Baltimore Homecoming, an organization mobilizing a network of Baltimore’s most accomplished natives and alumni from around the world to invest in and support the city and its communities, announced the launch of nominations for its Homecoming Heroes program sponsored by T. Rowe Price.
“Homecoming Heroes celebrates the unsung heroes of our beloved Baltimore—those whose spirit of resilience and innovation define our city,” said Mandy Snyder, Baltimore Homecoming’s executive director. “We encourage the public to join us in honoring those individuals and organizations who dedicate their lives to improving Baltimore’s communities by nominating them for this honor.”
The Homecoming Heroes program celebrates and uplifts “heroes” within Baltimore’s communities—those people, leaders and doers who are helping create a new narrative for the City. By providing winners with year-round access to Baltimore Homecoming’s alumni network and special programming, Heroes expand their reach and maximize their connections to build greater impact.
The public is encouraged to submit their nominations on the Baltimore Banner’s website. Once nominations close on May 15, 2024, a Baltimore Homecoming committee comprised of past Homecoming Heroes, Baltimore community leaders and other distinguished members of the community select ten finalists and then the public will vote to select five winners. Winners are awarded cash prizes of $5,000 and invited to share their work on the stage during Baltimore Homecoming’s signature event in 2025. Past Homecoming Heroes continue to connect with the Baltimore Homecoming alumni network and, since participating in the program, have seen significant growth in their organization or community work through staff expansion, budget increases, new partnerships, grants secured and more.
“Becoming a Homecoming Hero in 2023 really opened my eyes to the supportive alumni community living outside of Baltimore that wants to learn about our work and be a resource. They want to see our City and organizations like mine thrive,” said Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson, Black Girls Vote founder and CEO and 2023 Homecoming Hero. “I’m grateful to be a part of the Homecoming family and am excited to see which community leaders are nominated this year.”
The Homecoming Heroes program is one of two signature community engagement initiatives that Baltimore Homecoming has offered since its launch in 2018. As part of the program, Baltimore Homecoming uses its platform to help alleviate barriers that many nonprofit leaders face. Baltimore Homecoming supports these Homecoming Heroes year-round by facilitating connections with alumni who provide their homegrown expertise, amplifying their message and story, facilitating relevant content and more.
“T. Rowe Price is honored to continue our longstanding commitment to the Homecoming Heroes program, reflecting our dedication to uplifting the Baltimore community by championing those who embody positive change,” said Raymone Jackson, the global Head of Community Investment, Corporate Responsibility, and DEI at T. Rowe Price. “These inspiring leaders not only uplift Baltimore but also inspire our own team at T. Rowe Price. We are privileged and excited to celebrate this year’s outstanding nominees.”
The 2023 Homecoming Heroes included Rashad Staton, executive director of the Community Law in Action (CLIA); Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson, founder and CEO of Black Girls Vote; Brian Pham, co-founder of Break A Difference; Elijah Miles, chairman of the Tendea Family organization; and Kevin Beasley, director of Dream Bigger Community Institute and Beats Not Bullets. Learn about each of the past Heroes here.
To submit a Homecoming Heroes nomination, visit the Baltimore Banner’s website and to stay informed about ways to support Baltimore Homecoming, sign up for its newsletter at baltimorehomecoming.com/contact.
About Baltimore Homecoming, Inc.
Baltimore Homecoming, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that activates alumni from around the country to spark collaborations and drive investments and philanthropy into the City’s future. Its year-round programs and events bring local leaders together with a global network of Baltimoreans to advance to a more prosperous and just city. Founded by Nate Loewentheil and JM Schapiro, Baltimore Homecoming engages the professional community through its board of directors which includes Loewentheil, Schapiro, Rachel Bendit; Jack Bisciotti of Pointfield Partners; Michael Chesser, chairman emeritus of Great Plains Energy; Michael Fader, president of MileOne Holdings; Josepha Hendler; Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey, senior vice president of Booz Allen Hamilton; Arion Long, founder and CEO of Femly; Anthony Moag, chief operating officer of Whiting-Turner Contracting Company; Chip Wendler, former vice president of strategic distribution initiatives at T. Rowe Price; and Brittany Young, founder and CEO of B-360. More information is available at baltimorehomecoming.com.
