September 25, 2025
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Westminster Hall
519 West Fayette Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Thank you to all who attended
Hosted By
Kelly Swoope
Anchor/Reporter, WMAR - News Baltimore
Keynote Speaker
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Kurt Schmoke
President, University of Baltimore;
Mayor of Baltimore (1987 - 1999)
Honorees
We are pleased to honor the following individuals and organizations for their unwavering commitment to uplifting young people—through leadership, mentorship, advocacy, and community empowerment that embodies the spirit of HeartSmiles.
We are honored to recognize their impactful contributions to HeartSmiles and celebrate their role in shaping a better future for Baltimore's young people.
Candace Chance
Executive Director,
BCIITY
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Diane Bell-McCoy
President,
Opportunity Connection
Kyla Liggett-Creel
PhD, LCSW-C | Executive Director of EMBRACE at University of Maryland Baltimore
Robin R. Haybes
HeartSmiles CFO
Chanel White
Chief of Staff, Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement
Emma Jagasia
PhD, MPH
HeartSmiles Board Member
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Morgan Prioleau
Director of Youth Experience and Programs, HeartSmiles
Tony White
Community Leader
Chas Ackley
Executive Director, Baltimore
Urban Alliance
Katrina Brooks
Assistant Director,
Baltimore City Health Department, Office of Youth & Trauma Services
Nia Redmond
President and Founder
East Baltimore
Historical Library
Wesley Hawkins
Executive Director,
The Nolita Project
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About The Event
HeartSmiles is turning 10 — and we’re celebrating in a big way with our very first gala! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon at the stunning Westminster Hall, featuring a delicious catered lunch, powerful youth voices, and high-impact networking with changemakers who believe in Baltimore’s future.
Tickets are $110. A portion of each ticket is tax-deductible, and sponsorships are available to support HeartSmiles’ general operating fund and continued impact in the lives of Baltimore youth.
We’re not just celebrating a milestone — we’re honoring every young person, mentor, partner, and supporter who has helped build HeartSmiles into what it is today. And we’re setting the stage for what’s next: more opportunities and a deeper impact.
This is more than a celebration — it’s a call to action. Don’t miss it.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dress: Business Attire
Parking: Metered street parking may be available. Public parking is located at the Baltimore Grand Garage, which is open 24 hours a day and is located at 5 N. Paca Street around the corner from Westminster Hall. (From the Baltimore Grand Garage, walk toward Lexington Market, then make a left onto Fayette Street.)
Questions? Email Simone Joye, Director of Development - giving@heartsmilesmd.com
Sponsors
Supporters & Friends
Brendan McCluckey
Harolyn Belcher
Kennedy Krieger Institute
Phillip Leaf
Nkenge Yasin
Business Directory
DH Solutions
DH Solutions is an HR consulting firm dedicated to supporting mission-driven organizations and government agencies committed to public service and making a positive social impact.
Rehabilitation Center For Humanity
Rehabilitation Center for Humanity (RCH) was established to provide effective outpatient mental health services to individuals located in Baltimore City and surrounding areas. We promote independent living skills through intensive daily support. In the evenings, clients return home where they get hands-on practice using the skills they learn during the day.
The Ryan Institute
