Issuu

SHOP LOCAL NATONYA THOMAS with

PROFILES OF EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN ACROSS SOUTHERN MARYLAND

C E L E B R AT I N G THE INAUGURATION OF

President Rhonda Phillips Ph.D., FAICP

April 17, 2026

Congratulations to Rhonda Phillips on her inauguration as the eighth president of St. Mary’s College of Maryland.

www.smcm.edu/congrats

Table of

Contents

20 26

EDITOR

Jesse Yeatman jyeatman@somdnews.com

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Stacy Moreland smoreland@chespub.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Donna Baez Ryan Ebaugh

DESIGN Meredith Moore

CONTRIBUTORS Carol Solar Ilana Williams Riley Dauber Kasey Rae Madison Bateman

invite you to read about extraordinary women in our community and their accomplishments! Women to Watch spotlights the work, dedication, talents and community service of women in Southern Maryland who continue to lead in their respective fields and those who embody strength, vitality, leadership and integrity for our community. We invited readers to nominate women who exemplify excellence, both in navigating their career path and as community leaders. Our portal that accepted nominations was open on somdnews.com from January 8th - 27th. During this period, we received hundreds of nominations for extraordinary women who work or reside in Charles, St. Mary’s, Calvert, southern Prince George’s and southern Anne Arundel counties. An Adams MultiMedia of Chesapeake internal committee and an external committee made up of community members met after nominations closed. They embarked on the extraordinarily difficult task of identifying women to interview for the 2026 Women to Watch Magazine. The committee worked through a set of criteria for the nominees. The criteria includes nominees’ community service, professional accomplishments and personal achievement, as well as their work with mentoring and inspiring others. As you can imagine, it was an exceedingly difficult decision. Each nominee had invaluable contributions indelible both in the community and workplace. The names within these pages represent women who are breaking stereotypes to positively impact our world today while inspiring future generations. Our many thanks to the strong women at Southern Maryland News who made this publication possible. — The Women to Watch 2026 Committee S O U T H E R N M A R Y L A N D | W O M E N T O WAT C H 2 0 2 6

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Honoring Women to Watch College of Southern Maryland proudly congratulates this year’s Women to Watch honorees, celebrating

extraordinary women who are making a

lasting impact across Southern Maryland. We are especially proud to see our

president, Dr. Yolanda Wilson, among those recognized.

csmd.edu

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Submitted Photos

JENNIFER FOXWORTHY

Founder/CEO Unstoppable YouMinistries Inc. & Inspirationally Speaking LLC

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SELECTED AS A WOMAN TO WATCH?

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START UNSTOPPABLE YOU MINISTRIES?

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU TOUCH ON AS A MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER?

Being selected as a Woman to Watch was quite a surprise. I am humbled and honored that someone took the time to submit my name. This recognition helps me to know that people do care and are watching. It is my hope to make a difference and through my example it will be an inspiration for others to stay focused on the big picture: serving the community with heart, integrity, and character.

I was inspired to start Unstoppable You Ministries out of necessity. I didn’t realize the events I was hosting were centered around nonprofit causes such as domestic violence, human trafficking and homelessness. However, I wanted to make a bigger impact by strategically creating a sustainable organization that fills in the gaps. It is my belief that more can be done through collaboration and not competition. Because of that belief, our slogan is “Unstoppable You! Unstoppable Me! Unstoppable We!”

Some of the topics I touch on as a motivational speaker and corporate trainer are leadership development, team building, emotional intelligence and effective communication. I have presentations that cover transformational growth and victim advocacy. In order to be extraordinary, we remove internal and external barriers. I choose to use my voice to help others find theirs.

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YOU BROKE MULTIPLE BARRIERS AS THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE AIRCREWMAN IN THE NAVY. HOW DID THAT EXPERIENCE SHAPE YOUR CAREER? When I joined the United States Navy, I embraced the motto, “One fight, one team,” believing deeply in unity and shared purpose. I never set out to be a trailblazer; I simply wanted to serve and challenge myself. In 1995, that desire led me to Naval Aircrew Candidate training, one of the most demanding programs in the fleet. Earning my wings was among my proudest achievements. Only later did I learn that I was the first African American woman in more than a decade to complete the course. Over the next fourteen years, I served as an Aircrewman on three aircraft platforms deploying in support of operations in Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq. I logged more than 3,700 flight hours and earned four Air Medals. I unknowingly shattered barriers: becoming the first African American female Aircrewman, the first African American enlisted Aircrewman, and the first female In-Flight Technician in my squadrons. For much of my life, I felt I stood out when I simply wanted to belong. Yet I came to understand that progress requires someone to be first. If my journey eased the path for others, then every obstacle carried purpose—and my legacy became a blueprint for those who follow.

WHAT DOES “TO NOT HARM” MEAN TO YOU? HOW DO YOU PRACTICE THAT IN YOUR WORK? I wanted to finish my Naval career continuing to do something bigger than myself. I switched from military warfare as a Naval Aircrewman, to military welfare and became a certified Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Program Counselor. As a counselor, I dealt with people who were in a fragile state coping in life by abusing substances. To do no harm means to be ethical in my decision making. I practice this through self-awareness and self-care. I never want my personal biases or problems to take center stage and interfere with my ability to be trauma informed. S O U T H E R N M A R Y L A N D | W O M E N T O WAT C H 2 0 2 6

Angela Powell

CFO Abbey Services Inc./Ribshot Tattoos Story and photos by Kasey Rae

I’m the type of person who likes to pay attention to who somebody is and read them accordingly. Because everybody really is different.

