About

Congratulations to this year’s brilliant cohort of young professionals chosen as the 2025 Living Classrooms Foundation Rising Stars. These outstanding individuals, under the age of 40, are the next generation of Baltimore philanthropists and business visionaries.

2025 Rising Stars

Bridgette Andrzejewski Smith, a Lutherville Timonium native, was a three-time All-American at McDonogh before committing to the University of North Carolina, where she played collegiate soccer before becoming a professional soccer player. Now a licensed realtor for three years with Cummings & Company, she is projected to close $10 million in sales in 2025. She volunteers at her local church by hosting morning services and helping with social media. She also leads a women’s Bible study of over 30 women. She and her husband recently welcomed a new baby!

Angela Avent is an attorney at Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP, specializing in employment, medical malpractice, and commercial litigation matters. Angela graduated from Norfolk State University with a B.A. in Political Science, and she graduated from Charlotte School of Law with Pro Bono Highest Honors. Angela has a deep passion for fostering a sense of belonging in young men and women from underserved communities through mentoring and speaking engagements. Also, Angela enjoys church fellowship, traveling, and collecting vinyl records!

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Angela Avent: https://www.justgiving.com/page/angela-avent-1

Jordan Bellamy is a 2L law student at American University’s Washington College of Law. She is the Director of Communications/Government Relations Associate at the Bellamy Genn Group. Jordan worked at Everytown for Gun Safety and served as press secretary for a Maryland gubernatorial candidate. She graduated magna cum laude from Gordon College, where she received the President's Leadership Award and an award for her thesis on AI in criminal justice system during her junior year at the University of Oxford.

Meredith Bowman is an Export Supervisor at Mediterranean Shipping Company with over four years of experience in Logistics and fifteen years in Administration. She graduated from Towson University with a degree in Graphic Design and has worked as a Curator for an auction company and an Administrator in the medical field. She is passionate about supporting her community as a board member of The Traffic Club of Baltimore and a member of MSC’s Charity Committee. She loves traveling and attending festivals around Baltimore.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Meredith Bowman: https://www.justgiving.com/page/meredith-bowman-1

Erin Brooks is an attorney at Silverman Thompson Slutkin & White, where she focuses her practice on real estate, domestic, and business litigation. Erin graduated from Manhattan College, received a master's degree in social work from New York University, and received her law degree from the University of Baltimore. Erin is passionate about dedicating her time to various volunteer groups, including Pathfinder Village and the Down Syndrome Association of Maryland, both of which focus on empowering and advocating for individuals with Down syndrome.

Joey Cahalan is a principal at Brown Advisory working with families, trusts, and institutions to construct investment portfolios across a range of public and private asset classes. Joey joined Brown Advisory in 2015 after graduating from Loyola University Maryland. Joey also serves on the board of the Volo Kids Foundation and lives in Fells Point.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Joey Cahalan: https://www.justgiving.com/page/joseph-cahalan-1

With electric pink hair and a personality to match, Ashley Carr is the sparkplug of Strategic Factory’s marketing and business development. A networking guru and branding genius, she's the friendly face everyone knows at events, championing nonprofits and local businesses. Actively involved with the Hunt Valley Business Forum and The League for People with Disabilities, she proves marketing is best done with heart—and flair. When Ashley isn't working, she enjoys spontaneous road trips and discovering new local food.

Dana Cahill works at Kelly Benefits as a Communications Specialist and Account Manager within Kelly Benefits Strategies. She works closely with KBS Client Communications, Marketing and Account Management to ensure seamless communication and coordination between departments while also serving as an Account Manager. A former women’s lacrosse goalie at Penn State University, Dana also concurrently has remained close to the game she loves through coaching. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and minors in Business and English.

