Whiting & Turner Conference Center 3201 Tioga Parkway, Suite Q, Baltimore, MD 21215
Welcome to the 2025 Baltimore CONNECT Conference—Community Connections: Building Awareness & Access.
We’re excited to gather with you today at the Whiting Turner Conference Center in the heart of Mondawmin Mall
This year’s theme celebrates the power of coming together to expand awareness and access across Baltimore. Whether you're a returning partner or new to our community, your presence strengthens our collective impact.
Today is an opportunity to explore new strategies, build lasting partnerships, and leave with fresh tools and inspiration. Baltimore CONNECT is proud to stand with you in this important work—we believe deeply in the power of collaboration to drive change.
With gratitude and hope,
OUR VISION OUR VISION
We imagine a Baltimore community where everyone is connected and empowered with opportunities to grow and thrive.
To enhance the quality of life of every individual in Baltimore through strong partnerships and a commitment to inclusion and trust.
Building Awareness & Access
8:30am - 8:50am
8:55am - 9:05am
Registration & Check in
Breakfast provided
Welcome Address
Dr Albert Wu, President & Ms Patricia Barger Baltimore CONNECT, Inc. - Room AB
9:05am - 9:20am Opening Address
Mayor Brandon Scott - Room AB
9:20am - 9:30am Special Remarks
Council President Zeke Cohen - Room AB
9:30am - 10:05am
10:05am - 10:15am
Partnering with Anchor Institutions
Panel facilitated by Anthony Medina - Room AB
Drivers of Success in Community-Based Partnerships
Presenter - Veena Thamilselvan - Room AB
Break 10:15am - 10:25am
Concurrent Sessions Round 1
10:25am - 11:10am
11:15am - 12:00pm
Breakout Rooms - See Details Below
Concurrent Sessions Round 2
Breakout Rooms - See Details Below
Building Awareness & Access
12:10pm - 12:55pm LUNCH
12:55pm - 1:10pm
1:10pm - 1:55pm
1:55pm - 2:55pm
2:55pm - 3:40pm
Heart Stories Initiative
Percy Smith & Donald Young
The Power of Partnership
Camille Burke | Baltimore City Health Department
Marketplace of Ideas - Networking
Payam Sheikhattari | Morgan State University
Large Group Debrief
Eliza Cooper|Thriving Communities Collaborative
3:40pm - 3:50pm Closing Address
Councilman James Torrence | District 7
3:50pm - 4:00pm Closing Keynote Baltimore CONNECT
Hosts & Honored Guests
Welcome Address
Dr. Albert Wu President Baltimore CONNECT, Inc
Dr. Wu is the Fred and Juliet Soper Professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a renowned healthcare expert with BA and MD degrees from Cornell His commitment to advancing healthcare equity is reflected in his clinical practice and community initiatives
Patricia Barger Executive Director
Baltimore CONNECT, Inc
Mrs. Patricia, a Baltimore native, has served the city for 46 years with commitment She holds degrees in Mental Health and Business Administration, currently pursuing a Doctorate As the new Executive Director, she leads with experience in developing group homes, support groups foster parent training and more
Honored Guest Addresses
Mayor of Baltimore City
Brandon M. Scott serves as the 52nd Mayor of Baltimore and the youngest person to hold the position in over a century.
Mayor Scott is committed to ending gun violence, investing in our youth, restoring the public’s trust in government, and creating a better and more equitable Baltimore for all
Zeke Cohen
Baltimore City Council Pres
Zeke Cohen, Baltimore City Council President, whose m “community comes first.” A teacher in West Baltimore a founder of The Intersection has dedicated his career to empowering youth and advancing civic leadership He previously served the 1st District and holds a Master’s in Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University
problem-solving approaches that empower communities and protect our vulnerable neighbors As councilman for the 7th District, he will do just that
Erick Vicks
Cyd Lacanieta Veena Thamilselvan
Eliza Cooper
Caryn Dayhoff
Harold Diggs
Dave Brown
Keiona Gorham
Letta Grant
Donald Young
Percy Smith
Leslie McNeil
Brandon Clayton
Hiwotie Mesfin Joann Bodurtha Prajna Vinod Karki
Ahamad Abdullah
Camille Burke
Tsion Gebre
Jason Nuñez
Payam Sheikhattari Anthony Medina
PROGRAM
Large Room Sessions
9:20am 9:30am
Special Remarks - Room AB
Council President Zeke Cohen
9:30am - 10:05am
Panel Discussion: Partnering with Anchor Institutions - Room AB Moderator: Anthony Medina, Community Organizer, HEBCAC.
Panelists: Bill Joyner, Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). Payam Sheikhattari, MD, MPH, Professor, School of Community Health and Policy, Morgan State University, Cyd Lacanienta, MSW, Associate Director of Stakeholder Engagement, Community and Collaboration Core ICTR at JHU
This panel brings together leaders from Baltimore-based anchor institutions to explore their critical role in advancing equitable, community-centered impact. Panelists will share examples of innovative partnerships, community investments, workforce development initiatives, and place-based strategies that demonstrate how anchor institutions can leverage their resources and influence for long-term, shared prosperity The conversation will also address the challenges of balancing institutional priorities with authentic community engagement, accountability, and equitable impact
10:05am-10:15am
Special Presentation: Drivers of Success in Community-Based Partnerships - Room AB Veena Thamilselvan, Program Administrator, Baltimore CONNECT, Inc.
