Maryland's SHERO Awards

2007 SHERO Award Honoree, Suzanne F. Cohen

Suzanne F. Cohen, President of the Nathan and Suzanne Cohen Foundation, is a leading philanthropist and activist in the Jewish and general communities.

Since graduating from Goucher, she has been involved with THE ASSOCIATED; Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, which she has served as chair of the Board of Directors, and chair of the Board of Governors of the Legacy and Endowment Fund.  She currently sits as a Life Member of the Board of Directors and chairs the Center for Funds and Foundations and The Associated Institute. 

Read further information about the 2007 SHERO Award Honoree, Suzanne F. Cohen

Theresa Arnove

Nominated by: College of Notre Dame

Above and beyond her official role on campus, Terri is a vital part of the Notre Dame community, in addition to extraordinary personal commitment to the annual giving campaign she enthusiastically agreed to chair the staff fundraising effort. Terri has assumed the role of mentor to many students over the past six years as a class and club advisor. Her dedication to the Baltimore community extends to many volunteer hours for Boys Hope Girls Hope Baltimore, and the United Way.

 

Doris Austin

Nominated by: Annie E. Casey Foundation

Doris is a giver of many gifts. She offers her wisdom, knowledge and experiences with her peers. She shares her talents and energy through volunteerism-at work and at home. She provides inspiration with her love of life and its blessings. Through her years in philanthropy, she has made sure that resources are received by those in need. She nurtures family and friends. In return, she continues to grow-embracing education, learning new skills-and in so doing, is able to give anew.

 

Monyka Berrocosa-Marbach

Nominated by: MyCity4Her

Monyka’s mission is to inspire others and help as many people as possible by giving freely of her time and her resources. She derives the greatest satisfaction from stimulating interest in others to do so as well. Through her event series—The Women Wine & Dine—Monyka has benefited multiple organizations and causes in the Baltimore area striving to improve the lives of disenfranchised women, children and their families.

 

Evelyn Bolduc

Nominated by: Howard Hospital Foundation, A Member of Johns Hopkins Medicine

Evelyn’s passion to help others through her personal philanthropy, and example, has never been more apparent than during the two years when the Howard Hospital Foundation experienced significant staff turn over, including senior leadership. In addition to making significant financial contribution, and chairing the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Evelyn volunteered more than 2,000 hours of her time, each year, to keep the Foundation’s daily operations functioning smoothly. Evelyn’s children have followed in her example by establishing a charitable foundation, and volunteering to help other charities in their communities.

  

Temekia Butler

Nominated by: Johns Hopkins Healthcare

During the holiday season, Temekia generously seeks out those who are often looked down on by society, handing out sleeping bags and other cold weather essentials to the homeless citizens of Baltimore. This personal gift drive is just a small gesture of her commitment to improve the lives of people in need. Temekia also initiated her employer’s relationship with a neighboring elementary school, where she mentors students and volunteers regularly. In addition, Temekia personally embraced annual fund-raising campaigns for the Juvenile Diabetes, the American Heart Association and the United way to raise thousands of dollars.

 

Meryl Comer

Nominated by: The Copper Ridge Institute

Meryl Comer is a committed volunteer/philanthropist in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. Her passion as an Emmy award winning TV broadcaster changed suddenly when at the age of 58 her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Through inspirational videos, and testimony on Capitol Hill, Meryl has inspired others to champion the cause. She invited people into her personal life to get a look at the realities of caregiving with hope of finding a cure.

 

Sherrice T. Davis

Nominated by: M&T Bank

Sherrice has been an employee of M&T Bank for 18 years. She is President of the Metro Baltimore Community Reinvestment Group and secretary of the Board of Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity. She is a Board Member of Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers and Paul’s Place and serves on several committees. At the bank, Sherrice helps to coordinate volunteer involvement by employees in a range of activities including Operations Blessing the Baltimore Ravens food drive and various Catholic Charities initiatives. She has presented 75 financial literacy seminars this year at schools and community organizations throughout Baltimore. Sherrice was recognized by the Baltimore Business Journal as one of the “40 Under 40” emerging leaders.

