Montgomery County Commission for Women to Host 45th Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing

The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host its 45th Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing (WLB), at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25, at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG). USG is located at 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville.

This year’s theme, EMPOW(HER): Breaking Barriers to Success, calls for collective efforts to foster environments where women and girls can achieve success without facing limitations based on gender. It highlights empowering women by overcoming obstacles that limit their growth, promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for success.

This year’s keynote panel, “Breaking Barriers: Women Who Inspire and Innovate,” will celebrate trailblazing women who have shattered barriers, led transformative change and inspired others through innovation, leadership and advocacy. The discussion will explore their unique journeys, the challenges they have overcome and their far-reaching impact across various fields.

Keynote Panelists:

• The Honorable Brooke Lierman – As the first woman to independently hold one of Maryland’s constitutional offices, Brooke Lierman made history when she was elected as the 34th Comptroller of Maryland in 2022 with over 60 percent of the vote. Previously, she served eight years in the Maryland House of Delegates and built a distinguished career as a civil rights and disability rights attorney.
• Karyn N. Onyeneho – Founder of Color of Genes, Karyn Onyeneho is a trailblazer in health equity and digital health. Her website offers a genetic health directory of providers who can provide culturally competent genetic health services for Black and Indigenous people of color. She is also a senior advisor for Genomic Data Sharing at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
• Margarita Womack – Founder of Latin Goodness Foods, Margarita Womack is a celebrated entrepreneur who empowers underserved women through her innovative business. In 2022, she was named Small Business Leader of the Year by Washington Business Journal's CEOs of the Year Awards. She also received the prestigious EY Entrepreneur of The Year™ for the Mid-Atlantic region, and Latin Goodness Foods was recognized as one of the Most Disruptive MBA Startups by Poets & Quants in 2019.

Jordan Lindsay, an Emmy Award nominee and spokesperson for the Montgomery County Council, will moderate the panel. A Morgan State University graduate and former anchor/reporter for DC News Now, she brings a wealth of experience in journalism and community engagement.

The WLB also will feature remarks from:

• Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller
• Senator Chris Van Hollen
• Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich
• Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart
• Ayza Siddiqui, Emerging Leader, Junior, at Clarksburg High School

The WLB is open to the public. To register, visit https://wlb2025.eventbrite.com. Free child care for children ages 2–10 will be available. Space is limited to 20 children, and reservations can be made after purchasing tickets. Participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot.

For more information, call the Commission for Women at 240-777-8300, by email to cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov or visit their website.

Nomination Deadline for 2025 Montgomery County ‘Women Making History Award’ Extended to Dec. 12

The nomination deadline for the Montgomery County Commission for Women’s 2025 Montgomery County “Women Making History Award” has been extended to Thursday, Dec. 12. In collaboration with Montgomery Women, the Commission for Women presents the annual award to recognize outstanding women who are making significant contributions to their vocation and to the community.

Recipients of the Women Making History Award will be recognized and featured on social media during Women’s History Month in March and at a small reception and panel discussion at a later date.

Nominees should exemplify one or more of the following:

• Unselfish leadership and hard work in their field.
• Exceptional leadership in civic activities.
• Developing or supporting programs resulting in positive social action.
• Inspiration to others as a role model.

Nominees must reside in Montgomery County or be employed in the County. High school seniors or college students can be nominated for the award.

Now in their fourth year, the “Women Making History” Awards have previously recognized trailblazers such as Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Maryland Secretary of State Susan Lee and community leaders like Effie Macklin, Kathy Stevens and Carrie Fox.

Starting this year, nominations will not be considered for elected officials or individuals running for office.

The nomination form can be found here.

To be considered, the nomination form must be completed in its entirety. Nominations must be completed online. Those submitting nominations are asked not to copy and paste online bios as part of their submissions. Biographies should be limited to no more than three paragraphs. Nominations will not be accepted via mail.

For more information about the Women Making History Award, contact Ijeoma Enendu at 240-773-5581.

Free Financial Health and Wellness Seminars Being Offered Virtually by Commission for Women and County Libraries

The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery County Public Libraries are presenting a series of free financial seminars in October and November on the ins and outs of "all things money." The seminars, which are open to all, will be led by financial and investment advisors Jamie Lapin and Thiago Glieger. The seminars will take place via Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday nights.