This special presentation presents a case study on community-driven partnerships, focusing on the Baltimore CONNECT (BC) network of community based organizations (CBOs) and its collaborative efforts with a Community-Engaged Research (CEnR) team, the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research (ICTR) based in Baltimore, Maryland The presentation outlines the drivers of success for this partnership in order to develop best practices
PROGRAM
Concurrent Sessions-Breakout Rooms
Participants will be asked to share what is working and what needs improvement in their communities. They will also be asked to create an action step they can for growth and development.
Steps to Success - Room B
Caryn Dayhoff, Senior Youth Services Coordinator, Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE)
Jason Nuñez, Youth Services Assistant, Asylee Women Enterprise (AWE)
This session will highlight the Steps to Success Program, a program of Asylee Women Enterprises that provides youth foreign-born trafficking survivors with activities, events, and therapeutic services that provide enrichment and social connection. A critical part of the program that will be highlighted is the youth advisory board where participants lead the planning, implementation, and improvement of the program.
Family Health History – Toward Wellness and Understanding – Talk it up, Write it down, Pass it on - Room CR1
Joann Bodurtha, MD, MPH, Professor, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health
Tsion Gebre, Student, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health
Prajna Karki, Student, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health
Hiwotie Mesfin, Student, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health
This interactive workshop will include reflection on the causes of health conditions in their families, suggestions for enhanced discussions in families and with providers about genetic questions and sharing of practical resources and tools. We will use 3 examples across the lifespan – hard of hearing, breast cancer, and sickle cell to share information about newborn screening, the interaction of environmental and genetic factors, genetic testing, and novel resources.
NextGenLeaders:TransformingBaltimoreThroughYouthPower&AntiRacistAction-RoomB KeionaGorham,CEO&Founder,TheBeautyForAshes(BFA)Institute AhmadAbdullah,BrandDevelopment&CommunicationsStrategist,TheBeautyForAshes(BFA) Institute
other Tobacco products in our communities The image of smoking has changed from just cigarettes to other methods and has enticed a younger generation of smokers that feel like this evolution is not as harmful This session helps to educate and dispel myths about Modern Smoking
This panel brings together leaders from Baltimore City’s most impactful community health systems to explore the transformative power of collaboration in addressing city wide health disparities. Panelists will share how strategic partnerships between city agencies strengthen service delivery, expand access to care, and build more resilient health ecosystems throughout the city. Attendees gain a deeper understanding of the unique strengths each agency contributes, and how these partnerships are actively reshaping what’s possible for public health in Baltimore
Anthony Medina, Community Organizer, Historic East Baltimore Community Action Coalition (HEBCAC)
The Marketplace of Ideas is a dynamic, interactive session designed to spark collaboration and innovation around community engagement and health care access. Participants will showcase their ideas at themed stations using posters, visuals, or brief pitches inviting others to explore, exchange feedback, and connect. This session is both a networking opportunity and a launchpad for action: the most compelling ideas will form the basis for ongoing working groups supported by Baltimore CONNECT beyond the conference Come ready to listen, share, and build lasting solutions together
2:55pm-3:40pm
Large Group Debrief
Moderator: Eliza Cooper, Director, Thriving Communities Collaborative
This closing session offers a space for shared reflection, connection, and next steps. Through guided movement, mindfulness, and small group conversations, participants will unpack the day’s insights, explore remaining gaps, and envision practical ways to carry forward what they’ve learned Together, we’ll surface “aha” moments, identify opportunities for collaboration, and ground the day’s experiences in personal and institutional action The session closes with a chance to connect more deeply with Baltimore CONNECT and explore ways to stay engaged beyond the conference
3:40pm - 3:50pm
Closing Address - Room AB
Councilman James Torrence - District 7
3:50pm - 4:00pm
Closing Remarks from Baltimore CONNECT, Inc. - Room AB
Donation service provider
Empowering Baltimore Through Partnership and Collaboration
The Decision Project® empowers marginalized and underserved communities by promoting educated and inspired decisions about organ, eye, and tissue donation. We invite healthcare professionals, advocates, policymakers, and individuals committed to positively impacting healthcare to join us in making a difference.
Together We Can Make a Change: Help close the donation gap
Encourage others to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and help save lives. Your decision to donate can make all the difference.
Learn more at
In Maryland, 2,160 people of color are waiting for a life-saving transplant, while only 423 deceased organ donors were people of color? did you know?
Building a community of caring—together.
When companies team up for the greater good, incredible things can happen. CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield and Baltimore Connect are partnering to build stronger, healthier communities.
Planning Committee
Philip
Leaf We Our Us
Janice Gentry Baltimore CONNECT, Inc.
Dave Brown ECHO
Minli Guo Baltimore CONNECT, Inc.
Leon Purnell Men and Families Center
Eliza Cooper
Cyd Lacanienta Johns Hopkins ICTR
Payam Sheikhattari Morgan CARES
Emily Kumpf Baltimore CONNECT, Inc.
Chevelle Bash, Chair Baltimore CONNECT, Inc.
Chair HEBCAC
Patricia Barger Baltimore CONNECT, Inc.
Camille Burke BCHD
Elyce Bloomfield Baltimore CONNECT, Inc.
Antoinette Brown Our Daily Bread
Baltimore CONNECT, Inc. extends our heartfelt gratitude to all of our generous sponsors who made the 2025 Baltimore CONNECT Community Conference possible.
Your support reflects a shared commitment to building stronger, healthier, and more connected communities throughout Baltimore. Thanks to your partnership, we are able to provide a space where community members, organizations, and leaders can come together to learn, share, and inspire change.
With sincere appreciation, The Baltimore CONNECT Team
