Women 2 Watch 2026: Turning opportunity into impact with Heather Bacher
PROFILES OF EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN ACROSS THE MID-SHORE
Lotus Oncology & Hematology – Where advanced medicine meets heartfelt care. We believe in treating not just the disease but the whole person fostering an atmosphere of healing and hope.
A Haven of Care and Compassion
At Lotus Oncology Hematology, we understand that your journey through cancer is a profound and courageous one. With great compassion and dedication, we welcome you to our Center of Hope, Healing, and Wellness - a sanctuary designed to support you every step of the way.
Weinvite you to read about extraordinary women in our region and their many accomplishments. Women to Watch spotlights the work, dedication, talent and service of women across the Mid-Shore who continue to lead in their respective fields while embodying strength, vitality, leadership and integrity in our communities.
This year, we focus on our theme, “Determined to Rise”. An act embodied by each of these women who chose to pursue, persevere and accomplish their dreams and goals.
Readers nominated women who exemplify excellence in navigating their career paths and as community leaders. The nomination portal was open Jan. 1-25, during which time 153 nominations were received for women who work or reside in Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Kent, Caroline and Dorchester counties.
Following the close of nominations, an Adams MultiMedia (formerly APG Media of Chesapeake) internal committee and an external committee of community members reviewed submissions and undertook the difficult task of selecting women to interview for the 2026 Women to Watch magazine. Nominees were evaluated based on community service, professional accomplishments, personal achievements and their work mentoring and inspiring others.
As expected, the decision-making process was challenging.
Each nominee demonstrated meaningful contributions in both the workplace and the community. The women featured in these pages represent individuals who are breaking stereotypes, making a positive impact today and inspiring future generations.
As we celebrate those selected, we also recognize the individuals working behind the scenes who help bring this publication to life.
Among them is Betsy Griffin, general manager of Sales and Marketing with Adams MultiMedia, whose recent recognition as Businesswoman of the Year at the 2026 Talbot County Chamber of Commerce Best in Business Awards reflects both her professional excellence and her commitment to the community.
Throughout her career, Griffin has built relationships with leaders across sectors, including health care, finance, corporate business, nonprofits and government. Her work emphasizes not only effective messaging but also the importance of community connection, collaboration and trust.
Colleagues describe her as a leader who consistently lifts up and inspires others, both within her organization and throughout the region.
Our thanks extend to the teams at The Star Democrat, The Kent County News, The Dorchester Star, Bay Times & Record Observer and Times-Record, whose efforts made this publication possible. Together, their work reflects a shared commitment to telling the stories that define and strengthen our communities.
PROFILES
Allison Shellhammer
Cathy Cassell
Leann Rhodes-Ickes
Michelle Timmons
Michelle Callahan
Brandy Stephens
Shay Lewis-Sisco
Ja’Lyn Hicks
Lucretia Greene-Adams
Balduzzi
Hannah Combs
hcombs@chespub.com
Baez
Charles Lewis Cindy Tribbett
Meredith Moore
Lisa Gotto
Lily Tierney
Macayla Cook
Hannah Combs
Ahmad Garnett
Bill Whaley
ALLISON SHELLHAMER
VP of Sales and Marketing BDK,
Inc.
Submitted Photos
My career path is not a typical one. I entered college without a declared major and ultimately earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemistry. Following graduate school, I spent seventeen years in the scientific sector at Fortune 500 companies, supporting scientists across diverse industries. My scientific expertise enabled me to understand clients’ needs, provide informed recommendations, and deliver effective solutions. Over time, my focus shifted from scientific challenges to broader business issues, where I found greater satisfaction in strategic thinking rather than daily tactical tasks. This perspective allowed me to identify overall business requirements and implement strategies, such as introducing structure and new programs, in order to help meet organizational goals. This shift facilitated my move into IT, where my primary aim is to equip businesses with tools to address complex issues. Although science and IT are distinct fields, both center on delivering solutions that support business objectives. Helping other organizations succeed by providing the right resources, while contributing to BDK’s success, continues to drive my professional motivation.
The phrase “determined to rise” signifies a commitment to achieving success. A key strength of BDK, Inc., lies in offering tools and services that empower other organizations to accomplish their objectives and overall succeed. By consistently dedicating ourselves to supporting our clients’ success, we foster mutually beneficial outcomes.
I have benefited greatly from the guidance and support of multiple mentors, throughout my professional career. As I entered the IT sector and joined my family’s established business, I’ve drawn on the wealth of extensive experience provided by my parents Bruce and Edwina Kimball. Being my sports coach to serving as my business and leadership coaches now, their continuous mentorship has played a critical role in helping me navigate the complexities of the IT industry and assume greater leadership responsibilities.
Throughout my career advancement, I have encountered several occasions where I was afforded a seat at the proverbial table. Becoming newly acquainted with such environments can understandably evoke feelings of uncertainty; however, it is essential not to let these emotions hinder your trajectory. Qualities like perseverance and determination that have helped facilitate progress, are the same qualities that continue to propel success.
Keep people at the center of everything you do. When you put people first, success in your business will follow.
YouDeser ve to Feel LikeYourself Again
At KAesthetics & Elite Wellness, we help you look and feel your bestinside and out Our practice specializes in:
Hor monal Balance &Vitality for Men and Women
Personalized care designed to support energy, mood, sleep, metabolic health,and overall wellbeing through thoughtful hormone evaluation and management
Metabolic &Weight Optimization
A refinedapproach to weight support that works with your body, not against it. No more diet culture or extreme measures
Comprehensive Wellness Optimization
An integrative experience optimizing metabolic health, weight goals, gut health, hormones, and long-term vitality.
Aesthetic Refinement
Subtle, natural enhancements designed to restore balance, enhance your features. Look refreshed and confident while never overdone.
KRYSTAL ALGIER, CRNP: Founder of KAesthetics & Elite Wellness, aclinicianled practice specializing in integrative wellness and natural aesthetic refinement.
She is known for her personalized, thoughtful approach and for helping patients understand the connection between hormones, metabolism, skin, and overall wellness.
Her goal is to help patients feel confident, energized, and optimal inside and out through individualized, clinically guided care.
Book Your Appointment Today! r ystal@kaelitewellness.com (44 3) 589-6215
29509 Canvasback Drive #207 Easton, D 21601
Early in my work life, while I was a college student, I worked as a waitress at a local Elks Lodge. During that time, I developed a meaningful friendship with a longtime customer who was later diagnosed with throat cancer. As his condition progressed and he lost the ability to speak, I visited him in the hospital, read a heartfelt letter I had written and gave him a yellow rose as a symbol of friendship and concern. It was a simple moment, but it brought light during a difficult time. After his passing, his wife encouraged me to pursue a profession rooted in compassion and service. Her words stayed with me and helped shape my path. I later interned with the Talbot County Mental Health Association and, after graduation, was offered a position at Channel Marker. From the moment I started, it felt like home. Thirty-five years later, I am still motivated by a deep passion for community and a commitment to helping individuals with mental health needs achieve their highest possible quality of life.