Ribshot has its own unique frequency. The metallic buzz of the classic tattoo machine sings through the halls of the shop's whimsical home, Leonardtown's beloved Shepherd's Old Field Market. Between conversations with clients that often reach far deeper than the tattoo needle itself, shop owner Angela Powell can be found at the nearest computer managing the financial actions and strategies for Abbey Services. While a tattoo shop and a security company seem like contrasting worlds, they have a common source: Powell. “It's a hard balance,” she admits, “I'm not gonna lie to you, I'm working constantly. I work wherever I am.” In her time owning the shop, she continues to be surprised by the soulful stories that clients reveal on the chair. Some of those stories match her own transformation from pain to empowerment, which created the building blocks for Ribshot Tattoo. Protection serves as another thread weaving through both of Angela’s companies. From ink as armor at Ribshot to tight-lipped government contracts at Abbey Services, Powell’s work creates emotional and physical safe places across the local community. While some Ribshot sessions are heavy, the space is often full of laughter. “I love meeting all the people and their stories,” Angela proclaims, sharing that out of all the jobs she has ever had, and there have been many, running Ribshot is the funnest. “This has been the funnest job I've ever had. With Abby, everything's so serious; with Ribshot, don't get me wrong, we're marking someone's skin forever. So it's serious but also endearing. It's touching, it's important, and it's weird, it's so weird.” Starting work at the age of 11 has built an impressive

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portfolio for the owner and entrepreneur. “I wasn't a normal kid; I gave up my summers when I was very young.” Says Powell, “When I was 10, I would go back to school to help the ladies in the office. I just love doing it. And in high school, I was a teacher's aide every lunch period.” That same mentality transitioned into working for her family's company, Abbey Security. What started as a child assisting her parents eventually transitioned into her becoming a receptionist, office manager, CFO, and a true leader. On her journey, when Powell encountered doubters and deniers, she discovered her secret weapon: “Reading people well is a superpower.” She says, “I'm the type of person who likes to pay attention to who somebody is and read them accordingly. Because everybody really is different.” Powell’s intimate understanding of people has shaped the kind of leader she is. In every role she holds, Powell measures success by how people are treated along the way, a philosophy shaped by experience and a growing confidence in her own instincts. As well as understanding her teammates, Angela has always understood herself, never doubting that she would be successful. “I've always had a lot of confidence when it came to work. When I was really young, I wanted to run my own business, and that's what I ended up doing. I was 22 when I first started running my own businesses.” Since then, many businesses have followed: investments, companies, security work, government work, a makeup boutique, and eventually a tattoo studio. In her C-suite roles, Angela is often the only woman in the room, and frequently underestimated, her

competence questioned in ways her male counterparts rarely experience. “I work with some high-up people,” she says. “Sometimes they assume I’m the one answering the phone. I have to tell them, no- I run the business.” Between running businesses, Powell discovered the most challenging job of all, being a mother: “I will run every million-dollar corporation in the world and tell you that it's so much easier than being a mom. But as you get older, things change so much.” Angela says, “They really do. I don't even feel like I have to do as much as I used to. You just get so much more secure in who you are. You don't care as much about what anybody thinks about you or anybody else's opinion. You just kind of go with what you know is right in your heart.” The same heart that leads her in making leadership decisions can be felt in Ribshot. Inside the intimate studio, Powell listens as stories from the soul are translated into ink. And much like the tattoos themselves, her impact on the community is made to last.

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Submitted Photos

JENNIFER GALLOWAY Managing partner Swords and Spoons

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SELECTED AS A WOMAN TO WATCH?

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

It’s deeply humbling. I didn’t start Swords and Spoons to win recognition; I started it to build community. Being named a Woman to Watch feels like validation that creating safe, creative spaces matters. It represents the families who game together at our tables, the kids who find confidence through storytelling and the artists who discover their talent through painting minis. This honor belongs to the entire community that believed in what we were building.

I wanted to create the kind of space I wish I had growing up: a welcoming third space where creativity, imagination and belonging thrive. Gaming brought me friendship and joy during difficult seasons of my life. I saw how powerful tabletop gaming could be for connection, confidence and storytelling. Swords and Spoons was born from the idea that a local game store could be more than retail; it could be a creative hub, classroom and community anchor.

HOW HAS SWORDS AND SPOONS COMBINED YOUR INTERESTS IN GAMING, WRITING AND ART? Swords and Spoons is where all of my passions intersect. Gaming fuels storytelling, writing shapes immersive campaigns and events and art comes alive through miniature painting, design and themed experiences. I get to build worlds, host tournaments, create narrative adventures and support local artists all under one roof. It’s not just selling games; it’s cultivating imagination. Every event, class and campaign is an opportunity to merge creativity with community.

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THERE ARE ASSUMPTIONS AND STEREOTYPES ABOUT WOMEN JOINING THE GAMING WORLD. HOW HAVE YOU COMBATED THIS BIAS IN YOUR WORK? I combat bias by showing up consistently and building spaces where inclusion is the norm, not the exception. Representation matters. We host youth programs, women-led tables, painting classes and beginner-friendly events that remove intimidation barriers. I lead by example — organizing tournaments, writing campaigns and teaching classes — so young girls can see leadership in action. The more welcoming and visible we make the space, the more those stereotypes lose power.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS WITH SWORDS AND SPOONS? My goal is to expand our impact as a creative and educational hub. I want to grow youth programming, deepen partnerships with schools and local arts organizations and continue hosting large-scale events that bring people together. Long-term, I envision Swords and Spoons as a regional destination for tabletop gaming, art and storytelling while always staying rooted in community. Growth is important, but preserving our welcoming culture matters most.

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Photos courtesy Kellie Newton

KELLI NEW TON Business Owner/Baker Barbara Ann’s Cottage LLC

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SELECTED AS A WOMAN TO WATCH? I cried when I received the email notifying me because I was shocked. Not only did I make the list, but I made the top 13. In a way it’s bittersweet, I’m here because I lost my mom and at the same time, I know she would be so proud.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START YOUR BAKERY? January 2024 my mom, Barbara Ann, lost her life from a car accident. She was the backbone of our family, a true matriarch. She was my person. Grief is so hard and it’s so heavy I needed something positive to focus on. My mom always loved my baking, especially the coconut cupcakes. So, May 14, 2024, Barbara Ann’s Cottage opened in her honor.

