Top 50 Frederick : 2023

AT A GLANCE

THE FREDERICK COUNTY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Where Passion Drives Progress Located at ROOT in the heart of Downtown Frederick, FCOED has the resources to get businesses connected.

FCOED provides businesses assistance with site selection, grants and incentives, marketing and more.

At FCOED, a vision of shared prosperity is at the heart of every community project and bold idea. From diversity initiatives to infrastructure, placemaking to business development, our community shapes where we go—and how we grow.

From left: Jodie Bollinger, Shana Knight, Solash Aviles, Lara Fritts, Beth Woodring, Troy Bolyard, Amanda Lee, Britt Swartzlander, Cindy Harris, Katie Stevens and Becca Tucker.

Services: » Business Expansion and Location Assistance » Incentive and Funding Resources

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) is a department under the Frederick County Division of Economic Opportunity.

FCOED’s mission is to sustain, diversify and grow Frederick County’s vibrant economy by providing leadership and resources for businesses to start, locate and expand.

» Permitting and Zoning Assistance » Marketing and Public Relations » Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging EmPOWER Program » Business Networking and Industry Connections » Demographic and Business Data

118 N. Market St., Suite 300 | Frederick, MD | 21701 | 301.600.1058 | info@discoverfrederickmd.com | www.discoverfrederickmd.com

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CONGRATULATIONS! to all candidates who were selected for our Top 50 EmPowered Leaders for the 2024 issue.

Alysia Birkholz

Theresa Harrison

Mansi Oza

Ryan Bonheyo

Danielle Haskin

Sebastian Palacio

Jarad Bowens

Sandra Hofmeister

Savita Prabhakar

Dante Brown

Marién Hornyak

Nathan Brown

Susan Hough

Ángel and Crystal Rivera

Rachel Bur and Moe Zaw

Sarah Hurwitz Robey

Ariel Rodriguez Denise Rollins

Belinda Burrier

Emma Jagoz Lisbet Jensen Young

Ashleigh Rossi

Bill Johnson

Serina Roy

Sara Johnston

Santhanalakshmi Shanmugam

Erlin Cruz Sherri Daniels-Ames Carrie Delente Shantay DeMar Sandy Dubay Kavonte Duckett Kris Fair Christie Gilkes Patrick Haley Tina Harper 2

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David Kalman Machelle Lee Nisha Manikoth Jaime McKay Caitlin Morris Shauna Mulcahy Sherry Myers

Ali Sharifzadeh Tammi Simpson Alex Uphold Natasha Valencia Ashley Vancleef Rachel Anne Warren Julie Yoder

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PUBLISHERS Shawn Dewees Joseph Silovich MANAGING EDITOR Nancy Luse ART DIRECTOR Alexandra Werder GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ian Sager CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Turner Photography Studio

Supplement to Frederick Magazine

FREDERICK COUNTY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Laura Fritts, Director of the Frederick County Division of Economic Opportunity Beth Woodring, Director of Financial Operations Jodie Bollinger, Director of Office of Economic Development

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Terri Davis tdavis@fredmag.com Debra Tyson dtyson@fredmag.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Stephanie Dewees subscriptions@ fredmag.com DISTRIBUTOR Josh Ensor alloutdist@aol.com

Katie Stevens, Associate Director of Agriculture Amanda Lee, Senior Business Development Manager of Business Intelligence Britt Swartzlander, Marketing and Communications Specialist Solash Aviles, Senior Business Development Manager Shana Knight, Former Senior Business Development Manager Diversity & Inclusion, Service Industry FREDERICK COUNTY OFFICE OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION Lakisha Wade, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator

Telephone: 301-662-8171• FAX: 301-662-8399 www.fredmag.com

Top 50 Frederick is an annual publication of Diversions Publications, Inc., 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601 (ISSN 006-923). Periodicals postage paid at Frederick, MD. Subscriptions to Frederick Magazine, $24.95 per year, which includes the Top 50 Frederick and all other annual guides (available through the business office). Back issues w/in the last 12 mo/$3.95. Prior to 12 mos. ago/$7. POST MASTER: Send address changes to Frederick Magazine, 6 N. East Street, Suite 301, Frederick, MD 21701-5601. Customer inquiries to same address or call 301-662-8171.

Distributed through mail subscriptions, home delivery, and sold at newsstands and other locations in Frederick, Upper Montgomery counties, and throughout the Central Maryland region. Advertising rates available on request. Manuscripts, drawings, and other submissions must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Frederick Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited material. All rights to submissions, including letters and e-mail, will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication and copyright purposes and as subject to Frederick Magazine’s unrestricted right to edit and to comment editorially, unless otherwise negotiated with the author. © DIVERSIONS PUBLICATIONS, INC. 2024. All contents of this publication are protected Printed on by copyright and may not be reproduced in whole or in part for any reason without prior Recycled Paper approval of the publisher.

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Moving the DEI Needle in Frederick County

A look at the progress being made locally in workplace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

18 Historically Marginalized Businesses Get EmPOWERed

Frederick County’s EmPOWERed Program offers mentoring, networking events and other initiatives.

24 Nonprofits Do Their Part for the Underrepresented

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Frederick County’s nonprofit agencies are on the forefront of getting more people into the workforce.

32 Forward Frederick County

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development presents its 2023 annual report.

42 Profiles of the Top 50 EmPOWERED Leaders for 2023

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Fifty professionals who have contributed to the community through their work and service are featured. They are entrepreneurs, business executives and community leaders from diverse backgrounds.

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or Frederick County government and businesses, workplace Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is not just a buzzword. In fact, Frederick County has an impressive host of leaders, initiatives and on-the-ground DEI work to showcase.

Traditional DEI initiatives generally focus on training and organizational culture and policies.

Typically, organizational work begins around reaching out to a more extensive and inclusive talent pool, but DEI is about much more than changing faces in an organization.

Benefits of workplace DEI are well documented.

A more diverse workplace can spark innovation, offer a wider range of perspectives and experience, and improve mo-

rale and motivation. Successful DEI initiatives can improve the workplace culture through increased morale and empowerment and making all employees feel there is overall equitable treatment in the organization.

Historically, more than eight in 10 U.S. organizations, slightly over 80 percent, are in the process of implementing DEI initiatives, according to a new survey by WorldatWork, an international association for human resources management.

While the work can proceed slowly as businesses wade into the DEI waters, the survey showed that almost a third say they took their first action within the last 12 months, with almost 100 percent having either established a DEI strategy or were actively working on one.

Locally, the Frederick County Equity and Inclusion Office (OEI) and the Equity and Inclusion Commission lead Frederick County Government’s commitment to be an inclusive employer with a diverse workforce that centers equity in all its efforts and ensures that County Government invests in eliminating disparities for the County’s historically marginalized populations.

Lakisha Wade, the Equity and Inclusion Coordinator, plays a critical role in ensuring that County Government prioritizes, institutes, invests in, demonstrates, and sustains a commitment to systemic changes that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

OEI works in tandem with the Frederick County Office

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“When you change the way we look at things, we change the things we look at.”

Jessica Aiello – Founder and CEO iYellow Group

of Economic Development (FCOED) to support DEI initiatives. In 2015, FCOED created the minority outreach program for all minority businesses. This program evolved into the EmPOWER program with a goal to create an environment of economic inclusion in Frederick County that supports all business owners, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability or religion. In addition, FCOED created a Senior Business Development Manager position to lead the program and to be the primary point of contact for underrepresented businesses needing expansion and location and other economic development services.

Private employers are also continuing to make strides in DEI work in the county. At AstraZeneca, Frederick’s largest private employer, Lisbet Jensen Young, Vice President & General Manager of Frederick Biologics Manufacturing Center, says, “Diversity and inclusion have been a part of the fabric of the Frederick site for years and has continued to grow. As a global company with 27 manufacturing sites in 16 countries, AstraZeneca has laid down a successful strategy. “Our diversity and inclusion make a fundamental contribution to the success of our company,” says Young.

Jessica Aiello

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AstraZeneca, who recruits from a diverse and inclusive, qualified group of candidates, finds an

increase in teamwork and problem solving.

Young explains, “Innovation requires breakthrough ideas that come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking.”

Other private companies have been breaking ground in DEI for years, as well. Jessica Aiello, founder and CEO of iYellow Group, a Frederick-based company providing consulting and logistical services in the deaf and visually impaired space, sees their DEI work as diversity, equity, inclusion and individual accessibility.

Aiello, the child of deaf parents who started the company in 1982, recently rebranded her company to iYellow Group. She has 35 full-time employees and 1,400 contractors across the U.S. and provides consulting to government and commercial organizations.

Along with a broad menu of services, iYellow assists companies in refining and establishing recruiting procedures, from onboarding to orientation. “Teams and employees reap benefits of working for an inclusive environment,” says Aiello. “We help create an inclusive environment, so companies are ready to go and not scrambling. This ensures new employees are set

up for success.” Aiello sums up what she believes works for her clients. “Ultimately at the end of the day when we work with organizations and provide services to employees with disabilities, everyone benefits.”

Entrepreneurs have always been at the forefront of change and innovation in Frederick County.

James Smith, owner of Jerk & Jive in Freder-

Jerk-N-Jive

ick has created an employee environment that carries over into his business philosophy. Jerk N Jive Caribbean Kitchen, opened as a small carry-out location on North East Street in 2017.

“We’ve created a rainbow coalition staff,” Smith says, referring to the photo of his team on the company’s home site. “We want everyone who

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works here and everyone who comes in to feel comfortable.” Smith understands the nuanced feelings that the image of a black owned company may bring up. Questions about culture and cuisine are reasonable and expected he believes.

