Barrier Breakers Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:18:36 -0500 https://barrierbreakers.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Barrier Breakers yes 34a3c744-425e-5f6a-b9cf-b3597cb8e6d7 United Way of Central Maryland episodic false Be Informed. Be Inspired. Be More. • The Greater Baltimore community is filled with inspiring stories of barrier breakers who want to change the status quo. Are you ready to be informed, be inspired, and be more? Join us as we unearth stories of inspiration, change, and a passion to do good -- and learn how you can help.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) United Way of Central Maryland https://storage.buzzsprout.com/2xgbh1qffu2mcpetvmczlf86acio?.jpg Barrier Breakers Mama Needs a Community Mama Needs a Community In this special Mother’s Day episode, we sat down with Changemaker Challenge grantee Gilly Shaw, founder of Nu Momish, and Tiffany Hembry, a mom supported by this on-demand village. Through monthly in-person events, Nu Momish nurtures and supports women at every stage of motherhood—offering connection, encouragement, and real resources. Listen to hear more about how Nu Momish unleashes the caring power of communities.  

 

Mother's Day can be a sensitive time for many. We want to acknowledge this episode talking about motherhood can be triggering for some. Please honor your feelings and take care of yourself. 

]]> In this special Mother’s Day episode, we sat down with Changemaker Challenge grantee Gilly Shaw, founder of Nu Momish, and Tiffany Hembry, a mom supported by this on-demand village. Through monthly in-person events, Nu Momish nurtures and supports women at every stage of motherhood—offering connection, encouragement, and real resources. Listen to hear more about how Nu Momish unleashes the caring power of communities.  

 

Mother's Day can be a sensitive time for many. We want to acknowledge this episode talking about motherhood can be triggering for some. Please honor your feelings and take care of yourself. 

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-17130159 Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 1742 full false Exercising Your to Right to Vote Exercising Your to Right to Vote Knowing the candidates on the ballot, the steps you need to take before November 5 and avoiding mis and dis information, are all crucial elements as the 2024 elections nears. Learn more about exercising your right to vote in this episode with Windy Deese of United Way of Central Maryland and Jared DeMarinis, Maryland’s State Administrator of Elections. 

]]> Knowing the candidates on the ballot, the steps you need to take before November 5 and avoiding mis and dis information, are all crucial elements as the 2024 elections nears. Learn more about exercising your right to vote in this episode with Windy Deese of United Way of Central Maryland and Jared DeMarinis, Maryland’s State Administrator of Elections. 

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-15961861 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 14:00:00 -0400 1222 full false From Education to Action: The Importance of Your Vote From Education to Action: The Importance of Your Vote As the 2024 election approaches, guest host Windy Deese sat down with Natasha Murphy of Black Girls Vote and Indira Obichere of United Way of Central Maryland to talk about the importance of being an active participant in the democratic process. Listen to learn more about how you can make your voice heard on the issues that impact you and your neighbors most. 


]]> As the 2024 election approaches, guest host Windy Deese sat down with Natasha Murphy of Black Girls Vote and Indira Obichere of United Way of Central Maryland to talk about the importance of being an active participant in the democratic process. Listen to learn more about how you can make your voice heard on the issues that impact you and your neighbors most. 


]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-15961780 Wed, 23 Oct 2024 11:00:00 -0400 786 full false Childcare: It's a Movement Childcare: It's a Movement In this episode, we sat down with three women connected to United Way of Central Maryland whose passion for childcare leads them to work to transform the childcare industry, building stronger futures for children, parents, providers, and communities. Hear from United Way’s Molly McGriff and Nalia Frisby and long-time Women United members, Vickie Cosby to learn more about the child care and early education space in Central Maryland.

If you’re left wanting more, consider registering for our upcoming Women’s Forum on September 26: uwcm.org/WUForum

  • September 26 from 2 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Port Discovery
  • Featured speaker, panel, networking, and more!
]]> In this episode, we sat down with three women connected to United Way of Central Maryland whose passion for childcare leads them to work to transform the childcare industry, building stronger futures for children, parents, providers, and communities. Hear from United Way’s Molly McGriff and Nalia Frisby and long-time Women United members, Vickie Cosby to learn more about the child care and early education space in Central Maryland.

If you’re left wanting more, consider registering for our upcoming Women’s Forum on September 26: uwcm.org/WUForum

  • September 26 from 2 pm – 6:30 pm
  • Port Discovery
  • Featured speaker, panel, networking, and more!
]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-15720205 Mon, 09 Sep 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1278 full false Chef Saon Brice, Baltimore Born & Braised (The Full Meal) Chef Saon Brice, Baltimore Born & Braised (The Full Meal) From Chef Daphne, who saw something special in him, to opening his own restaurant, Chef Saon Brice has become an impactful community leader. Hear from Chef about the role of mentorship in his journey and how he has broken down barriers along the way.

