Barrier Breakers
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.
Episodes
22 episodes
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 W...
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20:22
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 abo...
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13:06
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 commun...
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21:18
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 th...
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1:01:20
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.
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18:40
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 ...
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31:30
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 ...
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12:52
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.&...
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12:38
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...
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21:14
Let's Talk about Mental Health: Stigmas, Support, and Self Care
Everyone deals with mental health challenges differently, but often the signs of struggle can be similar. It’s important to be mindful of your mental wellness--and to check in on others who may be suffering.Certain communities face stigm...
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30:26
Barrier Breakers, Year One
We launched this podcast during the pandemic to share stories in a safe way about the people we help, the United Way team, and our work to strengthen our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home. In this episode, we share some of ou...
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13:15
Veterans Treatment Court - Leaving No Veteran Behind
Many men and women who fought for our country face another fight when they return home. Some have a hard time finding and keeping a job and a home, or experience mental health or substance use issues—which can lead to minor law offenses. The Ve...
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11:02
There's No Place Like Home
The Way Home Project, fueled by United Way's Leaders United membership group, helps make a house a home for those who have experienced long-term homelessness. Listen to learn more about this incredible team effort and hear from project voluntee...
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12:52
Create Social Change with The Changemaker Challenge
Improving accessibility for people with disabilities and preparing low-income students for college are just two of the ideas pitched at prior Changemaker Challenge events. We sat down with The Horizon Foundation, and past winners of The Changem...
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14:57
Locked out and Shut Out: The Eviction Crisis in Greater Baltimore
Nearly a quarter of Maryland tenants were behind on their rent as of March 2021. With the coming “eviction tsunami,” what stands between them and homelessness? Join us as we chat with local leaders in housing and human services to get the lates...
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20:17
Coming Together to Improve Lives
Volunteers have the power to change lives—and this past year has made that abundantly clear. In this episode you'll meet Zeynep Akkan of McCormick & Company and Heather Bussard of Rosemore, Inc. who are, not only making an impact as individ...
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23:28
A Beautiful Picture: Women Helping Women
During Women’s History Month, we sat down with Kelley Chase of University of Baltimore and Mandy Memmel of Hon’s Honey to discuss the barriers they’ve faced as women and what they’ve done to ensure that women are not only supported but uplifted...
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29:08
An Advocate, A Voice, A Community Champion
Our country's history has been shaped by the many untold stories of Black Americans. We talked with UWCM's President & CEO, Franklyn Baker, who shares his inspirations and passion for Greater Baltimore. He also talks about his drive and cho...
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24:45
Shining the Light on the Black Experience
"It's the way I grew up...shine the light wherever you are". Growing up in the South during segregation, Phylis shares what it was like to be one of the first Black graduates of her high school and the experiences that led her to where she is t...
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18:41
From Help to Hope
From help to hope, our 211 team is there to provide what’s needed, where it’s needed—and often even more. In this episode, you’ll go behind the scenes of the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline and learn just what it takes to be a call specialist....
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14:59