 

Patricia Fanning

Nominated by: The Baltimore Sun

Patricia Fanning is a busy “matchmaker”, spending many hours collecting usable goods and delivering them to those in need. Her “matches” include providing produce for Our Daily Bread each Monday, Food for the Helping Up Mission, used computers for Lazarus Foundation, school supplies and coats for Carter Woodson Elementary students, items for the Ronald McDonald House, bikes for Pedals for Progress, and paper for the Coalition for Compassion.

 

Suzan Garabedian

Nominated by: Suntrust Bank

Suzan Garabedian has demonstrated her commitment to diversity and employee relations as the Senior Human Resources professional for SunTrust Bank’s Greater Washington/Maryland Region. Suzan is also committed to community outreach serving on the Human Resources Committee for Catholic Charities as well as a Member of the Board of Trustees at Center Stage. Suzan’s work at Center Stage helps allow young people to explore and develop their talents as writers, critics, audience members and performers.

 

Margaret Gerin

Nominated by: IBM Corporation

Margaret is a Shero and a stellar example of hard work, dedication to excellence and service. At IBM, Margaret’s commitment and generous spirit inspires everyone she touches: IBM’ers, customers and members of the Baltimore civic community. A widow for the last 34 years and working full time, Margaret has been a role model for her daughter Roseanne, whom she raised from the age of 6 to become an outstanding women and writer/editor for World News for Bejing Review. Margaret also finds time to support St. Joseph’s Monastery Bible School Program for inner city and disadvantaged youth. Additionally, she collects new shoes, clothing, books and CD’s through out the entire year to ensure the 50+ students have a gift at the end of school.

 

Sumera Haque

Nominated by: Johns Hopkins Community Physicians of Montgomery County

Sumera Haque volunteers for Migrant and Refugee Cultural Support, Inc. (MIRECS). MIRECS provides social adjustment services to help immigrants with language and cultural barriers integrate into American society. Sumera became familiar with MIRECS as a victim of domestic violence. MIRECS guided her in obtaining asylum based on social/religious grounds. For the past four years, she has continued to volunteer with them, providing language assistance (Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi), cultural competency, fundraising, employment referrals and community service.

 

Lisa Hayes

Nominated by: PNC Bank

Lisa Hayes is an attorney with PNC Bank, but her passion is her service as President Elect and Vice President of Family & Children’s Services of Central Maryland, where Lisa has served for six years. In this capacity, she encourages the educational development of Baltimore teens and oversees critical programs including elder care, counseling, and child care services. Lisa is also dedicated to advancing the careers of women attorneys, many whom she personally mentors.

  

Danista Hunte

Nominated by: Baltimore Community Foundation

Danista Hunte has been Staff Leader of grantmaking for children and youth at Baltimore Community Foundation since 2000. For ten years, Danista has organized an annual bus trip for students of color to her alma mater, Vassar College, to help these youth set their sights on college. She also facilitates Sufficient As I Am, a youth group at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore. Danista demonstrates her commitment to underserved youth every day. 

 

Cindy Knipp

Nominated by: The Family Tree

Cindy Knipp has dedicated her life to children—as a mother, a talented pre-school teacher, and a volunteer at The Family Tree. Cindy brings her heart, soul and tremendous organizational skills to her work with us. She is a natural leader who inspires others around her to achieve seemingly impossible results. She is never daunted by challenges; her mind is constantly focused on what more she can do for Maryland’s children. What new auction item can she find that will translate to needed funds for child abuse prevention? What friends she can bring on to help spread our message? Cindy Knipp is our Shero because she deeply shares our passion that every child grows up happy, healthy and free of abuse.

