
Five:
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
As we have recently opened a second automotive repair shop. We hope to grow beyond our two locations.
KATIE LUCKETT
Director of Marketing
Choptank Electric Cooperative
You can truly make a difference when you listen to understand rather than respond.
Courtesy photos
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
As a communicator for my local cooperative, I share stories of our community impact and educate our members about electric distribution, broadband internet, safety and the value of our unique cooperative structure. My career has always been in communications and public relations, serving organizations and co-ops in Maryland that represent rural areas and residents like me.
I’m motivated by returning to the Eastern Shore to raise a family and build on the community I grew up knowing and loving. My inspiration is to provide the same level of support to the next generation that I received as a student from this community — through sponsorships, scholarships and leadership programs.
Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR
PATH?
The best thing you can do is listen. You can truly make a difference when you listen to understand rather than respond. This goes for both career advice and relationships in life.
Listen to constructive criticism with an open mind and listen to the opinions of those you respect. The best stories can be found listening for little nuggets thrown into an answer to a different question. And in the marketing industry, listening to your audience and the data acquired is the best way to decide what the next steps should be.
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
My mom is without a doubt my biggest inspiration. She worked as a CPA and in the finance industry her entire career, all while raising my brother and I with my dad and keeping our family happy and healthy. Now that I have a husband and kids of my own, I appreciate the time she spent seamlessly balancing career and family. Working moms do so much behind the scenes that goes unnoticed, but I noticed it and strive to do the same.
Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
To me, service is giving your resources to help others. Whether that be time, skills, money or belongings, serving people and missions that mean the most to you is important to living a full life. I want to show women that you can follow your heart in your career path to serve your family and your community.
Five:
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
I would love to see the students we are reaching through our various programs at Choptank Electric come back to serve their community with the leadership skills we are teaching. In my time with the Cooperative so far, we already have inspired some kids; and that fuels my fire to continue reaching them on their level to make an impact.
PayneShawna
Empowering women and girls to create their own opportunities
Story by Kenia Itzep
Shawna Payne is the visionary founder of BE Academy, a training, development and mentorship business dedicated to helping women and girls navigate entrepreneurship, build confidence and achieve their dreams. Payne’s mission stems from a personal journey of perseverance and a desire to inspire others to overcome obstacles.
“I empower, I educate and I equip women to create their own opportunities and be self-sufficient,” Payne explained.
Her passion for mentorship began during her nearly 13-year corporate career, where she often negotiated positions, titles and salaries. Despite her success, Payne felt a deeper calling.
She pitched the idea of establishing a coaching and development department within her firm to increase skills and knowledge, but the proposal was denied twice. Rather than let the rejection deter her, Payne decided to branch out on her own, launching BE Academy in 2017 while still working full-time.
“ DON’T LET FEAR TALK YOU OUT OF WHAT FAITH TALKED YOU INTO.
Payne initially worked online with women nationwide and internationally, encouraging them to take control of their lives.
As she pursued her passion for entrepreneurship, she realized the importance of being present for her family. “Working in corporate America, I just didn’t have the time or energy to really spend with my husband and children,” she said, which eventually prompted her to fully dedicate herself to her business and family.
Today, BE Academy has shifted its focus to empowering teenage girls through programs that emphasize entrepreneurship, economic development and self-reliance. “I want these girls to know they have the power to shape their futures and be leaders in their own lives,” she said. Payne’s BOSS (Building Opportunities for Student Success) Leadership Program targets middle and high school girls, providing mentorship and resources to help them discover their passions and create their own opportunities.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Payne shared how her childhood struggles and the odds stacked
against her continue to motivate her. She was the first in her family to attend college and faced numerous challenges along the way. “That just continues to inspire me – to know that I am doing everything I was told I couldn’t do. That inspires me to empower others who have been told they can’t do certain things,” she said.
As a time management expert and productivity consultant, Payne also addresses one of the biggest hurdles women and young people face: a lack of direction in managing their goals. “Often, we set these big goals but don’t sit down and plan how they fit into our lifestyles or how we see ourselves achieving them,” she said. Her advice is to focus on values and priorities. “Whatever you value most, you’re going to make the time for that. You’re going to put your energy into it.”
Payne is deeply committed to her local community in Queen Anne’s County. She serves on the Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission and the Character Counts Advisory Council, and she volunteers as a leadership coach in local schools. “I think it’s very important to be involved
in the community in which you live,” she said. “Our community thrives as we thrive.”
Looking ahead, Payne envisions expanding BE Academy’s impact. She plans to establish a nonprofit that caters specifically to disadvantaged teenage girls and broaden her reach beyond Queen Anne’s County to the entire state. Her ultimate goal is to continue inspiring others. “It just takes a mindset shift, confidence building, or access to network resources,” she said.
