The Leadership

Only 14 days left to apply to the Class of 2026!

If you’ve gone through The Leadership, tag someone who:
- You are grateful you met through the program
- You think belongs in the next class

The Leadership experience is all about the people. Help us find the next generation of leaders who will build a better Baltimore, together.

Link in bio.

📢 This past Wednesday, our class gathered in Annapolis for an immersive session at the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum. We heard from key leaders, toured the historic State House, and attended legislative committee hearings to gain firsthand insight into the policymaking process. It was an insightful and impactful day!

The Leadership Class of 2025 is building momentum! 🚀 Yesterday, we gathered at the National Federation of the Blind for Session Two, marking our third and final Foundation Day. This session focused on exploring power dynamics and sources of power in leadership, while also deepening the connections within our cohort. The journey continues as we grow, learn, and lead together!

Food is a universal language for Melanie Kerr (2024):

“I am very proud to be a Baltimore native. Growing up in Baltimore as a young adult, I fell into the belief that in order to succeed, I needed to leave Baltimore. After spending time in New York, Los Angeles, & San Diego- I awoke to the reality that success begins in your mind the moment you choose to create your reality. With that I came back home.

After graduating Rochester Institute of Technology & Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, I spent a great portion of my career in restaurants and philanthropy through food. My mantra “food is a universal language” has empowered me to become a first generation business owner in Baltimore and create a legacy for my family. I am a Baltimore City Firefighter Wife, a mother of 2 incredibly bright boys, and 1 beautiful doggo.

I am the very proud Owner and Executive Chef of Chauncey’s (Eat More Chauncey’s) a catering & private event company. At Chauncey’s we center healthy scratch cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and an unshakable commitment to quality & service. We partner with local non-profits, farms, and small businesses to intentionally uplift our Baltimore community through food.

I found my way to The Leadership through a choice to seek community, inspiration, and collaboration with professionals who are committed to improving Baltimore. I look forward to continuing to build on the relationships I have been able to forge in such a short time.”

Surviving AND thriving, please meet Nii Sowah (2024):

“In 1991, as an eager freshman, I embarked on a journey to Baltimore to attend the esteemed Morgan State University. I aimed to earn a degree in business, secure a job, and live happily ever after. Little did I know that this journey would offer me so much more.

Following my intuition, I chose to stay in Baltimore after graduation, a decision I am profoundly grateful for. Over the years, I have worked across local and state government, private industry, and the non-profit sectors. This diverse exposure has enabled me to lead and contribute to numerous impactful city and regional initiatives.

My professional path has been dedicated to community development, a field that resonates deeply with who I am. It’s not just my career; it’s my calling. I have devoted myself to uplifting under-served communities throughout Baltimore, striving to make a meaningful difference.

On a personal note, I am happily married, a proud father of two wonderful sons, and an excited Pop-Pop. Reflecting on my journey, I find myself in a season of transformation and gratitude, cherishing the experiences and growth that have shaped my life.

As Maya Angelou once said, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.””