 

Eudice Lowenthal

Nominated by: Lifebridge Health

Eudice Lowenthal devoted 50+ years of her life to Sinai Hospital of Baltimore as a pediatric nurse. She continues her commitment to “the kids” today serving as president of the Sinai Nurse’s Alumnae Association where she raises funds to support The Children’s Hospital of Sinai as well as the Alvin and Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute. Eudice also devotes her time to Sinai as the Part-Time Hospital Services Coordinator for Nursing Services.

 

Mary Ann McClurg

Nominated by: Girl Scouts of Central Maryland

Mary Ann McClurg personifies the very spirit of Girl Scouting. She has led at the grass roots level and in the highest levels of Girl Scouting. When Mary is in the community, she takes every opportunity to speak with girls and young women about the impact of Girl Scouting on their lives. She encourages girls to think big, set goals and to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Mary never shies from responsibility and is an excellent mentor for the women involved with Girl Scouts of Central Maryland.

 

Anita McFarlane

Nominated by: Johns Hopkins Hospital

At the end of each work day, Anita goes home to a house full of children to provide a good meal, tutoring and love. These Pan in the Community children, ranging in age from 8-21, learn how to put their energy into music, namely steel drums. Anita organized the band and takes them to perform around the country, as well as on educational trips. A positive home environment is provided for Anita’s kids; they are perpetually welcomed into her home to eat, learn, and openly share their issues. So far, Anita and her husband have been able to encourage and support 11 of their mentees to college, including their own daughter. She provides some financial backing for them, others are on scholarship.

 

Carol Miller, M.D.

Nominated by: St. Agnes Hospital

Carole Miller is an extraordinary human being, an accomplished physician and a wonderful friend. She is the Director of the Cancer Center at St. Agnes hospital, one of the best cancer treatment facilities in the nation. She believes that every patient deserves to be treated with the utmost dignity and respect. She goes above and beyond the call of duty, even stopping by a patient’s home on her way home just to say hello. The patient continued to decline and was moved to hospice. Dr. Miller continued her supportive visits. At the patient’s funeral she was surrounded by grateful family members who thanked her for being more than a physician, but a friend and a pillar of strength during this difficult time.

 

Patti Neumann (CITYPEEK)

Nominated by: Anonymous

Patti Neumann is a quiet and devoted giver to the community—of her time, resources, ideas and energy. Whether with her work for various cancer-related charities, personal religious philanthropies or community causes, Patti is always willing to take a leadership role in order to make the world a better place and orchestrate change. Somehow, she finds time to do all of this and run her own CITYPEEK hospitality/tourism business. Truly Patti would not like to be “awarded” for her good deeds and this might embarrass her, but she is one of my Shero’s.

 

Geri Olsen

Nominated by: Saab of Baltimore

Geri Olsen is the “Guardian Angel” for St. Vincent’s Center, which serves Maryland’s most vulnerable children. As one of their most dedicated advocates, Geri has the tremendous gift reaching out to other members of the community and enlisting their help on the Center’s behalf. Geri continually focuses on ways to put the fun and magic of a “normal” childhood—free from abuse and neglect, back into the lives of St. Vincent’s children.

 

Judy Peregoff

Nominated by: United Way of Central Maryland

Judy Peregoff has been an exemplary volunteer with United Way of Central Maryland for sixteen years. Her involvement has stretched from Big Brothers, Big Sisters to Project PLASE where she managed a renovation of a woman’s shelter to St. Jerome’s Head Start where she organized a craft day and clean up. Judy also serves on the board for the Greater Homewood Library and the ESOL Program. Judy’s deeds are many and her commitment—tireless.

  

Barbara Raksin

Nominated by: Greater Baltimore Medical Center

Barbara Raksin is a registered nurse at GBMC. Barbara is an inspiration to all that know her for the way she lives her life —dealing with her personal battle with breast cancer—yet still working and volunteering to help others. Barbara is active with the Susan G. Komen Foundation as a breast cancer survivor. She has also helped countless women through the GBMC Sandra & Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center face their own diagnosis.