]]> From Chef Daphne, who saw something special in him, to opening his own restaurant, Chef Saon Brice has become an impactful community leader. Hear from Chef about the role of mentorship in his journey and how he has broken down barriers along the way.

]]> Buzzsprout-14915699 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 19:00:00 -0400 3680 full false Chef Saon Brice, Baltimore Born & Braised (A Quick Bite) Chef Saon Brice, Baltimore Born & Braised (A Quick Bite) If you would have asked young Saon Brice if he thought he’d become a chef, he would have laughed and said no, a cowboy. Hear how Chef went from wanting to be a cowboy to becoming a musician, chef, and mentor. 

]]> If you would have asked young Saon Brice if he thought he’d become a chef, he would have laughed and said no, a cowboy. Hear how Chef went from wanting to be a cowboy to becoming a musician, chef, and mentor. 

]]> Buzzsprout-14915683 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:00:00 -0400 1120 full false Changing Their Narratives Changing Their Narratives In this episode, we sat down with three women (and 2021 Changemaker Challenge grantees) who work every day to empower women to rewrite their stories. Hear from Veronica Jackson of Pivot and Angeles Evans and Diana Beeson of TurnAround, Inc. to learn how they work to drive equity, access, and opportunity for the women they serve. 

To learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites: 

Pivot Program 

TurnAround, Inc. 

]]> In this episode, we sat down with three women (and 2021 Changemaker Challenge grantees) who work every day to empower women to rewrite their stories. Hear from Veronica Jackson of Pivot and Angeles Evans and Diana Beeson of TurnAround, Inc. to learn how they work to drive equity, access, and opportunity for the women they serve. 

To learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites: 

Pivot Program 

TurnAround, Inc. 

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-14792047 Fri, 29 Mar 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1890 full false Sparking Something Bigger: The Changemaker Challenge Sparking Something Bigger: The Changemaker Challenge Workforce development, a bystander intervention program, and art therapy for cancer patients are just three of the ideas pitched at the 2021 Changemaker Challenge. We sat down with three grantees of the Changemaker Challenge, Van Brooks, Sonia Su, and Dawn Volkart, to learn more about the challenge, their experience, and advice for future applicants.

Applications for the 2024 Changemaker Challenge are open now: uwcm.org/changemakerchallenge

To learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites:

Van Brooks, Safe Alternative Foundation for Education

Sonia Su, Kits to Heart

Dawn Volkart, Owls in Action

]]> Workforce development, a bystander intervention program, and art therapy for cancer patients are just three of the ideas pitched at the 2021 Changemaker Challenge. We sat down with three grantees of the Changemaker Challenge, Van Brooks, Sonia Su, and Dawn Volkart, to learn more about the challenge, their experience, and advice for future applicants.

Applications for the 2024 Changemaker Challenge are open now: uwcm.org/changemakerchallenge

To learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites:

Van Brooks, Safe Alternative Foundation for Education

Sonia Su, Kits to Heart

Dawn Volkart, Owls in Action

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-14319637 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:00:00 -0500 772 full false 2023: A Year in Review 2023: A Year in Review 2023 has been quite the year for us at United Way of Central Maryland. Hear from two staff members about their highlights from this past year and take a look back at what we’ve done to strengthen the lives of our neighbors in Central Maryland. 

]]> 2023 has been quite the year for us at United Way of Central Maryland. Hear from two staff members about their highlights from this past year and take a look back at what we’ve done to strengthen the lives of our neighbors in Central Maryland. 

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-14204556 Thu, 28 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500 758 full false Feeding the Solution to End Hunger Feeding the Solution to End Hunger During Hunger Action Month, we sat down with Leah Paley, CEO of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and Evan Lutz, Founder and CEO, of Hungry Harvest to discuss food insecurity and what their community organizations are doing to tackle the issue to support their neighbors.

Learn more:

]]> During Hunger Action Month, we sat down with Leah Paley, CEO of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and Evan Lutz, Founder and CEO, of Hungry Harvest to discuss food insecurity and what their community organizations are doing to tackle the issue to support their neighbors.

Learn more:

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-13672166 Wed, 27 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400 1274 full false Let's Talk about Mental Health: Stigmas, Support, and Self Care Let's Talk about Mental Health: Stigmas, Support, and Self Care Everyone deals with mental health challenges differently, but often the signs of struggle can be similar. It’s important to be mindful of your mental wellness--and to check in on others who may be suffering.

Certain communities face stigmas and barriers to accessing the help they need. In this episode, we talk with Dominiece Clifton, CEO and founder of Move X Still, and Gwen Schemm, a former Division II athlete who now works at United Way. Listen and learn how you can guide your own healing journey--and help others.