But Smith, a consummate businessman and leader in the Frederick community, counters concern over spiciness and taste with an inclusive menu, while still staying true to the Caribbean nature of the food offered.

“We have an extremely diverse menu, everything from tacos to chicken and waffles.” Smith uses the food he creates as a metaphor for his diversity philosophy, asking people to stretch themselves, look deeper, and when they take a chance, they may be pleasantly surprised. “We just ask that people keep an open mind and give it a try.

It’s so much more than jerk chicken.”

At Frederick Health, Janet Harding, director of Cultural Awareness and Inclusion, works on growing relationships with the Frederick County community, especially where there have traditionally been disparities in access to care. Frederick Health provides services to Frederick County residents and includes 4,000 team members throughout Frederick Health Hospital and the Frederick Health system. As well as their internal DEI component that focuses on councils and committees, 11 years ago, Frederick Health established a 30-member DEI council to build rapport and cultivate relationships in the community. “The council consults and partners with community organizations and leaders, to ensure DEI is a lens through which we look at our community,” Harding explains. The council identified 10 areas where DEI can have a positive impact in the health system and continues to monitor the progress they make with their partners.

“We are continuing to acknowledge that health

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Lisbet Jensen Young

“Innovation requires breakthrough ideas that come from a diverse workforce empowered to challenge conventional thinking.”

Lisbet Jensen Young - Vice President & General Manager of Frederick Biologics Manufacturing Center

care has let groups down,” says Harding.

“We work through historical narratives, and in order to fully serve the community, we need to know the trust issues that are out there.”

Enriching Through Outreach

Astrazeneca

While the work goes on within organizations throughout Frederick County, not enough can

be said for the importance of community outreach.

One of the parts codified in The Frederick County Council legislation is for Frederick County employees to be able to “participate in a countywide culture that acknowledges, values and celebrates diversity, equity inclusion and belonging within all levels of county government.”

Frederick County’s Wade says, “The work that we’re committed to doing benefits everyone, as opposed to seemingly favoring only one group over another.” Wade acts as a subject matter expert, providing support to many different departments

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volunteer Lay Health Educators (LHEs) are the mechanism behind sharing tools and resources to help get people the health care they need. LHEs invest 30 hours over 10-weeks to learn how to incorporate health and wellness strategies into the routines of identified communities. They then take that information back to their community.

In addition to Astrazeneca’s robust internal inclusion and diversity cultural events, which include employee resource groups and celebration of 15-20 cultural events per year, they have formed employee teams that provide outreach in the communities.

These employee volunteers engage in community projects and STEM (Science, technology, engineering and math) based teaching in Frederick County schools. as well as supporting local sustainability initiatives.

Janet Harding

and divisions in Frederick County. The office partners at events open to the general public, including representing Frederick County Government with booths at the Black Frederick Festival and Community Health Fairs, and more, to support awareness in Frederick County government and DEI itself.

Frederick Health’s recently created Bridges Program was designed as an innovative community outreach program to build partnerships between the Frederick medical, religious, and neighborhood communities. The ultimate goal of the program is to “bridge” the gap between health care education and a wide population of people, some of whom are identified as more at risk. The

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Smith, of Jerk & Jive, believes being heavily involved in the community is about so much more than his business. “We sponsor several events annually and contribute to numerous organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Frederick, the Frederick shelter, I believe in Me Foundation, to name a few.”

For Smith, involvement and support of events and groups is about sharing the spirit of diversity in his community.

Where to go for help

Businesses in Frederick County can assess their progress on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives with the help of a new free resource available from the

Frederick County Office of Economic Development. The EmPOWER Employer Resource Toolkit is a comprehensive aid for organizations and their employees. It includes a self-assessment tool, as well as videos, podcasts, articles, reading materials, and interactive tools to support a healthy workplace culture and improve DEI efforts.

For community groups and organizations interested in Frederick Health Bridges Program, two cohorts are conducted each spring and fall with a maximum of 15 people per session. Classes meet one weeknight a week for 10 weeks, for a total of 30 hours. After graduation, all Layhealth Educators are invited back to network, share experiences, exchange new facts and test their skills. Many choose to become involved in health fairs, educational seminars, joint projects and focus groups.

The Work Goes On

A recent internal Frederick County Government 2022 survey looking at employee’s experiences related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, scored Frederick County’s at 32 percent higher than other workplaces that had similar goals for their organizations.

Focus group feedback, however, identified more work to be done.

The EmPOWER Employer Resource Toolkit can be downloaded by visiting www.discoverfrederickmd.com/empower.

For more about Frederick Health Bridges, visit www.frederickhealth.org/about/ community-outreach/bridges-program/ TOP50

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HISTORICALLY MARGINALIZED BUSINESSES GET

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mong the steps the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) has taken over the years toward achieving equity in the workplace is the EmPOWER program, which provides a supportive environment for small businesses and helps connect them with government, public and private resources.

The idea for EmPOWER goes back to 2015 when FCOED began a minority outreach program to bring the community together as well as provide businesses with a strong platform to start, locate and expand. Five years later, the department sought to increase services for underrepresented businesses.

Through focus group meetings with underserved business owners, asking about their needs, the EmPOWER program emerged, providing a number of offerings including one-on-one counseling, monthly networking events, educational opportunities, a

mentorship program for entrepreneurs and an employer resource tool kit.

EmPOWER’s mission is to create an environment of economic inclusion in the County that supports all business owners. As of this past November, 71 local underrepresented businesses have completed the EmPOWER mentorship program while approximately 200 local underrepresented business owners and entrepreneurs have participated in a monthly networking event.

The counseling opportunities include two different services — one through the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and another through the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) — both located inside the FCOED at 118 N. Market St. The SBDC provides free individualized counseling with advisors for businesses ranging from start ups to established companies to discuss daily concerns as well as designing long term plans. They also provide free to low-cost training programs as well. The MWBC helps women entrepreneurs to start, sustain and grow their businesses through a number of resources including workshops, one-onone counseling, and peer group support.

The monthly networking event allows business owners to share stories, learn from one another and discuss successes, trouble spots and questions. The event also offers an educational component with a different guest speaker each time.

Previous speakers include Jerk N Jive restaurant owner James Lara Fritts, Frederick County’s Director of the Division of Economic Opportunity.

Smith discussing his entrepreneurial journey and Sandra Hofmeister, founder and owner of A & S Construction talking about women in male dominated industries.

One of the most popular resources of the EmPOWER program, according to Frederick County’s Director of the Division of Economic Opportunity Lara Fritts, has been the networking program. These monthly events have continued to grow and attract a variety of business owners and entrepreneurs.

Networking events are important for two main reasons, Fritts says. “First, being able to learn from an expert in the community, I think, is always valuable. Two, is the ability to network with others who are sharing the same experiences. There is a shared collective of understanding that occurs that I think is very valuable.”

Adds Jodie Bollinger, Director of the Office of Economic Development, the networking is “a great way to share what (participants) are going through at the moment. They can learn from the speaker and build those connections that are so important for a business to succeed.”

Jodie Bollinger, Director of the Office of Economic Development.

Partnering with the City of Frederick, Department of Economic Development, and M&T Bank, EmPOWER has also hosted three mentorship programs. Participants, who must meet certain requirements to be accepted, go through an eight-week program with different discussion themes each session led by experts in the business community. Subjects include marketing, human resources, legal matters, goal setting, commercial real estate, and more. The goal is to help underrepresented businesses troubleshoot problems, generate ideas, grow their networks and identify blind spots.

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Tina Harper, founder pf Dream Free Art, is a graduate of the EmPOWER Program.

Fritts notes the EmPOWER program has become more refined over the years. The mentorship program has evolved to help individuals who want to start a business get to a place of creating a business plan. The FCOED also continues to work to improve the content and the outcomes of the program.

After being a part of the EmPOWER program, Fritts hopes participants take away the knowledge that “Frederick County values their business idea, wants to provide support in launching that business idea and will be there for them as they continue to grow and expand by hiring new employees.”

Fritts says finding like-minded individuals who can help you on the journey is crucial. “Yes, we want the educational experience (of the program) but sometimes we just need a shoulder,” she says. “Being an entrepreneur is not easy and there are days where it is really difficult, so having a mentor to call upon and ask questions of is valuable and an important part of becoming a successful entrepreneur.”

The program also offers a free EmPOWER Employer Resources Toolkit to download a vast collection of articles, podcasts, blogs and reading materials designed to improve Diversity, Equity and Inclusion efforts and support a healthy workplace culture.

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Bollinger says the program helps provide them with resources so they can start, locate and expand their businesses as well as building connections. “I think it is all about relationships and when they do have a question then they know who to go to,” she says.

Tina Harper, who founded Dream Free Art in 2022, is a graduate of the EmPOWER program, participating as she was launching her splatter room art experience business.

She first heard about the program from a Facebook post by FCOED stating the program was for a small business community working on building with other likeminded business owners on a journey of growing their business. “It was a resource I wanted to be a part of,” she recalls.

Harper says the program was “a tremendously amazing resource that I needed in that moment and honestly, I still lean on that support system

that I developed during that eight-week course.

Getting to know those people, leaning on the experts in our area, being able to pick their brain and not just in a general way. …It was ‘I have very specific question about my very specific business’ need, and I was able to be given very specific answers. I was given contacts with other people. Being able to have almost like a mastermind environment where we were able to bounce ideas off each other, work with each other as we were growing each other’s businesses—we still have those connections to this day.”

She encourages others who are looking to start or grow their businesses to try the EmPOWER program.