To me, “Determined to Rise” is a commitment to persevere with purpose, even in the face of ongoing challenges. After decades in public behavioral health, I have come to understand that obstacles are not barriers; they are part of the journey. The work requires resilience, courage, compassion and an unwavering belief in the potential for growth and change. It means showing up every day willing to learn, adapt and move forward, even when progress feels slow. It also means advocating for those whose voices may not be heard and continuing to push for meaningful, lasting change. In a rural community, that determination is rooted in connection. Collaboration, trust and shared vision are essential, as no one person or organization can do this work alone.
Have courage and be kind. Where there is kindness, there is goodness. And when there is goodness, there is magic.
— Quoted from the 2015 Disney movie Cinderella
I have been incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by mentors and supporters who have shaped both my personal and professional journey. My family provided a strong foundation grounded in faith, resilience and hard work.
I also benefited from my involvement in Shore Leadership, where I gained executive coaching and leadership development that strengthened my confidence and perspective. I am especially grateful for my coworkers and board members, whose encouragement and collaboration have sustained me through both challenges and celebrations.
The untimely loss of my longtime mentor and supervisor, Debbye Jackson, followed closely by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, was one of the most profound challenges of my professional life. In a short time, I experienced both personal grief and the responsibility of helping lead through uncertainty.
That period required me to step forward with courage, trust my instincts and rely on the leadership qualities instilled in me over the years. It reaffirmed my belief in the strength of our mission and the resilience of our team, shaping me into a more confident, compassionate and intentional leader.
Find your anchors — those people, values and practices that keep you grounded. Build a strong support system, prioritize self-care and remain open to continuous learning and growth. Believe in your voice and your ability to lead, even in uncertain moments. Be intentional about creating environments that support your success and empower those around you. And through every challenge and opportunity, always remember to be determined to rise.
Cassell’s Favorite quote
Leann Rhodes-Ickes
Executive Director & Founder Tides of Grace Inc
Story by Lisa J. Gotto
Life comes in tides. We all experience moments where we’re navigating storms
Here on the Shore, where life has long been shaped by the rhythms of the water, the idea of tides rising and falling is familiar. For Leann Rhodes-Ickes, those tides offer a fitting metaphor for life itself — seasons of calm and seasons when the waters feel far less certain.
As the founder and executive director of Tides of Grace, Rhodes-Ickes has built a nonprofit devoted to helping families navigate life’s more difficult moments. What began as a small act of generosity during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a community-wide effort with hundreds of volunteers serving just as many people each month across the Eastern Shore.
But the roots of Tides of Grace reach back much further, shaped by Rhodes-Ickes’ own life experiences.
Growing up in Anne Arundel County, she says, there were times when stability and basic necessities were uncertain. Those early struggles left a lasting impression and shaped the way she views the needs of others.
“I knew what it felt like to struggle, to feel unseen, and to wonder if life would ever get better,” says Rhodes-Ickes. “Because of those experiences, I understand what it feels like to need help but not know where to turn.”
Despite those hardships, she also remembers moments when kindness from others made a difference. Those acts of compassion stayed with her into adulthood and eventually became the inspiration for something larger.
Today, Rhodes-Ickes is a married mother of two with a daughter in college and a seven-year-old son. While she now works in a full-time capacity for the organization, located in a 4,000 squarefoot facility in Centreville, her career path began in elementary education and then transitioned into an all-encompassing position in direct sales.
It was here that she would hone her advanced management and people skills.
“ I was able to build a multi-million dollar team in direct sales,” she said. “I was always at the top in sales and was in that business for 13 years.”
They say, if you want something done well, give the job to a busy person. There’s no doubt this applies in Rhodes-Ickes situation. Around the same time, she went into sales she also became a mom for the second time. The usually joyful occasion was cut short with the news that their newborn was diagnosed with stage-4 cancer just two weeks after his birth.
“It wrecked our world,” she said. During this immensely stressful time Rhodes-Ickes responded by chronicling her son’s treatment and writing what she called a love letter to him every day.
“I wanted him to one-day see his journey,” she explained.
She would later publish those accounts, each with an encouraging prologue, in a book of essays—the second of two inspiration-based books she would author.
Fortunately, their son would respond well to treatment and eventually beat cancer’s odds. And he would later go on to play an important role
L E T E T O R E S O R T L I ELEVATE TO RESORT LIVING
Cu st om pools, out door kit chens, per go las, and ga thering spaces fo rr esor t-style living at home
during the COVID pandemic when after cleaning out toys that her son had outgrown, Rhodes-Ickes posted them online for free. When a mother arrived to pick them up, the interaction became something that would stay with Rhodes-Ickes.
That woman, she says, explained through tears that both she and her husband had recently lost their jobs due to the pandemic. The toys RhodesIckes had offered would likely be the only gifts their son would receive that Christmas.
“That moment stayed heavy on my heart,” Rhodes-Ickes adds.
Moved by the encounter, Rhodes-Ickes organized a community toy drive, encouraging neighbors to donate gently used toys so more families facing financial hardship could give their children a joyful holiday.
The response was immediate and overwhelming. Donations poured in, and the toy drive quickly served hundreds of families. The experience revealed two things: the need in the community was greater than many realized, and residents were eager to help when given the opportunity.
“People showed up with generosity and compassion,” RhodesIckes says. “It became clear that when people are given the opportunity to help, they want to be part of something bigger than themselves.”
Since its founding, the nonprofit has expanded into a variety of programs. A core initiative is the J29 Crisis Room, where families can access essential supplies such as clothing, hygiene products, diapers, and household necessities during difficult times.
The organization also hosts monthly outreach events designed to address specific community needs. These include baby showers for young mothers, cancer support initiatives, and outreach programs for seniors and veterans.
One recent effort, known as “Christmas Magic,” illustrates the kind of impact the organization strives to have.
Through their outreach, volunteers learned about a mother who had spent several years living in a homeless shelter with her children after experiencing significant trauma. Just before Christmas, she received the news that she had been approved for her first apartment. But she was moving in with little more than a few bags of clothes.
Rhodes-Ickes and her team created an online wish list with items needed to furnish the apartment — beds, furniture, kitchen supplies, and basic household essentials.
After the second toy drive, Rhodes-Ickes began to think about how families facing hardship needed support throughout the year, not just in December. In that moment, Tides of Grace was born. Its name chosen to reflect the belief that everyone experiences difficult seasons at some point in life.
“Life comes in tides,” Rhodes-Ickes says. “We all experience moments where we’re navigating storms. Tides of Grace exists to offer kindness, compassion, and support during those times.”
Within hours, the community stepped forward. Every item on the list was purchased by donors who wanted to help.
On Christmas Eve morning, volunteers arrived at the apartment and worked together to transform the empty space into a home. Each child had their own bed for the first time, the kitchen was stocked, and gifts waited under the tree.
Rhodes-Ickes later learned, the children woke up to their newly decorated rooms and the surprise of Christmas gifts. Their mother later shared the moment that meant the most to her. Her children hugged her saying, “I love you,
Mommy. This is the best Christmas ever.”
For Rhodes-Ickes, moments like that capture the heart of the organization’s mission.