To register for the seminars, visit the links below. The Zoom link will be provided after registering. This is an opportunity to take control of your financial future. Reserve your spot today and embark on the path to financial well-being.

• Tuesday, Oct. 22: Retirement Planning. Learn how to effectively plan for retirement in Part 2: Retirement Planning of the Financial Health and Wellness Seminar series. This session addresses key concerns like ensuring you don't outlive your savings and maximizing your resources and independence.
• Tuesday, Oct. 29: Social Security and Medicare. Learn the essentials of navigating Social Security and Medicare, two critical components of financial planning for retirement. This virtual event will cover how to maximize benefits and manage healthcare costs.
• Tuesday, Nov. 5: Divorce and Money. Learn how to manage finances during and after a divorce. The session will focus on ensuring financial stability and understanding your role in protecting your fiscal future.

For more information or any questions on the seminars, call 240-777-8300 or send an email.

Commission for Women to Host Free Hybrid Event on Navigating Fraud, Scams and AI Risks on Wednesday, Sept. 18

The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host a free community event from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18, on navigating fraud, scams and AI risks. It will be a hybrid event, with the in-person component at the Executive Office Building in Rockville.

The event is free, but registration is required.

The Executive Office Building is located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville. Directions and parking information can be found here.

To join online stream the event on the Commission for Women’s Facebook page or its YouTube channel.

The idea for the event originated from the Commission’s 2024 Women’s Legislative Briefing. Sponsors who participated in the Chair’s Networking Reception had the opportunity to assist in planning a community event and determined that online fraud and scams were significantly increasing.

According to a report released by the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing $10 billion to scams and fraud in 2023. Scams and fraud have been steadily increasing since the pandemic. In 2020, Americans reported losing $3.5 billion to fraud. These numbers potentially only represent a fraction of the real effect of fraud, which is a notoriously underreported crime, since many victims do not come forward because they are ashamed.

“The Commission for Women and their partners continue to educate the community on topics of great importance,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “In fact, this a wonderful follow up to my press conference in mid-August about gold bar scams that affected residents here and across the nation.”

The event will have a panel of professionals from several County departments and local organizations. Scheduled to be on the panel are:

• Kelly Davis, program manager/ investigator, Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office
• Eric Friedman, director, Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection
• Karen Morgan, executive councilmember, AARP
• Keith Young, chief information security officer, Montgomery County Office of Enterprise Information Security

For more information about the event, call 240-777-8300 or email cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Winners of Seventh Annual Commission for Women’s ‘Girl Power Contest’ Announced

Amam Shergill, Victoria Martine Nicholas, Umu-Hawa Barrie and Summer Zhong were the top winners in their respective categories in the Montgomery County Commission for Women’s (CFW) seventh annual “Girl Power Contest.” The annual contest is sponsored in celebration of Women’s History Month.   

Winners were selected in four categories: adult, high school, middle school and elementary school. All contest winners will be featured on the Commission for Women’s website and social media platforms.  They also will be recognized at a celebration on June 13, where they will receive a certificate from County Executive Marc Elrich and a CFW swag bag. 

The contestants were asked to address the following question: “What business would you create in Montgomery County, and what impact would it have on the girls and women in our community?’ 

"The Montgomery County Commission for Women ‘Girl Power Contest’ is an engaging way to celebrate the achievements and creativity of women and girls in our community,” said County Executive Elrich. “Congratulations to Aman Shergill, Victoria Martine Nicholas, Umu-Hawa Barrie, and Summer Zhong for being the top winners in their respective categories. Their ideas and talents are truly inspiring." 

CFW commissioners and representatives from Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, served as judges. Entries could be submitted as short stories, drawings, songs or poems. The entries were evaluated on creativity and content. 

The 2024 winners and honorable mention recipients are: 

Elementary 

• First place: Summer Zhong (Beverly Farms Elementary School) 
• Honorable mention: Alexandra Eum (Bayard Rustin Elementary School) 

Middle School 

• First place: Umu-Hawa Barrie (White Oak Middle School) 
• Honorable mention: Charlotte Danzis (Westland Middle School) 

High School 

• First place: Victoria Martine Nicholas (Clarksburg High School) 
• Honorable mention: Rochelle Bremmer (Montgomery Blair High School) 

Adult 

• First place: Aman Shergill 
• Honorable mention: Natasha Shangold 

The contest was sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library, Montgomery County. 