Resources mentioned in this episode:


]]> Everyone deals with mental health challenges differently, but often the signs of struggle can be similar. It’s important to be mindful of your mental wellness--and to check in on others who may be suffering.

Certain communities face stigmas and barriers to accessing the help they need. In this episode, we talk with Dominiece Clifton, CEO and founder of Move X Still, and Gwen Schemm, a former Division II athlete who now works at United Way. Listen and learn how you can guide your own healing journey--and help others.

Resources mentioned in this episode:


]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-10674948 Tue, 24 May 2022 16:00:00 -0400 1826 full false Barrier Breakers, Year One Barrier Breakers, Year One We launched this podcast during the pandemic to share stories in a safe way about the people we help, the United Way team, and our work to strengthen our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home. In this episode,  we share some of our “best of” moments from this series so far—and the clips that made our team even more passionate about working for United Way.

]]> We launched this podcast during the pandemic to share stories in a safe way about the people we help, the United Way team, and our work to strengthen our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home. In this episode,  we share some of our “best of” moments from this series so far—and the clips that made our team even more passionate about working for United Way.

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-10248034 Mon, 14 Mar 2022 14:00:00 -0400 795 full false Veterans Treatment Court - Leaving No Veteran Behind Veterans Treatment Court - Leaving No Veteran Behind Many men and women who fought for our country face another fight when they return home. Some have a hard time finding and keeping a job and a home, or experience mental health or substance use issues—which can lead to minor law offenses. The Veterans Treatment Court, supported by United Way, supports them on their journey to a stable civilian life and helps them avoid charges that can preclude their job and housing options. In this special episode of Barrier Breakers, we speak with program staff about how this program works, and with two veterans about how the Veterans Treatment Court changed their lives.

]]> Many men and women who fought for our country face another fight when they return home. Some have a hard time finding and keeping a job and a home, or experience mental health or substance use issues—which can lead to minor law offenses. The Veterans Treatment Court, supported by United Way, supports them on their journey to a stable civilian life and helps them avoid charges that can preclude their job and housing options. In this special episode of Barrier Breakers, we speak with program staff about how this program works, and with two veterans about how the Veterans Treatment Court changed their lives.

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-9520026 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500 662 full false There's No Place Like Home There's No Place Like Home The Way Home Project, fueled by United Way's Leaders United membership group, helps make a house a home for those who have experienced long-term homelessness. Listen to learn more about this incredible team effort and hear from project volunteers as well as Jess Leopold, Director of Housing for Health Care for the Homeless, about the meaningful and lasting impact this initiative had for them and the clients served.

]]> The Way Home Project, fueled by United Way's Leaders United membership group, helps make a house a home for those who have experienced long-term homelessness. Listen to learn more about this incredible team effort and hear from project volunteers as well as Jess Leopold, Director of Housing for Health Care for the Homeless, about the meaningful and lasting impact this initiative had for them and the clients served.

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-9519468 Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500 772 full false Create Social Change with The Changemaker Challenge Create Social Change with The Changemaker Challenge Improving accessibility for people with disabilities and preparing low-income students for college are just two of the ideas pitched at prior Changemaker Challenge events. We sat down with The Horizon Foundation, and past winners of The Changemaker Challenge, Dr. Lisa Shoenbrodt and Dr. Leah Saal, to learn more about the challenge, their experience, and advice for future applicants. 

]]> Improving accessibility for people with disabilities and preparing low-income students for college are just two of the ideas pitched at prior Changemaker Challenge events. We sat down with The Horizon Foundation, and past winners of The Changemaker Challenge, Dr. Lisa Shoenbrodt and Dr. Leah Saal, to learn more about the challenge, their experience, and advice for future applicants. 

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-9079876 Tue, 24 Aug 2021 12:00:00 -0400 897 full false Locked out and Shut Out: The Eviction Crisis in Greater Baltimore Locked out and Shut Out: The Eviction Crisis in Greater Baltimore Nearly a quarter of Maryland tenants were behind on their rent as of March 2021. With the coming “eviction tsunami,” what stands between them and homelessness? Join us as we chat with local leaders in housing and human services to get the latest on the current crisis and where we go from here.

]]> Nearly a quarter of Maryland tenants were behind on their rent as of March 2021. With the coming “eviction tsunami,” what stands between them and homelessness? Join us as we chat with local leaders in housing and human services to get the latest on the current crisis and where we go from here.

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-8679211 Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0400 1217 full false Coming Together to Improve Lives Coming Together to Improve Lives Volunteers have the power to change lives—and this past year has made that abundantly clear. In this episode you'll meet Zeynep Akkan of McCormick & Company and Heather Bussard of Rosemore, Inc. who are, not only making an impact as individuals, but are also inspiring their colleagues and networks to create social change within their communities.