“What we do isn’t just about providing things,” she said. “It’s about restoring hope.”
As the organization continues to grow, RhodesIckes says one of the biggest challenges has been keeping up with the increasing demand for services. But she also sees the growth as a reflection of the community’s generosity.
Volunteers, local businesses, churches and other nonprofits now partner with Tides of Grace to expand its reach. In some months, more than 200 volunteers help support the organization’s programs.
Their next big initiative, she says, will be the prom and formal wear boutique that they will create at their Centreville facility where gently-used and donated dresses, tuxes, and suits will be available for high school students to come and shop.
Like all the programs and events that the team at Tides creates, this pop-up shop which will be held on 16 different dates prior to prom season, the event element is key. The team goes out of its way to create a full-on boutique shopping experience
with dresses on black velvet hangers, sparkling cider served in champagne flutes, a full range of accessories, and even a place where the young ladies can grab a snap for their social media under a sign that says, “I said YES to the Dress!”
Again, the intention is to instill hope.
While Rhodes-Ickes was humbled by her a “Woman to Watch,” designation, she was quick to note that the organization’s success is not the result of one person’s efforts, but of an entire community working together.
“Tides of Grace truly belongs to the community,” she adds. “Every volunteer hour, every donation and every act of kindness helps someone else.”
Her message to those who may be facing difficult circumstances is simple: they are not alone.
“Life brings storms for all of us,” she says. “Sometimes we just need someone to walk beside us for a while.”
For more information on Tides of Grace upcoming prom dress event, J29 Crisis Room hours, or to donate your time or resources, call 410.924.7744, visit their offices at 207 N. Liberty Street, Suite C, Centreville, or website at tidesofgraceinc.org
MICHELLE TIMMONS
Owner Dockside
Emporium
My mother opened Dockside Emporium and I managed it for her for about 15 years before I bought it from her about 14 years ago. I love being creative and helping customers put outfits together, and they’re so appreciative of the help. Two and a half years ago I opened Jerry Moe’s, a men’s store, in honor of my late father. We have a wonderful customer base — locals and visitors alike — that keeps it fun.
My mother has been my mentor and someone I have looked up to. She believes in treating everyone with respect and the way you would want to be treated yourself.
During COVID we faced one of the business biggest challenges. While the storefront was closed for seven weeks, I sold what I could online and delivered. Many loyal customers purchased gift certificates to use later. It made me appreciate our customers so very much.
LaraD.Wilson, MHA
Submitted Photos
The desire to make my family proud has been the driving force behind my career from the very beginning. My parents worked hard to give me opportunities they never had, and I was determined to honor that sacrifice by making the most of every one of them. Though my mom never got to witness how far I’ve come, I carry her with me every day, and I know she would be proud of the woman I’ve become.
“Determined to Rise” is something I live rather than just believe in. To me, it means committing to constant learning, growth, and adaptation, especially when the path gets hard. The only real limits are the ones we place on ourselves. A path that looks unclear or unconventional isn’t a wrong path; it might just be yours.
I’ve largely forged my own path, but I’ve been shaped by remarkable people along the way. My mom-mom gave me my first lessons in business, my mom modeled strength in the face of hardship, my dad instilled in me the value of hard work, and my stepmom taught me about unexpected gifts in life.
I’ve also drawn inspiration from history. Hildegard von Bingen was a 12th-century scientist, herbalist, composer, and theologian who has fascinated me for years. She defied every expectation her time placed on women and carved out a legacy that still resonates. I see a kindred spirit in her refusal to be confined.
I’ve faced plenty of professional and personal obstacles, but I’ve never allowed myself to see them as failures, only redirections. When I was passed over for a promotion or a raise, I used it as fuel to dig deeper, sharpen my skills, and ultimately find better opportunities elsewhere. Every roadblock has been a pivot point, and every pivot point has led me exactly where I needed to be. I wouldn’t change a single step.
Embrace what comes your way. The opportunities you didn’t plan for, the setbacks you didn’t see coming, the detours that don’t make sense yet. Every bump in the road has value, even when it’s hard to see it in the moment. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade a single difficult chapter because each one brought me somewhere I needed to be.
And don’t pour everything into your career. Make time for the things that fill you up outside of work. I sing, perform in shows at the Avalon, and volunteer in my community, and those things keep me grounded and whole.
Brandy Stephens
Vice President of People & Culture Fello
Story by Macayla Cook
I wish I told my younger self ...
As a kid in Delmarva, the oldest of a single mother’s three children, Brandy Stephens knew she wanted to help people. Now, she has made a career out of her intrinsic dedication to diversity.
Stephens, pronounced “Steph like Steph Curry,” currently serves as vice president of people and culture at nonprofit Fello. She has been with Fello since 2023, doing a short stint as director of talent development before being promoted to her current role.
“(Fello president and CEO Jonathon Rondeau) took such an intentional leap on my leadership, and I appreciate that deeply,” Stephens said. “...It was unexpected, but such an awesome turn of events that was not on my bingo card for the year.”
Now, Stephens manages a division of 22 employees, with five directors and an executive assistant who report directly to her. She says that getting to be their “cheerleader and champion” is an exciting opportunity as she makes sure “all of the trains are still moving on time in each of the different departments that support the enterprise in different ways.”
A big part of her job is also learning “what type of experiences spark joy from an employee’s standpoint.” After all, Stephens has a background in education, where she says her passion to “empower people to be their best selves” really thrived working in residence life at her alma mater, Towson University.
Stephens attended Towson for an undergraduate degree in mass communications before doing her masters in higher education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
“It prepared me to pivot very quickly,” Stephens said. “It prepared me on how I wanted to react to things that were unexpected or unplanned, and this is coming from a Virgo planner.”
In addition to her work at Towson, Stephens also worked as assistant director of inclusive excellence at Johns Hopkins University.
“I’ll tell you, the background of inclusive learning and development or DEI or belonging in general, that’s just core to who I am as a person,” Stephens said.
All of these lessons and more now inform her approach to leadership at Fello. Stephens says that meeting employees where they are is an imperative part
of her day-to-day life, not just for her 22 subordinates but for the almost 700 total Fello employees.
“If employees want to talk to me in the parking lot, I make the time,” Stephens said. “If people want to tell me about their kid’s recital, then let’s go to my office and share some laughs. If employees want to talk to me about somebody who passed away…they know they can teams me or call me when they need me because I really will be there for them.”
Fello as a nonprofit organization has been active in Maryland since 1961, with a focus on creating inclusive communities and advocating for people with disabilities. Their recent initiatives include townhome project Silo Court and Easton Crossing, a five-building undertaking that will mix market-price units with affordable housing.
Stephens says that working for a group like Fello is “an honor that almost stops you in your tracks.”
“I work somewhere that for 65 years, they’ve been intentionally building and creating and sustaining inclusive communities, helping people make choices for themselves and have access to things that they should always have had access to,” she said.
After years of diligently prioritizing community, Stephens says she was “over the moon” to be recognized as a Woman to Watch in 2026.
Stephens acknowledged that there is a bit of pressure in being picked out as a role model of sorts, but that she plans to rise to the occasion.
