Michelle Obama Awards

Donna Catterton

Coordinator of the Breakfast Club ministry at Mt. Zion Church in Lothian, Donna Catterton leads a program that began as a simple mission to provide healthy breakfast bags and snacks to children in South County during summer school breaks. As the need grew, so did the vision. The Breakfast Club expanded to offer weekend grocery bags, fresh produce for families, free book fairs to encourage summer reading, back-to-school haircuts, and enriching summer camps. For many struggling families, the Breakfast Club has become a lifeline—offering hope and relief, especially during the holidays, when it provides full meals, toys, Christmas trees, and financial assistance to help parents create joyful memories for their children. With the support of local churches, organizations, and farmers, this ministry stands as a testament to the power of community. It is a reminder of the resilience found in South County and the importance of uplifting our most vulnerable neighbors. Through compassion turned into action, the Breakfast Club brings dignity, care, and a renewed sense of possibility to those who need it most.

Connie Cooper

As Executive Director of HOPE For All, Connie Cooper carries forward the legacy of founders Leo and Diane Zerhusen, guided by a deep commitment to service through Christian faith. Under her leadership, the organization has experienced significant growth—in staffing, volunteer engagement, and space utilization—enabling HOPE to meet the rising needs of the Anne Arundel County community. Connie has spearheaded foundational improvements and introduced strategic technological advancements, strengthening HOPE’s capacity to fulfill its mission of providing basic essentials to those in need. Passionate about collaboration, she enjoys mentoring other nonprofit leaders and building connections with like-minded servant leaders. A former small-business owner with a background in corporate management, Connie continues to stay hands-on by serving on HOPE’s Intake Team, meeting with clients in their homes. Service is truly a family commitment—her husband, Glenn, and sons, Blake and Logan, are dedicated volunteers, working alongside Connie to support HOPE’s vision of restoring dignity and stability to every household they serve.

Janice Lloyd

Janice is a native Annapolitan who was educated in the Anne Arundel Public Schools. She went on to attend Morgan State University and later earned her Bachelor's degree in Organizational Management from Virginia University.

As a contractor with the Department of State in Washington, D.C., Janice serves as a Senior Logistics Manager. In addition to her professional career, she is a certified Life Coach and the owner of The AHHA Coach LLC, where she dedicates herself to encouraging others to become the best version of themselves.

Janice is passionate about mentorship and community service. As a mentor with the Be Present mentoring program at her alma mater, Annapolis Senior High School, she devotes time to meeting with young women, helping them progress and achieve their goals. She also serves as a docent at the Frederick Douglass Museum and Cultural Center in Highland Beach, where she educates visitors of all ages about its rich history.

In the fall of 2024, Janice anticipated a harsh winter and recognized that many homeless individuals in Annapolis would be in need. This led her to create the B.O.B. Bag—Bag of Blessings—filled with essential items to help keep those in need warm.

Her dedication to service extends to her church, Asbury United Methodist Church, where she serves as the Church Council Chair. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Above all, Janice is the very proud mother of three amazing adult children. Her mission in life is to be a shining light, inspiring and uplifting others to reach their full potential. As Michelle Obama once said, "Success isn’t about how much money you make; it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives."

Joan Day Scott

Joan V. Scott is a proud graduate of Anne Arundel County Public Schools, where her educational foundation was shaped at Adams Park Elementary, Germantown Elementary, Wiley H. Bates Junior High, and Annapolis Senior High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Morgan State University and pursued graduate studies at RTC Gratz College and Washington College. Inspired by the educators and role models of earlier generations, Joan has devoted 27 years to serving as a Physical Education and Health Education teacher at Wiley H. Bates Middle School and with the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. Her work emphasizes the holistic development of students, nurturing their physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being. Joan is a Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Pi Omega Chapter, and is an active member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Annapolis, where she serves on various committees. A devoted wife and mother, she cherishes time with her husband and daughter. Driven by her passion for mindfulness, wellness, and self-care, Joan has empowered generations of students to succeed both academically and personally, leaving a lasting impact on her school and community.

Lea Green

For three decades, Lea Green has fiercely championed criminal justice reform in Maryland. As the driving force behind Maryland CURE, her advocacy has raised awareness and also inspired legislative advancements aimed at creating a more equitable system for all. Lea's dedication to reform is rooted in her belief that every individual deserves a second chance, and that true justice involves both accountability and the opportunity for rehabilitation. Lea’s efforts have united a community dedicated to rewriting the narrative around incarceration and justice. Lea's approach focuses on reforming policies while promoting empathy and a culture of restorative justice.

