We organized three public stakeholder groups focused on producing actionable recommendations aimed at improving literacy outcomes for specific groups of young people. These stakeholders worked to address the unique needs and challenges of each group, amplifying Baltimore’s existing assets while identifying the gaps that must be addressed for young people in Baltimore. We are deeply appreciative of the Literacy Workgroup and Action Teams for their support and dedication to this effort.
Values & Ways of Working
Centering Community Voice: We are committed to listening to what the community and our constituents are telling us. We keep students at the center of and participants in all discussions, decisions, and planning
Equity + Anti-Racism: Our work will disrupt the status quo and systemically racist systems. We recognize that to be anti-racist we must reflect on our own internal biases and consistently ask if there are any unintended consequences to the work.
Focus/Intention: We are committed to the process, to the people, and to the result.
Creativity: Systems are broken and this work will require us to be flexible, resourceful, and open to new ideas to improve them.
Belonging: We respect fellow Action Team members and their perspectives and are intentional in considering underrepresented populations, such as newcomer youth, English language learners, and youth with disabilities.
14-24 Literacy Workgroup Members
Co-Chairs: Dr. Jay Perman, University System of Maryland + Dr. Sonja Santelises, Baltimore City Public Schools
Jarrod Bolte, ImprovingED
Kyair Butts, Baltimore City Public Schools
Dante DeTablan, United Way of Central Maryland
Tisha Edwards, Mayor's Office of Children and Family Success
Bob Embry, Abell Foundation
Jada Gardner, Grads2Careers Youth Leader
Simone Gibson, Morgan State University
Joni Holifield, HeartSmiles
Talib Horne, Annie E. Casey Foundation
Janise Lane, Baltimore City Public Schools
Debra McCurdy, Baltimore City Community College
Cassie Motz, CollegeBound
Jason Perkins-Cohen, Mayor's Office of Employment Development
Rachel Pfeifer, Baltimore City Public Schools
Omani Placide, Grads2Careers Alumnus
Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Roger Schulman, Fund for Educational Excellence
Diamond Spruill, Grads2Careers Alumna
Tanya Terrell, BGE/Exelon
Danielle Torain, Open Society Institute-Baltimore
Laura Weeldryer, Maryland Family Network
Caryn York, Job Opportunities Task Force
Action Team for Current High-School Students
Co-Chairs: Janise Lane, Baltimore City Public Schools + Dr. Rachel Pfeifer, Baltimore City Public Schools
Federico Adams, Baltimore City Public Schools
Rachel Donegan, Promise Heights
Ernest Dorsey, Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
Lea Ferguson, Mayor’s Office of Children and Family Success
Amy Gross, France-Merrick Foundation
LaQuisha Hall, Baltimore City Public Schools
Amanda Inns, Johns Hopkins University Center for Research and Reform in Education
Sydney Johnson, HeartSmiles and Current High School Student
Melissa Loftus, Baltimore City Public Schools
Joseph Manko, Abell Foundation
Donte Matthews, HeartSmiles and Current High School Student
Heather Naviasky, Y in Central Maryland
Albert Passarella, Johns Hopkins University School of Education
Morgan Prioleau. Grads2Careers and HeartSmiles
Rinata Tanks, Baltimore City Public Schools
Alexandria Warrick Adams, Elev8 Baltimore
Karen Webber, Open Society Institute-Baltimore
Olufunmike Woods, DewMore Baltimore
Action Team for African-American Women 16-24
Co-Chairs: Destiny-Simone Ramjohn, CareFirst + Caryn York, Job Opportunities Task Force
Stephanie Amponsah, Dream Big
Andria Cole, A Revolutionary Summer
Sara Cooper, Annie E. Casey Foundation
Diane Wallace-Booker, US Dream Academy
Brittany Dorsey, BHB Upton/Druid Heights
Ateira Griffin, Leaders for Educational Equity, Echoing Green
Danista Hunte, Child First Authority
Yolanda Jenkins, Family League of Baltimore
Angelique Jessup, Grade Level Reading Coalition
Shantay McKinily, University of Maryland School of Social Work
Gena O’Keefe, Annie. E. Casey Foundation
Nancy Pelton, Family Tree
Leah Saal, Loyola University
Lynn Selby, Caroline Center
Ronnea Shaw, University of Maryland School of Social Work
Angel St. Jean, Mayor’s Office of Employment Development
Stacey Stephens, University of Maryland School of Social Work
Stacey Tuck, Baltimore City Health Department
Rudi Zelman, Literacy Lab
NLD Strategic (Project Management, Coordination + Facilitation Support)
Nakeia Drummond, Founder & CEO
Delshan Baker
Tyler Benjamin
Baltimore’s Promise Staff
Julia Baez, Chief Executive Officer
Janelle Gendrano, Chief Operating Officer (former)
Bridget Blount, Chief Impact Officer
Natashia Heggins, Senior Director of Programs (former)
Jasmyne Gilbert, Senior Manager of Operations