Commission for Women Offering Free Five-Part Career Series

The Montgomery County Commission for Women will offer five free career seminars this spring to help individuals strengthen their personal brand and place them on the path to finding a wonderful career. The sessions are geared to assist women but are open to all. Participants can choose to attend one or more seminars.

The classes will be presented on Zoom and take place from 7-8:30 p.m. Registration is required. The Zoom link will be sent after registration. The first class on interviewing skills will be on Monday, April 29.

The sessions will be led by career professionals Donna Rojas, Sylvia Henderson and Jacquelyn Williams.

The class schedule for the career seminar series:

• Monday, April 29: Interviewing Skills. Participants will learn the art of making lasting impressions and showcasing individual strengths effectively. Individuals will also gain insights into handling tricky questions with confidence and leaving a lasting impact on potential employers.
• Monday, May 6: Networking and Elevator Pitch. Learn how to make meaningful connections effortlessly. Participants will learn how to widen their professional circles and open doors to new opportunities.
• Monday, May 13: Resume Writing. This class will help individuals discover the elements of a standout resume that captures recruiters' attention. Learn how to highlight your achievements effectively.
• Monday, May 20: Entrepreneurship: Building Your Brand. Dive into the essentials of building a strong personal and business brand. Participants will learn how to define their unique values, create a brand story and unlock the keys to standing out in a competitive market.
• Monday, June 3: Wage Negotiation. This class will focus on mastering the art of wage negotiation to ensure individuals are compensated fairly for their skills and experience.

Register for classes and learn more about the series here.

For more information or any questions, call 240-777-8300 or email cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov

Seventh Annual ‘Women in the Arts Panel: Local Women Explore Creativity, Identity and Resilience’ Will Feature Many Talents on Friday, March 22, in Silver Spring

The Seventh Annual “Women in the Arts Panel: Local Women Explore Creativity, Identity and Resilience” will feature women of many talents during an evening at the Silver Spring Civic Building. The event, which will hosted by author and filmmaker Erica Greenberg, will be from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, March 22, at the Silver Spring Civic Building.

The Silver Spring Civic Building is located at 1 Veterans Place in Silver Spring, close to the Silver Spring Metro Station. The event will be presented by Silver Spring Town Center, Inc.

This year's panel will feature photographer and paper artist Nathalie Borozny, artist Kara Holman Kozimor, comic and artist, Davine Ker, artist Syahidah Osman, artist and printmaker Debbie Schindler, author Lorna Virgili and chef Beth Yohannes.

The diverse array of women from the creative spectrum represent five countries.

To reserve a spot at the event, contact Lisa Martin at lisa@silverspringtowncenter.com.

The featured women for the evening will include:

• Artist Kara Kozimor Holman lives in Washington D.C. with her husband and son. Originally from Ohio, Kara studied art studio with a focus on graphic design along with a minor in art history at The University of Akron. She has spent the last several years taking life drawing/painting classes at Glen Echo’s Yellow Barn Studio. Her work has been juried into multiple exhibitions at Girls Who Paint, Windridge Winery, the Hill Center Galleries 2023 and 2024 Regional Juried Exhibition and the 2023 Martha Spak Gallery Art in Bloom Exhibition.

• Nathalie Borozny grew up on a dairy farm in Vermont where she was allowed to roam freely and amassed an amazing collection of twigs, stones and birch bark. She attended the Rhode Island School of Design and the School of Design Architecture and Art at the University of Cincinnati. A few years ago, she found the paper and handmade books of artist Dandy Bernsteins at the West Tisbury Farmer's Market on Martha's Vineyard and started taking paper-making lessons in her studio every fall. In Philadelphia, she was a student and admirer of Winnie Radalon and continues to learn to make paper at Pyramid Atlantic in Hyattsville. She prints her own photographs on paper she makes.

• Davine Ker is a trilingual stand-up comedian and multidisciplinary artist. Her art emerges from thought-provoking jokes, left-field concepts and unique storytelling that bridges culture, comedy and music. She headlines throughout the Washington area and also performs as a featured comedian in clubs and festivals nationwide.