“I think about the way my mom raised me and the things I’ve seen her navigate in her life, the things I’ve had to navigate, and what my family has always taught me is that pressure continues to shape diamonds,” Stephens said.
As for her advice to any other young women looking to follow in her footsteps? Stephens says she would tell her younger self to “protect the energy that you have.”
“I was not ready when I entered the quote-unquote real world post-college and realized that people did not see the joy the same way I saw it,” Stephens said. “...I wish I told my younger self that. It would have saved me some heartache.”
Nowadays, Stephens unflinchingly guards her energy, juggling a positive attitude with a
deep dedication to the work that “from a human perspective, fills my cup up.”
That energy that was once a weakness has become a great strength. Stephens describes herself as an extrovert, a people person to the core, and without her ability to see people for who they are while working toward what they can be, she would not have seen the success she now enjoys.
“I truly believe that culture is more than metric,” Stephens said. “It’s more than what we put in summaries of reports for data. It’s all of that and it’s how people feel, it’s what we are pouring into that feeds culture, and I’m grateful that I’m at a place that truly allows me to reflect on that, to add to the culture and to continue to evolve it in such a positive way.”
SHAY LEWIS-SISCO
Career Coach, Dorchester County Public School Founder, Maryland Parents Supporting Parents Commissioner, City of Cambridge
Submitted Photos
My career path was inspired by a deep calling to serve, uplift, and advocate for others, especially families, youth, and communities who need support, bridging the gap between challenge and opportunity. My journey was shaped by personal struggles with confidence, knowledge, and support, which once led to isolation and silence. My turning point came when I realized that even without experience or formal education, I still had something valuable to offer. of. I decided to use the lack of experience and education as fuel for curiosity, seeking clarification when I did not know or understand. I turned shame into humility. I released isolation and replaced it with volunteerism to grow my network and knowledge, and replaced shame with humility to be of service in whatever capacity I was needed. This led me to find my voice, no longer allowing silence to suffocate me but turning it into a steppingstone toward becoming an advocate. My journey has always been rooted in service through education, engagement, and empowerment. I have seen firsthand how access, encouragement, and the right support can transform lives, and that has shaped the work I do as a leader, coach, advocate, and consultant.
What motivates me today is knowing my work helps create pathways for others to grow, lead, and succeed. Whether supporting students, empowering parents, coaching professionals, or building community-centered programs, I am committed to helping others discover their voice and purpose. I live by my core values of making SPACE— Support, Partnership, Advocacy, Communication, and Education, which guide both my life and my leadership.
To me, “Determined to Rise” means choosing purpose over obstacles and refusing to let setbacks define your future. Rising is not just personal, it is collective. When one woman rises, she can open doors and lift others with her. My growth is only meaningful if it creates access and opportunity for others.
My journey has been shaped by a village of supporters: family, mentors, spiritual leaders, and community advocates—who modeled resilience, faith, and service. I especially honor my husband, Harold Sisco Jr., my children: Jairyn, Jakayla, Harlem, and Harmonie, my mother, Valenta Lankford, my pastors, Mia and Lamont Jackson, my cousin and mentor: Levestine (LeeLee) Woodruff, and mentors like Steve Rideout, Joy Thomas Moore, Nancy Shockley, Kevin Beverly, and long-time friend, Paul Baiers. Their belief in me taught me that leadership is not about position, but about service, consistency, and courage.
I believe true leadership is not just about rising — it is about creating pathways so others can rise with you.
— Lewis-Sisco
One challenge I’ve faced is navigating spaces where vision, advocacy, and innovation were not always immediately embraced. That taught me perseverance, confidence, and the importance of staying grounded in purpose, even when others do not yet see what you see. My advice to young women and emerging leaders on the Mid-Shore: do not wait for permission to walk in your purpose. Start where you stand, use what you have, and lead with courage, integrity, and compassion. And when you rise, reach back and help someone else rise too — that is how communities are transformed.
I firmly believe that you were not created to live life alone, and that with the proper support, you can accomplish anything. Create what you are willing to live, and others will be willing to let you lead, because your leadership is not about position or title; it is a lifestyle. I will leave you with this: “I believe true leadership is not just about rising — it is about creating pathways so others can rise with you. That is the heart of my work, my purpose, and my commitment to the community.”
Allison Shellhamer, VP, Marketing and Sales, BDK Inc.
Amanda Russell, LCSW-C, Co-Owner/ Partner, Clinical Social Worker, Peace of Mind Mental Health Services, LLC.
Amanda Tilghman, Station Manager, Radio Chesapeake
Amber Russum & Lacey Amos, Business Owners, First and Third Designs
Ami Johnson, Owner, Star Child Trading Company
Amy Horne, Executive Director, St. Michaels Community Center
Amy Keller, President/CEO/Founder, Aging at Home Solution
Amy Kreiner, CEO, Talbot Chamber of Commerce
Beth Spurry, President and Owner, Tred Avon Family Wealth
Billie Brice, Principal, Sudlersville Middle School
Brandy Stephens, Vice President of People & Culture, Fello
Brenda Fornos, Realtor
Brittany Anderson, Community Advocate, Wolf Pups on Wheels
Caroline Petosa, Owner, Editor in Chief, My Eastern Shore Wedding
Carrie Manuel, Vice President of Finance, Easton Utilities
Samantha Loza, Owner, The Village Maternal Holistic Wellness Center
Sammie Moonie, Assistant Director, Waterfowl Festival
Sara Amber Marie Park, Museum Director, The Water’s Edge Museum
Sarah Hutchison Focht, Owner, Underground Unlimited
Sarah Kilmon, Director of Communications, Talbot County
Sarah Skinner, Office Manager, JP Automotive LLC
Savannah Winston, President
Commissioner Town of Preston, Founder and CEO VanTech Business Solutions
Sharon Spedden, Real Estate Agent
Shay Lewis-Sisco, Career Coach, Dorchester County Public Schools
Shaylyn Boulden, Tourism Manager, Kent County Tourism, Economic & Development
Sierra Miles, Senior Judiciary Clerk, Talbot County Circuit Court
Stacia Skinner, Owner, Creative Training Solutions
Susan Bohaker, President Talbot Optimist Club and Retired Teacher
Susan Truitt, LCSW-C, Director of Clinical Operations, For All Seasons
Sidney Trond, Director of Development, For All Seasons
Tamara Stofa, District Public Defender
District 3, Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Tanja Giles, Founder, Unstoppable Joy
Tasha M Wilson, Counselor, Author and Mentor, UMBC
Tish Blessing, Pre-K Teacher at WMES, Talbot County Public Schools
Tracy Johnson, Director of Community Partners, Pohanka of Salisbury
Tonya Agostino, Founder, Unstoppable Joy
Tracy Whitby-Fairall, Chief Risk Officer, EVP, Queenstown Bank
Trisha Wright, Owner/Operator, T&D Infusions
What inspired my career path is a long-standing love for art, history, and storytelling. I was always drawn to the layers within stories. Curation became the space where those interests meet. For me, it’s about helping people see depth and connection, almost like turning stories technicolor. What continues to motivate me is the people. Watching someone connect with a story, realize something new, or see themselves reflected in the work is powerful. That exchange keeps the work meaningful and worth it. It reminds me that this isn’t just about preserving the past, but about making it feel alive in the present.
