The Motherlode Spring 2024: Women at the Helm

I am working with a few nonprofit groups doing dental mission work around the world in impoverished communities. I try to “give back” by doing volunteer missions annually. I will be traveling to the Dominican Republic and the Philippines this year, and I hope to take my office staff on a volunteer experience to Mexico early next year.

The importance of giving back with the intent to leave the world a little better than I found it was instilled in me from a young age; all of us have something important to give. That Greater Chesapeake, realizing that together we can transform our community so much more than I could do on my own. is why I ultimately joined Impact100

The one piece of advice that I would give to my younger self is not to wait so long to take that leap to follow your dream. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t accomplish your dream or that you don’t have the experience to run a business. Life is about taking chances and learning as you go.

I would say, the challenging times are only in respect to what your current perspective is. So, accept the challenges, go at that full force so that you can continuously just rise in terms of your accomplishments.

- Michele Burns

- Rachel Markow DNP, CRNP Co-Owner, Perpetual Skin

- Karen Komisar

- Dr. Beverly (Sissy) Jimenez, DDS Pediatric Dentist, Annapolis Pediatric Dentistry

President, Impact100 Greater Chesapeake

Owner, Sea Dog Pet Boutique

The advice I’d give my younger self–which is advice I followed–is to take all of the opportunities that come your way. Take the job, make the friend, and buy the shoes. The reward far outweighs the risk!

- Jennifer Navabi District Director, Maryland General Assembly

I started small while working full-time, growing slowly. As I refined my systems and marketing, the business took off fast. The full-time job was no longer sustainable, and my vision of inspiring a love of music in Annapolis youth was flourishing. I had no choice but to go all in :)

Chief Amal E. Awad Anne Arundel County Police Chief

I am incredibly proud to have authored the Freedom to Read Act. It is long past time we protect our libraries’ collection and librarians from censorship and the erasure of history, people, and their stories.... As a lifelong learner, and as a mom who benefited from the amazing programing at our local Anne Arundel County library it’s an honor to fight everyday, advocate, and defend the work they do for Marylanders!

- Sophia Hardesty Owner/Operator, Naptown Sings and Plays!

- Dana Jones House of Delegates, District 30A, Anne Arundel County

SPRING 2024 | 57

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