Payne also offers a piece of advice to women navigating entrepreneurship, careers and personal life: “Don’t let fear talk you out of what faith talked you into.”
She acknowledges that doubt — whether from others or ourselves — can be a constant companion. But she urged women facing it to go back to the initial excitement of the goal.
With her unwavering determination, Payne is a force for change, proving that women and girls have the strength and capability to shape their futures and create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
DENNA KILMON
Executive Director
Waterfowl Festival Inc.
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
As executive director of the Waterfowl Festival, I feel an obligation to the community to create an educational and engaging event each year that shares the stories of our outdoor and Eastern Shore heritage, provides a strong positive economic impact, and showcases the very best work of our artists and artisans whose work portrays the beauty of nature. The goal of the festival each year is to remind everyone how lucky we are to live in this beautiful place — not just Easton but the whole of the natural world. Engaging the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts is critical. Without their support and crucial understanding of conservation on some level, these wide open spaces we all love will start to disappear.
Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH?
Remember what motivates and inspires you and make your decisions with confidence knowing that you will make an impact when you lead with passion.
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
Personally, of course, my mentors growing up include my grandmothers, who valued education and knowledge above all else; strong teachers who encouraged me to excel; and writers that celebrate the strength of the human spirit. Viktor Frankl comes to mind with his epic work “Man’s Search for Meaning.” However, my day-today work is propelled by the thought that what I do today will benefit the next generation — young people and their dreams for the future inspire me. Our student volunteers and their love of the festival and our community, my children and their friends who live here inspire me to do better and to make sure I help create the world they want to live in once I’m gone.
Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
A nice way to summarize is our Rotary motto, “Service above Self.” It is a genuine way to create the community you want to live in and a way to create a legacy for the next generation. Sharing your talents and your strengths within your community by thoughtful action and leadership makes a difference on every level.
Five:
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
Well, I finally got my MBA at age 53 — who says I can’t get that doctorate? Learning and expanding my mind, having time to deeply read and process — time to do more painting and expanding my skillset there, maybe living on a boat one day in islands. These are things I dream of when I’m at the office.
photos
Courtesy
MEGAN COOK
Mayor
Town of Easton
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
I have the privilege of serving our community in various ways that brings people together, strengthens connections and helps shape the future. Whether it’s supporting local initiatives and nonprofits, working on projects that improve our town or simply listening to the concerns of residents, my goal is always to foster a sense of community and progress. I’m inspired by the dedication of those around me — whether it’s community volunteers, town employees, or local leaders — who pour their energy into making our town a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. Their passion motivates me to keep pushing forward, knowing that even small efforts can have a large impact.
Courtesy photos
Two:
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH?
Believe in yourself and the value of your voice and your perspective. Be confident, even when you feel uncertain. Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you, and don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles. And never underestimate the power of building relationships — collaboration and trust are at the heart of creating change and building community.
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
I’m inspired by people who lead with integrity and who lift others up along the way. I’ve been fortunate to work with individuals who embody these qualities. Their ability to bring people together, navigate challenges with grace and remain dedicated to a vision greater than themselves pushes me to do the same.
Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
Service is about showing up — for others, for your community and for the greater good. It’s about listening, understanding and making a difference, whether in small ways or through larger initiatives. To me, service means putting in the effort to solve problems and support those who need it.
Five:
Surround yourself with people who support and challenge you.
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
One of my goals is to continue fostering partnerships that strengthen our community — whether that means supporting local businesses, enhancing public spaces or expanding opportunities for young people. I also hope to encourage more people, especially women, to step into leadership roles and engage in service because when diverse voices are at the table, our community becomes even stronger.
Two:
MORGAN FOSTER
Owner/President Pivot Process
One:
DESCRIBE THE WORK YOU DO AND WHAT INSPIRES AND MOTIVATES YOU TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY STRONGER.
For two decades, I stood in courtrooms and witnessed the devastating ripple effects of litigation — the crushing financial strain, the deep psychological wounds and the emotional fractures it inflicted on families. That’s why I founded The Pivot Process: to offer a kinder, more constructive path. We empower parents and families to navigate divorce, custody and disputes not just with efficiency, but with empathy, preserving relationships, minimizing conflict and steering clear of the adversarial courtroom altogether. Through skilled mediation, engaging online resources and practical education, we help families redefine their future — proving that even in separation, there can be strength, stability and hope.
The right choice is seldom the easy choice.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN HOPING TO TAKE A SIMILAR PATH?