“It is an unbelievable opportunity to work with people that you may not have known at the start of the EmPOWER program but by the end you are going to feel a special bond with them,” Harper says. “Knowing that, not only do I have the resources to be able to say ‘Hey, I can call

up one of my classmates’ and say, ‘What do you think about this?’ ‘What do you think about that?’

But just being able to tap directly into the expert knowledge in the county and have the support of people in the county in certain positions to help guide you to certain answers that you are looking for—it is invaluable.”

The EmPOWER Employer Resource Toolkit can be downloaded by visiting www.discover frederickmd.com/empower.

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o get underrepresented populations into the work force, Frederick County’s nonprofit agencies are on the forefront, whether it’s in a restaurant environment to train the developmentally disabled or a clothing swap for transgendered individuals.

“We have in our nonprofit sector organizations that are dedicated to making Frederick a vibrant and supportive community of every person that lives here,” says Kris Fair, Executive Director of the Frederick Center, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ people and their families.

Glorie Cassuto and Kris Fair

Frederick’s efforts to become more inclusive have been a home-grown affair.

A prime example is the Arc of Frederick County, which assists children and older individuals with developmental disabilities. It was founded in the 1950s, when parents couldn’t find services for disabled family members, executive director Shauna Mulcahy says. Everything that later contributed to Arc’s progress was tied to networking.

“And it’s really neat to see, to escalate to that level, but then have that added layer of support that we’re able to provide through staffing and more structured support. So that’s really cool,” she says.

The leader of a third nonprofit, Elin Ross of Federated Charities, says part of the reason why Frederick can proudly proclaim its inclusivity is its small size. “I think what is unique about Frederick is that we are the second or third largest city in Maryland. However, we still have a very small-town feel. I don’t think you maybe get that in a neighborhood in Washington, D.C.”

The Story of The Center

The Frederick Center grew out of the 2012 General Assembly decision to allow gays and lesbians to marry. Opponents immediately took the measure to referendum where it handily passed 52.4 percent to 47.6 percent.

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when the school administration tended to protect the bullies over the LGBT students.

The Arc of Frederick County

“The center wouldn’t have happened if our community didn’t recognize it was about our shared humanity supporting one another that helps us to protect our kids, protect our families, protect our communities. And make Frederick a place people want to move to,” Fair says.

“For the last 20 years we have actively engaged in the Frederick community to help uplift what we call historically disenfranchised communities, black communities, brown communities, LGBT folks,” says Fair, who came out in 2002—a time

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“It has been my mission to help facilitate a more inclusive and affirming community in Frederick,” says Fair, a 2002 Linganore High graduate. While the City might still have problems, Fair is confident that inclusion is there. “We’re always searching for the mountaintop.”

He draws a connection between growth and inclusivity. “We’re going to be respectful to one another, we’re going to be kind to one another we’re going to work with one another. Anything we can do to foster that collaborative environment is healthy,” Fair says.

For example, every Saturday, the center hosts a clothing swap for transgendered workers, with anything left over donated to the Frederick Rescue Mission, Fair says.

“It has been my mission to help facilitate a more inclusive and affirming community in Frederick and to be part of that solution,” Fair says from the center’s offices on West Patrick Street.

All this is possible because of the charitable endeavors of Frederick residents.

“Take a look at our nonprofit sector. [It] has dozens of organizations with well-meaning people working together to solve everything from food insecurity, housing insecurity, to uplift historically marginalized communities, or historically disenfranchised communities,” says Fair who has a unique perspective because he is also a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing Frederick County.

“The answer in our community is never no,” Fair says.

To illustrate, he describes an incident from about a year ago. Seven gay Venezuelan men, persecuted because of their sexual orientation, walked from Venezuela to Texas. From Texas, they were taken to the District of Columbia where they connected with a local person. When they ended up in Frederick, they saw the Pride flag flying outside the Frederick Center.

From that introduction, the center’s Spanish interpretation services helped the men get in contact with the city’s Community Action Agency, and transportation to their Immigration and Customs Enforcement

hearings. “It has been my mission to help facilitate a more inclusive and affirming community in Frederick,” says Fair.

“We look at organizations, like the Frederick Center, we look at shift of the ideology in what our community can become,” Fair says, “to be a more open and affirming community.”

Job Fairs to Culinary Training

The Arc’s Mulcahy says, “We look at services holistically so that means [looking at] your natural supports, and everybody that plays a role in your life to help make the life that you’re envisioning.”

“We’re going to help you build that pathway to help you live independently, knowing that might take different stages for each person.

So, we’re going to look at that, and if you want to work at a grocery store, we’re going to help you figure out the pathway to that,” she says.

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Sometimes, Arc’s services include information and referrals. Staff coordinators might find needed resources such as helping individuals find mental health assistance. The Arc also offers a monthly respite program for families, as well as a sibling workshop. “We try to really look at the family piece,” says

Mulcahy, an Urbana High graduate.

Arc also has a culinary training program at the Jeanne Bussard Center for people with disabilities. “Some people go through the program and then decide ‘I don’t want to work in a kitchen, but I really did love the customer service aspect.’ And then we’re able to hone in on those skills.” Others may want to work in a hotel because they liked the laundry training, she says. “We’re able to give people a lot of experience in the hospitality and culinary industry.”

The Arc also does a reverse Job Fair where students set up booths, go through rehearsals and resume

Shauna Mulcahy

writing sessions, and employers come to see what skills students have to offer.

The Influence of Nonprofits

In addition to what nonprofits are doing with promoting inclusiveness, there’s also the overall economic force of nonprofits, Ross, of Federated Charities, says, “If you think about what we contribute to the local economy as to the things that economists look at as success—sustainable tax base, people being able to buy houses, people being able to buy

luxury items or afford basic necessities. Yes, the nonprofit community contributes to that bottom line.”

Federated Charities houses 13 nonprofit agencies and assists 20 on any given day in its 23,000-square-foot historic space at 22 S. Market St. Included is Lead4Life Inc., an effort to reduce the number of youth and young adults entering the juvenile justice system, the Archaeological Conservancy, which manages and

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Elin Ross

maintains preservation sites across the country, and Justice Jobs, which prepares jobseekers and helps them write resumes.

Ross notes that 33 percent of individuals in the Frederick area are living at or below Alice thresholds — Alice stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.

Ross sees some bright spots, describing, for example, how the Student Homelessness Initiative Partnership started. Some people knew a teenaged student who didn’t have size 12 ath-

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letic shoes, so they posted about the need on Facebook.

“They found themselves with 40 pairs,” Ross says.

“That concept grew to what SHIP is today and basically it works directly with the school system for unhoused children and provides them with services.”

Some problems are like walking into a dark room, she says. The answer is flipping the switch.

Helping the Underrepresented The Arc of Frederick County

The Arc provides support coordination, information, referral and advocacy for children and adults with developmental disabilities to live enviable lives.

620A Research Drive, Frederick www.arcfc.org

AARCH Society

The African American Resources, Cultural Heritage Society of Frederick serves community members and visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds who are interested in learning about and sharing their stories about African American history and heritage in Frederick County.

126 E. All Saints St., Frederick www.aarchsociety.org

Asian American Center of Frederick

Serves to enhance, empower and enrich under-supported immigrant community members through outreach.

45 E. All Saints St., Frederick www.aacfmd.org

Centro Hispano

school and events for seniors.

5 Willowdale Drive, Suite 18, Frederick www.centrohispanodefrederick.org

Federated Charities

The only nonprofit center in Frederick. It offers affordable operating space to existing and emerging nonprofit organizations.

22 S. Market St., Frederick www.federatedcharities.org

The Frederick Center

The organization exists to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ people and their families.

322 W. Patrick St., Frederick www.thefrederickcenter.org

Platoon 22

Its mission is to end veteran suicide through the successful reintegration of service members and their families by assembling critical resources, providing peer support and developing transitional programs.

1750 Monocacy Blvd., Suite A, Frederick www.platoon22.org

The organization conducts English and citizenship classes, sponsors summer

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The Frederick County Office of Economic Development’s mission is to sustain, diversify and grow Frederick County’s vibrant economy by providing leadership and resources for businesses to start, locate and expand.

FORWARD »

Frederick County 2023 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANNUAL REPORT

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Letter from Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater Frederick County is home to a thriving, diverse business community. Our core industries range from life sciences to manufacturing and agriculture, providing exciting opportunities for businesses, whether you are a small start-up or a global industry leader. The diversity represented in our business community helps to create the culture that makes Frederick County such a special place to live, work and visit.

Inclusion is a core value of my administration, and I am thrilled to see EmPOWERED leaders in our community highlighted by our Office of Economic Development. These individuals stand out not only for their business savvy, but for their dedication to supporting others and their commitment to an even brighter future in Frederick County. This group represents business owners, volunteers, educators, creators, public officials and more. One thing these leaders all have in common: they love Frederick County.

Letter from the Director, Division of Economic Opportunity Lara Fritts Frederick County Office of Economic Development (FCOED) has had an exceptional year, a testimony to the talented staff and interim leadership of Jodie Bollinger. I was honored to join this team as director in April and immediately crafted a work plan with the team that builds on the momentum the department has seen while transitioning to a division.

Made up of FCOED and the Department of Workforce Services, the newly formed Division of Economic Opportunity has worked together to identify strategic goals that will help us to stay focused on our mission as we enter a new year.

Sharing the business case as to why companies should locate or expand in the county is a critical part of the work we do at FCOED. This led us to launch a series of Industry Profiles showcasing the reasons for companies to do business here. To better support the businesses already located in Frederick County, we launched a Business Sentiment Survey with BEACON at Salisbury University.

The survey results will help us make decisions about future programs and resources.