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WHAT’S BEEN SOME OF THE MOST MEMORABLE THINGS YOU BAKED? WHY?

HOW HAS THE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU?

It’s hard to pinpoint them because everything I bake has a story behind it. One of the things I say to my customers is “tell me a little bit about the person I’m baking for.” That not only helps me design a cake, but it also gives me the story. Whether it’s a gender reveal for a couple that is finally expecting their first child or the couple that is expecting their fifth. The love stories behind engagements and weddings. On birthdays I get to learn about the person and incorporate their hobbies, likes and favorites into the design. Or a baby shower for a mom who had her baby premature and is still in the Nicu. Then there’s the celebrations of life. I learn the most amazing things about their loved one through grief because “where there is grief there was love.”

I opened the bakery and hit the ground running. I have received so much support from the community. From the amount of orders I receive weekly, to events I participate in, fundraisers I have donated to, sharing pictures of baked goods I post on social media, recommending me to their friends and family, my customers show up! They even stop by my mom’s roadside cross and straighten it when it needs it.

HOW HAS YOUR GRIEF CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED THE BAKERY? I was deep in grief when I opened for business. I tried to hide from it by diving into the bakery. I will always grieve the loss of my mom. I started going to grief counseling and realized early on that there really aren’t many resources in our community for grievers, so I started a grief support group. It is not a therapy group; there are no licensed therapists attending. This is a safe place for grievers to come talk, listen, cry, whatever they need to do with people who understand how they feel. It’s for grievers no matter where they are on their grief journey. I call it a safe place because there is no judgement, no pictures and no discussion afterwards about who attended and what was talked about. This little group has helped my heart so much. Outside of that, my customers always greet me with a hug and most have already read my story and mention my mom to me. That too has helped my heart tremendously.

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Photo courtesy Tara Sheehan

TARA SHEEHAN Board certified orthodontist

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SELECTED AS A WOMAN TO WATCH?

HOW DID YOUR FATHER’S CAREER INSPIRE YOU TO FOLLOW A SIMILAR PATH?

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP YOU TAKE TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH CLIENTS?

It’s truly an incredible honor to be selected as a Woman to Watch especially while working alongside an all-female team. Our office has such a special environment because of the women who make it what it is. There’s a genuine sense of support, collaboration and respect that shapes everything we do. I feel fortunate to be part of a team that uplifts one another daily, and I hope to continue fostering that same spirit of encouragement and connection throughout the entire Calvert County community.

Growing up with my dad as an orthodontist had a profound influence on my career path. I witnessed firsthand how deeply he cared for his patients and how much joy he found in creating smiles that were both beautiful and functional. Seeing the confidence his work gave people left a lasting impression on me. I spent many summers working in his office, gaining insight into what the profession truly entailed. Those experiences solidified my desire to follow in his footsteps. Then and now my favorite days are debond days, when patients see their new smiles for the first time. That excitement never gets old.

I love that my practice is rooted in a small, tight-knit community. We often care for multiple generations within the same family, which makes building meaningful relationships especially important to me. From the very beginning, I make it a priority to get to know patients as people not just as cases. I ask about their careers, school, sports and what matters most to them. When patients feel comfortable and understood, it allows me to better tailor their treatment to their individual goals. Every smile is different, and open communication is key to creating results that truly reflect who they are.

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HOW IS ORTHODONTICS A BLEND OF ART AND SCIENCE? This is one of my favorite aspects of orthodontics. While many people think of it simply as “straightening teeth,” that’s only the beginning. Much of my training involved studying how tooth positioning impacts the entire face from facial balance and contours to airway function. The treatment planning phase is incredibly detailed and intentional. I analyze each patient’s records carefully to design a plan that not only aligns the teeth properly but also enhances overall facial harmony. Achieving the ideal incisal display and a natural, youthful smile arc requires both technical precision and an artistic eye. Orthodontics is truly where science meets aesthetics and that balance is what makes the work so fulfilling.

WHAT GOALS DO YOU HAVE AS YOU CONTINUE YOUR CAREER? My primary goal is to remain a lifelong learner. Orthodontics and dentistry are constantly evolving, with new technology and expanding research. I am committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements so I can continue providing the most effective, comprehensive care possible. Above all, I want my patients to feel confident that they are receiving thoughtful, individualized treatment delivered with excellence and compassion. Orthodontics is really the study of growth and continuing to grow both professionally and personally will always be central to my career.

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Photos courtesy of Autumn Phillips-Lewis

AUTUMN PHILLIPS-LEWIS Executive Director, American Chestnut Land Trust Owner, EcoHaven LLC

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SELECTED AS A WOMAN TO WATCH? I feel very honored and grateful to be selected as a Woman to Watch, especially since I was nominated by another very inspiring woman on my staff at the American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT).

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START ECOHAVEN?CAREER? I really love all things outdoors and nature, and my passion in life is to do all I can to preserve and care for it. I’ve been lucky to get to do that for almost 12 years at ACLT, first as Land Manager and then as Executive Director. ACLT helps landowners preserve land throughout Southern Maryland but only has the resources to focus its own land acquisition and land management efforts on the Parkers Creek and Governors Run watersheds in Calvert County. Over the last 10 years, I have met so many other people and organizations that needed help taking care of natural places outside of ACLT’s focus area. I started EcoHaven to provide technical knowledge and skilled implementation for conservation projects all throughout Southern Maryland.