Through her tireless work, Lea continues to illuminate the path towards a more humane criminal justice system. With a vision for a more just future, Lea continues to fight for equal justice for all, reminding us that together, we can create a better life grounded in compassion and understanding.

Roslyn Johnson

Roslyn Johnson, CPRP, is the Director of Recreation and Parks for Annapolis, MD, a role she has held since March 2023. Since joining Annapolis, she has worked with her amazing team to make recreation more accessible to all, including opening the HACA pool, revamping the sports permit process, creating new programs, designing a new skatepark, and planning a major renovation for the Historic Stanton Community Center with a STE²A²M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Environment, Arts, Agriculture, and Math) focus. Previously, she made history as the first female director of Baltimore County's Recreation and Parks Department in 2020 and held leadership roles in Prince George's County, Richmond, VA, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. With over 19 years of experience, she has managed multi-million-dollar budgets, led diverse teams, and spearheaded sustainability and innovation initiatives. A former National Recreation and Parks Association and American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration Board Member and Past President of the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association, Roslyn has presented nationally and internationally on recreation leadership and urban parks, co-organized TEDxCollegePark, and is deeply involved in diversity and equity efforts. She is a Senior Executive Fellow of the Harvard Kennedy School and an active member of several professional organizations. In her free time, she enjoys fused glass jewelry and silversmithing.

Erika A. Johnson

Erika Johnson, driven by her experiences with societal beauty standards, founded PrettyGirl Academy (PGA), a 501c3 mentoring program that empowers and educates teenage girls. Created at Morgan State University as a senior project, Erika envisioned designing a magazine showcasing real unedited beauty and providing educational resources. Four years after graduating, since its first session in 2015, PGA has evolved into an extensive program offering in-school and weekend support for girls in grades 4-12. With a network of mentors, donors, and a dedicated board of directors, PGA promotes self-love, confidence, and personal growth. Beyond her work with PGA, Erika serves as a minister at First Christian Community Church of Annapolis and is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Wesley Theological Seminary, demonstrating her commitment to youth and community development.

Jenese Jones

The Honorable Jenese L. Jones is a respected leader, political organizer, organizational strategist, and cultural influencer, known both regionally and nationally for her impact across multiple sectors. While many in Anne Arundel County recognize her for her bold presence in political activism and campaign strategy, her leadership spans over 20 years across government, education, and community development. 

Jenese previously served as Chief Administrative Officer for the City of New Carrollton and held executive roles as the Founding Executive of Faith Leaders for Excellent Schools, Deputy Director of MarylandCAN, and Maryland Regional Director for Leadership for Educational Equity. Her diverse leadership experience reflects her passion for driving change and empowering communities. Locally, Jenese served for five years on the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee, on the Board of Directors for Leadership Anne Arundel, and as Co-Director of CECS under County Executive Steuart Pittman. She continues to advance her work as an Associate with G.S. Proctor & Associates, one of Maryland’s top lobbying firms. 

Beyond her professional achievements, Jenese is deeply rooted in her faith. She actively serves in ministry at The House of Healing DMV. Committed to using her platform to uplift the voices of those often unheard, she remains dedicated to ensuring that every member of the community feels valued, represented, and empowered.

Carolyn Keaton Culp

Carolyn Keaton Culp serves as Chair of the Anne Arundel County Commission for Women, a resource and advocacy group dedicated to supporting the women of the county and advising the County Executive on issues of significance to women. 

With a lifelong commitment to mentoring—particularly at-risk and underserved youth—Carolyn is passionate about helping young people achieve academic and professional success. She developed the Commission’s Journey to Success Career Panels, which introduce county middle and high school students to diverse career paths while offering valuable life lessons through the personal stories of accomplished professional women. In addition to her advocacy work, Carolyn is a certified Maryland Master Naturalist with a deep love for nature. She is actively involved in environmental conservation and works alongside various organizations to promote the stewardship and preservation of Maryland’s natural resources. 

Through her leadership, mentorship, and environmental stewardship, Carolyn continues to inspire and uplift both individuals and the broader community.

Karen McDonough

Born in Mexico City, Karen McDonough spent her early years immersed in a bilingual and bicultural environment, thanks to the dedication of her parents. She moved to the United States at age 11 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Business Administration from UC Riverside in 1986. 