 

Roxcelanna “Nia” Redmond

Nominated by: Associated Black Charities

Roxcelanna “Nia” Redmond has given her time, talent and resources to make a difference in East Baltimore for the past twenty years through her contributions to “KidScoop”, a newsletter designed and developed by kids for kids. Nia works with the children to help them seek out and cover critical local issues through the children’s lens. Nia also works diligently to advocate for community improvements in her service on the East Baltimore Development Corporation.

 

Jan Rivitz

Nominated by: Association of Baltimore Area Grantmakers

Jan Rivitz is a quintessential SHERO—giving unselfishly of her time, talent and treasure for more than 25 years to our community. As the Executive Director of the Straus Foundation, she has provided guidance and funding to many projects and nonprofit organizations and wisdom and mentorship to many individuals. Jan is a catalyzing force consistently making things happen. She is the type of leader that makes Central Maryland a better place to live and work.

 

Gwendolyn Rooks

Nominated by: Bob and Melanie Sabelhaus

Gwen Rooks, a former teacher then Principal in the Baltimore City Public School System, was recruited by her daughter Heidi Adams and Karen Heywood-West of Family & Children’s Services and the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority to assist with the educational components of a needed after school program serving Booker T. Washington, Midtown Academy and Mount Royal Middle Schools. The esteem building program, After School AKAdemy, utilizes the cultural arts, mentoring and small group discussions to prepare the girls for a successful high school experience. As director of the program, Gwen has given over 200 girls a new lease on life and a successful future. The motto of the program is “Dare to Dream” and that is what they do.

 

Mildred Sheff

Nominated by: The ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Foundation of Baltimore

Mildred, in addition to being almost everyone’s teacher at Baltimore City College, is an inspiration to THE ASSOCIATED professional and volunteer corps. She attends every event with a smile on her face, and is a steady source of support and enthusiasm. She takes her solicitation responsibilities seriously, whether at our community phone-a-thon or meeting a donor face-to-face. Her establishment of a legacy gift ensures that she will continue to inspire the generations who come after her.

 

Dr. Ruthe T. Sheffey

Nominated by: Morgan State University

Dr. Ruth T. Sheffey has been a revered, dedicated, and tireless member of the Morgan State University faculty for more than 50 years. A professor of advanced composition, she is also an expert on 18th century British literature and Shakespeare. She founded the Zora Neale Hurston Society, reviving interest in and the study of the writer. Always ready to go the extra mile for students, Dr. Sheffey funded an endowment scholarship, in her name, to assist deserving Morgan Students.

 

Charlotte Shrewsbury

Nominated by: The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

Charlotte has been with the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation for more than 17 years managing property, interacting with tenants, keeping the office running and working tirelessly. Commercial property was the beginning of the Weinberg Fortune—Charlotte contributed many hours to see our success. On her off time, Charlotte donates her time and talent to the Sweet Adelines to entertain at nursing homes and other free concerts.

 

Kathy Siggins-Brooks

Nominated by: Alzheimer’s Association

Kathy Siggins-Brooks embraced the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association when her husband developed the disease in his mid 50’s. She has initiated a national effort for the creation of an Alzheimer’s awareness postage stamp in honor of her husband, a postal worker. She is a dedicated advocate, educating policy makers at stat and federal levels about the need for more research and support. Her “Team Hope” memory walk tem has raised more than $20,000. Kathy is truly our Shero.

 

Nancy Sloane

Nominated by: The Daily Record

While Nancy works with numerous nonprofits as director of community relations for The Daily Record, her commitment to community service extends to a personal level. This year, she chaired Baltimore Read’s Phantom Ball and led website development for Network 2000. As co-founder of Maryland’s Top 100 Women, a program that recognized women for their professional accomplishments as well as community service and mentoring, she is passionate about encouraging others to give of their time, talents or treasures.