We would like to congratulate the individuals selected for this year’s Top 50 EmPOWERED Leaders. They are making a difference in our community by contributing to Frederick County’s economy, and to the culture that brings people to Frederick County and makes them want to stay.

My first months with FCOED certainly were inspiring, and we are looking forward to another year of big projects, exciting announcements, and a thriving regional economy in 2024.

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$14.3B GDP

Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis 2022

AAA

Frederick County’s Bond Rating

BY THE

Numbers

TWO

-

TWENTY

THREE

Small Business Services

Source: Frederick County

1.9M

THOUSAND

FCOED partners with the Small Business Development Center and the Maryland Women’s Business Center to offer Small Business Services.

266 CLIENTS COUNSELED

Annual Visitors Source: Tourism Council of Frederick County

35 BUSINESS STARTS

$518M

53 JOBS CREATED

Visitor Spending Source: Tourism Council of Frederick County

287,079

Population (2022) Fastest Growing County in Maryland Source: Census

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42.3% $106,129 6,818

Bachelor’s Degree or higher Source: Census

Median Household Income Source: Census

Businesses Source: BLS 2022 Annual Averages

Frederick County Employment Categories Frederick County’s economy has a diverse range of employment sectors.

$16.56

Market Rent Per SF *CONSISTS OF 11.8% LOCAL 1% STATE 4% FEDERAL

Leisure & Hospitality 10.9%

Office, Industrial, Flex Costar 2023 3rd Quarter

Source: Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, 4th Quarter 2022 Data

Other 3.9%

Source: Costar

Government* 16.8% Natural Resources & Mining 0.6%

Education & Health Services 13.7%

Construction 9.4%

Manufacturing 5.4%

Professional & Business Services 15.2%

Trade, Transportation & Utilities 18.2% Financial 4.8%

102,282 $6.51B Jobs

Annual Wages

Source: BLS 2022 Annual Averages

Source: BLS 2022 Annual Averages

Information 1.0%

7.3%

Overall Commercial Vacancy Rate Office, Industrial, Flex Costar 2023 3rd Quarter Source: Costar

$239M

Value of Commercial and Industrial Construction Costs (2023 YTD, October) Source: Frederick County Division of Planning and Permitting

1.7%

Frederick County Unemployment Rate Maryland 1.8%, National 3.8% Source: Maryland Department of Labor

over 1.6M Square Feet Leased

The amount of commercial space businesses leased in the last 12 months.

Source: Costar

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Main Streets

Created in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing a Community Development, Main Street Maryland consists of designated communities that have exhibited a commitment to fostering economic revitalization and sustainability in their downtown districts. Frederick County has the most Main Street communities in the state, with Brunswick, Frederick, Middletown, New Market and Thurmont having obtained Main Street Maryland designations, and Emmitsburg as a Main Street Affiliate. Each of these communities has its own unique culture, supporting a diverse group of businesses and organizations.

These Main Street programs work to improve the beauty and functionality their downtown districts, while preserving the history and driving the local economy.

IN 2023

Brunswick Brunswick’s Main Street program

awarded $300K in Building Blocks funds and assisted six property renovations through Façade and Interior grants. Thanks to a TRIPP Grant and a T-Mobile Hometown Grant, Brunswick was able to create marketing brochures and add informational kiosks throughout downtown. A community art project brought works painted by 14 local organizations to town, and the local Farmer’s Market saw a record average attendance for the year. A mix of businesses including upholstery, antiques and a cigar shop also opened in Brunswick throughout the year.

Emmitsburg The Town of Emmitsburg purchased new streetlights and parking meters to update and modernize its Main Street. The Emmitsburg Farmers Market saw the addition of food trucks and live music to bring even more people to town. A number of new businesses opened up over the year, and $100K was invested into downtown properties for façade improvements as part of the town’s ongoing Community Legacy program.

Frederick The Downtown Frederick Partnership launched its

Ambassador Program with a team that helps to keep Downtown Frederick safe and beautiful all year long. The Partnership awarded more than $140K in grant funds to support small businesses downtown, and hosted the Competitive Edge Series of educational workshops. The year included a number of community events in Downtown Frederick from Alive @ Five and First Saturdays, to Restaurant Week and more. These events all highlight local artists and musicians, feature special activities at downtown businesses, and generate revenue for the downtown economy. 20 businesses opened up, calling Downtown Frederick home.

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Middletown Main Street Middletown was

selected to host the Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage, which brought more than 500 people from all over the state. A focus on investment in Downtown Middletown has allowed the rehabilitation of properties that will serve as a Welcome Center and Main Street Middletown office. Public art was added throughout downtown, and the rehabilitation of historic Memorial Hall brings luxury apartments and new retail space to the Main Street. Middletown launched its Ice Cream Trail marketing, and local residents continued to show their love for the town by voting it “Frederick County’s Best Small Town” through the Frederick News Post.

New Market New Market saw an exciting year of

improvements, with work done through the Façade Improvement Program, and crosswalks and signage added for improved walkability downtown. Parking was added in downtown New Market, along with lighting and landscaping. A new restaurant opened up at the popular amusement park Adventure Park USA, bringing even more entertainment to beautiful New Market.

Thurmont Thurmont is recognized for its charm,

making the lists of “12 Incredible Charming Small Towns in Maryland” and “9 Best Small Town Weekend Escapes in the State of Maryland.” Thurmont’s Main Street welcomed new businesses to town including two boutiques and a tavern restaurant, and awarded $70K in Façade Grants for improvements to existing businesses. Work continues on an exciting trail project from Thurmont Community Park to West Main Street that will connect to Catoctin Mountain Park for a continuous looping trail.

Life Sciences

Frederick County has an extensive and expanding life sciences ecosystem. The region now ranks 3rd nationally for largest biopharma cluster and life sciences research talent. The county boasts over 130 companies including industry giants such as Kite a Gilead Company, AstraZeneca, Lonza and Thermo Fisher Scientific, locally started RoosterBio and BioFactura, as well as many small and emerging firms such as CarrTech and Veralox.

Local businesses and organizations specialize in cell and gene therapy, bio manufacturing and research. Equally impressive is the private sector’s investment to streamline and accelerate the way life science buildings are designed, built and managed.

Anticipating future needs for lab and manufacturing space, incubators and facilities are developed to provide immediate availability for emerging and established life science firms regionally and across the globe.

To showcase the County’s growing life sciences industry Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater and FCOED welcomed almost 300 attendees at the BISNOW Mid-Atlantic Life Sciences and Biotech Summit held at Progress Labs in Frederick. The summit coincided with the release of the first ever “Life Sciences Industry Profile.” The profile was designed to highlight the business case for why companies should locate or grow their life sciences companies in Frederick County.

FCOED shared the business case for life sciences at the DMV Cell and Gene Therapy Symposium at Children’s National Hospital, where Kite, a Gilead Company shared their experience with the County’s Fast Track Permitting process.

FCOED attended the Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa, which is the sector’s foremost annual conference bringing together senior executives and top decisionmakers in the industry. While there, FCOED’s life sciences business development specialist met with

more than 20 companies to discuss Frederick County as a premier location for investment opportunities.

Continuing to support the local life sciences industry, FCOED sponsored the Maryland Tech Council’s annual Bio Innovation Conference. The conference connects top life sciences professionals in the region with leading global businesses, venture capitalists and promising startups.

2023

top highlights

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

Biotech Boot Camp Biotech Boot Camp is a

4-week training program designed to help jobseekers gain fundamental skills necessary to enter Frederick County’s growing biotech industry. The program is intended for both first-time and experienced workers looking for a new career pathway. Following the successful completion of the course, program participants will be connected to local/ regional biotech companies to seek job opportunities.

FCOED partnered with Frederick Community College, Frederick County Workforce Services, The City of Frederick Department of Economic Development for the first four Biotech Boot Camp Sessions. These sessions were highly successful, and 49 participants completed the program.

Business Appreciation Week For 23 years, FCOED has coordinated Business Appreciation Week (BAW). This year FCOED recognized major employers and those companies that have a large economic impact on their community. With our economic development partners, we visited 46 businesses in one week.

BAW By The Numbers

Business Sentiment Survey FFCOED conducted a

business survey in partnership with the Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) at Salisbury University’s Perdue School of Business.

The survey was launched in October 2023 with a goal to gain insight into what potential resources are needed in the local business community. The results will provide FCOED with valuable information from the local business community, including challenges and opportunities, and will help in developing programs and policies. There was a strong response to the survey, and results will be revealed first quarter 2024.

Frederick County Accepted into Mobility Action Learning Network The

Urban Institute selected Frederick County Government, along with community partners the United Way of Frederick County, Data Driven Frederick and other community leaders, to participate in the Institute’s Mobility Action Learning Network. The Mobility Action Team will be led by Lara Fritts, Director of the Division of Economic Opportunity, with a goal to lift people out of poverty through programs, policies, and actions. The network will equip members with data, practices, and opportunities to learn from each other to address local challenges related to upward mobility and racial equity work.

46 Businesses Represented

» Over 11,716,500 SF » Over 300 Acres » Over 20,000 Jobs

» 67% of businesses plan to expand » 54% of businesses plan to hire

Industry Profiles FCOED published two specialized profiles

that highlight Frederick County and targeted industries, including the Life Sciences industry. These profiles are another tool to raise awareness regionally, nationally, and globally and highlights the strategic advantages of starting, locating and expanding in Frederick County.

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Agricultural Innovation Grants Program The

Agricultural Innovation Grants Program is designed to improve economic viability of the agriculture industry by encouraging agricultural producers to expand or diversify their business operations.