Let me be candid: building a business from the ground up while raising two young boys as a single mother wasn’t just challenging — it was a test of resilience. But here’s what I learned: passion isn’t just motivation; it’s your compass. When you align your career with a mission that resonates with your core — one that harnesses your lived experience, innate strengths, and a genuine desire to serve — the elusive “work-life balance” stops feeling like a myth and starts feeling like a choice. So if you’re considering this path, my advice is simple: trust your inner-fire. Pivoting isn’t easy — but the right choice is seldom the easy choice.
Courtesy photos
Three:
WHO INSPIRES YOU? WHY?
I am continually humbled by parents — often mothers, though not always — who carry the invisible weight of family life: the unceasing mental load, the selfless sacrifices, the emotional labor that goes unnoticed and unpaid. These quiet acts of love don’t just sustain households; they build the very fabric of our community — far more profoundly than any policy or public project ever could. My greatest inspiration are those parents who persisted without praise, who shaped us in ways they’ll never be thanked for: Their love is the purest and most powerful force I know.
Four:
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE SERVICE, AND WHAT DOES SERVICE MEAN TO YOU?
I teach my children that happiness alone isn’t enough, that true fulfillment comes from purpose. Joy matters, but without purpose, it fades. I warn them against becoming like The Giving Tree, giving until nothing remains, because true service isn’t self-sacrifice to the point of erasure. To me, service is the intersection of generosity and wisdom — the art of using your strengths to uplift others without diminishing yourself. It’s about impact, not depletion; fulfillment, not martyrdom. The deepest satisfaction comes not just from giving, but from giving well in a way that strengthens both the giver and the world they serve.
Five:
WHAT IS A FUTURE GOAL THAT YOU HAVE?
I want to transform the American narrative around divorce. While traditional law practices are bound by zip codes, The Pivot Process breaks those barriers — reaching families nationwide to help them navigate separation with clarity, compassion, and dignity. Divorce doesn’t have to be synonymous with devastation; it can be the first step toward healing. My vision? A future where former partners don’t just coexist but co-parent with mutual respect, where children aren’t collateral damage but priority number one. We can’t erase divorce, but we can redefine its legacy: one family, one story, one healthier chapter at a time.
REveal Event April 9th 5 - 8pm Avalon Theatre, Easton, MD
I’mAnne,and Idiscoveredmygiftfor healing from avery young age. My strong connection with natureand animals allowedmetonaturallysoothe their anxiety andstress.This ability has been with me foraslong as Ican remember.
Motivatedbyadesiretohelp morepeople and animals,I pursuedcer tification in Reiki, earning ReikiI,ReikiII, andthe Usui ReikiMaster’s Degree,Sound Bowl master with background in shamanism. Currently, I’monthe path to becoming aHolyFire3Karuna 2ReikiMaster,with an expectedcompletion date by the end of 2023
reikiAnneke@gmail.com • www.sacredlightreiki.org
Congratulations to our nominees forAPG Chesapeake’s 2025 “Women to Watch” special feature. We applaud their manyaccomplishments and the positiveimpact theyhaveonthe support and services offered to our patients, hospitals and local communities. umshoreregional.org
Danielle Wilson, MSN, Senior Vice Presidentand Chief NursingOfficer Universityof Maryland Shore Regional Health
Lauren Zimmer,DO Universityof Maryland Shore Medical Group
Pediatrics
KENNT ISL AND AMERICAN LEGION POST 278 WHERE EVERYDAY IS VETERAN’S DAY
Congratulates Nikki Randolph
EASTERN SHORE 2025 WOMEN TO WATCHNOMINEE
For over 20 years, Nikki has continuouslyworked non-stop forVeteran’s,their families and the Kent Island Community.She wasresponsible forbringing in wounded warriorsfromWalterReed during the height of the global waronterrorism (7 years) fora stress-free weekend of fishing and celebration. During this time frame she also raised over $100k forthe AmputeeCenteratWalterReed.
Forthe past 15 years, Nikki is the driving forcebehind the Official ConvoyofWreaths Across America’svisit to Kent Island and bringshome,tothe schools each year,whatitmeans to Remember,Honor and Teach Americanism and whyweremember those whogave all. Sheand her team ensure thatevery Veteran’s gravefoundinQAC gets aflag on Memorial dayand a Wreath at Christmas; she has discovered and recorded well over 400+veterans laid to rest all over QAC. At last count, Nikki visits over 27 cemeteries to ensureall the graves arecovered with flagsand wreaths..
NotonlyisNikki aforce to be reckoned with on the Eastern Shore, we arealso proudof her accomplishments in her work with Veterans across the StateofMaryland. We will proudlybein attendanceinOcean City,this summer, as she is installed as Department Commander forthe StateofMaryland!