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WHY IS PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IMPORTANT TO YOU? I never feel more alive and at peace than when I am out in nature — the more remote the better! The beauty, diversity, serenity and resilience of natural places is truly awe-inspiring. In today’s world, many people are so far removed from nature they forget that we need a healthy environment to survive. We need clean air to breathe and water to drink, healthy soil that grows food, and a variety of intact habitats that provide seafood and wild game to eat. But for me, it is really more than this human-centered view. I am most inspired by thinking about what I can do for the environment, rather than what it can do for me. Through both ACLT and EcoHaven, I focus on actions that make the environment better for all of the plants, animals and humans that call our planet home.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH ECOHAVEN AND THE AMERICAN CHESTNUT LAND TRUST? I hope people will feel connected to the land and water that surrounds them and realize that their actions have a profound impact on it. I hope that inspires them to action, whether that be preserving their property, managing invasive species, creating wildlife habitat, reducing their energy usage, donating to non-profits focused on environmental work or anything in between. When someone comes and experiences the positive result of many small actions taken by many people, I hope it lets them know that whatever action they take is part of something bigger.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN YOUR WORK IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? Having recently been promoted to Executive Director of ACLT, I see myself leading our amazing staff and volunteers in the next great chapter of an already very successful organization. For EcoHaven, I see myself helping landowners and organizations better the environment throughout beautiful Southern Maryland.

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Adrienne M. Somerville, CEO, Somerville Consulting Group, LLC, Founder/President, Carolyn E. Parker Foundation Alexis M. Rossetti, Assistant Public Defender for Maryland Office of the Public Defender Alyssa Darnall, Small Business Owner, Alyssa’s Dance Boutique Amanda Dolina, Calvert County Treasurer, Calvert County Government Amanda Whipkey, Operations Manager,Wild Birds Unlimited Angela Powell, CFO, Author, Business Owner, Abbey Services Inc, Ribshot Tattoos Antoinetta (Anna) Webster, Group Leader, Friends of Garvey Senior Activity Center, Volunteer for Garvey Senior Activity Center Autumn Phillips-Lewis, Executive Director of the American Chestnut Land Trust Beverly Wiggins, Owner/Director, Victorious Kids Child Care Center Brandy DePhillip, Entertainer/ Accordionist Brooke Arnold, Owner/Operator, Crossfit Fight x Flight Caitlyn Lynch, Esthetician at Revitalize and Bloom Medical Esthetics Studio Caren DePiazza, Health Coach, Juice Plus Cassie Stillwell, Branch Manager/ Board of Directors, Shore United Bank Charlene Tsirigotis, Gift Store Owner, The Apple Basket CharlRe’ Slaughter-Atiemo, MD, General Pediatrician, Co-Founder & Co-Owner of PM Kidz Pediatric Primary & Acute Care Clinic 16

Christina Parks, Worship Pastor, South Point Worship Christina Payne, PHR, SHRM-CP, Chief People Officer, Precise Systems, Inc. Crystal Loughary, Assistant Coach, Leonardtown Field Hockey, Coach for Girls Eliminators Field Hockey, Referee for Southern Maryland Field Hockey, J.F. Taylor, Inc. Danielle Bedard, Lead Recruiter, AMEWAS, Inc. Dawn Campbell, Shepherd’s Old Field Market Diana Diggins, Owner, Halo Hair Care Studios Donna Retzlaff, Executive Director, Spring Dell Center Dr. Yolanda Wilson, President of College of Southern Maryland Dr. Lea Lacefield, Owner, Milky Moms Dr. Trenace Richardson, Founder and CEO, REAL Women Rock Elaine Davy Strong, President, ArtWorks@7th Emese Raschka, Director of Operations and Operations Assistant, Patuxent Presbyterian Church and Auxiliary Emily Cantrell-Stagner, Assistant Vice President- Philanthropy, MedStar Health, Inc. Erica Anselmo, Principal Designer & Founder, Erica’s Events and Décor Felicia Perry, Owner & Lead Planner, Felicia and Co Events Robin Bell, Retired, Bell Consulting Gwendolyn Sarli-Prelle, Business Owner, Gwenney Penney Hailey Hicks, Owner, Hicks Family Creations Heather Wilde-Buhaj, Owner, My Fancy Finds Boutique Hemali Patel, Floral Designer at Karen’s of Calvert Florist and Gifts

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Jacqueline Greenwell, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, The Cusick Foundation Inc. - A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Janelle Wright, Executive Director, Universal Mosaic Janine Horne, MSN, Ed, RN, AHN-BC, Visionary Founder and Owner of Zen Well Studio, Zen Well Health Jennifer Clancy, Licensed Counselor/ Therapist/Clinical Therapist, Counseling &Wellness Collective Jennifer Foxworthy, Founder/CEO, Unstoppable U Ministries Jennifer Galloway, Business Co-Owner of Swords and Spoons Jennifer Garner, Therapist and Owner,Whole Soul Wellness Riverside Joanne Koterwas, PracticeManager, Koterwas Orthodontics Jordan Nagers, GM/Brick Wood Fired Bistro & Owner Baia Coastal Italian Kitchen&Wine Bar Josey Bozzo, Owner/Baker/Operator, The Novel Bakery Mobile Café Joyce Darrell, Director, Pets with Disabilities Sanctuary and Rescue Julie Yowell, Teacher, CC Board of Education & Personal Trainer, Meridian Gym Karen Siebert, President, Great Mills Trading Post Karen P. Wathen, Director of Engagement, Precise Systems, Inc. Katelyn Brennan, Hair Stylist, House of Grace Kathleen McClernan-Walz, Attorney and LawOffice Partner, Williams, McClernan, Stack Kathryn (Kat) Poff, CISO/Deputy Director of Technology Services, Calvert County Government

Kaylynn Moore, Photographer, Pretty Poses Photography Keena Alford, Founder/CEO, Ka’mor Beauty Keisha Singleton, Owner, CEO, Keisha Beauty Kelley Sidorowicz, Owner, The Beanery California and Solomons Kellie Hinkle, Deputy Director, St. Mary’s County Economic Development Kellie Newton, Business Owner/Baker, Barbara Ann’s Cottage LLC Kimberly Gatton Sullivan, Barber/ Hairstylist, Gatton’s Barbershop, Volunteer with HVFDLA Kimberly Hall, Owner, Reiki Healing with Kim Dr. Laura Behm, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, IBCLC, PMH-C, Co-Owner, Milky Moms Laschelle McKay, LeonardtownTown Administrator, Leonardtown Government LaTasha Briscoe, Owner, LB Innovations LaVaughn Jones, RN, Executive Director of The Hermitage at Solomons Lea Lacefield, DNP, CRNP, FNP-C, IBCLC, Milky Moms Leenada Smith-Brashears, Chief Operating Officer, AL&D Real Estate Investment, LLC, President, Greater Accokeek Civic Association Lisa W. Wills, Real Estate Agent, Remax One Lynne Wheeler, President, Southern Maryland Audubon Society, Vice President Port Tobacco River Conservancy Markita Kelly, Owner/LeadTeacher, Place to Grow Childcare

