October 31, 2008
the Difference
Meet one of our Divas of Debris
Arriving in Baltimore from Nigeria in 1990, Val Ukwuoma, began working as a Recycling Inspector for Baltimore City. In 17 years she rose through the ranks and today is the Bureau Head - Bureau of Solid Waste. In only 17 months as the head of this division of Public Works, knowing every aspect of this complex organization, she has taken the department from being considered an enemy of the neighborhoods, to being an effective partner. She has led by example, in the Cleaner Greener Baltimore campaign by chaning systems to be cost-effective and user friendly.
She is motivating community groups around the City to step up to the plate “Don’t make excuses…make a Difference” and is affectionately known as the leader of the “Divas of Debris”. Her cohorts are Tonya Simmons, Celeste Amato, Hope Williams and Tiffany Hall.
Click here for the full article.
Rebecca Yenawine and Kids on the Hill
Rebecca Yenawine, is a remarkable woman and artist. But, it is her work with the young people in Reservoir Hill that makes her stand tall. 15 years ago, a recent MICA graduate, she began inviting kids off the street and into her home to play the piano, paint, draw and talk.
Today, Kids on the Hill serves 45 young people, ages 13 – 18, during the after-school hours, and offers them a variety of opportunities including community arts, entrepreneurship, mentoring, experiential academics, civic engagement and neighborhood revitalization projects.
The range of activities is very contemporary -- from a sculpture garden and mural projects; to forums with the Police Dept. that attempt to ease strained relations.
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