Barrier Breakers

Hosted by United Way of Central Maryland

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Latest episode

May 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Be Informed. Be Inspired. Be More. • The Greater Baltimore community is filled with inspiring stories of barrier breakers who want to change the status quo. Are you ready to be informed, be inspired, and be more? Join us as we unearth stories of inspiration, change, and a passion to do good -- and learn how you can help.

Listen to episodes

23 recent

May 11, 202529 min

Mama Needs a Community

In this special Mother’s Day episode, we sat down with Changemaker Challenge grantee Gilly Shaw, founder of Nu Momish, and Tiffany Hembry, a mom supported by this on-demand village. Through monthly in-person events, Nu Momish nurtures and supports women at every stage of motherhood—offering connection, encouragement, and real resources. Listen to hear more about how Nu Momish unleashes the caring power of communities. Mother's Day can be a sensitive time for many. We want to acknowledge this episode talking about motherhood can be triggering for some. Please honor your feelings and take care of yourself.

October 23, 202420 min

Exercising Your to Right to Vote

Knowing the candidates on the ballot, the steps you need to take before November 5 and avoiding mis and dis information, are all crucial elements as the 2024 elections nears. Learn more about exercising your right to vote in this episode with Windy Deese of United Way of Central Maryland and Jared DeMarinis, Maryland’s State Administrator of Elections.

October 23, 202413 min

From Education to Action: The Importance of Your Vote

As the 2024 election approaches, guest host Windy Deese sat down with Natasha Murphy of Black Girls Vote and Indira Obichere of United Way of Central Maryland to talk about the importance of being an active participant in the democratic process. Listen to learn more about how you can make your voice heard on the issues that impact you and your neighbors most.

September 9, 202421 min

Childcare: It's a Movement

In this episode, we sat down with three women connected to United Way of Central Maryland whose passion for childcare leads them to work to transform the childcare industry, building stronger futures for children, parents, providers, and communities. Hear from United Way’s Molly McGriff and Nalia Frisby and long-time Women United members, Vickie Cosby to learn more about the child care and early education space in Central Maryland.If you’re left wanting more, consider registering for our upcoming Women’s Forum on September 26: uwcm.org/WUForumSeptember 26 from 2 pm – 6:30 pmPort DiscoveryFeatured speaker, panel, networking, and more!

April 18, 20241 hr 1 min

Chef Saon Brice, Baltimore Born & Braised (The Full Meal)

From Chef Daphne, who saw something special in him, to opening his own restaurant, Chef Saon Brice has become an impactful community leader. Hear from Chef about the role of mentorship in his journey and how he has broken down barriers along the way.

April 18, 202418 min

Chef Saon Brice, Baltimore Born & Braised (A Quick Bite)

If you would have asked young Saon Brice if he thought he’d become a chef, he would have laughed and said no, a cowboy. Hear how Chef went from wanting to be a cowboy to becoming a musician, chef, and mentor.

March 29, 202431 min

Changing Their Narratives

In this episode, we sat down with three women (and 2021 Changemaker Challenge grantees) who work every day to empower women to rewrite their stories. Hear from Veronica Jackson of Pivot and Angeles Evans and Diana Beeson of TurnAround, Inc. to learn how they work to drive equity, access, and opportunity for the women they serve. To learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites: Pivot Program TurnAround, Inc.

January 16, 202412 min

Sparking Something Bigger: The Changemaker Challenge

Workforce development, a bystander intervention program, and art therapy for cancer patients are just three of the ideas pitched at the 2021 Changemaker Challenge. We sat down with three grantees of the Changemaker Challenge, Van Brooks, Sonia Su, and Dawn Volkart, to learn more about the challenge, their experience, and advice for future applicants.Applications for the 2024 Changemaker Challenge are open now: uwcm.org/changemakerchallengeTo learn more about the work of our featured guests, check out their websites:Van Brooks, Safe Alternative Foundation for EducationSonia Su, Kits to HeartDawn Volkart, Owls in Action

December 28, 202312 min

2023: A Year in Review

2023 has been quite the year for us at United Way of Central Maryland. Hear from two staff members about their highlights from this past year and take a look back at what we’ve done to strengthen the lives of our neighbors in Central Maryland.

September 27, 202321 min

Feeding the Solution to End Hunger

During Hunger Action Month, we sat down with Leah Paley, CEO of the Anne Arundel County Food Bank and Evan Lutz, Founder and CEO, of Hungry Harvest to discuss food insecurity and what their community organizations are doing to tackle the issue to support their neighbors.Learn more:Anne Arundel County Food BankHungry Harvest