Marsha Williams, Partner, Williams, McClernan, & Stack LLC Mary Dean Hobbs, Thrift StoreManager, St. Michael’s Catholic Church Mary Evelyn Dryden, Retired Megan Sutphin, Vice President of Human Resources and Security, Precise Systems, Inc. Melinda Bowling, Finance Director for Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland Melissa Morris, Nurse-EMT, MedStar Cardiology Michele AnnNutwell, Volunteer/ Nonprofit organizations, Southern Maryland/VA Non-Profits Molly Colonna, Dental Hygienist, Dr. Morgan & Associates Monica Helwig, Director of Nursing, Solomons Nursing and Rehab Center Nadine Jones, Owner, NRJ (energy) BEAUTY Natonya Thomas, Community Leader, Property Manager, Shops at Waldorf Center, Past Chair, Charles County Chamber, BoardMember, University of Charles Regional Mrs. Randi Parker Niles, Owner, Imadi’s S.W.A.G. Salon, Realtor, Top Choice Realty/EXITHERE Realty Renee Smith, Manager, Foreign Disclosure and Global Trade Compliance Technology Security Associates Dr. Saba Rastegar, DNP, CRNP, PMHNPBC, IBCLC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner & Lactation Consultant, Milky Moms Sade Herbert, Director of Volunteer Services, PruittHealth (Charlotte Hall Veterans Home)

Samantha Krahling, Salon Owner, Studio 614 Salon+Boutique Sandy Washington, CEO and Co-Founder of LifeStyles of Maryland Foundation, Inc. Savanna Bullard, MS, RN, IBCLC, PMHC, Milky Moms Shannon Wang, Owner, Shop 53/Bird City Records Sheri Dean, Nurse Practitioner, Business Owner, Grove Family Health Sherri Verdon, Realtor, Remax One Sherry Rison, Retired Shyanne Ricchiuto, Owner (Hair & Makeup Artist, Lash Tech, Spray Tan Artist), Shy Beauty Stephanie Clear, Direct Support Person through Arc of Chesapeake Stephanie Thorne, Owner of Serenity Salon Sybol Anderson, Executive Director, Leadership Southern Maryland Tabitha Waltrip-Musgrove, Store Manager, Kay Jeweler Dr. Tara Sheehan, Board Certified Orthodontist, Specialists in Orthodontics (Prince Frederick) Taylor Spencer Davis, Deputy Director, SouthernMaryland Center for Family Advocacy Terri Robinson, Owner/Head Of Royal Barkness, Pawlatial Estate Terri Vaira James, Realtor, Century 21 Tracey Webster, Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant and Personal Trainer, T-Web Fitness & Physical Therapy Vicky Alvey, Realtor, Remax One Victoria Yost, Influencer To Watch, Instagram and TikTok @ thymeandtenderness

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Beverly Wiggins

Owner/Director Victorious Kids Child Care Center Story and photos by Madison Bateman

I remember every kid

Ten years ago, Beverly Wiggins unlocked the doors to Victorious Kids Child Care Center with one child enrolled and little more than faith to sustain her. Today, the 58-year-old Indian Head native oversees 174 children between two locations. What began as a leap of faith has grown into a family-operated cornerstone of the community she has called home her entire life. Born and raised in Indian Head, Wiggins previously worked at Concordia Lutheran Church in Upper Marlboro, where she gained experience in childcare but quietly dreamed of opening a center of her own. Fear nearly stopped her. “I was nervous to open my own childcare center,” she said. “I was completely broke.” Her opportunity came unexpectedly when she learned a church building in Indian Head was for sale. Knowing she likely couldn’t afford it, she hesitated. Church leaders, recognizing her heart for children and shared mission, encouraged her to submit a bid anyway. She offered what she believed she could manage. To her surprise, it was accepted. Her husband, Timothy, pushed her to move forward when doubt crept in. If she didn’t do it now, he told her, she would always wonder “what if?” Wiggins named the center during a deeply personal chapter in her life. While in the hospital donating a kidney to her mother, she met a fellow patient named Victoria who prayed with her and urged her to pursue her dream. Wiggins continued visiting the woman after her recovery. “She gave me that extra spark,” Wiggins said. In her honor, she named the center Victorious. From the beginning, Victorious Kids Child Care Center was designed to feel like a home away from home - a safe, loving environment where children can learn and grow. The center offers infant care with limited spots to ensure individualized attention, as well as daycare and after-school programs. Its mission focuses on nurturing the whole child through high-quality educational childcare, utilizing the Creative Curriculum to tailor lessons to each child’s interests and needs. The early days were challenging, but growth