Since its inception in 2021, the grants program has awarded over $1.2 million to 49 projects creating 138 full-time jobs and 146 part-time jobs.

Agriculture Awards » Farm Family of the Year – Clyde C. Crum

2023 Selected Company Locations & Expansions:

NEW JOBS

ADDITIONAL SQ. FOOTAGE/ACRES

» Ag Advocate of the Year – Belinda Burrier

Rowan Digital Infrastructure (L)

40

1,500,000

» Ag Business of the Year – The

Brick Works North America (L)

30

178,085

Power Solutions (L)

40

93,800

Qiagen (E)

50

43,000

Precision for Medicine (E)

60

41,000

FITCI (E)

-

25,000

Partner Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Center (E)

70

22,100

Wright Manufacturing (E)

38

22,000

Liberas Inc (L)

10

20,000

Verbal Beginnings (L)

80

17,000

of Economic Development was a premiere sponsor for FCOED’s EmPOWER Program, which received an Honorable Mention at the 2023 Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Awards.

Forecyte (E)

15

16,100

Builders Design (L)

22

15,641

Steel Products (L)

20

15,000

Small Business Accelerator Program

Rockwell Brewery (E)

23

14,546

X-Golf Frederick (L)

10

13,500

Trail Grid Pro (E)

25

10,000

Employee Navigator (L)

67

8,500

SNR Systems (L)

7

5,500

VFW Post 3285 (E)

-

5,000

Postern (E)

3

4,600

Amber Fields Malting & Brewing (E)

3

3,200

Intelice Solutions LLC (E)

1

2,800

IBEW Local 24 (L)

3

2,380

Metaphor Laboratories (L)

3

1,800

FESCO Energy (E)

10

1,351

Geneva Foundationn (L)

3

300

Hart Hemp Co. (L)

3

60 Acres

Moon Valley Farm (E)

14

20 Acres

& Son, Inc.

Piedmont Group » Young Farmer of the Year – Justin Tucker

Accolades » Top 100 Best Places to Live in America

(Frederick) – Livability » The Best Cities for Women to Launch Careers (Frederick #9) – Augsburg University

EmPOWER The City of Frederick’s Department

FCOED and M&T Bank partnered together to offer a free, virtual 10-week Small Business Accelerator Program to support small and underrepresented businesses in Frederick County. The program provided businesses with the fundamentals of important business topics led by local subject matter experts, mentors and community leaders. » 10 local mentors » 39 growth-stage businesses

Mentorship Program In Fall of 2023, FCOED

partnered with the SBDC offering an 8-week, in-person mentorship program for growth-stage businesses in Frederick County. Participants were guided through a step-by-step process to develop a comprehensive business plan. Facilitated by the SBDC, each session was led by local business leaders and subject matter experts. The Mentorship program is a facilitated mentoring model designed to help underrepresented businesses generate ideas, identify blind spots, troubleshoot problems, grow their networks, and scale their business in Frederick County.

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40

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The Arc of Frederick County

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FREDERICK’S

top 50

EmPOWERED LEADERS FOR 2023

The following professionals have contributed to the community through their work and service. They are Frederick County entrepreneurs, business executives and community leaders from diverse backgrounds who are breaking glass ceilings, blazing trails and inspiring the next generation of great leaders and innovators. The Frederick County Office of Economic Development invites readers to meet these individuals.

» Alysia Birkholz

» Theresa Harrison

» Mansi Oza

» Ryan Bonheyo

» Danielle Haskin

» Sebastian Palacio

» Jarad Bowens

» Sandra Hofmeister

» Savita Prabhakar

» Dante Brown

» Marién Hornyak

» Ángel and Crystal Rivera

» Nathan Brown

» Susan Hough

» Ariel Rodriguez

» Rachel Bur and Moe Zaw

» Sarah Hurwitz Robey

» Denise Rollins

» Belinda Burrier

» Emma Jagoz

» Ashleigh Rossi

» Erlin Cruz

» Lisbet Jensen Young

» Serina Roy

» Sherri Daniels-Ames

» Bill Johnson

» Carrie Delente

» Sara Johnston

» Santhanalakshmi Shanmugam

» Shantay DeMar

» David Kalman

» Sandy Dubay

» Machelle Lee

» Kavonte Duckett

» Nisha Manikoth

» Kris Fair

» Jaime McKay

» Christie Gilkes

» Caitlin Morris

» Patrick Haley

» Shauna Mulcahy

» Tina Harper

» Sherry Myers

» Ali Sharifzadeh » Tammi Simpson » Alex Uphold » Natasha Valencia » Ashley Vancleef » Rachel Anne Warren » Julie Yoder

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY TOP50

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Alysia Birkholz

CEO, Texcell-North America 4991 New Design Road, Suite 100, Frederick www.texcell.com Alysia Birkholz, Ph.D., is the CEO at the biotech service organization Texcell-North America, Inc. where she provides operational and scientific direction for systems, resources and people. Alysia has a background in professional development training and career planning and is a guest speaker for colleges and organizations, board member for life sciences higher education programs and mentor for startup life sciences organizations. Alysia earned a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, completed graduate studies in project management, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry and Biology.

Who has influenced you most professionally and why?

My high school (Brunswick High) biology teacher for getting me involved in the NCI Werner H. Kirsten Student Intern Program. This set the course for my entire career.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20

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Ryan Bonheyo

Dante Brown

Realtor, Bonheyo Real Estate Services | 110A W. 3 St. #1, Frederick | www.ryanbonheyo.com rd

After eight years in the real estate industry, Ryan Bonheyo noticed that the information in American Sign Language within the real estate industry needed to be improved. In order to help fill the gap, Ryan started his company, Bonheyo Real Estate Services.

In his first full year as a Realtor, he completed over $5 million in real estate sales. In August 2022, Ryan was recognized as one of the fastest-growing agents. He regularly volunteers at Maryland School for the Deaf to assist with their athletic program.

What does EmPOWERED mean to you?

EmPOWERED means having the confidence, strength and resources to pursue your goals and dreams and make positive changes in your life and those around you. It’s about feeling capable, in control and having the knowledge and tools to overcome challenges and obstacles.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 8

Jarad Bowens

Owner & Therapist, Peace of Mind Therapeutic Services & Solutions 319 W.Patrick St., Frederick www.pomtherapeutic.com

Dante Brown is a trauma specialist and psychotherapist with a wealth of experience in trauma informed care and treatment. He has experience in working with children, teens and adults.

He enthusiastically provides training and consultation to childcare providers, school-based staff, administrators, social workers and psychotherapists.

What motivates you and why?

I am motivated by hope and healing.

Life challenges happen to everyone, and I am continuously motivated when I can serve as a guide and catalyst with others on their healing journey.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 12

Business Outreach Coordinator, City of Frederick Office of Equity & Inclusion 101 N. Court St., Frederick | www.cityoffrederickmd.gov In his role with the City, Jarad Bowens works with underrepresented businesses to promote their involvement in the City’s procurement programs. Formerly owner of Benefactor Events, he worked with nonprofits to provide entertainment services at low to no cost. Jarad is on the board of directors for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, is a founding member and Events Committee Chair for SOUL Street, empowering Black Owned Businesses in the community, and also chairs the Business Equity Coalition for the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, plus serves on the Western Maryland Advisory Board for the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Invest early in yourself and in others. Spend time working on your own self-development so that you can inspire and help others around you.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 1

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Nathan Brown Rachel Bur and Moe Zaw Mayor, City of Brunswick 1 W. Potomac St., Brunswick www.brunswickmd.gov

Family business owners, Asian Supermarket | 5 Willowdale Dr. Ste B7&B8, Frederick www.frederickasiansupermarket.com For the past 25 years, Rachel Bur and Moe Zaw have been pillars of support within the Burmese immigrant community. They have volunteered as interpreters for Burmese refugees and at the Burmese church and Frederick Middle School. Their involvement in the Asian American Center of Frederick has further demonstrated their passion for community service.

Rachel and Moe opened Asian Supermarket after being in the United States for four years, and have officially celebrated 20 years of doing business in Frederick County. Their new location has allowed them to expand their offerings including made-to-order bubble tea, milk tea and more.

Nathan Brown is a community advocate and EmPOWERED leader.

He is a proud member of the LGBTQ community and a Brunswick High School class of 2006 alumni. He has 14 years of federal workforce experience and served his hometown of Brunswick since 2020 as its mayor. He’s worked tirelessly to make Brunswick a vibrant community that its residents can be proud of and restored its voice at the county, state and federal tables.

What personal or professional goal would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

What motivates you and why?

Our two sons are one of our greatest motivations to run this small business. We want the best for our kids, especially when it comes to education and life.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20

I would like to look back and see a Brunswick community with solid infrastructure, a revitalized downtown and a booming economic and business scene.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 19

Belinda Burrier Farmer, Burrier’s Linganore Farm | 9005 Clemsonville Road, Union Bridge Having no experience in production agriculture until meeting her husband 20 years ago, Belinda has positioned herself as one of Frederick County’s top agricultural advocates while serving as the first woman on the Maryland Soybean Board and as Maryland’s first representative to serve on the United Soybean Board executive committee. She opens their farm for local and international visitors, legislators and institutions while sharing the story of the American farmer through social media platforms.

Who has influenced you most professionally and why?

Henry Givray. He was an exceptionally hard instructor who changed my life.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20

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Erlin Cruz Software Developer, Orases | 5728 Industry Lane, Frederick | www.orases.com Erlin Cruz received a degree in computer science from Capitol Technology University. With eight years of experience, he currently works at Orases as a software developer. He volunteers with the LYNX program at Frederick High School, instructing students about soft skills, and meeting Spanish-only speaking parents to support ESOL students. Recently, he began work on a scholarship at Orases to donate refurbished computers to recently graduated seniors at Frederick High School.

