Business Volunteers Maryland

doing good. better.

Business Volunteers and Baker Donelson Join Forces to Support Five Nonprofits Focused on Homelessness

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Business Volunteers Maryland (BVM) and Baker Donelson came together on July 18, 2024, to host skillCONNECT, a highly structured several hour event to bring the expertise of business professionals to nonprofit leaders facing unique challenges. Twenty-four volunteers from twelve different organizations came together to support five Baltimore-area nonprofits focused on homelessness resulting in close to $16,000 of professional time and talent being infused into these nonprofits.

During skillCONNECT, teams of volunteers from Baker Donelson and their business partners worked with the nonprofits, bringing their expertise and ideas to help the organizations navigate challenges related to strategic planning, finance, fundraising, human resources, marketing, and more.

The five nonprofits selected to participate were:

Business Volunteers has facilitated numerous skillCONNECT events over the years, bringing the expertise of business professionals to nonprofit leaders facing business challenges. “The energy was just incredible: picture a room full of powerful professionals collaborating, diving deep, problem solving and action planning to lift nonprofits tackling homelessness. We are grateful to Baker Donelson for not just hosting this event and engaging their associates but inviting their partners from other companies to join as well,” said Alissa Ganser, President and CEO of Business Volunteers. “It’s a powerful way to give back to the community,” added Ganser.  

Michael A. Schollaert, a Baker Donelson shareholder and a member of the BVM Board of Directors, added, “It was uplifting to bring together my colleagues, our clients, and BVM to support such outstanding organizations. The feedback from both the volunteers and the nonprofits was overwhelmingly positive. I’m thankful for my colleagues and our clients who gave so freely of their time, knowledge, and talents to support the incredible work these organizations are doing to build a path out of homelessness for people in our community. We hope this has been beneficial to these nonprofits, and we look forward to continuing to lend our support by hosting another event in the future.”

One of the nonprofits in attendance at skillCONNECT, Lonnie Walker, Founder and CEO of JOY Baltimore commented, “The wealth of knowledge and insights shared throughout this incredible experience have left a lasting impact on me, and I am deeply appreciative of the privilege to being part of this event.” 

From left to right: Michael A. Schollaert (Baker Donelson), Katie Sutton (Business Volunteers Maryland), Odette Belcher (Dayspring Programs), Lonnie Walker (JOY Baltimore), Kirsten Gettys Downs (Homeless Persons Representation Project), Omar Tarabishi (Leftover Love), Alissa Ganser (Business Volunteers Maryland)

For more information about skillCONNECT, please visit https://businessvolunteersmd.org/connect-experiences-and-engagement/.

Event Photos

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Business Volunteers Maryland Announces New CEO

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Current Chief Service Officer selected to lead organization

Business Volunteers Maryland, the leading resource for connecting businesses with community engagement in the region, announces Alissa Ganser as its President and CEO, beginning June 1.  

Ganser currently serves as the Chief Service Officer. She follows Julie Crisp Kernan, who led the organization for five years, including during the challenging season of the pandemic. Kernan is retiring on May 31 but will remain on the Business Volunteers’ Board of Directors.  

“When I joined the organization, one of the clear visions was to develop a thoughtful leadership succession plan,” Kernan said. “Over the last five years, I have been able to witness the knowledge, skills, ability and passion Alissa brings to her work. She has a deep understanding of what it will take to continue to grow and serve our community, and I could not be more optimistic and supportive of Alissa as the Board’s choice to take my place.” 

“In the nearly nine years I have worked for Business Volunteers, I continue to be energized and inspired by the people we work with—our business partners, the leaders, the nonprofits—and the enthusiasm and impact I see following our events and programming,” Ganser said. “With tremendous value for both businesses and nonprofits, it is truly an honor to play matchmaker for social impact. I look forward to serving in this important role and building even stronger bridges between the sectors.”  

Ganser has been a staple in the community engagement and social impact space for more than two decades. Across roles at nonprofit and educational institutions throughout the country, including Baltimore’s Abell Foundation, KIPP Baltimore, and Reading Partners, Ganser has built transformative and innovative cross-sector partnerships and mobilized individuals in efforts that drive social change and uplift all parties involved. With a degree in Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins University, she understands social systems, the complementary relationship between business and community, and the importance of ensuring professionals have the pathways and knowledge they need to make an impact.  

“When we were building the leadership succession plan, Alissa was always at the top of the Board’s mind as a confident and competent leader,” Ron Causey, Business Volunteers Maryland’s Board Chair, said. “Prior to Julie’s arrival in 2019, Alissa served as our Interim Executive Director and then in the years to follow we were able to see her drive successful programming for the business and nonprofit community time and time again. The Board is confident in Alissa as the leader to take Business Volunteers into the future.” 

Business Volunteer Maryland’s mission is to inspire volunteerism and connect motivated people and businesses to nonprofit organizations leading to stronger communities. Over the past 21 years, Business Volunteers brings the talents of local business professionals to nonprofit organizations seeking volunteers and board leadership. 

