GameChangers 2023

GameChangers 2023

GameChangers

Matt Hanna Has a Winning Strategy for Supporting Baltimore City Student Athletes

His organization Next One Up provides year-round athletic, academic, and mentoring resources for kids from middle school through college.

Travel & Outdoors

Doug Retzler Wants Hoe’s Hill Orchard to Flourish for Generations to Come

In his own words, the urban orchardist discusses the community impact of his green oasis—which is wedged into a residential neighborhood bordered by Falls Road and Cold Spring Lane.

GameChangers

How Dawn and Richard Collins Transformed Their Son’s Legacy Into Nonprofit Advocacy

In the wake of Second Lieutenant Richard Collins III tragic death in 2017, the couple invested in educating and empowering promising young Americans.

GameChangers

How Lonnie Walker’s Own Hardships Fueled His Dedication to Helping Others

JOY Baltimore seeks to support vulnerable children and end youth homelessness, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community.

GameChangers

Mixing Creativity and Compassion, Mujahid Muhammad Gives Youth the Keys to Success

His nonprofit K.E.Y.S (Keep Encouraging Youth to Succeed) has expanded throughout the years to include clinical treatment for individuals and families, senior services, recreation, and even a workforce development arm.

GameChangers

Tammy Braswell Found Her Voice Through Supporting Communities in Need

With her nonprofit Transform-A-Nation, Braswell offers a slew of comprehensive services including one-on-one and group counseling for children and adults, after-school programs for inner-city kids, and employment support.

GameChangers

Andy Cook is Making “Buy Local” Part of the Community Consciousness

The executive director of Made In Baltimore works daily to promote and support Baltimore-based makers and manufacturers.

GameChangers

For These Baltimoreans, the Benefits of Volunteering Go Beyond the Charitable Organization

Studies show that volunteering is as good for the giver as it is for the receiver.

GameChangers

Through Peabody’s Tuned-In Program, Daniel Trahey Empowers Students to Stick with Music

The year-round program creates a free, formalized framework for musically inclined city school students, pre-K through grade 12.

GameChangers

The Violet Project is Giving Young People Real Answers to Sexual Health Questions

The one-stop-shop digital health platform also provides resources like free STI testing, menstrual and contraceptive products, and a direct line to health care professionals.

GameChangers

Professional Skateboarder Joey Jett is Paying it Forward

In his own words, the Towson native explains the sense of belonging he found in the sport growing up—and how he's sharing that with the kids he teaches today.

GameChangers

Kayenecha Daugherty Advocates for Baltimore’s “Creative Nomads”

Her nonprofit provides arts entrepreneurs—as well as youth and families—access to professional development, resources, and networking.

GameChangers

Shelonda Stokes is Determined to Make Downtown The Best It Can Be

Since officially becoming the president of Downtown Partnership of Baltimore in 2020, Stokes has more than doubled revenues and created multiple programs supporting local business owners.

GameChangers

James Evans is Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Animal Welfare

CARE, the first national animal welfare organization of color in the country, focuses not just on pets, but their owners—addressing issues that negatively impact brown and Black communities.

GameChangers

Patrice Hutton Helps Baltimore Students Express Themselves Through Creative Writing

Hutton founded Writers in Baltimore Schools, an in-class program that has expanded to offer writers’ workshops, mini retreats, and a summer camp.

GameChangers

Franklyn Baker Takes a Direct Approach to Serving Baltimore Communities

The president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland has doubled down on homelessness prevention, educational equity initiatives, and diversifying staff.

GameChangers

Adam Rosenberg Works to Break the Cycle of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence

The Jill Fox Center for Hope, where Rosenberg serves as executive director, includes comprehensive support services for child abuse, domestic violence, and community violence, as well as elder justice for survivors, caregivers, and communities.

GameChangers

These Social Entrepreneurs are Redefining Business in Baltimore

Meet a handful of professionals using their social impact skills to make the area a more equitable, just place to live and work.

GameChangers

Working in Pigtown Isn’t Kim Lane’s Job—It’s Her Life

The executive director of Pigtown Main Street is passionate about supporting local businesses, as well as attracting new ones that meet the community's needs.

GameChangers

David Marshall is Working to End Discrimination in Adoption

When Marshall decided he wanted to become a parent, there was no clear path to do so as a single gay man. Now, his nonprofit, Journey to Josiah, provides resources to others navigating the process.

GameChangers

This Local Org Provides Adaptive Equipment to Area Kids at No Cost

Last year, Equipment Connections for Children gave out more than 1,000 pieces of equipment to young people living with disabilities, saving families a collective $800,000.

GameChangers

Advocates Emphasize the Importance of Including People with Disabilities in the Workplace

Local organizations have led the way in disability work for many years. Meet a few of the people pushing for positive change: