This week on Spotlight On Maryland, Gina Crash was joined in studio by Jen Wicks, Chief Development Officer with the Greater Baltimore Urban League, (GBUL), to talk about her career journey with GBUL and to reflect on the non-profit organization's remarkable 100th year serving the community and to look ahead to what's in store in 2025 including recently announcing their new President & CEO, Tykia Warden!
Jen talked about her journey with GBUL from joining in 2018 as a member of GBLA, (GBUL's Young Professionals Auxiliary aged 21-40), to accepting GBUL's Rising Star Award at their recent Gala in November celebrating a Century of Impact and a Future of Promise, to her role as Chief Development Officer. Jen looks forward to her own kids joining GBUL's Saturday Leadership Program, (SLP), a free program for grades 8-12 that provides collaboration between parents, GBUL, schools, Universities/Colleges and a host of other partners to create a "village" that increases the participant's academic success. Students can still join the program! GBUL is looking for participants.
Jen recapped GBUL's recent Toy Drives with non-profit partners Future Think Hub and STATDC at La Chow, a shared kitchen/Ghost kitchen space in Baltimore City, and shared how GBLA adopted 9 families for Christmas and how GBUL's Guild, (GBUL's members ages 41 +), wrapped up a book drive for justice impacted youth at DJS, (Department of Juvenile Services). Jen also talked about GBUL's recent Workforce Development Career & Resource Fair held on December 11th & their recent ARPA, (American Rescue Plan Act), Graduation Cohort in IT.
To find out more about the Greater Baltimore Urban League & their programs, visit gbul.org. You can also listen to their Voices of the People Podcast and TEXT GBUL to 801-801 to donate and support their programming and work in the community. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Follow GBLA on Instagram at @gblaimpact and the Guild on Instagram @guildgbul.
Click the media player below to listen to the interview and find out more.