“Determined to Rise” means continuing forward even when things are difficult. This work comes with burnout, limited resources, and challenges that aren’t always visible. Rising doesn’t mean pushing nonstop, it also means giving yourself grace. It’s about resting when needed, regrouping, and returning with intention. Growth isn’t always linear, but persistence matters.
I can’t point to just one mentor. My journey has been shaped by a community of people, from family to colleagues to everyday conversations. Each person contributed something, whether it was discipline, care, or encouragement to think bigger. That collective support has grounded me and shaped how I lead. It reminds me that my work is not just about me, but about honoring the people who helped me get here.
One challenge has been learning to lead while still early in my career, often as the youngest person in the room. As a Black woman in a field with limited representation, there have been moments of doubt and pressure to prove myself. What I’ve learned is that leadership is something you practice, not something you wait for. I’ve had to trust my perspective and stay rooted in purpose, even when it feels uncomfortable.
My advice to young women and emerging leaders is to not lose yourself in the process. There’s often pressure to conform, but your voice and perspective are what got you here. Stay connected to your purpose and your community. Let that guide you more than expectations. Give yourself grace, take up space, and trust that who you are is enough to make an impact. Quote - “The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious. The desire to reach hearts is wise.” -Maya Angelou
LUCRETIA
Director of Scholarships & Community Impact Mid-Shore Community Foundation, Inc.
I began my career in the federal government, but I transitioned into my current role to be closer to home and better support my family. During that transition, I discovered this position and immediately felt it aligned with my passion for giving back. Serving as a scholarship director allows me to make a meaningful difference by helping students access financial resources that support their educational and career goals.
What continues to motivate me each day is knowing that the work I do directly impacts students’ futures. While the funds are not my own, I take great pride in helping connect students to scholarship opportunities that can ease financial burdens and open doors for long- term success. Being part of that process is both rewarding and purposeful.
“Determined to Rise” means maintaining resilience, purpose, and commitment, even in the face of challenges or barriers. In my work, it represents the drive to ensure that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have access to opportunities that can elevate their futures. Many of the students we serve face financial or personal obstacles and being part of a process that helps them rise above those challenges is incredibly meaningful. In my community, it speaks to perseverance and collective support, uplifting one another, creating pathways for success, and refusing to let circumstances define outcomes. For me, it’s about showing up every day with intention and determination, knowing that the work I do plays a role in helping others move forward and achieve their goals.
My family has been my most important source of support and influence throughout my journey. They have always encouraged me to stay focused, work hard, and remain grounded in my values. Their support gave me the confidence to pursue new opportunities, even when it meant stepping outside of my comfort zone.
They also instilled in me the importance of resilience, responsibility, and giving back to others. Qualities that continue to guide me in both my personal life and my work. Because of their encouragement and example, I strive to make a positive impact and help others create opportunities for themselves, just as I have been supported along the way.
One challenge I have faced in my professional journey is learning that not everyone will respond to you with the same level of respect, kindness, or professionalism that you extend to them. Early on, this was difficult for me because I value treating others with fairness and positivity. However, I’ve come to understand that people’s reactions are often shaped by their own experiences, perspectives, or challenges, many of which have nothing to do with me.
This experience taught me the importance of maintaining my integrity regardless of how others behave. It strengthened my ability to remain professional, set healthy boundaries, and not take things personally. Most importantly, it reinforced my commitment to leading with kindness and respect, while also staying focused on my purpose and the impact of my work.
My advice to young women and emerging leaders on the Mid-Shore is to believe in your ability to make an impact, even if your journey doesn’t follow a straight path. Stay committed to your goals, be open to growth, and don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone when opportunities arise.
I would also encourage them to lead with integrity, remain resilient, and not be discouraged by setbacks or the opinions of others. Everyone’s journey is different, and challenges are a part of the process. Surround yourself with supportive people, continue learning, and stay focused on your purpose.
Most importantly, remember that making a difference doesn’t always require a big platform. Sometimes it starts with small, consistent actions that positively impact the people around you.
Anne Balduzzi
AI Strategist & Speaker
Story by Lily Tierney
I’m trying to get us all to think more of a utopian future
Anne Balduzzi has been recognized as one of the top women in tech with decades of experience in technology leadership.
Balduzzi is the founder of SameGrain as well as the founder and partner at Accelerate Partners. Additionally, she is a strategist, author and keynote speaker at the forefront of AI and emerging technology for over two decades.
“Most of my career has been on the bleeding edge of technology. I’m at a point in my career where I can look back having learned lessons from prior technology transformations and now give those insights back to people with this next Al technology revolution.”
Balduzzi said.
She began her career at Viewtron, a joint venture between AT&T and Knight Ridder, experimenting with early online banking, shopping, auctions, dating and education via a graphic interface before the mainstream internet, positioning Balduzzi to be at the forefront of digital innovation pre-web.
Balduzzi was then recruited to AOL by Steve Case when the company was still Quantum Computer Services focused on the Commodore 64. The small but well funded startup environment, bolstered by a joint venture with Apple, connected her to Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple hired Balduzzi as a product manager to run the joint venture, resulting in AppleLink Personal Edition – the first online service for Apple users that was launched before the public internet. She delivered keynote demonstrations to thousands, handled on-stage challenges like connection drops, and engaged with leaders of the tech world.
“We were really doing some pretty cool things,” Balduzzi said. “But again, we were ahead of our time.”
In the late 1980s, Apple introduced its early vision of AI: Knowledge Navigator. The concept foreshadowed modern AI assistants and was Balduzzi’s first exposure to Artificial Intelligence. This, and Star Trek, fostered her futuristic mindset.
As a woman in a male dominated field, Balduzzi experienced repeated pushback from industry leaders, but she said it strengthened her resolve. This “teflon” mindset helped to build her entrepreneurial persistence amid the criticism and doubt from some of her peers.
After Apple, she consulted to data centers and startups entering internet and early AI usage. Balduzzi later began investing and mentoring ventures across AI, biotech, robotics and a drone flying cars company, informing views on tech trajectories and investor education.
About 15 years ago, she founded an AI company, secured a patent in data match analysis, and built an award-winning platform with government contracts and VA recognition. She acknowledged timing challenges of being in the early market.
When Balduzzi first started forecasting AI’s impact, she thought creatives would be disrupted last, but realized she was wrong in the early 2010’s. She also anticipated faster progress in driverless cars and robotics.
She notes that AI has existed for a long time, and said transformer models catalyzed the current progress. A transformer-based AI model is a neural network that processes text or other data by learning which parts of the input to pay attention to in relation to each other, enabling it to understand context and relationships across long sequences.
Public awareness of AI surged with ChatGPT’s launch, despite earlier capable models at companies like Google. “I mean, they solved the protein folding problem… and they helped unlock it for scientists, whether you’re a doctor, a material scientist, or researcher, it can help unlock new materials, new cures, all kinds of other new things as well,” she said.
