Charm City Dreamers

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.

In today's episode we interview Bob Manekin regarding Baltimore's real estate evolution over time. Bob is currently the oldest Commercial Real Estate Broker in Baltimore City and he shares major Baltimore real estate projects and milestones going back to world war II. We discuss his journey from the military to family business to commercial brokerage. Bob shares his love of Baltimore and it's grit and capacity to reinvent itself. We hope you enjoy!

A third-generation Marylander, Senator Ben Cardin has been a national leader on health care, retirement security, the environment and fiscal issues while representing the people of Maryland in the U.S. Senate, and before that in the House of Representatives. Currently serving as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he has worked across party lines to further U.S. national security and to ensure that good governance, transparency and respect for human rights are integrated into American foreign policy. In this episode we discuss his upbringing in Baltimore and how his work in Baltimore has led to 58 years of public service. Senator Cardin shares his greatest achievements, his vision for Baltimore, and the traits that have made for a successful career. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode we interview John Richardson about his experience in hospitality and the iconic Baltimore restaurant The Corner Pantry. He talks about perfecting your craft while working and networking. In addition to working at The Corner Pantry, John is building a new art collective studio in Hampden, Hall Gallery. He is also expanding and growing his latest artistic show which features a variety of mediums including ink, acrylic, colored pencil and oil pastel. We hope this episode inspires you to explore your own artistic journey.   https://www.hall-gallery.com/color-form-west-gallery-baltimore https://www.instagram.com/john.is.abstruze/  

In this episode we interviewed Richie Frieman. St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Publishing dubbed Richie Frieman a “Modern Day Renaissance Man” due to a career that spans life as an author, illustrator, artist, humorous etiquette expert Modern Manners Guy, entrepreneur, screenwriter, cartoonist, and even a champion professional wrestler. In Richie's latest book "The Optimistics", he enters a world of three best friends battling Young-Onset Dementia, to hear their opinions on life, career, love, family, and how to handle the undeniable fate of their futures. We discuss they key takeaways he learned, how to turn an idea into a book, and his optimism for the future of Baltimore. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode we interview Adam Neuman: the Chief of Staff and Special Advisor to the President at Baltimore Ravens. Adam leverages his experience and education in sports, law, and public administration to support the strategic vision and operations of one of the most successful and respected franchises in the NFL. He joined the Ravens in July 2023, after serving for four years as the Chief of Staff, Strategy and Operations & Deputy General Counsel at the Big Ten Conference. We discuss how sports franchises can unite and shine a light on communities. Adam shares the business side of sports, and the investment in the entertainment & media experience for fans. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode we interview Irena Stein, the founder of Alma Cocina Latina, a James Beard Semi-Finalist Restaurant.  Alma is not just a restaurant with deeply imaginative, exquisitely crafted food, it is a space that transports you into Venezuelan culture with every detail. In this episode, we explore Irena's journey as an immigrant and entrepreneur. Alma Cocina Latina is more than a restaurant, it is a communal space that convenes local leaders to discuss and explore meaning. We hope you Enjoy!

In this episode we interview Kevin Carter, the Director of Business Development at EcoMap. EcoMap is a technology company focused on making information accessible and helping local ecosystems thrive. We also discuss the legacy and vision of recently deceased founder Pava LaPere. We hope you are inspired and motivated to learn more about the ecosystems that support your community. Enjoy!

In this episode we interview the executive director of the Baltimore Jewish Council (BJC), Howard Libit. Given the continued rise in antisemitism and the national conversation around hate speech on college campuses, we thought it was important to learn about solutions addressing these problems in our community locally that can serve as an inspiration nationally. The Baltimore Jewish Council is the political and community relations arm of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and its agencies. The BJC focuses on combatting Jewish hate through government relations, community engagement, Holocaust education, leadership development, Israel advocacy, and the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel.  We hope you enjoy!

In this episode we interview Matan Adar and Aviva Schwartz. This episode highlights the partnership between The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore and the city of Ashkelon, Israel.  Matan was a past visitor from Ashkelon who came to Baltimore through the partnership.  He shares his experience on the ground in Israel during the current war. Aviva Schwartz, the director of Israel and Global Initiatives at The Associated, shares the work being done today with the Baltimore-Ashkelon partnership. It is our hope that you find this episode insightful and meaningful. Enjoy!

In this episode we interview Elie Klein, the director of development for USA & Canada of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran. We discuss the current situation in Israel and the work they are doing at their 40 acre rehabiliation village. ADI is the Hebrew word for a radiant and multifaceted jewel, a name that reflects their expansive vision and broad scope of activities, including disability care, rehabilitation, research, employment, education, community services and Tikkun Olam. It also speaks to the importance and great value of their mission to care for the most precious members of our society – those who cannot care for themselves. ADI provides comprehensive rehabilitative solutions for children, adolescents and adults with severe disabilities and complex medical conditions and pioneers cutting-edge therapeutic and recovery services for anyone touched by disability, all in a dignified, warm and loving atmosphere.

In this episode we have a conversation with Fagan Harris, who is now the Chief of Staff for Governor Wes Moore. At the time of this episode, Fagan was the President and CEO of Baltimore Corps, an organization that enlists talented people in public service and social entrepreneurship in Baltimore City. Harris co-founded the organization with Wes Moore in 2013, and continues to set the organization’s strategic direction and lead its dedicated community of staff, fellows, associates, awardees, visionary cause leaders, and partners.

In this episode we have a conversation with Mayor Brandon Scott, who was the city council president and democratic nominee for mayor at the time of our interview. We explore his background, past achievements, and vision for Baltimore. Our discussion focuses on race equity and the future of policing. Lastly we spoke about how the innovative solutions to tackling social injustice in Baltimore can be a model to the rest of the country..

Torrey Smith, former NFL Raven wide receiver and 2x Superbowl Champion, is the founder of Level 82. In this episode we explore the importance of mental health and how Level82 is helping leverage the power of community collaboration to enable all Baltimore families to reach their full potential

In this episode we interview Matthew Reeds who is the new Deputy Director of Baltimore Homecoming. We discuss the city's unique assets and Baltimore Homecoming's mission to connect Baltimoreans from across the world with our city’s leaders and innovators to spark new collaborations and drive new investments in Baltimore’s future.  We envision a world where Baltimore is recognized as a leading hub for social & private sector entrepreneurship and where local leaders work hand-in-hand with a global network of Baltimoreans to advance a more prosperous and just city.  Furthermore Matthew has served on various boards including the Board of Regents of Morgan State University and The Morgan State University Foundation. Matthew has become one of Baltimore’s rising young adults in the areas of philanthropy, business, and community service, recently named to HBCU Buzz’s Top 30 under 30 and by the Baltimore Business Journal as a Person on the Move. 

In this episode we interview Brooke Lierman, the first female Comptroller of the State of Maryland. Brooke explains the role of the comptroller and the catalytic investments that give her optimism for the future of Maryland and the City of Baltimore. As Brooke states, "Maryland will never be a truly great state until Baltimore reaches its full potential." We hope you enjoy!

In this episode we interview Corey Voelkel the founder of Aveley Farms Coffee Roasters. We discuss food and coffee culture in Baltimore. Corey shares his vision for expansion and the story of building Aveley Farms after his experience in tech in San Diego. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode we interview Yair Flicker the President and Founder of SmartLogic, Baltimore-based consultancy that has been building custom web and mobile software applications since 2005. We explore the journey of starting and running a small business, and examine how to build a niche community. Yair discusses the future of technology and the advantages to launching a business in the Baltimore community. We hope you enjoy!