• Syahidah Osman is a self-taught, Southeast Asian artist who uses different mediums to capture the tragically beautiful and profoundly hidden aspects of the human condition. She aims to widen perceptions and embed a sense of wonder through art. She plans to instigate empathy, instill curiosity and use her artworks as a catalyst for community engagement.

• Deborah Schindler grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from UCLA with a major in pictorial art and a minor in Latin American studies, where she was fortunate to work with artist Richard Diebenkorn. In the Washington area, Ms. Schindler quickly integrated into the art scene, joining the Printmakers Group of the Washington Women’s Art Center. That core group later founded the Washington Printmakers Gallery. Ms. Schindler has exhibited in numerous juried exhibitions, locally, nationally and internationally.

• Lorna Virgilí was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, during the height of the cold war. In 1979, she emigrated to the United States. She attended high school and college in Miami. She began her communications career as a television news reporter and worked for Telemundo and Univision. In 1999, she became a national correspondent reporting from the United States Capitol and the White House. She works in public relations and published her first book, Sinfonía Blanca/White Symphony, in 2021. She is a highly regarded community leader with consistent radio and television appearances in the Washington, D.C. region.

• Chef Beth Yohannes is an Ethiopian-born chef with a deep-rooted passion for cooking, influenced by her grandmother's culinary skills. Beth's journey took her from Ethiopia to the United Kingdom and eventually to the U.S. She has lived in New York City, Texas and Maryland. She co-owned an Ethiopian restaurant in London, appeared on a TV program and later owned a deli in Texas. In Maryland, Beth runs the Lemon Slice Cafe in Downtown Silver Spring, gaining local acclaim. Committed to her community, she sources locally, supports education through internships, and promotes healthy eating initiatives.

• Host Erica Ginsberg has drawn on creativity in a variety of different roles: writer, documentary filmmaker, arts administrator and international exchanges program officer. After growing up in Silver Spring, she came back to her hometown to co-found the documentary film organization Docs In Progress and served as its founding executive director until 2019. She co-hosts "The D-Word," a peer-to-peer global community for documentary professionals. In addition to working in the arts, Erica has organized professional development study tours to the United States for mid-career professionals from around the world. She has a BA in international affairs and an MA in film and video.

Commission for Women and Montgomery Women to Hold Free Virtual Career Seminar for Middle and High School Females on Thursday, March 21

The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women will host a free virtual career guidance session for middle and high school female students, “A Virtual Career Exploration for Her,” from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21.

The Zoom event is free, but registration is required.  Register here. Students completing a brief survey at the event's conclusion can earn two hours of Student Service-Learning Hours (SSL).

Panel discussions will look at careers ranging from fire services, STEM careers, the law and entrepreneurship.

It will give students the opportunity to hear from professional women who will share their experiences, knowledge and education.

For more information about this event, contact Ijeoma Enendu at ijeoma.enendu@montgomerycountymd.gov or Carmen Kaarid at carmen.kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov. 

 

Commission for Women Launches 2024 Girl Power Contest with Focus on Young Girls and Women

The Commission for Women has launched its 2024 Girl Power Contest for Women’s History Month. The contest will run through March 31 and is open to all County residents ages 5 and older. The goal of the contest is to foster creativity and entrepreneurial thinking, with a focus of impacting young girls and women.

Participants are invited to submit a short poem, story, drawing or medium of their choice that addresses the theme of creating businesses that fill the needs and wants in the community, such as a grocery store or restaurant, and how these businesses would impact girls and women.

To submit an entry, click here. For additional questions, email cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-8300.

The contest is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library, Montgomery County.

Commission for Women to Host 44th Annual Women's Legislative Briefing on Sunday, Jan. 28, with Theme of ‘Collaborating for Justice and Equality’

The Montgomery County Commission for Women will host its 44th annual Women’s Legislative Briefing (WLB) at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28, at The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. The theme will be “From Proposal to Passage: Collaborating for Justice and Equality.”

The Universities at Shady Grove are located at 9630 Gudelsky Drive in Rockville.

The keynote address will take place in the style of a “fireside chat” with Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. Montgomery County Council Vice President Kate Stewart will moderate the discussion. It will be an exciting opportunity to hear from three female leaders in Maryland and learn about their unique experiences and perspective on issues affecting women and girls. Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman will also provide greetings.

