Maryland Governor's Workforce Development Board

?? Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Ashley Baldwin, ?? This Women’s History Month, we are proud to recognize Ashley Baldwin, a dedicated leader and invaluable member of the Maryland Governor's Workforce Development Board’s staff. Ashley is more than just a powerhouse in workforce development—she is a systems thinker who breaks down complexities and makes them accessible to all. Her unmatched organizational skills and consummate thought partnership make her an essential voice in shaping policies and programs that drive real impact. What sets Ashley apart is her unique ability to bridge theory and practice—not only developing strategies but also ensuring they are actionable and effective in governance. Her leadership is a testament to what it means to elevate others, champion equity, and turn vision into reality. We are so grateful for her contributions to Maryland’s workforce and beyond! ?? Join us in celebrating Ashley Baldwin this Women’s History Month! #WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #WorkforceDevelopment #EquityInAction

The Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development is committed to helping former federal workers navigate career transitions. At the Federal to Future Career Transition Expo, nearly 600 jobseekers connected with 90 employers, opening doors to new opportunities. Excitingly, the event was also covered in the Baltimore Sun and NBC News. Thank you to the jobseekers who showed up ready to take the next step, the employers offering career pathways, and our partners who helped make this event possible. MOED will continue providing resources and support to ensure every worker has access to meaningful employment. Find more support for federally displaced workers at bit.ly/worker-support. #MOED

Last week, team GWDB headed to D.C. to represent Maryland and the Board at the National Governors Association Workforce Development Policy Institute. Executive Director Rachael Stephens Parker and Deputy Director Shuana Davis participated in roundtable discussions with state leaders from more than 20 states, commonwealths and territories from every corner of the country. This was an opportunity to not only brag on our state - which we did plenty of! - but to generate new ideas for how we can serve Marylanders even better. ?? States exchanged ideas, best practices, and common challenges ranging from equipping workers for an AI-powered economy, to recession-proofing, to optimizing workforce system performance. ??States also heard expert insights on the economic outlook and what to expect on federal policy from the current Administration and Congress. ??And of course, our team was proud to elevate some of Maryland’s work on a national stage. Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families, Anthony Woods (one of our ex-officio members!) shared how Maryland is strengthening military and civilian career paths for veterans and military families, and our team shared lessons we are learning through Maryland’s nation-leading work to advance career-connected learning, sector partnerships, and so much more. Thank you to the National Governors Association for hosting such an informative event, and to our peers from across the country who shared your expertise with us!

“The Maryland Department of Labor is here to help federal employees and contractors connect with new opportunities, both because we know support is essential and because these workers’ expertise, knowledge, and talent is so valuable to our state.” —Maryland Department of Labor Secretary Portia Wu Secretary Wu joined Gov. Wes Moore, Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater, and other leaders at the Rebuilding Careers Job Fair and Hiring Event in earlier this week, which connected more than 900 registrants and more than 75 participating employers. Learn more about the event: https://ow.ly/MrAh50VlL4x Photos courtesy of the Office of the Governor and MD Labor

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are proud to celebrate our Deputy Director, the incomparable Shuana Davis—a leader, mentor, and unwavering advocate for those around her. To know Shuana is to be inspired by her. She is the definition of servant leadership, embodying grace, wisdom, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. She has a rare ability to balance strategy with heart, ensuring that while the work gets done, people feel valued in the process. One of her guiding principles that she lives by: ??? “I’ve never heard someone complain about being loved, heard, or valued.” Shuana lives this every day. She leads with care, challenges with purpose, and supports with intention—making those around her feel seen, heard, and empowered. Working alongside her means learning that everyone deserves both grace and accountability. She sees clarity in the chaos and fosters collaboration in a way that makes every challenge feel possible. Her strategic vision, servant leadership, and collaborative mindset set her apart, and we are honored to work alongside her. Join us in celebrating Shuana Davis—a leader who not only elevates the work but the people who do it. #WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #ServantLeader #EmpoweredWomenEmpowerWomen

The Federal to Future Career Transition Expo is Just TWO Days Away! ?? This morning, Director MacKenzie Garvin stopped by 92Q to spread the word about this incredible opportunity! With 90 employers ready to recruit for open positions across various industries, this event is a must-attend for anyone impacted by federal job loss or simply looking for a new career opportunity. Don’t miss your chance to connect with top employers and take the next step in your career! ?? March 20th ?? 10 AM – 2 PM ?? New Psalmist Baptist Church 6020 Marian Dr., Baltimore, MD 21215

Celebrating Our Fearless Leader for Women’s History Month! ??? As we honor Women’s History Month, we want to take a moment to celebrate our incredible Executive Director, Rachael Stephens Parker! Rachael is the epitome of design thinking—always leading strategically, ensuring our work aligns with our mission, and masterfully connecting the dots to keep us grounded in our purpose. She’s not just a leader; she’s a visionary who turns big ideas into real impact. And let’s talk about brilliance—Bryn Mawr grad, Harvard alum, Economics major—but what sets Rachael apart is her ability to bridge theory and practice, making even the most complex challenges feel achievable. On top of it all, she’s just stepped into a brand-new role—mom! ?? Balancing leadership, mentorship, and motherhood with grace, she’s an inspiration to us all. Join us in celebrating Rachael Stephens Parker—a powerhouse of intelligence, leadership, and heart. We appreciate you and all that you do! ?? #WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #Inspiration

?? Celebrating Women’s History Month: Honoring Molly! ?? As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we want to take a moment to recognize Molly, our Senior Advisor for CTE, who is truly the glue that holds all things CTE together! Molly Mesnard is a fierce advocate for youth and Career & Technical Education (CTE), ensuring students have access to meaningful opportunities. She’s a master of organization, a project management whiz, and a dedicated leader who keeps everything running smoothly. Beyond her incredible work, she’s also an amazing wife and mom to two beautiful boys. Help us celebrate Molly for her dedication, passion, and the impact she makes every day! ????

Celebrating Women’s History Month with the GWDB Team! ?? This month, we honor the amazing women who make the world (and our workplace!) a better place. Today, we’re shining a light on one of the strongest pillars of our team—Darla Henson! As our fabulous Executive Administrator, Darla has kept things running smoothly for over 35 years. She’s the go-to for everything we need, and let’s be honest—we’d be lost without her! Outside of work, she enjoys tea time with her granddaughters every Monday, a well-deserved moment of joy for someone who gives so much to others. Darla, we celebrate you and thank you for everything you do! ???? #WomensHistoryMonth #Leadership #Gratitude #Teamwork

?? Exciting News! ?? The Maryland Governor's Workforce Development Board has been selected to participate in Results for America State and Local Workforce Fellowship! This initiative brings together 16 jurisdictions and 70+ Fellows to strengthen workforce programs through data-driven strategies. Two of our GWDB committees are leading this important work, and our Deputy Director Shuana Davis joined the kickoff convening last week in Miami, FL, sharing insights with peers and learning best practices from across the country. Through this Fellowship, we’re committed to leveraging data and evidence to create high-quality jobs, promote economic mobility, and drive impactful workforce solutions. We’re excited to learn, collaborate, and implement solutions that deliver real results for job seekers, workers, and employers alike!