Balduzzi described the pace of AI progress as so intense that even a pause would leave a decade’s worth of applications to build with current capabilities, underscoring the compounding advances and practitioner strain.
“We could stop all development on AI today and have a decade of innovation that could flow off of just what’s been developed up to this point,” she said.
Balduzzi advises that companies who are adopting more AI should partner with multi-disciplinary experts to build AI roadmaps. This way, organizations and businesses can prepare for new capabilities and threats the technology has to offer.
An “agentic” AI future demands preparation now and firms must anticipate agent-driven systems and evolving
capabilities. While large enterprises often work with major consultancies, all organizations need proactive planning to stay competitive and secure as agents automate workflows, Balduzzi said.
She said there are three phases of AI: Artificial Narrow Intelligence, Artificial General Intelligence and Artificial Superior Intelligence. According to Balduzzi, AI is currently in its second phase.
For many, AI can be seen as a scary, dystopian thing, and Balduzzi recognized that. However, she said with advances in protein folding and domain focused LLMs trained on biological and materials data are expected to accelerate cures, vaccines and material discoveries.
Balduzzi sees the future of AI as bright. “I’m trying to get us all to think more of a utopian future. And I think as a society, if we lean into that utopian mindset, it’s gonna help us, you know, move forward.”
However, to get there she said democratic oversight and ethical leadership matter. Supporting leaders who prioritize human benefit and ensuring decisionmakers align with long-term societal improvement is a critical step.
“I think they have to open their minds up to change. They really have to just be, the change is just happening so quickly and we are all going to be lifelong learners,” Balduzzi said. “There’s no question about this. AI’s not going away.”
In order to accept and be part of this world, Balduzzi said open-mindedness and adaptability are essential. She compared the resistance to AI to early e-commerce skepticism.
The democratization of these tools reduces barriers, Balduzzi said. Technical barriers like coding or using AI agents to help run business functions, are just a few examples.
Her mission is broad-based education to reduce fear and foster an optimistic, competitive posture. While acknowledging risks, she argues informed positivity positions people and organizations to thrive.
“There is sort of a J curve of learning. You are going to go down. AI is going to seem like, ‘oh I’m adding more work to my plate. This isn’t working,” but when that light bulb moment goes off and you’ve learned it, you are going straight up on the other side of that J curve,” Balduzzi said.
My career was inspired by a commitment to serving overlooked communities, particularly those lacking consistent access to mental health care or the resources to navigate the digital world. Working with a crisis response team showed me that many needed ongoing, affordable care, motivating me to pursue counseling to create accessible systems. Today, I manage a program helping older adults in rural communities build digital literacy skills. Technology is a major barrier to essential services, and helping someone feel confident online significantly impacts their independence and well-being. I am driven by the belief that access to care and support should not depend on circumstance, aiming to bridge these gaps with compassionate, practical work. What continues to motivate me is the belief that access to care, to information, and to support should not depend on circumstance. I’m driven to help bridge those gaps and contribute to work that is compassionate, practical, and rooted in the needs of the communities it serves.
To me, “Determined to Rise” is about persistence, not a single moment of success. I see systemic gaps in mental health care and digital access that leave people unsupported. Rising means continuing to build access, advocate for change, and meet people where they are, even when progress is slow. I see this determination in those I work with daily: individuals navigating crisis without consistent care, and older adults taking initiative to master technology despite barriers. Their resilience is what rising truly looks like. In my role, it means committing to that persistence—growing professionally and helping create systems that are more accessible and equitable. Meaningful change happens through small, consistent efforts, whether it’s building digital confidence or expanding care. Ultimately, rising is about overcoming personal challenges while lifting others, ensuring support is a right everyone can access.
Submitted Photos
The person who has had the biggest impact on me is my younger sister. She is my role model, contrary to the typical older sibling expectation. She taught me to live without fear, encouraging me to take risks and try things I would normally overthink, which has pushed me outside my comfort zone. I admire the heart she puts into everything, making everyone feel welcome and heard by showing up fully. Growing up with her shaped me to be more intentional with my time and energy, more aware of how I treat others, and more willing to lead with kindness. Her influence affects how I approach my work and my community, serving as a constant reminder that making a difference begins with how you treat the people right in front of you.
Stay rooted in your community. Real impact comes from building relationships
— Merton
Working as a woman in the technology field was a significant challenge, requiring me to work harder to be heard and recognized. Although initially intimidating, this environment became a source of great growth, pushing me to become more confident and intentional in my leadership.
This experience profoundly shaped the leader I strive to be. I am now highly focused on creating respectful, supported, and valued spaces, ensuring every voice is heard and empowered to contribute. This challenge taught me that leadership is not about fitting into an existing mold but helping to reshape it. Being a woman in tech has strengthened my resilience and deepened my commitment to advocating for inclusivity and access in both my field and the communities I serve.
My biggest piece of advice is to not underestimate the impact of small, consistent efforts. Making a difference starts with paying attention to what people need and being willing to step in.
For emerging leaders on the Eastern Shore, trust your perspective. Even if you feel overlooked, your experiences and ideas are incredibly valuable. Don’t be afraid to advocate for issues that others may not immediately recognize as important, whether it’s supporting older adults with technology or addressing gaps in care access. Change begins when someone says, “This matters”.
Finally, stay rooted in your community. Real impact comes from building relationships, listening, and showing up consistently. Leadership requires being willing to learn, adapt, and continue showing up for others.
I began my career in public accounting to build a strong technical foundation and gain exposure to a wide range of organizations. After 15 years, I was ready to bring that experience into a more focused environment. Joining Easton Utilities has given me the opportunity to apply what I’ve learned to support long-term operations while contributing to an organization that serves the community and upholds strong financial stewardship. I am motivated each day by our core values of integrity, commitment, and excellence.
I have been fortunate to have several important mentors and supporters throughout my journey, including family, colleagues, friends, and community leaders who have provided unwavering encouragement. Early in my career at Arthur Andersen, I faced a challenging situation with a supervisor and had decided to leave. A shareholder, Gray Smith, took the time to understand the situation and encouraged me to stay, facilitating a transition to a more supportive manager. That experience had a lasting impact - it reinforced confidence in my potential, enabled my continued growth in public accounting, and shaped how I lead today by reinforcing the importance of supporting others.
To me, ‘Determined to Rise” is about staying curious, continuously evolving, and using that growth to take on greater responsibility and create lasting value for both the organization and the community. A natural extension of that mindset is my participation in the Leadership Maryland Executive Program, which provides the opportunity to connect with others, expand my leadership perspective, and find new ways to contribute to my organization and broader community.
‘Determined to Rise’ is about staying curious, continuously evolving, and using that growth to take on greater responsibility and create lasting value for both the organization and the community.
— Manuel
One challenge I’ve faced in my leadership journey is having performance conversations with team members who are positive, reliable, and team-oriented, but whose skill set needed further development. These situations required balancing respect for their contributions while setting clear expectations for improvement. In some cases, supporting their success meant helping them find roles better aligned with their strengths.