“For over four decades, the Montgomery County Commission for Women has provided this valuable forum in order to more effectively educate, advocate, and empower women in our County,” said County Executive Elrich. “This conference is a very important gathering for our community. I appreciate all the hard work and planning that goes into making this event successful year after year. I look forward to attending, listening, and learning about how we continue to transform Montgomery County into a place that provides opportunities and support for women, and justice and equity as well. I encourage you to join us on Jan. 28.”

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of breakout sessions addressing timely topics such as sexual assault and domestic violence prevention, women’s health, economic justice, women in technology, human trafficking prevention and women in the workplace. Session participants will hear from members of the Maryland General Assembly, County Councilmembers, community leaders who influence policy making and representatives from local and state organizations that advance the status of women and girls.

 Additionally, the WLB will feature sessions for students in grades 6-12 to participate in interactive workshops focusing on civic engagement and planning for the future.

This year, the commission will offer free childcare services for children ages 2-10. A link to reserve childcare will be sent after the purchase of a ticket. Only 20 spots are available, so participants are encouraged to sign up early.

 The WLB is co-sponsored by more than 50 women’s and community organizations, with the support of major sponsors such as Kaiser Permanente, AARP Maryland and The Universities at Shady Grove.

 All residents are invited to attend. To pre-register, visit https://2024wlb.eventbrite.com. Early Bird tickets are $40 until 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26. After that time, ticket prices will increase to $50. Student tickets are $10. On-site registration will also be available for $50.

Sponsorships are still available. More information is available at https://2024wlbsponsorships.eventbrite.com.

 For additional information, call 240-777-8300, email cfwinfo@montgomerycountymd.gov or visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw/wlb.html. 

Commission for Women to Offer Free Online Seminar on Wednesday, Dec. 13, to Empower Individuals to Hold Healthy Conversations

The Montgomery County Commission for Women will offer a free online seminar on Women's Sexual Health and Wellness to help empower individuals to hold healthy conversations about sex, menopause and how sex impacts the body as people age. This event will be presented on Zoom from 7-8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13.

Although the seminar will be free, registration is necessary. The Zoom link will be forwarded after registration. To register for the event, click here.

The seminar will be conducted by doctors Jennifer W. Lin and Kathryn Dumas.

Topics to be covered during the seminar include:

• Partner communication
• Health and medications
• Impact of healthy sex and wellness on mental health

‘Know the Signs’ Campaign is Theme of Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October

The Montgomery County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council (DVCC) is urging residents to “Know the Signs” of domestic violence. That is the theme as October will be recognized as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The Montgomery County Council will present a proclamation on Tuesday, Oct. 3, recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Throughout October, visitors to the Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza will notice a display of several dozen yard signs containing warning signs for those experiencing domestic violence and information about available resources.

People in need of assistance or having concerns for a friend or family member should call the Montgomery County Family Justice Center at 240-773-0444, the Montgomery County Crisis Center at 240-777-4000 or email safe@montgomerycountymd.gov.

More information about Domestic Violence Awareness Month and how to know the signs of domestic violence is available at www.tinyurl.com/mocodvam.

The project is an initiative of the DVCC, whose members include the Montgomery County Office of the Sheriff, the Montgomery County Police Department, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Circuit Court, the Board of Education of Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, the Montgomery County Council, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, the Montgomery County Commission for Women and the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.

Winners of Sixth Annual Commission for Women’s ‘Girl Power Contest’ Announced

The winners of the Montgomery County Commission for Women’s (CFW) sixth annual “Girl Power Contest” have been selected. The contest asked entrants to write/illustrate their thoughts on giving advice to the six new female members of the County Council “to make sure our community is a place where women and girls can feel safe and encouraged.” The winners are Natalie Jean (adult category), Morgen Thompson (high school), Mya Twyman (middle school) and Colette Jaksic (elementary school).

The Girl Power Contest ran from March 1-30 in celebration of Women’s History Month. The contestants were asked to address the following question: “We now have six women on the County Council. What advice would you give them to make sure our community is a place where women and girls can feel safe and encouraged?”

CFW commissioners and representatives from Montgomery County Public Libraries and
Friends of the Library, Montgomery County judged more than 30 entries. Entries could be submitted as short stories, drawings, songs or poems. The entries were evaluated on creativity and content.

