LTYC Celebrates Trailblazing Women of Color in Our Community
Leaders of Tomorrow Youth Center (LTYC) is basking in the post-event buzz surrounding the monumental success of its 3rd Anniversary Black Leading Women’s Celebration: Honoring the Impact of Rising Stars and Shining Legacies. This event, a testament to LTYC’s unwavering commitment to integrating the arts in education and honoring Black Women who are breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings, has profoundly impacted our community, connecting us in a shared celebration of empowerment and support.
LTYC, a Baltimore-based nonprofit organization with outreach extending into Washington, DC, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County, and the Hampton Roads area - with its notable concentration of female leadership, didn’t just aim to plan a serendipitous event. The organization was deeply intentional in supporting missions that drive impact and elevation. This deliberate commitment, evident in the meticulous planning and execution of the event, is a testament to their dedication and belief in the power of women of color in leadership.
Lauren Blackwell, Chief of Staff at LTYC and the event host says, “I see firsthand how important self-discovery is with managing 146 school and organization partners across nine school systems. I understand that engaging and positive interaction is needed even more with age—that positive acknowledgment and support are needed for our Black women leaders at every age.”
Each honoree’s community contribution was showcased through targeted marketing campaigns, extending their recognition beyond the immediate event audience. LTYC allocated a dedicated budget to support the ceremony. Dr. Dermell Brunson, President of LTYC, says, “This event is the organization’s way of showing that we not only uplift and support women within our community but that we do so by investing in their celebration behind the promotions to tell their stories of success and accomplishment.”
The resounding success of the 3rd Annual Black Leading Women’s Celebration stayed on theme of uniting and celebrating esteemed, locally and nationally known Black women leaders including Nykidra Robinson, CEO of Black Girls Vote, Dana Carr, CEO of The Creative Impact Group, and Shelonda Stokes, CEO of Downtown Partnership. They shared their profound perspectives and how their unique experiences have impacted their work. The celebration honored the achievements of distinguished women but also fostered an environment of praise led by dynamic contributions from Dr. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark, Senior Pastor of Victory Grace Center, and popular multi-media personality April Watts.
Nicole Kirby, CEO of CarVer Communications and the project manager for LTYC’s annual Leading Black Women events, remarked, “This event offers great food and networking opportunities, but at its core, it’s a vibrant movement. Each selected leader is celebrated during the event and promoted extensively, amplifying their work and impact. This strategic approach has sparked interest from numerous organizations eager to partner with LTYC, signaling a shift in how Black female leaders are recognized and honored.”
LTYC arts programs are found in communities across Maryland, D.C and Hampton Roads, Virginia. They intend to be actively involved and support every act of leadership and growth in communities of color.
The Black Leading Women’s event will continue to be an annual headline event for the organization, offering invaluable insights into leadership and empowerment. With so much importance and weight on the intention of this event, the committee will start confirming next year’s honorees within the next few months. Look for the announcement of the 2025 honorees December 2024 at LTYC’s website Our Leadership — LTYC | Awakening The Arts In Education.
The annual celebration has swiftly become a transformative force, setting new standards for acknowledging and supporting Black women’s pivotal leadership roles.
Watch The Full Video Of The Event Here: “LTYC’s Black Leading Women’s Celebration”