Don’t wait to get involved - be engaged, follow through on your commitments, and take ownership of your work. That’s how trust is built. Make an effort to truly get to know people across your organization and the community, as that is where lasting impact is created.
WOME N Celebrating the Kent Count Forward Who Move
Nominated by thosewho know them best,these extraordinar yleadersare shapingthe future of business, community,and oppor tunity.Among them, distinguishedguests whoshare in this spirit of excellence. We applaudyou andyouraccomplishments!
–KentCountyNewsStaff
Congratulations
Christine Harrington
Christine Harrington, CEO of Londonderry on the Tred Avon, is an exceptional leader and atrue Woman to Watch. Her dedication to the Londonderry team, residents, and Board, along with her forward-thinking vision, sets her apart. She is deeply committed to fostering athriving, resident-focused community and ensuring Londonderry continues to grow and evolve as apremier independent living community.
Christine leads with grace, determination, and authenticity. She has aremarkable ability to bring people together, cultivating aculture of collaboration, respect, and innovation. What truly makes Christine special is how approachable and relatable she is. She is not only astrong and strategic leader, but also someone who brings energy, warmth, and fun to the workplace. Her sense of humor and genuine personality make her ajoy to work with and create an environment where people feel valued and supported.
Christine consistently puts the residents and the Londonderry team first. She takes the time to listen, learn, and understand what truly matters to those around her. Whether she is engaging with residents, supporting team members, or guiding the organization through important decisions, she leads with compassion and integrity.
Her leadership has strengthened Londonderry’s growth and culture, and her ability to navigate challenges with wisdom and positivity makes her an outstanding role model. Christine exemplifies the qualities of aleader who not only drives success but also uplifts and inspires everyone around her.
I really hope to inspire current high schoolers, middle schoolers and younger to do something active because talking to other coaches of other sports and seeing the numbers it’s not as popular as it used to be
Every sport has its unique meaning and life lesson, Chloe Allen believes that rowing teaches you everything you do in life affects the people around you.
“Everything you do affects those around you and I think that is a beautiful connection to life because you are only in control of your seat and your oar, but everything you do with your seat and your oar affects everyone else in the boat,” Allen said. “I am very much in the mindset of whatever you do affects your neighbors and so on and so forth, but you only have control over your own space.”
Her love for rowing and helping the community lead her to be head coach and executive director of the Easton Shore Community Rowers and being selected for 2026 Women to Watch.
Allen, 33, from Royal Oak, Maryland was surprised about her Women to Watch nomination but is happy to be recognized in this great group of women.
“I don’t even think it’s really hit me,” Allen said. Everything I’ve read, (about Women to Watch) this is awesome, this is so cool, the other women that are nominated, this is a total honor.”
Allen was one of the first children to join the original Freedom Rowers in 2004, the freedom rowers is an after school rowing club for children in the Mid-Shore, she has now been the coach for the Freedom Rowers since 2023.
After rowing at a young age, she went onto play soccer at Randolph College in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she majored in Dance.
After college, Allen lived abroad for a year and a half as a nanny in Australia and France. While abroad, she joined a rowing club and fell back in love with the sport, when she returned home to pursue becoming a helicopter pilot, she founded Eastern Shore Community Rowers.
“The people were phenomenal, absolutely loved it” Allen said about the rowing club abroad. “And I was moving home and I knew Freedom Rowers still existed, but there were no adults to row with. And I was like I want to continue to row so I was one of the founders of Eastern Shore Community Rowers.”
sport.
Allen said that at first it was just her family and friends that joined, but once the word got out many people joined.
“It was kind of like opening a can of worms, I very quickly discovered a bunch of adults in the area saying, ‘I want to row’,” Allen said. “There are people who used to row and people who have always known about it and wanted to learn, so within a few months we formed Eastern Shore Community Rowers.”
Allen said the community rowers have just about 45 members of adults around the Eastern Shore and the Freedom Rowers are sitting at about 20 students.
Allen played multiple sports growing up, but she said rowing is so unique because of the team aspect.
“Rowing is super unique because it’s the most teamoriented sport I’ve ever been a part of,” Allen said. “Because you look at these boats that are 60 ft long, they have eight people rowing, one person telling you what to do and if one person doesn’t show up, the boat doesn’t go out.”
Allen described rowing as an accountability and team
“It’s just the most repetitive, I think, sport out there,” Allen said. “You’re doing the same thing for 5,000 meters, so it’s really special.”
Allen also mentioned that the sport is so great because it has a low impact on your body. She said she has 70-80 year old rowers that can participate because of the low impact part of the sport.
Allen said people who motivate her are her parents and her board members on the Community Rowers. With her Women to Watch selection, she hopes to inspire the younger generation to be more active.
“I really hope to inspire current high schoolers, middle schoolers and younger to do something active because talking to other coaches of other sports and seeing the numbers it’s not as popular as it used to be,” Allen said.
In addition to her coaching and executive director work, Allen is the founder of Continuum Dance, a non-profit dedicated to fostering a vibrant and welcoming community where dance is for everybody. She also works at Agave and plans to continue her helicopter pilot career after having and raising her children with her husband.
aspect to move the boat, but once on the water it is art and
CONGRATS to Our Women to Watch Nominees
Susan Truitt, LCSW-C, Myisha Johnson, and Sidney Trond!
Volunteer Compass Regional Hospice
Submitted Photos
I was led to the field of Social Work because I like to help people, especially when I can provide them with knowledge and resources that may enable them to help themselves. I am currently a volunteer at Compass Hospice and Sudlersville Senior Center. My motivation is seeing the results of a grieving child, a member of a support group, or a gentle touch to someone nearing the end of their life.
Women are responsible for their happiness and success. We have many successful women in our community. Many go unnoticed. It is up to me to make my work meaningful and helpful to others. Determination is key to making this happen. Many times, it is the very simple concept of being kind, being helpful, and being grateful.
My father was a great influence on me. He was generous, active in civic organizations, and very humble. He grew up poor and never did accumulate large bank accounts. However, he claimed to be one of the richest people on earth. This has impacted me as I have journeyed along the path of life. I am also rich because I give what I can, help the community I love, and grateful that I have all I need. Richness of the soul far outweighs a bank account.
One challenge I faced in my career was competent adults making poor decisions in regards to housing, money management, etc. I learned to respect their ability to make their own decisions. I would talk with them about the consequences that may result and remind them of their current situation. If indeed, they wanted to take steps for improvement, we would make a plan. They were in complete control and responsible for the decisions, the consequences, and the changes that occurred. This taught we that when you break down a monster of a task into small obtainable goals, outcomes are better.
Young women in today’s world hold many roles- work, wife, mother, etc. In order to succeed, they must balance their time and energy. Hard work, determination, and always being willing to learn will help them succeed. Making a difference in the community does not have to be the result of their employment. It might be their consistent help with church activities, performing random acts of kindness, or simply being available when someone needs you to listen. Always be alert to what is going on around you- opportunities to help will present themselves. And, most important, women must make time for self care. Taking care of oneself is the best gift you can give to others.