Winners were selected in four categories: adult, high school, middle school and elementary school.

The 2023 winners and honorable mention recipients are:

Elementary

• First place: Colette Jaksic (Sligo Creek Elementary School)
• Honorable mention: Morgan Alexis Johnson (Spark Matsunaga Elementary School)

Middle School

• First place: Mya Twyman (Forest Oak Middle School)
• Honorable mention: Marilyn Zhang (Kingsview Middle School)

High School

• First place: Morgen Thompson (Holton-Arms School)
• Honorable mention: Daniela Martinez (Poolesville High School)

Adult

• First place: Natalie Jean
• Honorable mention: Natasha Shangold

The contest was sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library, Montgomery County.

All contest winners will be featured on the Commission for Women’s website and its social media. The winners will receive a CFW Swag Bag.

For more information about the Commission for Women, visit its website. The CFW can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Free Financial Health and Wellness Seminars Will Be Offered Virtually by Commission for Women and County Libraries in May

Montgomery County Public Libraries and the Montgomery County Commission for Women will be offering a series of free financial seminars in May on the ins and outs of "all things money.” The seminars, which are open to all, will be led by financial and investment advisors Jamie Lapin and Thiago Glieger and will take place via Zoom, from 7-8:30 p.m. on Tuesday nights.

To register for the seminars, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-2023-financial-health-and-wellness-seminars-tickets-513156684457. The link will be provided after registering.

The seminars that are part of the series:

• May 2: Financial Planning 101. Learn the basics of financial planning along with terms and tools to equip yourself with the knowledge you need to succeed financially.
• May 9: Planning for Retirement. Not running out of money before running out of time is most people’s biggest concern. The goal is to maximize your resources and autonomy.
• May 16: Social Security and Medicare. Learn how to utilize and maximize the government programs you have invested in for your working lifetime.
• May 23: Divorce and Money. Divorce is a strain on finances as well as nerves. This seminar will address financial health when it is over and what role people must play to make sure of that.

The seminars will be led by two highly qualified and respected financial advisors.

Jamie Lapin, a licensed insurance agent, provides investment advisory services as an investment adviser representative of Risk Management Group LLC d/b/a RMG Advisors, a registered investment advisor.

Thiago Glieger is an investment adviser representative of Risk Management Group LLC d/b/a RMG Advisors, a registered investment advisor.

Commission for Women to Host Its 43rd Women’s Legislative Briefing Virtually on Sunday, Jan. 29, with Theme of ‘Empowered Women Protect Democracy’

The Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW) will host its 43rd Annual Women’s Legislative Briefing (WLB) virtually from 12:30-5 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 29. The theme of this year’s event is “Empowered Women Protect Democracy.” 

The annual event brings together advocates, allies, policymakers and emerging leaders to empower, engage and mobilize Marylanders around issues affecting women and girls. Attendees will hear from, and engage with, members of the Maryland General Assembly, community leaders and representatives of organizations that advance the status of women and girls.

The opening session, “Women Who Empower Through Advocacy,” will include Adrianna Hopkins, a news anchor from WJLA ABC 7. She will serve as the moderator of a panel that includes:

• Virginia Kase Solomón, CEO, League of Women Voters
• DeAnna Hoskins, CEO, JustLeadershipUSA
• Susan Jin Davis, Social Impact Officer, Al Roker Entertainment

Their national viewpoints will provide a unique perspective of how empowerment looks throughout the United States and how advocacy can lead to a career in many fields.

“This year’s Women’s Legislative Briefing theme is ‘Empowered Women Defend Democracy.’ This is an important message at a crucial time as we encourage civic action in order to elect leaders who represent solutions and protections for issues affecting women and girls,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The Montgomery County’s Women’s Commission Legislative Briefing reflects issues where empowerment is essential in our health, safety, education and economic justice. Last year, Montgomery County voters elected the first-ever female majority to our County Council and I look forward to serving the next four years with all of these new members. Together, along with the Women’s Commission, we are going to ensure that Montgomery County is a place where all women and girls can be supported and thrive.”

Following the opening panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions focused on how empowered women and girls can influence critical legislation and policies to protect, access and secure women’s right to health care, public safety, economic justice and education.