What do you hope to see for the future of Frederick County?

I would like to see the LYNX program expanded to more high schools.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 8

Carrie Delente

CEO, Enforme Interactive 6009 Hansen Circle, Frederick www.enforme.com Carrie Karl Delente is a highly skilled and accomplished professional with a diverse background in both the arts and technology. Throughout her career, she has successfully established several businesses, including a faux painting company, an art gallery, a product company for the pharmaceutical industry, a technology company and most recently, a restaurant. She currently serves as a Center for Biomedical Transparency Board member, ASAE 2022-23 Healthcare Community Advisory Committee Chair, and the Heritage Frederick Board chair.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Sherri Daniels-Ames

In conversations, it’s important to give the other person your undivided attention and take the time to really listen to what they’re saying.

Financial Intake Specialist, LHC Group | 5240 Spectrum Drive, Frederick Sherri Theresa Daniels-Ames is a community leader in Frederick County. She volunteers her time to women who are in domestic violence and drug abuse situations. The community-based group is called “Tuesday’s With Sherri Women’s Support Group,” which she has been facilitating since 2008.

She enjoys serving her community and strives to be a dedicated leader to all who need a listening ear.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 27

What does EmPOWERED mean to you?

EmPOWERED means to beat all the odds that negatively impact your life.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20+

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Shantay DeMar

Sandy Dubay CEO, PPR Strategies | 50 Citizen’s Way, 403-1B, Frederick | www.pprstrategies.com Sandy Dubay is the CEO and founder of PPR Strategies, a marketing and public relations firm supporting economic development and tourism organizations, higher education, various private sector industries and non-profit organizations since 2002. She and her team created the Frederick Factor podcast, giving Frederick’s underrepresented business owners and community leaders a platform to tell their stories. She serves on the board of directors and is the business development chair for the Downtown Frederick Partnership.

Founder & CEO @VR Virtual Reality 5 Willowdale Drive, Unit B13, Frederick www.atvirtualreality.com Shantay DeMar is the CEO and founder of @VR Virtual Reality. Prior to launching @VR, Shantay received a B.S. in finance from Morgan State University.

After 20-plus years in the financial services industry, he decided to pursue his long-term goal of becoming an entrepreneur. @VR Virtual Reality is a state-of-the-art virtual reality entertainment center where individuals can play a variety of games or receive educational experiences in 360-degree immersive technology. Shantay is the author of the book O.W.N I.T., which provides practical ways to jump start your financial awareness and reach long-term goals.

What book or podcast would you recommend and why?

I recommend Season 2 of the Frederick Factor podcast, hosted by Ashleigh Kiggans. The podcast is a fantastic resource for hearing the stories of Frederick’s underrepresented community leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals and for hearing about what makes Frederick so special.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20

What is your favorite quote?

You’re only as smart as the smartest person in your group.

Kris Fair Executive Director, The Frederick Center | 322 W. Patrick St., Frederick | www.thefrederickcenter.org

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 3

For the last two decades, Kris Fair has worked tirelessly on civil rights and other community challenges. He has been active in numerous organizations supporting the arts, combating gun violence, supporting small businesses and fighting for historically disenfranchised communities. Kris is married to his husband Dominick, is the executive director of The Frederick Center, and is the Delegate for District 3 in the Maryland General Assembly.

What is your favorite quote?

If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one. From Dolly Parton.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 2, EMPLOYED 17 YEARS COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

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Kavonte Duckett

Frederick County Council Vice President, District 4 | Frederick County Government 12 E. Church St., Frederick | www.frederickcountymd.gov

to Frederick County government. After being sworn in, he was elected as council vice president.

What is your favorite quote?

If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.

Kavonté Duckett, a seventh generation native of Frederick, graduated from Tuscarora High School and Frederick Community College where he was president of the Student Government Association and student representative on the Presidential Search Committee. He has been employed with the Gary L. Rollins Funeral Home since 2011 and is the director of Alan P. Linton Jr. Emergency Shelter. Elected to the Frederick County Council, District 4, in November 2022, Kavonté made history, becoming the first African American elected

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY ELECTED 2022

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Christie Gilkes

Patrick Haley CEO, BridgePath Scientific | 5730 Industry Lane, Frederick | www.bridgepathscientific.com Patrick has been serving his community since 1990, when he joined the U.S. Navy. He has started multiple business and not-for-profit organizations in Frederick, including FITCI and his current company, BridgePath Scientific. Over the last 20 plus years, Patrick has served on multiple boards and councils in Frederick and state level including Goodwill, FITCI, The Banner School, Kiwanis, The Technology Council of Maryland and the Business Development Advisory Council. In his spare time he coaches varsity high school football. He lives in Frederick with his wife, Mary and their four children, Michael, Rose, Ellen, and Sadie.

Managing Director/Pastry Chef Sweet Intuition 1450 W. Patrick St., Frederick 5100 Buckeystown, Pike Ste. 250, Frederick www.sweetintuitions.com Christie is an experienced healthcare professional and pastry chef with 11-plus years of industry expertise.

After an accident, she turned her side hustle into a formal business. Her business seeks to bring food diversity in dessert form, by incorporating her culture with seasonal local agriculture. She assisted in creating Supply Their Success, an initiative to provise children with tools and resources to succeed in life. Christie embodies the spirit of resilience and empowerment, proving that anything is possible with dedication and grace, turning her adversities into motivation for success.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would tell her it all worked out in the end. Perfectionism is overrated.

Mistakes are life lessons not failures.

Give yourself grace with your big emotions because I am exactly who you needed.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 11

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why?

Tenacity. Great businesses are built by trying, failing, learning, and trying again—over and over.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 17

Tina Harper Founder and CEO, Dream Free Art | 5104 Pegasus Court, Suite B, Frederick | www.dreamfreeart.com Tina Harper is the founder and CEO of Dream Free Art. She is passionate about sharing the benefits of open-ended, stress-relieving, process-centered art with the community. As a wife, mom of seven, artist, entrepreneur and a former early childhood educator, Tina truly embraces art and how it can help people decompress. She volunteers as a cheerleader coach and has received the Maryland Women’s Business Center’s “She’s Rising” Award in the final round of the 2022 S.H.E. Pitch competition.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

That idea you have isn’t crazy. Just keep going. That little idea isn’t so little. It will be life changing.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 6

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Theresa Harrison Senior Managing Partner, Owner GEORGE STREET Services, Inc | 4539 Metropolitan Court, Frederick www.georgestreetinc.com Theresa is an empathetic leader who chose to be an entrepreneur because of her belief that she could succeed and lead others to succeed. From 1996-2009, she was co-founder, president of Athenyx, LLC, #7 on the Greater Washington Technology Fast50 list. She founded GEORGE STREET Services, Inc. in 2010. Her most recent book, Yes, You Are Able, was published in 2021 and is an Amazon bestseller.

Theresa regularly gives back, volunteering at Hood College, Truist Bank, Woman to Woman Mentoring and more.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why?

I set annual goals of new experiences such as running a 5k, writing a book, creating a song.

They take me out of my comfort zone and give me a new perspective.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 30

Danielle Haskin Director, Equity Office Frederick County Health Department | 350 Montevue Lane, Frederick www.health.frederickcountymd.gov Danielle Haskin leads with her passion for community. A first generation college graduate, Danielle earned a B.S. in Emergency Health and a Master’s in Public Health. As the director of the Frederick County Health Departments Equity Office, she focuses on ways to amplify community voices that identify and advocate for systems change to eliminate barriers to health and wellness. Striving to bridge the gaps between agency and community, she serves in multiple ways on state and local boards and commissions.

Sandra Hofmeister

Owner, A&S Construction, LLC 596 Hillcrest Drive, Frederick www.ansconstruction.net A former CPA, Sandra is the owner of A&S Construction. She is involved in the community as a member of several committees and boards. She is president of the Professional Women in Building for the Frederick County Building Industry Association and a board member. She is an ambassador for the Frederick Chamber of Commerce, member of the Women in Business Committee and the Business Equity Commision. She serves as volunteer at the DEI Advisory Panel for the City of Frederick and is a member of the Washington County Home Builders Association.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t give up and dream big because you can do it all.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 13

What is your favorite quote?

I am my sisters keeper, I am my brother’s keeper, there is power in unity and together we can, and will see transformation.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 10

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MariÉn Hornyak

Susan Hough Queen Bee, Octavo Designs | 50 Citizens Way, Suite 403-1A, Frederick | www.8vodesigns.com Sue is the founder and creative director of Octavo Designs, which has grown into a locally and nationally recognized graphic design studio. Her unique studio atmosphere evokes fun and creativity, and her work is no different. Sue is devoted to the community— sponsoring countless activities and volunteering her design services for numerous regional non-profit organizations. She served on the DEI committee for the City of Frederick and currently is with the Business Equity Coalition with the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.

Owner, The Kitchenette, LLC 217 N. Market St., Frederick www.thekitchenettefrederick.com Marién worked in healthcare, wellness, and education before opening The Kitchenette, a retail kitchen shop. As a blind woman, she faced obstacles when it came to finding a job that accommodated her accessibility needs. Her love of cooking led her to open The Kitchenette. She is a member of several City of Frederick committees where she advocates for persons with disabilities and pedestrians. As a white cane and guide dog user, Marién has a following on social media, where she shares matters related to the blind and visually impaired.

What does EmPOWERED mean to you?

EmPOWERED means serving your community regardless of your personal challenges—providing excellent customer service and building strong relationships with community members and fellow retailers.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 7

What is your favorite quote?

