Charm City Dreamers
-
Kerry Watson is the executive vice president of public affairs for the Baltimore Orioles, overseeing government affairs and community engagement for the organization. He provides vision and direction for a team that inspires the fanbase, identifies strategic partners, provides impactful community leadership and engagement, and brings positive attention to the organization. Prior to joining the Orioles in 2023, Kerry served as the regional vice president of government affairs for MGM Resorts International. He first joined MGM Resorts International in 2017. His professional experience prior to that includes serving as senior advisor to Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker and 20 years with the Prince George's County Police Department where he served in various roles including patrol, K9 handler, instructor, and vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police. Kerry serves on numerous boards, including MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (chair), Problem-Solving Courts of Prince George's County (president), and the National Center for Victims of Crime (treasurer). He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Maryland, University College.
-
In this episode we interview Don Rovak, The Chief Revenue Officer of the Orioles. Rovak joins the Orioles after just completing his 17th year with AMB Sports and Entertainment, a company comprised of the National Football League's Atlanta Falcons, Major League Soccer's Atlanta United FC, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta Drive GC, and PGA TOUR Superstore. We discuss the vision and future of the Orioles' franchise, expanding fandom, and continued community partnership. The episode highlights the both local & national implications and the future opportunities for the new ownership and management of the Orioles. We hope you enjoy!
-
In this episode we interview Mark Fine, The Chief Marketing Officer of the Orioles. Mark spent his career building and expanding brands for some of the world's most iconic sports and entertainment properties, from the Professional Bull Riding League, National Lacrosse League, Brooklyn Nets, NY Mets and more. We discuss the vision and future of the Orioles' franchise, expanding fandom, and continued community partnership. The episode highlights the both local & national implications and the future opportunities for the new ownership and management of the Orioles. We hope you enjoy!
-
Mica is the director of Volunteer Recruitment and Partnerships at Thread. Thread harnesses the power of relationships to create a new social fabric of diverse individuals deeply engaged with young people facing the most significant opportunity and achievement gaps. Their community is committed to ending social isolation and building a more equitable culture in which everyone thrives. Thread makes a ten-year commitment to them, beginning in 9th grade. Thread young people are paired with family member volunteers who commit for one year and work together as a team to support them as they work towards self-sufficiency. Everyone in Thread has a coach who consistently "has your back," and supports your personal journey. Thread knows that enduring, authentic relationships change lives. Together, Thread is weaving a new social fabric. We hope you enjoy!
-
After nearly two decades as the founder and CEO of Clapp Communications, an award-winning communications firm, Barb made the bold decision in 2019 to sell the company and dedicate herself to a deeper mission: creating career opportunities for those who need them most. Having grown up under difficult circumstances herself, Barb understands firsthand the power of access and support in changing lives. Since stepping into her role at DWD, Barb has transformed the nonprofit from concept to a full-scale national workforce development organization that has served over 9,000 Dwyer Scholars across five states since inception in 2021. Serving underserved individuals, DWD removes barriers to success by providing person-centered case management, need-based wraparound services—such as transportation, childcare, and housing support—free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) training, and job placement support.
-
In this episode we interview Jaz Erenberg. Jaz is a muralist who creates community centric public artwork. Over the last 6 years, her practice has grown through collaboration with communities to build creative ways to make them feel seen and heard throughout the process. Using workshops and events, communities have become an integral part of how she creates public artwork. When a community is involved in how their space can be transformed, their sense of ownership and pride is reignited and they become a stronger, more connected community. We hope this episode brings some color to your day and inspires you. Enjoy!
-
David is the executive director of the Pikesville Armory. This public, private, and community 17-acre project has the opportunity to re-imagine the area. In this episode, we discuss the scope and vision, as well as the community feedback that has gone into the project. We also discuss the project's regional implications and the national implications of the work. We hope you enjoy!
-
In this episode, we feature Quandra Gray the founder of What The Sprout! After years in visual design, Quandra was drawn to a new type of creation—one rooted in health and sustainability. With no backyard for gardening, Quandra found the power of growing microgreens at home. Now, she's helping others cultivate microgreens for better health and community impact—all from the comfort of home. Quandra uses her experience to help others grow their own food. She's teaching people how to cultivate microgreens for health and make a positive impact on their community—all from the comfort of their home. We hope you enjoy!
-
Arion Long is the CEO of Femly. She's a visionary who is revolutionizing the FemTech industry. As the Chief Estrogen Officer of Femly, Arion has transformed a subscription box service into an award-winning enterprise with patented technologies. She is the creator of the world's first touchless pad and tampon vending machine, a game-changing innovation that is increasing period care access in restrooms across the nation. More than 25 states require access to period supplies in restrooms around the U.S. Arion's invention uses sensors that work for all skin tones and allow users to wave "hello" to access organic sanitary products from femly. In this episode we explore her entrepreneurial journey and why she chose Baltimore as her company's headquarters.
-
Dionne Joyner-Weems is a global brand builder, a dynamic storyteller, author and a passionate changemaker who has garnered a reputation for her unparalleled energy and ability to turn challenges into solutions and moments into movements across industries. For more than 16-years, Dionne Joyner-Weems served as the Chief Marketing Officer for the city of Baltimore, and also founded the development of the organization's Community Affairs division. She has received numerous awards for her civic leadership, but it is her passion for the innovation and revitalization of major urban communities that keeps her mind racing. Today, if she were asked, her proudest career accomplishment it would be finding the audacity to use her love of storytelling to fuel Baltimore's fastest civic-social movement, #MyBmore Project.