An important component of the WLB is its signature Emerging Leaders sessions for middle and high schoolers. The interactive workshops focus on civic engagement and pathways to leadership for young women and men. This year’s topics include “Feeling Safe Everywhere: Home, School, Community” and “How to Express My Mental Health.” Students may earn up to three Student Service Learning hours by participating in the program.

Major sponsors supporting the event include AARP Maryland, Kaiser Permanente, The Universities at Shady Grove and Montgomery College. Approximately 50 community organizations also are supporting the event.

To participate in the Women’s Legislative Briefing, register at the WLB website.

For more information, call 240-777-8300 or visit the CFW website. Follow the event using the hashtag #MoCoWLB via Twitter and Facebook.

Commission for Women Invites Residents to Its 50th Anniversary Picnic Celebration on Sunday, June 5, at Wheaton Regional Park

This year will mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW). Join the CFW from 2-5 p.m. at Wheaton Regional Park on Sunday, June 5, to celebrate 50 years of the incredible work, accomplishments and triumphs of the Montgomery County Commission for Women.

The Commission strives to improve the lives of women in the County by identifying inequities in legislation and taking proactive measures to create remedies and solutions with elected officials and community groups.

Join the CFW for good music, fun and games. The event is free. Food will be available for purchase. For more information or to register for the event, visit https://cfw50.eventbrite.com.

Winning Entries Selected for Fifth Annual Commission for Women’s ‘Girl Power Contest’

Nuha Nadeem was named the winner in the high school category, Nubian Lloyd won the middle school category, Arya Krishman took top honors in the elementary school category and Pamela Gordimer was winner in the adult contest as the top entries were named in the Montgomery County Commission for Women’s fifth annual “Girl Power Contest.”

The Girl Power Contest was open to entries throughout March in celebration of Women’s History Month. This year, contestants were asked to submit written or artistic impressions that addressed the following questions: “What do you see as the three biggest accomplishments women have achieved over the last 50 years? What three accomplishments do you believe would make the biggest impact over the next 50 years?”

Commission for Women’s commissioners and representatives from Montgomery County Public Libraries judged more than 30 entries ranging from short stories to drawings based on creativity and content. Winners were selected from the categories of elementary, middle, high school and adult entries.

The winners and honorable mention recipients in each category, including a description of their entries:

Elementary

• First Place: Arya Krishnan, Submission: Letter.
• Honorable Mention: Julia Liao, Submission: Letter.

Middle School

• First Place: Nubian Lloyd, Submission: Letter.
• Honorable Mention: Sara Benachenhou, Submission: Poem.

High School

• First Place: Nuha Nadeem, Submission: Poem.
• Honorable Mention: Yoksha Muruganantham, Submission: Poem.

Adult

• First Place: Pamela Gordimer, Submission: Painting.
• Honorable Mention: Natalie Jean, Submission: Song.

The contest was sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library.

All contest winners will be featured on the Commission for Women’s website and social media. They also will receive a Commission for Women’s Swag Bag.

For more information about the Commission for Women, visit its website.

31 Recipients of Montgomery’s 2022 ‘Women Making History Award’ Announced

The Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women have announced that 31 people will be recognized with the 2022 Women Making History Award. The award is given to outstanding women of the County making significant contributions in their vocation and in the community.

This year’s recipients are:

Mary K. Alvord, Dania L. Ayoubi, Eden G. Bekele, Shruti Bhatnager, Brandy H. M. Brooks, Sonya Bruton, Katrele Carroll, Judith Clark, Christina DeFiore, Jennifer Dickens, Teresa A. Doley, Nicole Y. Drew, Yasmeen Faroqi-Shah, Carrie Fox, Sharon Friedman, Fiona Glade, Joan B. Goodman, Elizabeth S. Haile, Madeline Hannington, Sarah Hedlund, Kathleen Henning, Roxie Hill, Neha Kohli, Francesca Pellegrino, Patricia Ritter, Alexandra Robbins, Allison Stearns, Kathy Stevens, Farah Marie Towfic, Drena Valentine and Robin Wiener.