MEET
BacherHeather
Vice President Queenstown Bank
Story by Hannah Combs
For Heather Bacher, leadership isn’t defined by titles or milestones. It’s built on trust, shaped by resilience and rooted in relationships.
As a senior vice president at Queenstown Bank, Bacher has carved out a career grounded in community banking — one that reflects both her professional growth and her personal philosophy: lead with authenticity, invest in people and keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
Her journey into banking wasn’t meticulously planned. Instead, it began with a conversation.
“I was drawn to a management trainee role because it offered the chance to learn every part of the bank, discover where I fit best and build skills that would be valuable no matter where my career took me,” Bacher said.
What started as an opportunity quickly became a calling. Over time, it wasn’t the numbers or transactions that kept her in the industry — it was the relationships.
“Banking, especially community banking, is really about trust and long-term partnerships,” she said. “That aspect of the work has never stopped being rewarding.”
A CAREER BUILT ON GROWTH — AND STEPPING FORWARD
Bacher’s career began in retail banking, where she
“ It’s about resilience, confidence and using every experience — especially the hard ones — to grow
managed branches and developed a foundation in customer relationships and leadership. From there, she moved into commercial lending, broadening her perspective on how financial institutions support local businesses and economic development.
Her path, she said, was anything but linear.
“There were times when I took a step back in order to move two steps forward,” she said. “Each experience helped shape my growth.”
Those pivots — sometimes challenging, sometimes unexpected — ultimately led her to Queenstown Bank, where she saw an opportunity to align her professional ambitions with her values.
“I joined because it represents one of the last true community banks on the Eastern Shore,” she said. “I saw a culture that values people, relationships and community involvement. It felt like the right place to continue growing while supporting the active role I play in the community.”
That alignment has become central to how she approaches her role — not just as a banker, but as a leader and connector within the region.
LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN TRUST
Bacher describes her leadership style as collaborative and supportive, but at its core is a commitment to
building confidence in others.
“I prioritize clear communication, trust and empowering my team to make decisions and grow professionally,” she said. “When people feel supported and valued, they perform at their best.”
For her, leadership isn’t about directing from the top — it’s about working alongside others and creating space for them to succeed.
“My favorite part of leadership is working side by side with my team and then seeing them grow, find their confidence and achieve new milestones in their careers,” she said. “Seeing that progress is what makes the role especially fulfilling.”
That people-first approach extends beyond her internal team to clients and the broader community — a hallmark of community banking that Bacher believes is essential on the Eastern Shore.
“Community banking here means knowing your customers personally and understanding the unique needs of where we live and work,” she said. “Our decisions don’t just affect balance sheets — they affect families, businesses and local communities.”
IMPACT BEYOND TRANSACTIONS
While banking is often viewed through a financial lens, Bacher sees her role as something broader — a
chance to support people during pivotal moments in their lives.
“Beyond traditional banking, my role allows me to be a resource, a connector and sometimes a problemsolver,” she said.
That impact can be seen in both large and small ways — from mentoring employees to helping entrepreneurs bring their visions to life.
One moment that stands out to her involved financing a local frozen yogurt shop.
“It was my client’s dream to own their own business,” she said. “On opening day, seeing kids lined up with excitement and knowing it created a new space for the community — while helping my client achieve their vision — was incredibly rewarding.”
Those everyday wins, she said, are what make the work meaningful.
LEARNING CONFIDENCE — AND FINDING HER VOICE
Like many leaders, Bacher’s growth has been shaped as much by challenges as by successes.
Early in her career, she was passed over for a promotion she believed she was ready for — a moment that forced her to reevaluate how she showed up professionally.
“Hearing that confidence and desire were the differentiators was hard,” she said. “But it changed me.”
That experience became a turning point.
“It forced me to look inward and realize that no one will believe in me more than I believe in myself,” she said.
From that moment forward, she became more intentional — advocating for herself, speaking up about her goals and embracing opportunities even when they felt uncomfortable.
“No one can read your mind,” she said. “You have to be willing to speak up and advocate for yourself.”
That lesson now informs how she mentors others, particularly young professionals navigating similar challenges.
INSPIRED BY RESILIENCE
While her professional experiences have shaped her leadership style, Bacher credits her greatest source of inspiration to someone much closer to home: her father.
“My dad has been the most profound influence in my life,” she said.
Facing significant health challenges, he has demonstrated a level of resilience that continues to guide her perspective.
“He embodies resilience, grace and an unbreakable spirit,” she said. “His ability to keep pushing forward, even when things feel impossible, reminds me that strength isn’t loud — it’s persistent.”
In moments of doubt or exhaustion, she returns to that example.
“When I feel overwhelmed or ready to quit, I think of him pushing forward through the impossible,” she said. “It reminds me that I can keep going, too.”
That quiet strength — steady, enduring and grounded — mirrors the leadership approach she strives to embody in her own work.
“DETERMINED TO RISE”
This year’s theme, “Determined to Rise,” resonates deeply with Bacher — both personally and professionally.
To her, the phrase is more than a slogan. It’s a mindset.
“It represents perseverance, accountability and lifting others as we move forward,” she said. “It’s about resilience, confidence and using every experience — especially the hard ones — to grow, lead and make a meaningful impact.”
That perspective reflects not only her own journey, but also the communities she serves — places where relationships matter and progress is often built one step at a time.
ADVICE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
For young women and emerging leaders on the MidShore, Bacher’s message is clear: step forward, speak up and trust your value.
“Advocate for yourself — especially in communities like ours where relationships matter and your voice deserves to be heard,” she said.
She encourages others not to wait for permission or perfect timing.
“If you want an opportunity, say it out loud. If you need support, ask for it,” she said. “Lean in, even when it feels uncomfortable.”
At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of
community — a network of people willing to support and guide those who are willing to take that first step.
“This community is full of people who want to help,” she said. “But you have to believe in yourself enough to step forward.”
FINDING BALANCE — AND PERSPECTIVE
Outside of work, Bacher recharges by spending time with family and friends, traveling and cheering on her son at soccer games — moments that help her reset and stay grounded.
She doesn’t believe in the idea of perfect work-life balance. Instead, she sees it as an ongoing process of adjustment.
“At different times, you’re naturally going to lean more into one than the other — and that’s okay,” she said. “The key is recognizing it and being intentional about where your time and energy are going.”
That perspective, like much of her approach to leadership, is rooted in realism, flexibility and selfawareness.
A STEADY PATH FORWARD
As Bacher continues to grow in her role, her focus remains consistent: build relationships, support others and lead with purpose.
It’s a philosophy shaped by experience, reinforced by challenge and inspired by resilience.
In a field often defined by numbers, her story is ultimately about people — the teams she leads, the clients she supports and the community she serves.
And in that work, she remains, as ever, determined to rise.
“ There were times when I took a step back in order to move two steps forward
65 YEARS OF MOMENTUM.
Empowering people with disabilitiestolive the livesthey choose.
What began with one idea has grownthrough decades of conversation, connection, and trust. Fromhomes to workplaces, neighborhoods to communities, our work goes wherepeopleare—and we’rejust getting started.