Tierney Gormley is the Marketing Operations Manager at OPEXUS + Casepoint, the leading government workflow management and eDiscovery software. Currently in her role, she is working to align go-to-market systems and processes following a Thoma Bravo-backed merger. Tierney holds a BS in Art History from Towson University. Outside work, she volunteers in various roles at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, supports her community through mutual aid organizations, plays tennis, and enjoys time with her rescue dog, Beau.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Tierney Gormley: https://www.justgiving.com/page/tierney-gormley-1

An Interior Design Associate at Patrick Sutton Design Services, Cecilia Hutt brings creative vision and technical precision to luxury residential and hospitality projects. With degrees in interior design and architectural drafting, she moved to Baltimore to pursue a lifelong passion for beautiful spaces. She’s grateful her role allows her to bring charm to everyday life and uplift the community. Beyond the workplace, Cecilia is a reader, poet, artist, and animal fosterer, channeling the same care and creativity into every aspect of life.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Cecilia Hutt: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cecilia-hutt-1

Cindy Lam, a dynamic Human Capital Management Sales Consultant at PNI•HCM for two years, excels in streamlining payroll and HR processes for businesses and organizations. A proud NC State alum and President's Club achiever, Cindy loves singing, dancing, musical theater, cooking, and all things Disney. Fun fact: she speaks three languages!

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Cindy Lam: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cindy-lam-rising-stars

Josh Matanin, Vice President in JPMorganChase’s Commercial & Investment Bank, serves as a crucial link between the bank, companies, founders, and investors, fostering long-term success for parties involved. With extensive experience in global banking, investment banking, and asset management, Josh offers insightful and innovative solutions to elevate companies at any stage of their life cycle. A Maryland native and Rutgers graduate, he is committed to supporting the Greater Baltimore region and ensuring JPMorganChase aligns with community interests, fostering growth and collaboration.

Allan Mathew is a Supervisor in RSM US LLP’s Technology Consulting practice, specializing in optimizing business processes through automation for middle market companies. Allan is a Certified Public Accountant who holds dual degrees in Information Systems and Accounting from Salisbury University. Leading RSM’s Mid-Atlantic Stewardship initiative, Allan partners with nonprofits in the MD, VA, DC area like Living Classrooms to develop future leaders. He also serves on the Maryland Association of CPAs, Association of Corporate Growth, and various BCPS organizations, with a passion to empower young professionals in Maryland. Allan enjoys vacations at the beach with his wife and Mini-Bernedoodle.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Allan Matthew: https://www.justgiving.com/page/allan-mathew

Currently the Inside Sales Manager at IZI Medical Products, Camryn McDonell leads a team of seven dedicated sales reps. Prior to this position, she was a sales rep at IZI for a year, finishing at 110% to quota before being promoted. Camryn graduated from Towson University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Outside of work, she loves hiking with her dogs and being with family/friends.

Samira Mitias received her BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Maryland-College Park in 2022 and is now working towards a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Maryland-Baltimore (UMB). Her research is focused on the cellular and molecular basis of learning and memory. She is passionate about STEM outreach and spends lots of time doing science workshops and demonstrations at local schools in Baltimore with a volunteer group from UMB.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Samira Mitias: https://www.justgiving.com/page/samira-mitias-1

Onyi Okoroafor is a Strategy Director with Huge Inc, a digital agency based in Brooklyn. He has spent nearly 15 years as a strategic advisor to senior executives, since earning his MBA at the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago. He earned a finance degree from Washington University in St. Louis, where he was a member of the men’s soccer team. In his spare time, he enjoys endurance exercise and spending time with his wife and two kids.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Onyi Okoroafor: https://www.justgiving.com/page/onyi-okoroafor

Bridgette Onnen works at Bozzuto and proudly serves as the Director of Social Impact and Communications. Bridgette oversees Rise, Bozzuto’s corporate social responsibility platform that has become the heartbeat of our community engagement efforts. This role perfectly aligns with her core values as she is passionate about philanthropy. She is a boy mom of two from Baltimore County who loves being with family, friends or on the beach.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Bridgette Onnen: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bridgette-onnen

Lauren Petri is the lead Global Food Stylist for McCormick. She graduated from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and Food Service Management. Lauren is passionate about making beautiful, delicious food and building connections through hospitality. Four years ago, she co-founded a seasonal chocolate business, donating all proceeds to local Baltimore charities. In her free time, you can find her making wedding cakes, working on house projects, and planning her next adventure.