“The bee is more honored than other animals, not because she labors, but because she labors for others.” Saint John Chrysostom YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 30

Sarah Hurwitz Robey President, Colonial Jewelers | 1 S. Market St., Frederick | www.colonialjewelers.com Sarah Hurwitz Robey is the fourth generation of the Hurwitz family to be president of Colonial Jewelers, and the first woman. Colonial Jewelers has been in Frederick for 75 years and is over 100 years old as a company. She has worked for Colonial for the past 20 years, working her way up through the company where she has performed every position.

She is a full-time working mother of two boys and works to provide a workplace that is not only successful but also supports her employees in their roles in and out of the company. Sarah sits on the Board of Directors of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and is a Rotarian.

Who has influenced you most professionally and why?

My parents, They are the hardest working people I know. They never shy away from or complain about working hard and have taught me that is the most important factor in success.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20

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Emma Jagoz

Owner/Farmer, Moon Valley Farm | 9700 Gravel Hill Road, Woodsboro www.moonvalleyfarm.net Emma Jagoz is a first generation organic vegetable farmer who founded Moon Valley Farm in 2012. Emma grew Moon Valley from a one-woman show feeding 12 families to having a staff of 20 feeding thousands all year-round. She believes that by focusing on stewarding the land responsibly through organic and regenerative agriculture, we will improve our waterways, the health of the Chesapeake Bay, and

strengthen our region’s food security.

What do you hope to see for the future of Frederick County?

I’d like to see Frederick County become the regenerative and organic agricultural hub for the MidAtlantic.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 11

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Lisbet Jensen Bill Johnson Young

Operations Supervisor, Transit Services of Frederick County | 1040 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick www.frederickcountymd.gov

Vice President and General Manager, AstraZeneca 633 Research Court, Frederick www.astrazeneca.com

Lisbet is vice president and general manager for AstraZeneca’s Biologics Manufacturing Center, leading 750 people who make life-changing medicines for patients worldwide.

Living and working in five countries before moving to Frederick, with a background in chemical engineering, prepared Lisbet for various roles and increasing responsibilities within manufacturing, quality control and assurance, supply chain and validation. She has a strong focus on diversity and inclusion and is passionate about ensuring robust career development opportunities for her teams.

What book or podcast would you recommend and why?

HBR IdeaCast gives me ideas and inspiration to grow as a leader. Born in Denmark, I recently became a U.S. citizen. The podcast Constitutional has given me a great appreciation for the shaping of America.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20+

BJ began his career at Transit Services in 2004, hired first as a part-time peak driver and quickly moving into a full-time role, often serving as a trainer for other staff, including the current director. BJ was recognized as exemplary by peers and management, and recommended for and selected to serve in a supervisory role. He currently excels at supporting and inspiring his team.

Who has influenced you most professionally and why?

Transit’s Assistant Director of Operations Joe Ortega, who serves as a guiding light for all in the organization, and Douglas Credle, Transit’s first African American supervisor. As the second one, it is an honor to stand on the shoulders of history.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 30+

Sara Johnston Research Microbiologist (Regulatory), U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases 1425 Porter St. Frederick Sara is a research microbiologist at USAMRIID. She has over 14 years of experience working on vaccine and drug testing for pathogens of importance to the Department of Defense. She has a steadfast commitment to excellence in research in the service of her country. She served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in Frederick County (Independent Hose Co.) for seven years. At the age of 40, she fulfilled her lifelong dream of joining the U.S. Army Reserve.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why?

I was once told I was rugged, and really this is the best way to describe me. I’m tough as nails, persistent, and goal oriented. I don’t tend to give up or give in, and it takes a lot to knock me down. Even when down, I always get back up.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 14

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David Kalman Contracts Director, Edgewater Federal Solutions, Inc. | 5280 Corporate Drive, Suite C130, Frederick www.edgewaterit.com David Kalman is a contracts director, servicing the contractual needs of the federal government. He is a U.S. Army veteran and has been both the federal customer and the industry partner. He is a member of the National Contract Management Association and served two terms as the Frederick chapter’s vice president. David is passionate about the relationship between the federal public trust and the contractor who supplies the goods and services that benefit the taxpayer, citizen and warfighter. David volunteers at the Frederick Rescue Mission, teaching youth group ministries and violin.

What motivates you and why?

Bringing out the best in people around me, maybe even helping them discover it within themselves, is what motivates me.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 30+

Machelle Lee Owner and Lead Instructor, Roots & River Yoga | 30 W Potomac St., Brunswick www.rootsandriveryoga.com Machelle has 31 years of experience as a yoga teacher and massage therapist. She has a Masters in Mythology and Depth Psychology and advanced certification in yoga psychology. Her practice combines functional anatomy, neuroscience, psychology, Chinese meridian theory, storytelling and poetry across a variety of yoga styles. She is passionate about the revitalization of Brunswick, serving on numerous boards and committees.

She and her husband, Eric, have invested in the Newberry Building, new home of Roots & River with space for up to five other businesses.

Nisha Manikoth

Director, Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership, Hood College 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick www.hood.edu Nisha is director of the doctoral program in Organizational Leadership at Hood College where she teaches courses on leadership, talent management, sustainability and research methods. She thrives in this role as she combines research, teaching and service to make an impact on the communities she’s part of. She guides and nurtures leaders with the belief that knowledge wields power and with every small change that each of us make, we can make a big impact and transform our community.

What does EmPOWERED mean to you?

Em(brace) POWER through Ed(ucation). Education can truly be your superpower to amplify the change that you want to make in your community!

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 12

What is your favorite quote?

“Patience comes to the bones before it takes root in the heart.” Mary Oliver YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 31

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Jaime McKay Caitlin Morris Deputy Director and Chief Morale Officer Transit Services of Frederick County 1040 Rocky Springs Road, Frederick

Owner, Instructor Ms Caitlin’s School | 26 W. All Saints St., Frederick | www.mscaitlinsschool.com When Caitlin took her first blacksmithing class in 2009, she realized that the traditional teaching methods favored strong, tall people. Since 2015, she has been working to make blacksmithing more accessible to other body types through Ms Caitlin’s School of Blacksmithing. In 2018, she helped found the Society of Inclusive Blacksmiths. Through mentorships, internships, apprenticeships, and 13 classes a week, Caitlin teaches people to learn from their mistakes and to tap into their own power.

Jaime, CCTM, CSSO, TDM-CP, is the quintessential transit cheerleader.

She is a strong advocate for transit, but especially for transit serving rural areas and transit serving people with disabilities, two critical focuses that can often get overlooked. Jaime is an avid transit enthusiast and proponent, and has been working in the public transit industry since 2012. In June 2021, Jaime joined Frederick Transit as deputy director (which she says is her dream job).

What advice would you give to your younger self?

It’s never as bad as you think it is. Flowers, to bloom, need equal amounts of rain and sunshine.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 11

What motivates you and why?

I am highly motivated to be the teacher I needed when I took blacksmithing classes.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 13

Shauna Mulcahy Executive Director, The Arc of Frederick County | 620A Research Court, Frederick | www.arcfc.org Shauna is the executive director with The Arc of Frederick County, where she started as a volunteer in middle school.

Shauna graduated from Lycoming College in 2009 and is completing her certificate in nonprofit leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. Shauna is passionate about Frederick County and belongs to Key City Rotary Club.

She believes empowerment allows others to achieve the results they desire. Her work on system and individual levels empowers all people to have control in their lives as they work to create inclusive communities.

What personal or professional goal would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

I would like to help build Frederick to be a beacon for other communities to look at and aspire to be.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 12

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Sherry Myers Owner, Thurmont Kountry Kitchen | 17 Water St., Thurmont | www.thurmontkountrykitchen.com Sherry is the owner of Thurmont Kountry Kitchen.

She works hard every day to provide services to the community. She believes that family and community are cornerstones of her business. When her community needs assistance she is always there to lend a helping hand. She has been a mentor for several senior projects and has employed several students from the FCPS SUCCESS Program. Not just a boss, she’s a leader and works alongside her employees daily.

What does EmPOWERED mean to you?

EmPOWERED is a cornerstone for our growing community, being a role model for our future generations and helping to lay the groundwork for tomorrow.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 39

Sebastian Palacio

Vice President and General Manager, Planar Monolithics Industries Inc. DBA Quantic PMI 7309-A Grove Road, Frederick www.quanticpmi.com Sebastian is a 23-year veteran of the aerospace and defense industries in radio frequency and microwave. His engineering background, entrepreneurial spirit, and background in micro-electronics manufacturing and global business development have made Planar a global leader in its field. Sebastian focuses on growth, shareholder value, meeting customer needs and cultivating a thriving employee environment.

Who has influenced you most professionally and why?

Mansi Oza Dentist/Owner, Thurmont Smiles | 100 S Center St., Thurmont | www.thurmontsmiles.com Mansi, BDS, DMD, FICOI, is a double board certified, wellness dentist who owns a dental practice in Thurmont. Her vision is to make a positive difference in her patients’ lives by helping them eat comfortably, smile confidently, and live healthfully. She and her team give their 110 percent every day. One of the most heartwarming ways Thurmont Smiles contributes to the community is by providing an all-expense-paid smile makeover treatment for someone who dreams of smiling confidently.