Business Volunteers Maryland Celebrates 20 Years

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Thank you for celebrating our milestone anniversary with us earlier this summer! We are so proud of our twenty years of doing good, better in Baltimore and appreciate the role you have played in our achievements.

The venue (The Winslow) provided a perfect setting to reconnect with old friends and network with our community’s most accomplished and recognized leaders. Founding, former, and current members of the Board of Directors; Advisory Board members; GIVE Alumni Committee and GIVE Alumni; business and nonprofit partners; and other community leaders joined our Staff in celebrating two decades of work in and around Baltimore.

We are encouraged by the continued interest in our work and look forward to reconnecting with each of you to ensure we are delivering on your expectations for prioritizing the needs of our neighbors. Thank you for supporting our efforts to lift up those who work so diligently in our shared communities.

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Congratulations to the GIVE Fellowship Class of 2020

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Congratulations to the graduating class of Business Volunteers Maryland’s GIVE Fellowship. On Friday, November 13, 2020, Business Volunteers will host a virtual celebration to recognize forty-six rising professionals who amplified their civic engagement, deepened their relationship with Baltimore, and connected with community leaders from across the region. The 2020 class of GIVE will join a network of 450+ GIVE alumni.

When Business Volunteers transformed the fellowship into a virtual experience due to COVID-19, the GIVE Advisory Projects (GAP) remained a core component of the program. The GAP connected nonprofits with GIVE fellows who served as skilled volunteers over a six-month period. From conducting interviews to participating in volunteer activities, GIVE Fellows worked in small teams to learn about their nonprofit partner, the community served by the organization, and the challenges faced by the nonprofit’s leaders. Teams were paired with a GIVE alumnus who served as their project mentor as fellows followed a collaborative process. Each year, GAP teams develop recommendations and solutions that increased nonprofits’ capacity to do good. better.

This year’s GIVE fellows were introduced to collective impact practices and partnered with organizations committed to strengthening Baltimore for youth. GIVE fellows will present their projects with their teams during graduation.

Our graduating fellows, their GAP teams, and the alumni mentors are presented below.

 

2020 GIVE Advisory Project Teams

Baltimore Food Parks 

Works to improve vacant lots, conduct scientific research, and help conserve Baltimore’s greenspace/wildlife through community engagement. 

  • Alec Mitchell, CBRE, Inc.
  • Brian Lasan, City of Baltimore
  • Jessica Duvall, Rosenberg Martin Greenberg LLP
  • Rebecca Moschina, Continental Realty Corporation
  • Zainab Farhat, Annie E. Casey Foundation
  • Project Mentor: Kaitlin Brennan (GIVE 2019)

Community Law In Action (CLIA) 

Develops young people to be leaders and advocates to advance positive community change through public policy.  

  • Ashley Monroe, BGE
  • Benjamin Fertig
  • Jesse Haladay, T. Rowe Price
  • Michael Mercado, Northrop Grumman
  • Sandra Herrera
  • Project Mentor: Samantha Myrick (GIVE 2019)

HASA (The Hearing & Speech Agency) 

Connects people to their worlds through hearing and speech-language services, interpreting, and education.  

  • Aaron Nichols, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston
  • Lauren Novsak, Business Volunteers Maryland
  • Tamara Arnold, Baltimore Corps
  • Timothy Sugrue, PWC
  • Project Mentor: Ashley Webb (GIVE 2014)

iMentor 

Builds mentoring relationships that empower first-generation students from low-income communities to graduate high school, succeed in college, and achieve their ambition.  

  • Aaron Fishbein, Transamerica
  • Alicia Dennis, CohnReznick LLP
  • Emily Plahanski, SIG
  • Molly Hayeslip, Baltimore Collegetown Network
  • Project Mentor: Jhonell Campbell (GIVE 2017)

Improving Education (Bedtime in A Box) 

An initiative of Improving Education, Bedtime in A Box partners with community institutions to distribute a curated package of components designed to increase regular and routine exposure to literacy.  

  • Brian Gordon, Brown Advisory Inc.
  • Catherine Patterson, de Beaumont Foundation
  • Elie Calm Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn PA
  • Jennifer Bove, Atapco Financial Services, Inc.
  • Meagan Mallen, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
  • Project Mentor: Craig Heron (GIVE 2017)

Middle Grades Partnership 

Provides students from both Public and Private schools with widely different life experiences the opportunity to work together toward a common goal.  

  • Angela Bossle, Prometric
  • Brett Sanders, PwC
  • Eryn Lessard, KIPP Baltimore
  • Kyle Jenson, M&T Bank
  • Project Mentor: Austin Tremblay (GIVE 2018)

MissionFit 

Provides a safe space, resources for health, and an environment for continued personal growth. 

  • Beth H. McGuire, BGE
  • Kevin Shields, Harborside Group
  • Moe Shoots, Baltimore Ravens
  • Rachel Feldman, Pearlstone
  • Tatiana Beato, Erickson Living
  • Project Mentor: Rachel Thompson (GIVE 2019)

Patterson Park Public Charter School, Inc. 