]]> Volunteers have the power to change lives—and this past year has made that abundantly clear. In this episode you'll meet Zeynep Akkan of McCormick & Company and Heather Bussard of Rosemore, Inc. who are, not only making an impact as individuals, but are also inspiring their colleagues and networks to create social change within their communities.

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-8427650 Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0400 1408 full false A Beautiful Picture: Women Helping Women A Beautiful Picture: Women Helping Women During Women’s History Month, we sat down with Kelley Chase of University of Baltimore and Mandy Memmel of Hon’s Honey to discuss the barriers they’ve faced as women and what they’ve done to ensure that women are not only supported but uplifted.  

]]> During Women’s History Month, we sat down with Kelley Chase of University of Baltimore and Mandy Memmel of Hon’s Honey to discuss the barriers they’ve faced as women and what they’ve done to ensure that women are not only supported but uplifted.  

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-8361669 Mon, 19 Apr 2021 08:00:00 -0400 1748 full false An Advocate, A Voice, A Community Champion An Advocate, A Voice, A Community Champion Our country's history has been shaped by the many untold stories of Black Americans. We talked with UWCM's President & CEO, Franklyn Baker, who shares his inspirations and passion for Greater Baltimore. He also talks about his drive and choices he made growing up, such as attending Howard University, that led him to being the philanthropist he is today.

]]> Our country's history has been shaped by the many untold stories of Black Americans. We talked with UWCM's President & CEO, Franklyn Baker, who shares his inspirations and passion for Greater Baltimore. He also talks about his drive and choices he made growing up, such as attending Howard University, that led him to being the philanthropist he is today.

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-8079383 Thu, 04 Mar 2021 20:00:00 -0500 1485 full false Shining the Light on the Black Experience Shining the Light on the Black Experience "It's the way I grew up...shine the light wherever you are". Growing up in the South during segregation, Phylis shares what it was like to be one of the first Black graduates of her high school and the experiences that led her to where she is today - a positive light in her community.

]]> "It's the way I grew up...shine the light wherever you are". Growing up in the South during segregation, Phylis shares what it was like to be one of the first Black graduates of her high school and the experiences that led her to where she is today - a positive light in her community.

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-8035559 Fri, 26 Feb 2021 12:00:00 -0500 1121 full false From Help to Hope From Help to Hope From help to hope, our 211 team is there to provide what’s needed, where it’s needed—and often even more. In this episode, you’ll go behind the scenes of the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline and learn just what it takes to be a call specialist. You’ll hear our team answer actual calls, and connect people to the help they needed--and services they may not have even considered. 

]]> From help to hope, our 211 team is there to provide what’s needed, where it’s needed—and often even more. In this episode, you’ll go behind the scenes of the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline and learn just what it takes to be a call specialist. You’ll hear our team answer actual calls, and connect people to the help they needed--and services they may not have even considered. 

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-8021229 Wed, 24 Feb 2021 09:00:00 -0500 899 full false 211: Call of Duty 211: Call of Duty COVID-19 has impacted our community in ways we never imagined--and calls to the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline have skyrocketed. Our 211 team members are not only living through the pandemic, they’re answering hundreds of calls from people who've lost their jobs, who can't pay their rent, who are suffering with mental health issues, and so much more. Working this way can cause secondary trauma—and it has taken a toll on our call specialists.  Join us to learn how our 211 team copes and what fuels their own personal call of duty to help others every day.

]]> COVID-19 has impacted our community in ways we never imagined--and calls to the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline have skyrocketed. Our 211 team members are not only living through the pandemic, they’re answering hundreds of calls from people who've lost their jobs, who can't pay their rent, who are suffering with mental health issues, and so much more. Working this way can cause secondary trauma—and it has taken a toll on our call specialists.  Join us to learn how our 211 team copes and what fuels their own personal call of duty to help others every day.

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-8016500 Tue, 23 Feb 2021 16:00:00 -0500 627 full false Who Are You Going To Call? The 411 on 211 Who Are You Going To Call? The 411 on 211 When you're in need, where do you turn? With so many 3-digit numbers out there, it's hard to know who can help. In this episode, we break down the crucial services offered by the 211 United Way Helpline, how it started, and its partnership with 311 & 911 to provide vital resources to those seeking assistance when they need it most.

]]> When you're in need, where do you turn? With so many 3-digit numbers out there, it's hard to know who can help. In this episode, we break down the crucial services offered by the 211 United Way Helpline, how it started, and its partnership with 311 & 911 to provide vital resources to those seeking assistance when they need it most.

]]> United Way of Central Maryland Buzzsprout-7798498 Wed, 10 Feb 2021 19:00:00 -0500 637 full false