“Congratulations to the 31 outstanding women who are receiving this award for their invaluable contributions and selfless service to others,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “They have all made significant contributions in Montgomery County and shown exceptional leadership, serving as an inspiration. As we honor the women who have made history, we must also continue to build a culture of empowerment and opportunity for the next generation of female leaders.”

Nominees were submitted by their peers based on criteria such as unselfish leadership and hard work in their field, exceptional leadership in civic activities, developing or supporting programs resulting in positive social action and being an inspiration to others as a role model. In addition, nominees had to either reside or work in Montgomery County.

Recipients of the award and their accomplishments will be featured each day in March on the social media platforms of the Montgomery County Commission for Women and Montgomery Women. They also will be recognized at the “Women Making History Panel Discussion” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 24. This year, the event will be held via Zoom.

For more information about the award and upcoming event, contact Committee Chair Ijeoma Enendu at Ijeoma.Enendu@montgomerycountymd.gov.

For more information about the organizations, visit the Montgomery County Commission for Women website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw/ or Montgomery Women website at http://www.montgomerywomen.org/.

Commission for Women Celebrating Women’s History Month with ‘Girl Power Contest’

The Montgomery County Commission for Women is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2022. In recognition of March as Women’s History Month, the Commission for Women invites residents to participate in its fifth annual “Girl Power Contest.” County residents, ages 5 and up, are encouraged to submit a short story, poem, drawing, or medium of their choice that addresses two key questions.

The following questions are the themes for this year’s Girl Power Contest: What do you see as the three biggest accomplishments women have achieved over the last 50 years? What three accomplishments do you believe would make the biggest impact over the next 50 years?

Submissions will be accepted through midnight on March 31 and are limited to one per person.

“The contributions of Montgomery County women to our County, State and nation’s history needs to be celebrated,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “As we honor the women who have made history, we must also continue to build a culture of empowerment and opportunity for the next generation of female leaders. I encourage everyone to enter the Montgomery County Commission for Women’s ‘Girl Power Contest’ so they can help highlight the great work done by women and the impact they have in our County. For the last half-century, the Montgomery County Commission for Women has helped our women in our County by establishing networks, mentors, and resources enabling their success. I am grateful to the Commission for all the work it has done and continues to do to ensure that ‘her-story’ is told in Montgomery County.”

Entries typically are short stories, poems, and drawings. However, creativity is encouraged, and alternative creative expressive submissions are welcomed. Entries will be judged on creativity and content. Winning entries will be selected in four categories: elementary school, middle school, high school, and adult.

Written entries should be no more than 500 words. Entries should include full name, age, grade and school (if applicable), telephone number, and email address. Winners will be announced in April. All contest winners will be featured in Commission for Women social media and receive a swag bag.

Entries for the 2022 Girl Power Contest should be submitted online. Entries submitted by minors must include written permission from a parent or guardian and be the minor’s own work. All entries become the property of the Montgomery County Commission for Women and may be used for publicity purposes. The contest is sponsored by the Montgomery County Commission for Women, Montgomery County Public Libraries and Friends of the Library, Montgomery County. For more information, call 240-777-8300 or visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw .

Montgomery History Presentation on ‘I Commence My Journal . . .: What Carrie Miller Farquhar Told her Diary . . . and What She Left Out’ Available on Monday, March 14

Montgomery History’s presentation of ‘I Commence My Journal . . .: What Carrie Miller Farquhar Told her Diary . . . and What She Left Out’ will be available starting at 10 a.m. on Monday, March 14. Ms. Farquhar (1842-1904) kept a diary for much of her life that offers details on her young adulthood in

Alexandria and Sandy Spring and her married life on a farm in Norbeck.

Information on how to view the presentation will be available at https://www.montgomeryhistory.org/

Like many women of her generation, Ms. Farquhar kept a diary. The 12 volumes are now in the Montgomery History collections. Her words offer present-day historians a wealth of detail about mid-late 19th century education, faith, politics, war, agriculture, child-rearing and social activities in Montgomery County.

Other documents from that era also have revealed that there are many stories and events that she did not choose to write down, including her somewhat tumultuous courtship with Roger Brooke Farquhar, Sr., whom she married in 1867. The presentation will reap the benefits of this wonderful primary source—sharing Carrie’s story, using moments described in her diary from the exciting to the mundane—and will examine the limitations of relying on a single voice, even a seemingly candid one, to study the past.