Mercedes Pollom is the COO of Red Ball Consultants, a digital marketing firm focused on strategic online growth. She is also a partner and co-founder of the Harford Trade Organization, helping blue-collar businesses network and gain referrals. Mercedes holds a Marketing degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus, with expertise in strategic marketing, consumer behavior, and market analysis. Her experience includes audience targeting, optimizing marketing strategies, and using data-driven insights to drive business growth.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Mercedes Pollom: https://www.justgiving.com/page/mercedes-pollom

Del’Vaughn Rooks is a media executive and Founder of DelloFlix, a Maryland-based creative agency, and VP of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships at La Familia Soundstage. With over a decade of experience, he’s led campaigns and built brand partnerships across business and entertainment. Featured on Radio One and a member of Dream Big Networking, he’s passionate about mentorship, creative strategy, and using media to inspire growth, foster innovation, and support the next generation of changemakers.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Del’Vaughn Rooks:

Henry Schmidt

Sam Rudow is the Clinical Research Manager at the University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center where he oversees regulatory/quality operations for research studies aimed at improving quality-of-life for patients with cancer. He is currently pursuing an MBA from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School where he graduated from the Center for Innovative Leadership Fellowship program. Sam is passionate about science, health, and fitness and is a multi-marathon finisher including the Baltimore Marathon in 2016.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Sam Rudow: https://www.justgiving.com/page/samrudow

Jessica Scheffenacker is the proud owner of Clock Tower Coffee and Bakery, based out of Hanover, Maryland. She studied at MICA, majoring in experimental Fashion. After working in fashion merchandising and sales throughout Baltimore, she ventured out and opened her own Coffee shop. She brings her philanthropic passions to her work by partnering with other small businesses in the Baltimore area and selling their products at her store.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Jessica Scheffenacker: https://www.justgiving.com/page/clocktowercoffeeandbakery

Annie Shipley is an Executive Assistant for the Baltimore Orioles. She holds a B.S. in Communications from Towson University and both an M.S. in Sport Management and an MBA from George Washington University. With years of experience in professional sports operations and executive support, Annie thrives in fast-paced environments. She’s passionate about community engagement and enhancing the player and fan experience. Outside of work, she enjoys watching and playing various sports, photography, picking crabs, and spending time on the water.

Ilona Shparaga is a business litigation attorney at Silverman Thompson. She represents businesses and individuals in a wide range of complex business disputes, breach of contract, intentional torts, construction, civil rights, employment and fiduciary related matters. Ilona graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2017, and received her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Baltimore in 2014.

Donate to Living Classrooms in honor of Ilona Shparaga:

Alan Tsao graduated from the University of Baltimore with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, specializing in Marketing, and an MBA specializing in Entrepreneurship. He is the Owner of Tsao Baltimore Watch Company, a premium watch company, established in 2017, with designs inspired by Maryland’s rich history. Recently, Alan was given steel from the Francis Scott Key Bridge to build 500 timepieces. Once finished he’ll be donating over $200,000 (100% of the profits) back to the families of the victims.

Colby Smith is a Baltimore native. Founder and CEO of Digital Bay Center, Inc. He was born to the Honorable Paul A. Smith, Sr. and Veronica G. Smith, and continues their legacy of public service. Colby is experienced in policy and grant writing. Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce-Board Member/Legislative Committee Chair. His economic development efforts include offering startup assistance to aspiring entrepreneurs through the VIATOR Business Incubator. He attended Hampton University, an Entrepreneurship major. A father, he enjoys family and fitness.

Ethan Weiss-Starr is a dynamic interior designer, stylist, and decorator with over a decade of experience crafting compelling environments. Holding degrees in both Interior Design and Fashion Merchandising, his career has straddled both fields merchandising for brands like Versace, Gucci, BCBG, and Neiman Marcus. His love of style found him wardrobe styling and eventually working as the Fashion Editor at Awaken Magazine, before eventually bringing his eye for fashion to luxury residential design. Ethan began working for Patrick Sutton, the storied Interior Designer and Architect, after he and his husband, Richard, settled in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore from Orlando in 2023.