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followed. In 2022, Wiggins leased a building in Fort Washington for a second center. Two years later, they purchased it outright. Wiggins’ daughter, Timesha, runs that location. “My family is my biggest support system,” Wiggins said. “They help make sure everything is running smoothly on a daily basis.” Melissa Madison, another one of Wiggins’ daughters, said she started helping at the Concordia Lutheran center when she was 14. “My mom was my first boss,” she said. Though she briefly considered other career paths, she ultimately returned to work alongside her mother at Victorious. Now teacher-certified, Madison runs a preschool-level structure that reflects her mother’s high standards. “She works long hours and still shows up for everyone else,” Madison said. “She has a passion for taking care of the people in her life. So many kids call her ‘Mom.’” Michelle Quigley, Wiggins’ daughter and a lead teacher at the Indian Head center, said she always knew she wanted to work with children and give back to the community that raised her. “A lot of kids have gone through the center and come back to visit,” Quigley said, noting former students often invite her mother to graduations and celebrations. One even returned to introduce his girlfriend. “It feels good that they remember me,” Wiggins said. “I remember every kid.” Her commitment to the community extends far beyond the classroom. In 2005, she and her husband founded N2 Deep Motorcycle Club, a co-ed club focused on service and camaraderie. With the motto “In 2 Doing Every Effort Possible,” the club organizes food and clothing drives and partners with

the childcare center to assist families struggling with rent and utility payments. At one point, the club had more than 40 members. Quigley said her mother spearheads much of that outreach. “She truly is an amazing person who will give you the shirt off her back,” she said. “She is a giver. She loves to give – clothes, food, whatever someone needs.” Wiggins said growing up in Indian Head shaped her understanding of the community’s needs. “I grew up here, so I know about the gaps,” she said. “I like to be present and help out where I am needed.” In her free time, she enjoys riding motorcycles with her husband and spending time with her family. “We have fun when we are all together,” she said with a smile. Although Wiggins did not expect to be recognized as a Southern Maryland Woman to Watch this year, she said the nomination “feels good.” From opening her doors with one child and no financial cushion to leading a thriving, multi-location childcare center rooted in service, Wiggins’ journey reflects perseverance, faith and an unwavering commitment to the place that raised her – and the generations she now helps raise in return.

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Photos by Lauri Rossetti

ALE XIS ROSSE T TI

Assistant Public Defender Maryland Office of the Public Defender in St. Mary’s County

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SELECTED AS A WOMAN TO WATCH?

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A LAW CAREER?

WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR CAREER?

My first reaction was honestly just total surprise – but my next thought was of all the women who helped me get to this place in my career. If I have earned any recognition at all it is only because I was raised by strong women, trained by strong women, and now work alongside strong women.

My family raised me to act when I see injustice. Even my first name is derived from Greek, and it means, ‘defender of us all’. I went to law school because I believe that the law is the one thing that can truly protect the most vulnerable people among us. When I came home to Southern Maryland as a Public Defender it very much felt like a full circle moment.

Without a doubt my work on the Mental Health Court is the most rewarding to me. I was the first Public Defender in St. Mary’s to specialize in cases where someone is in court while facing significant mental health issues. In Mental Health Court, I get to go beyond representing someone in a trial. I also get to support people as they reconnect with their families, find independent housing, or apply for their first job. As a team we have built a network that brings my clients back to our community with the support they need. If you ever want to see the practice of justice in real time, it’s what happens in Mental Health Court.

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HOW DO YOU OVERCOME CHALLENGES IN YOUR CAREER? On any given day a Public Defender will face no less than a dozen crises. I represent people who are facing anything from traffic tickets all the way up to life without the possibility of parole. I have an incredible network of attorneys who are always willing to pick up an emergency call. We rely on each other. I also am lucky to have family (special shout out to my Canadian family) and friends who have become family that have been the very best support system anyone could have. Without them, I would not be the lawyer I am today.

WHAT FUTURE GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER? I always struggle to answer this question because the truth is I never imagined I would be a trial attorney. I became a Public Defender to protect people’s rights. I joined my Union to protect my colleagues from caseloads that make our job impossible. I hope that one day we have a public defense system that lives up to its promise: that the poor will have the same representation as the wealthy in a criminal courtroom. I do not know exactly what shape my goals will take in the future, but I do know I will always defend people.

Photos by APD Ana Tarlas

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MEET NatonyaThomas General Manager The Shops at Waldorf Center

Story and photos by Madison Bateman

aldorf resident Natonya Thomas has revitalized the Shops at Waldorf Center into a vibrant community hub while championing small businesses and civic causes – a commitment that has now earned her recognition as one of Southern Maryland’s Women to Watch. At 44, Thomas has become a familiar and trusted face in Charles County, but her journey to Southern Maryland started hundreds of miles away in Willingboro, New Jersey. In 2009, she relocated to Maryland to join her high school sweetheart, who had been stationed there during his military service. “I protested at first,” Thomas admitted. But what began as a reluctant move turned into what she calls “the best decision” she ever made. The couple settled in Prince George’s County, where they lived together until marrying in 2011 and moving to Charles County. Unlike the faster pace she knew growing up, Thomas found something special in Charles County: a deep sense of community. “It’s more family-oriented here. Everyone knows everyone. People watch out for you and your kids. We celebrate each other,” she said. “There are also so many resources around here that a lot of people don’t even realize exist.” That appreciation for community now shapes her 22

leadership as general manager of the Shops at Waldorf Center. Since stepping into the role in 2017, Thomas has blended her sharp business acumen with a passion for helping local businesses thrive. Before transitioning into retail leadership, Thomas spent 15 years in commercial real estate, managing office buildings in Washington, D.C. But as her children’s schedules grew busier, she began rethinking her priorities. “The kids’ lives were getting full,” she said. “I wanted to work closer to home.” When an opportunity became available at the Shops at Waldorf Center, she seized it – and hasn’t looked back since. From that moment on, she has worked closely with Avison Young, the commercial real estate firm representing the property’s ownership, helping shape the center’s next chapter. “I love it,” Thomas says. “I love retail. I love the charts, the sales peaks, helping businesses raise revenue. Everything I get to play with, I enjoy.” More than profits, though, her mission is rooted in impact. For Thomas, retail is about strengthening the community. “Our goal is always to improve the community in any way we can,” she said. Under her leadership, the shopping center has expanded its footprint as a community hub. Seasonal movie nights draw families throughout the summer,