Karen began her career with Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS) in 1998 as an interpreter for Special Education. She went on to serve as a Bilingual Facilitator, at one point supporting 18 schools across the district. Today, she is the Manager for International Family Outreach Programs in the Office of School and Family Partnerships. In this role, she leads a team of 31 Bilingual Facilitators representing seven languages, working tirelessly to bridge the gap between international families and the school system. 

Karen’s passion for supporting international families and students is the driving force behind her work. She ensures that every child feels they Belong, Grow, and Succeed. Beyond her professional commitments, Karen enjoys reading and traveling, continuing to embrace the diverse cultures that have shaped her life and work.

Cate Petit

Cate Pettit is an Australian-born writer and communications professional with over 25 years of experience spanning government, community, and private sectors in both Australia and the United States. Her work in Australia included roles focused on immigration reform, federal election delivery, and advocacy for Aboriginal communities, including the Aboriginal community of Shepparton, Victoria, and the National Aboriginal Community Health Organization. Cate moved to Annapolis in 2016 when her husband’s work brought them to the U.S. The following year, she volunteered as Director of Communications for Gavin Buckley’s successful campaign for Mayor of Annapolis—a role she reprised in 2021 for his historic re-election to a second term. In 2022, Cate was appointed Chief of Staff to the Mayor. She now leads a dedicated team driving the Mayor’s priority initiatives, including the transformative City Dock Resilience Project, which aims to protect downtown Annapolis from flooding. She also supports community-focused programs such as the violence prevention initiative NO HARM and the substance abuse prevention campaign Naptown Anti-Dope Move(meant). 

Cate’s work reflects her passion for building resilient communities and fostering meaningful connections between government and the people it serves.

Niko Hicks-Singleton

As a single mother who has faced her own personal struggles, Niko Hicks-Singleton is deeply committed to supporting and empowering women and children experiencing distress and hardship. Her journey through adversity has built resilience and empathy—qualities that now fuel her passion for uplifting others. 

Niko is the driving force behind Hicks Hope House, a nonprofit organization in Anne Arundel County dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for women and children in crisis. Through this work, she offers not only shelter but also resources, guidance, and encouragement to help families achieve stability and a path forward. 

With a heart for service and a desire to inspire hope, Niko works tirelessly to create lasting change in her community. She strives to motivate those facing challenges, helping them see greater possibilities and pursue brighter futures. Her mission is to ensure that no family feels alone in their struggle and that every woman and child can find the support they need to thrive.

Brigid C. Smith

Brigid C. Smith has dedicated over 40 years to public service, working tirelessly on behalf of the residents of Anne Arundel County and beyond. She began her career with former Maryland U.S. Senator Paul S. Sarbanes as State Director of Field Operations. She later served as Director of Government, Business, and Community Affairs and a senior staff member for former U.S. Representative John P. Sarbanes (CD-03). 

In her role with Congressman Sarbanes, Brigid advised on policy matters and managed district office operations, overseeing the development and implementation of constituent services and outreach strategies. She worked closely with state, county, and municipal officials, as well as community, business, and nonprofit leaders, helping them access federal resources and build partnerships that fostered lasting, mutually beneficial outcomes. 

Guided by her belief that every voice matters, Brigid has remained committed to ensuring citizens feel empowered to engage with Congress and government agencies. She has mentored interns, staff, and community members, encouraging them to step into leadership roles and advocate for positive change. Her work has also supported efforts to strengthen workforce development, military and economic partnerships, community health initiatives, and the preservation of cultural and environmental resources. 

Brigid is an active volunteer with several community organizations and now resides in Harford County with her family. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Psychology from Ithaca College, New York.

Donna Williams

Donna Williams is a decorated military veteran whose unwavering commitment to community service and youth mentorship earned her the distinguished Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. She is dedicated to uplifting her community and amplifying the voices of those too often silenced. 

As a member of the Anne Arundel County Maternal Health Community Advisory Council, Donna works to ensure that families have access to the care and support they need. She is also an active participant in the AACPS #BePresent program, encouraging young people to look beyond immediate challenges and recognize the power of civic engagement in shaping their future. 

Donna’s passion for service extends to her support of local initiatives, including food distribution events, clothing drives, and voter information sessions hosted by organizations such as Kingdom Kare Inc., Food 4 Thought Community Outreach Services, and NCNW, Incorporated. 

Guided by her belief that it’s a blessing to be a blessing, Donna strives each day to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive Anne Arundel County—making it the best it can be for all who call it home.