Founder and mentor of Planar Monolithics Inc., Dr. Ashok Gorwara and technical peer and friend, Dave Durbin. Both have been an example of hard work, dedication, and passion for engineering.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 23

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Follow your gut and let your heart lead you.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20+

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Ángel and Crystal Rivera

Co-Founders, Ángel, CEO/CFO; Crystal, COO/Distiller Puerto Rico Distillery, Unit 113A, 1341 Hughes Ford Road, Frederick www.puertoricodistillery.com Puerto Rico Distillery is led by father-daughter team Ángel and Crystal Rivera. They are a career U.S. Navy family, received the Maryland Heritage Award in 2018 and more recently received the Maryland Folklife Apprenticeship Grant from Maryland State Arts Council. This duo brought Puerto Rican moonshine rum and its traditions to Frederick. Crystal serves as distiller/COO while Ángel uses his 30 plus years of blending experience as CEO/CFO.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why?

As a family we have always put a high value on education, not just in the traditional school setting, but in being life-long learners.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 5

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Savita Prabhakar Assistant Professor, Frederick Community College | 7932 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick www.frederick.edu Savita is an immigrant who came to the U.S. to do a post doctoral in biotechnology. She has decades of experience in the field and now works for Frederick Community College where she can share her experience and knowledge with biotech students and contribute to the field. Savita actively works with the community and industry to generate a skilled workforce for the local biotech industry and help students enter a rewarding career and not just a job.

What personal or professional goal would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

I would like to grow FCC’s biotechprogram so that it will be the place for industry to go when looking to hire for entry level positions in the field.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 25+

Ariel Rodriguez Managing Director, Northwestern Mutual | 150 S. East St., Suite 200, Frederick www.northwesternmutual.com

Denise Rollins

Executive Director, Whole Heart Grief & Life Resource Center 330 Catoctin Ave., Frederick www.wholeheartcenter.org Denise wears many hats. She’s executive director of the Whole Heart Center, which provides transformative life coaching and workshops.

She co-owns Rollins Life Celebration Center, helping people handle death and grief. She also serves on the Frederick Health and Ausherman Family Foundation boards and is personally invested in the community where she was born and raised.

Most of all, she is a wife, mother, daughter, friend and family member.

What book or podcast would you recommend and why?

The E-Myth by Michael Gerber changed my life because it showed me how to build systems for success. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t use its principles.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 10

Ariel is a father, husband and leader looking to empower the Frederick community by providing opportunities in the financial services industry. He has 16 years as a professional volleyball player earning a gold medal at the 2002 Central American games. Ariel received the leadership rising star in 2022. He hosted the first Latino networking event for business owners in Frederick County and partnered with FCOED’s EmPOWER program.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you want something you never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 13

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Ashleigh Rossi

Serina Roy Owner, Dublin Roasters Coffee, Inc | 1780 N. Market St., Frederick | www.dublinroasterscoffee.com Serina Roy is the owner/master roaster at Dublin Roasters Coffee. Thirty years ago she moved to Frederick from New Hamshire. She has a business degree, and, after a Frederick City Police ride along, decided to join the force. Her love of coffee and passion for roasting coffee was a hobby that grew into an online coffee roasting company and cafe. Serina works with the Arc, Community Living and volunteers with the Chamber and Business Equality Commission. She is also a member of Key City Rotary Club.

Vice President, MacRo, Ltd. 5300 Westview Drive Suite 302, Frederick www.macrocommercialrealestate.com Ashleigh is the vice president at MacRo Commercial Real Estate.

She has worked in the commercial real estate market for 13 years, with almost eight years in Frederick County. Ashleigh is one of the only full-time black commercial real estate agents in three counties, including Frederick. Since starting in the Frederick market, Ashleigh has thrown herself into her work and the community. She currently sits on the board of directors at Mental Health Association of Frederick, Community Foundation of Frederick, Frederick Chamber of Commerce, and SOUL Street.

Who has influenced you most professionally and why?

Rocky Mackintosh. Though we are not of similar backgrounds, he has always been a force in encouraging me to embrace that I am not like everyone in our industry.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 13

What personal or professional goal would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

I would like to have my new property in New Market finished and own the property that I’m currently leasing for Dublin. Personally, I would like to travel to coffee countries and help farmers grow and bring crops to the USA. YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 23

Santhanalakshmi Shanmugam President, Minnodi LLC | 4539 Metropolitan Court, Frederick | www.minnodillc.com Santhanalakshmi is an experienced IT Service Delivery Quality Management Consultant currently providing consulting for federal/state IT contractors. She started the certified women/minority owned company, Minnodi LCC, which provides workforce training, staffing and information technology consulting services to Frederick based and statewide government organizations, small businesses and nonprofits. She is a certified CMMI ATM, ITIL and MIT Artificial Intelligence consultant. Minnodi LLC offers free workforce training services to social/economically disadvantaged families around Frederick County.

Who has influenced you most professionally and why?

Prathiba Ramadoss. I learned a lot from her on how to be successful and how to run an organization. I admire her skills in people management.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 20+

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Ali Sharifzadeh

Member, District Farms | 4500 E Basford Road, Frederick https://district.farm/ Ali is leveraging his years of technical expertise to bring a fresh and dynamic perspective to the controlled environment agriculture industry. Specifically, he is an electrical engineer (and lawyer), with deep experience in software technologies and advanced hydroponic irrigation and growing systems. For nearly a decade, Ali devoted his time and personal resources to controlled environment agriculture, helping to lead construction, growing, operations, as well as research and development at District Farms.

What do you hope to see for the future of Frederick County?

I hope to see the county become a hub for the controlled environment agriculture industry, with District Farms playing a big part in that.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 8

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Tammi Simpson Alex Uphold Vice President, Hood College Community and Inclusivity 401 Rosemont Ave., Frederick www.hood.edu

Tammi has a unique background with experiences in the legal field and higher education.

Serving as the inaugural vice president of community and inclusivity at Hood, she has leveraged Hood and Frederick resources for the betterment of Frederick County and Hood’s community. Tammi developed and moderated an informative panel discussion centered around local intergenerational African American Frederick heroes. She received an award as a federal prosecuter from the U.S. Secret Service and is a member of the Frederick Police chief’s Community Advisory Board.

What book or podcast would you recommend and why?

I recommend that everyone read Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail. Given the conditions in which King wrote that epistle, I find his eloquence moving.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 10

Insurance Agent, Alex Uphold Insurance Agency, Inc. | 31 Water St., Suite A, Thurmont Alex has been a female breaking through barriers in the insurance and financial services industry for 17 years, and has owned her own agency for the last eight. Empowering and coaching women to build their business, take care of themselves and their financial future is her passion. She is looked to as a community leader, and one who always gives back.

What is your favorite quote?

Don’t adapt to the energy in the room, influence it.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 17

Natasha Valencia Owner, 4 The Love of Sweets | 1100 W. Patrick St., Suite M, Frederick | www.4theloveofsweets.com Natasha has four children who encouraged her to open her bakery. With four different taste preferences, creativity in the kitchen was inevitable. In memory of Natasha’s father, 4 The Love of Sweets also serves a brunch menu, passing down a tradition of “breakfast for dinner.” Natasha is involved with the community and schools and offered a free cupcake to every FCPS student. Her goal is for every child to be included and receive a sweet treat. She has also hosted numerous fundraisers for local organizations.

What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success and why?

Resilience. I opened my business during the mourning period of my dad passing away, because he believed in my dream. I opened two months before COVID and with four children there has been an extreme balancing act.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 3

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Ashley Vancleef Principal Attorney, Law For Parents | 6 N. East St., Suite 200, Frederick | www.lawforparents.com Ashley is described by her clients as a provider of hope and a “velvet hammer” because of her compassionate and zealous advocacy for students with disabilities. She is the principal attorney and founder of Law For Parents, a law firm specializing in education law. Ashley recently furthered her mission to support students by opening the Parent Resource Center where she empowers parents through support groups, training and connections to community resources.

What motivates you and why?

Fighting for the underdog. I have always been motivated to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 13

Rachel Anne Warren Owner, Frederick Wig Company | 7 N. Court St., Frederick | www.frederickwigcompany.com Rachel, a traditional wig maker, opened Frederick Wig Company, a medical wig studio and boutique, in 2021.

Without generational wealth or outside investment, she poured her personal savings into starting this small, woman-owned business that has now served several hundred individuals from all backgrounds from Frederick and beyond. Having alopecia for the last 20 years, she understands firsthand how devastating medical hair loss can be, devoting her life to helping those in need, not only with a physical solution, but with an empowered sense of self.

Julie Yoder

Founder and Lead English Coach, English With Purpose 10731 Cook Brothers Road, Ijamsville www.englishwithpurpose.com Julie Yoder is an experienced English language coach. Her company, English With Purpose, helps international professionals eliminate any final communication barriers, unlock career potential and confidently lead teams in English.

EWP offers unique and innovative language coaching programs for advanced English learners. The company’s signature program, Communication Vacation, is a holistic presentation and public speaking workshop retreat hosted at Julie’s farmette in Ijamsville.

What do you hope to see for the future of Frederick County?

Continued smart and strategic growth that continues to prioritize the small business ecosystem.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 26

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Keep going. Quit drinking. Try wearing a wig— it will help so much.

YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY 6

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Resthaven Funeral Home & Community Center

Although finding affordable arrangements is important to everyone, you shouldn’t settle for less that the services you want. Because we are a funeral home and cemetery all at one location, we can pass real savings on to you.

With Resthaven, you receive quality services, and the convenience and value of having everything at the same place, with one team of professionals to assist you. Plus, our staff can show you the cost savings benefits and peace of mind pre-planning affords.

Stop by, call or visit our website to schedule your free planning consultation today.

301-898-7177 www.resthaven.us Resthaven Memorial Gardens

9501 Catoctin Mountain Hwy, (U.S. Route 15 North), Frederick MD.