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“

Our goal is always to improve the community in any way we can

while an annual fall event attracts more than 7,000 attendees. Thomas also brought a new initiative to the Shops at Waldorf Center in an effort to transform vacant storefront space into an opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. The program, called Pop-Up and Grow, is a large weekly indoor vendor market held Saturdays and Sundays. Featuring up to 100 local vendors from across the DMV region, the market offers handmade crafts, clothing, specialty foods and more. The initiative is designed to give small business owners hands-on experience operating a retail space while revitalizing previously empty storefronts. “Natonya is the heart and soul of the Shops at Waldorf,” Jackie Young, regional director of U.S. Retail Real Estate Management Services at Avison Young, said. “Her passion, integrity and community‑focused approach create lasting value and exemplify the highest standards of our profession.” Thomas represents the Shops at Waldorf Center in the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, where she served as chair of the board of directors last year. After completing the one-year term, she returned to her previous position as chair of the marketing committee. Her civic engagement extends even further. She joined the board of the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center Foundation in December,

attending her first board meeting in February. The appointment carries deep personal meaning. Years ago, Thomas nearly lost her life while giving birth to her son at the hospital. “The staff there was amazing. They got me through a hard time,” she said. “Being able to serve now is really a full-circle moment. It’s a chance for me to be part of a solution.” The shopping center sponsors the hospital foundation and supports initiatives including the Regional Juneteenth Celebration, the Military Alliance Council, Lifestyles of Maryland and many more. Thomas is also a board member for the Charles County Juneteenth Foundation, serves on the Business Development Loan Fund for Women, Minorities and Veterans, and is involved with the North Point High School Booster Club and other committees. When she learned last year that the local Toys for Tots effort lacked resources to host a drive in Charles County, Thomas mobilized quickly. She rallied tenants at the Shops at Waldorf Center and organized a drive herself, ultimately recruiting 60 businesses across Charles and St. Mary’s counties to collect toys for children in need. “If anyone asks us for support, the answer is usually yes,” she said. “We do what we can to fill the voids.” Thomas credits a strong support system – her husband, children, mother, mentor and business colleagues – for making her community work possible.

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Her children and mother frequently volunteer at shopping center events. She is particularly proud of transforming the Shops at Waldorf Center into what she describes as a true community partner. Since taking on the leadership role, she has seen increased leasing activity and deeper collaboration with local organizations. “I live here. I have to do something more for my kids,” she said. Recently, after nominating several women for Women to Watch, Thomas was surprised to find herself among the honorees. “There are so many amazing women in this community who are never recognized,” she said. “I didn’t expect to be the one. It always feels good for people to see you.” Keisha Singleton, owner of Keisha Beauty and The KB Experience in La Plata, nominated Natonya Thomas for the Woman to Watch honor. A local hairstylist, Singleton met Thomas when she began styling her daughter’s hair. Their professional relationship soon grew into a lasting friendship. “Natonya is one of the most amazing women I’ve ever met,” Singleton said. “She is a champion for small businesses and for the community she lives in.” Singleton said the two women nominated each other for the Women to Watch honor. “She puts her head down and does the work,” Singleton said. “She doesn’t ask for recognition for everything she does for her community.” Thomas also played a pivotal role in Singleton’s professional growth. She encouraged Singleton to expand her business and guided her through the process. “She is the reason I am where I am today,” Singleton said. “She introduced me to people who could help me grow and excel, and she helped me become part of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce.” Alicia Lupold, Thomas’s mentor and former advisor at Madison Marquette, said Thomas’s recognition is well deserved. “Natonya Thomas being named Maryland’s Woman to Watch this year feels not just fitting, but inevitable for anyone who has witnessed her extraordinary drive firsthand,” Lupold said. “She visits new businesses across the county, amplifies their stories on her widely followed social media platforms, and uses her voice to spotlight entrepreneurs who might otherwise go unseen. Her instinct to ‘give back’ is not a gesture, it’s her operating principle.” For Thomas, the work is far from finished. “I love the Charles County community,” she said. “I’ll continue to do everything I can to pour into it. My passion for this community is personal.” 24

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2026 WOMEN TO WATCH

Congratulations

to Cassie Stillwell, AVP Branch Manager for her dedication, strength and leadership.

Congra u a e Brooke Arno Congratulate Arnold

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Congratulations to our very own Emily Cantrell-Stagner. At MedStar Health, our commitment to care begins with investing in our communities. Congratulations to all of this year’s Women to Watch honorees—especially our very own Emily Cantrell‑Stagner, who exemplifies this commitment through her dedication to her career and her devotion to the community we serve.

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Photos by Ebes Olumese/ E&R Photography

ADRIENNA SOMERVILLE CEO, Somerville Consulting Group President, Carolyn E. Parker Foundation

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SELECTED AS A WOMAN TO WATCH?

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START THIS WORK, BOTH YOUR CONSULTING GROUP AND YOUR FOUNDATION?

Being recognized as a woman to watch is both humbling and energizing. It reminds me that the work I pour my heart into, whether in consulting, mentorship, or community service, matters beyond my own impact. It validates that dedication, discipline, and service are seen and valued. More than recognition, it strengthens my responsibility to continue leading and lifting others around me and to create spaces where women can see that their contributions are important and celebrated.

My work is rooted in a desire to make a meaningful difference by living significantly instead of just being successful. I always believed successful people put their resources into things and significant people put their resources into other people who will long outlast them. Somerville Consulting Group was created to help organizations achieve their highest potential while nurturing the growth of their people — true Talent Management. The Carolyn E. Parker Foundation grew from a personal place, honoring my grandmother’s legacy of education, mentorship and service. Both were born from a belief that leadership is not only about success but also about creating opportunities for others to identify their talents and unleash them for greatness. I wanted to combine purpose with action in both business and community service. 26

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WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR WORK? The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing transformation. That could be an organization achieving more than it believed possible or a young person discovering their own potential through the foundation’s mentorship offerings. I treasure the moments when guidance, support and opportunity intersect to create real, lasting change to include dinner conversations and communities. Hearing stories of those who have grown because I cared enough to invest in them is a reward that no recognition or award can match. Those moments are the reason I do this work every day in order to continue to have a significant impact.