 

Dolores Sweets, RN

Nominated by: Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center

A pediatric nurse for nearly 30 years, Delores Sweens is know for her random acts of kindness to her patients. She routinely “adopts” children who have come through the unit sending them cards on special days and often providing school supplies to the less fortunate. Delores also is actively involved with her church and various community outreach programs, including the “Angel Tree” project at Christmas time. Delores is a selfless person and everything she does come straight from the heart.

 

Karen Thompson

Nominated by: CitiFinancial

Karen Thompson, of CitiFinancial, is a dedicated and selfless employee-volunteer supporting multiple causes including Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross and the March of Dimes. Karen contributes donated funds that she collects each month to CitiFinancial’s Jeans Day recipient organization as an “added bonus” for the organization. She also purchases school supplies year-round that she then donates to local schools in her community, making the difference for many children and their families year after year.

 

Carol Troia

Nominated by: Y of Central Maryland

Carol Troia has encouraged the importance of having healthy kids, families and community through her fifteen-year volunteer service at the Y of Central Maryland. A great example of Carol’s giving spirit is her generous donations of more than $20,000 in food and services for the past five years through her restaurant, Café Troia. Carol always leads by example and inspires fellow volunteers to reach deeper to fulfill the mission of the Y.

 

Marie Van Deusen

Nominated by: Smith Barney

As a Core Program Speaker for the SBA’s Year of the Woman in Business, Marie travel America for 18 months, talking about savings, investing, insurance and credit and launching her commitment to helping woman achieve personal and financial success, their own way. Marie is a consistent and stalwart advisor and donor to Universities and non-profits and is regularly turned to in the office, in the firm and in the community for counsel, advocacy and friendship.

 

Salli Ward

Nominated by: National Association of Women Business Owners

Salli’s commitment to philanthropy and volunteerism are an inspiration to us all. Not only does she mentor inner-city Baltimore students through the Enterprise Women’s Network, but she is also a Story-Timer volunteer for pre-school children. Salli spends time preparing and serving meals for Our Daily Bread and the Essex Night Shelter, and building with the Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity. With her lead by example attitude, Sallie has touched many lives and is a blessing to her community.

 

Debbi Weinberg

Nominated by: Girls Empowerment Mission

Debbi Weinberg is the Founder and Director of The Girls Empowerment Mission (GEM), a program that provides opportunities that enable girls to become independent, self-sufficient and confident young women. From GEM’s beginning, Debbi has spent countless hours finding partners and grooming volunteers for the girls since GEM’s inception. Through her dedication, these girls are able to better succeed in life, which positively impacts us all.

 

Beverly White-Seals

Nominated by: Howard County General Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine

During her term as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Howard County General Hospital, Beverly was instrumental in the establishment of annual health fairs, conducted by the Hospital that reached out to diverse ethnic groups. The first, annual Muslim, Latino and Korean Health Fairs, respectively, were implemented and the Hospital’s Board was expanded to allow greater participation by, and involvement with many ethnic groups of the community. In addition, a Community Relations Council was established, allowing even greater access and input, to all segments of the population.

 

Joan Young

Nominated by: Platelet Disorder Support Association

Joan Young was diagnosed in 1992 with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a rare platelet disorder whereby the body mounts an attack toward one or more otherwise normal organ systems. Joan’s platelet count improved with alternative therapies and she remains well today. Joan established the Platelet Disorder Support Association, headquartered in Rockville, which serves ITP patients around the world through education, information, advocacy and research. Today, Joan serves as a role model for others with ITP.

And, learn more about our Honorary SHEROs Melanie Sabelhaus and PJ Mitchell!

PJ Mitchell

Learn more about PJ Mitchell, co-Chair of the Maryland SHERO Awards and a SHERO herself who has served for many years as a role model for women philanthropists in Maryland!

Melanie Sabelhaus

Learn more about Melanie Sabelhaus, co-Chair of the Maryland SHERO Awards and a true SHERO who inspires so many women philanthropists across the state and country!