Podium remarks by Shaina A. Hernandez, President and Chief Executive Officer, Baltimore Public Markets Corporation​

​

​PANEL CONVERSATIONS:

• Beyond the Chart: Bias, Trust, and Equity in Healthcare: Examining how structural bias shapes health outcomes, access to care, and patient experiences across the healthcare system. This conversation explores the ways healthcare inequities continue to impact communities across Baltimore, from access and treatment to trust in medical institutions.

  • Nikki Highsmith Vernick, MPA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Horizon Foundation 

  • Dr. Francesca Weaks,  Assistant Research Scientist, The Health, Environmental and Economic Justice (T.H.E. E.J. Lab) & Maryland Center for Health Equity, University of Maryland School of Public Health 

  • Dr. Shondelle Wilson-Frederick, Director, Minority Health and Health Disparities, Maryland Department of Health

• Building What Lasts: Pathways to Generational Wealth: Expanding access to homeownership, capital, and investment opportunities in underrepresented communities. This panel focuses on the systems and opportunities that help families and communities build long-term financial stability.

  • Kevin Kesecker, Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer, SECU

  • Keisha McClain, Realtor, Hubble Bisbee Christie's International Real Estate

• Culture as Power. Black Creativity, Ownership, and the Future of Baltimore’s Cultural Economy: How Black artists, cultural institutions, and creative leaders are shaping narrative, economic opportunity, and cultural legacy in Baltimore. From public storytelling to economic impact, this discussion examines the power of arts and culture in shaping Baltimore’s identity and future

  • Robyn Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, Create Baltimore

  • Jason Steer, Executive Director, Creative Alliance

  • Stevie Walker-Webb, Artistic Director, Baltimore Center Stage

• Who Gets In? Workforce, Access, and Economic Participation in Baltimore: Examining pipelines to opportunity, minority business access, and barriers to equitable economic growth. This conversation looks at how workforce systems, public investment, and business development efforts influence who benefits from Baltimore’s economic growth.​​​​

  • MacKenzie Garvin Esq., Director, Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development 

  • Chrissy Nizer, Administrator, Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

  • Otis Rolley, President and CEO, Baltimore Development Corporation 

 

Featured Banner Reporters include:

John-John Williams IV, Political Reporter

Bria Overs, Business Reporter

Jasmine Vaughn-Hall, Baltimore Community Enterprise Reporter