YOU NAMED YOUR FOUNDATION AFTER YOUR GRANDMOTHER. HOW HAVE YOU CARRIED HER VALUES THROUGH YOUR WORK AND HOW DID SHE INSPIRE YOU TO HELP YOUR COMMUNITY? My grandmother, Ms. Carolyn E. Parker, lived with integrity, service and courage. She inspired me to believe that every one has a talent, every life has value and that giving back is a responsibility. Through the foundation, I carry her values by creating opportunities for education, mentorship and empowerment, especially for underserved youth. My grandmother’s example taught me that impact begins with listening, caring and leading by example. Her legacy fuels the mission to help others thrive with confidence, competence, commitment and courage while making our communities stronger.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR FOUNDATION AND CONSULTING GROUP IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS? In five years, I see both organizations expanding their impact significantly. Somerville Consulting Group will continue to be a trusted partner for organizations seeking meaningful results while developing leadership and talent. The Carolyn E. Parker Foundation will grow its programs, reach more students and strengthen community partnerships. My goal is to build lasting structures, mentorship networks and initiatives that empower individuals, uplift communities and carry forward my grandmother’s legacy of service and excellence that inspires all of my work. S O U T H E R N M A R Y L A N D | W O M E N T O WAT C H 2 0 2 6

Photos courtesy of Kathryn Poff

KATHRYN POFF

Chief Information Security Officer/Deputy Director Technology Services Calvert County government

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SELECTED AS A WOMAN TO WATCH? Being selected as a Woman to Watch is both humbling and deeply meaningful. Southern Maryland is filled with extraordinary women who quietly and consistently make an impact, so to be recognized among them is truly an honor. I see this less as an individual achievement and more as a reflection of the mentors, colleagues, and teams who have supported and challenged me along the way. It is also a celebration of a community that values women’s leadership and believes in lifting one another up.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WORK IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT? My decision to work in county government was both practical and personal. As a newly divorced mother, I was seeking stability, purpose, and the ability to be present for my daughter. I had grown to love this community and wanted my work to directly impact the place we called home. While there may have been greater financial opportunities in the private sector, I chose quality of life over quantity of life. Public service allowed me to build roots, contribute meaningfully, and support the community where my family and friends live and grow.

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WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR WORK?

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME CHALLENGES IN YOUR CAREER?

The most rewarding part of my work is knowing it makes a difference. In cybersecurity, success often happens behind the scenes — systems stay secure and crises are avoided — but that protection matters. I have a special passion for helping seniors stay safe online, as they are heavily targeted and often vulnerable to fraud. I also value encouraging young women to pursue careers in technology and public service. Representation matters, and if my journey shows someone else what is possible, that is incredibly meaningful. At the heart of it all, I simply love solving problems that strengthen and protect our community.

I have learned to pause when a challenge feels overwhelming. Sleeping on a problem and allowing perspective to settle often brings clarity and better decision-making. That space helps me respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally. Over time, I have also realized that many setbacks become unexpected opportunities. Instead of asking why something happened, I try to ask what it might make possible. Patience, perspective, and reframing adversity have been some of my most valuable tools.

WHAT FUTURE GOALS DO YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER? A major goal of mine was establishing a formal cybersecurity program for Calvert County Government, and I am proud to see it in place. Moving forward, I want to continue strengthening and maturing that program so it remains sustainable and resilient long after I leave. I also hope to mentor future cybersecurity leaders, especially young women entering the field. As technology evolves, my goal is to stay adaptable, continue educating our community about staying safe online, and leave behind both a strong program and empowered people.

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Photos courtesy of Victoria Yost

VICTORIA YOST Influencer To Watch Thyme and Tenderness

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE SELECTED AS A WOMAN TO WATCH?

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO START DOCUMENTING YOUR LIFE AS A STAY-ATHOME MOM ON SOCIAL MEDIA?

I am extremely honored to be selected as a Woman to Watch. It is a privilege to be amongst some great and notable women who help our community thrive and grow.

I started documenting my life in the fall of 2018. My husband and I had just become first-time homeowners. Having this responsibility came with a learning curve. I found myself browsing on YouTube to find tutorials on how to do certain things around the house. After watching these videos, I found them to be very motivating. So one day I propped up my camera and filmed myself cleaning my kitchen. From there, it snowballed, and I was able to help other women from all walks of life learn how to care for their homes and families.

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WHAT DO YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR VIDEOS AND BLOG POSTS? I hope that others are motivated and dignified when it comes to domestic duties. So many people, I have found, find domestic duties to be mundane or unimportant. I, however, find that the quiet, sometimes unseen work that goes into keeping a home is the most important. I hope that my viewers feel seen and that we can always find common ground.

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WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? Receiving an email from someone who has found my videos or posts helpful is always a huge highlight. One that sticks out to me was the time that I received an email from a young woman who was never taught how to cook or clean, so it was something she struggled with in adulthood. She told me that my videos don’t make her feel silly for not knowing.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS FOR THYME AND TENDERNESS? My goal is to always grow and reach more people so that I can be helpful to them. If I can bring a ray of positivity to at least one person, then my goal is achieved.

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driving global impact through profound innovation, leadership, and service—proudly rooted in

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Adams MultiMedia and Southern Maryland News would like to CONGRATULATE all of the 2026 Women to Watch nominees!

Congratulations Megan Sutphin, Christina Payne, & Karen Wathen SOMD Women to Watch Nominees W

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Congratulations to LifeStyles CEO Sandy Washington Congratulations to LifeStyles CEO Sandy Washington!

LEADING WITH HEART

Called to Serve ... Committed to Our Community 32

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If you suspect Medicare health care fraud, errors or abuse, the Calvert County Office on Aging can help. Fraud is when someone intentionally falsifies information to receive payment for services not provided. An error is an unintentional mistake that may be corrected after a call to your medical provider or supplier. Abuse is when your health care provider or supplier recommends services or equipment that are not medically necessary.

Calvert County Office on Aging

410-535-4606 or ooamailbox@calvertcountymd.gov 450 West Dares Beach Road Prince Frederick, MD 20678