Provides a community-centered learning environment that values diversity and embraces a whole child approach to develop well-educated citizens.   

  • Alex Chiang, SimplyAgree
  • Amanda Parsley, State Employees Credit Union (SECU)
  • Jheannelle Laguerre, Exelon Corporation
  • Stephen Pfaffenhauser, T. Rowe Price
  • Project Mentor: Colleen Helak (GIVE 2019)

The One Love Foundation 

Educates young people about healthy and unhealthy relationships to empower them to identify and avoid abuse and learn how to love better.  

  • Amanda Chong, Gordon Feinblatt LLC
  • Benjamin Suttman, Under Armour
  • Derrick Pendleton, Legg Mason
  • Jamie Nash, Think Stack
  • Katie Blacketor, Mindgrub Technologies
  • Project Mentor: Kelly Tallant (GIVE 2018)

Y in Central Maryland 

Advances a holistic approach to well-being that strengthens the community’s commitment to healthy living, youth development and social responsibility.  

  • Callie Tucker, Kramon & Graham, PA
  • Colin Kendall, SC&H Group
  • Joseph Creamer, Planit Advertising, Inc.
  • Laura Collins, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C.
  • Trena Oakley, Sontiq, Inc.
  • Project Mentor: Krystina Wales (GIVE 2018)

Applying for the 2021 GIVE Fellowship

Are you interested in learning more about the GIVE Fellowship? Would you like to nominate an individual for the 2021 class? Complete this interest form. Applications for the 2021 GIVE Fellowship will open in December.

About the GIVE Fellowship

GIVE is a multi-month fellowship offered through Business Volunteers Maryland that prepares rising leaders in Baltimore for civic engagement and community leadership. Over 125 companies in Baltimore have committed to community engagement through sponsoring GIVE fellows. To learn more, visit the GIVE program page.

About Business Volunteers Maryland

Business Volunteers Maryland works with regional employers to build strategic connections between businesses, professionals and the nonprofit community.  Business Volunteers consults with businesses, trains and places business professionals on nonprofit boards; develops civic leaders; manages and matches teams with meaningful skilled and direct service volunteer opportunities; creates partnerships between companies and the community, and much more.

Baltimore Business Journal recognizes community efforts

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You’ve heard of six degrees of separation, right? The 2020 Baltimore Business Journal Better Baltimore Awards is a Who’s Who of our friends and partners. While we were not directly recognized, we are so proud that nine of our business and nonprofit partners made the list for “making Baltimore better.”

Business Volunteers envisions a future in which all individuals and businesses in Baltimore are engaged and investing in building strong and thriving communities. By working with over 50 businesses to make their community engagement more strategic and impactful, we act as a connector to build the capacity and fill mission critical needs in over 150 unique Regional nonprofits each year.

SC&H Group, a long-term partner and “consumer” of Business Volunteers’ services, was recognized in the small/medium company category. The article mentions that last year, 192 SC&H employees volunteered at eight different organizations, resulting in 768 volunteer hours in one day. That day was facilitated and supported by Business Volunteers Maryland.

Ron Causey welcomes guests to the 2019 Business Volunteers Business Impact Summit. 

“SC&H has used Business Volunteers Maryland to direct its efforts and connect the company with nonprofits in need of its employees’ skills,” Ron Causey, SC&H CEO, and board chair for Business Volunteers Maryland noted. In addition to SC&H, Aerotek, BGE, M&T Bank, T. Rowe Price, and Venable were all recognized for their contributions to the community. Representatives from each of these organizations currently hold a position on our board of directors and many also have at least one representative in the 2020 GIVE Class (GIVE is a fellowship program for emerging community leaders, programmed and hosted by BVM).

BGE and Business Volunteers recently collaborated with Code in the Schools to deliver a virtual Team Volunteer Project for 100 high school and college interns. Participants assembled 2,500 Squishy Circuit kits that will be distributed to elementary school students by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks. Squishy Circuits are circuits made from play dough, modeling clay, LED lights, a battery, and connection wire encouraging skills helpful in STEM classes and professions.

The connections do not stop with the corporate award winners. Many of our nonprofit partners were also recognized for their contributions to the community, including the Maryland Food Bank, Moveable Feast, and Volunteering Untapped.  It is an honor to be affiliated to organizations making such an impact in the communities where we work and live.

Congratulations to all the organizations recognized in this year’s list. We are thrilled to be a partner with you and grateful for your efforts of doing good. better. in the community.

If your organization is looking to be more strategic with your community engagement initiatives, contact Business Volunteers today.

Civic Leadership Workshop – Mastering Conflict

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We had a blast at our second Civic Leadership Workshop of the 2019 series – based on Patrick Lencioni’s “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” – and yesterday we covered… conflict!

Participants gained an understanding of the different conflict-handling modes affecting interpersonal and group dynamics: competing, collaborating, compromising, avoiding, and accommodating. Participants can now identify the mode used by others, as well as choose the appropriate style for any situation.

Huge thank you to our outstanding facilitator Mark and his team from UMBC Training Centers and our host Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. We would not be able to #dogoodbetter without partners like them.

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