Congratulations to our Baltimore Rising Stars!
Please join us as we celebrate our 2018 class of Rising Stars, sponsored by the Baltimore Business Journal. All under the age of 40, Rising Stars are honored for their personal and professional achievements and for their charitable efforts.
Kristin Allender 
Senior Manager, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP; B.S. in Accounting, M.S. in Applied Information Technology, Towson University; Enjoys time with family, friends; Hobbies include snowboarding and traveling; Visited 16 countries.
James Bahr
Associate, CBRE Group, Inc.; B.S. in Finance, Loyola University of Maryland; Visited the Great Wall of China; Enjoys travel, ice hockey, trying new places to eat, going to concerts, golf, and hiking.
Kendall Barnes
Physician Assistant, MedStar Emergency Physicians; B.S., Penn State University; MPA, Eastern Virginia Medical School; Sustainable Farmer for 10 years; Hobbies include beekeeping, yoga, and traveling to Adirondack Mountains.
Mike Bass
Loan Officer, First Home Mortgage; B.A. in Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Teaches classes on benefits of homeownership; Sports fan; Hobbies include hiking, biking, camping, boating and wake surfing. 
Paris Bienert
Chair of the Democratic Party for Maryland’s 46th District. Graduate student at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Vice President of the Fells Prospect Community Association. Left wing for the Baltimore Blizzard Women’s Ice Hockey Team. 
Cole Blake
Director of Operations, Feature Flooring; B.A. in Psychology, University of New Hampshire; Enjoys live music; Plays harmonica and is the lead singer in a new 5-piece band; Avid pool player.
Nicole Canning
Senior Communication Manager, Allegis Global Solutions; B.S. in Communication Studies, Towson University; M.S. in Mental Health Counseling, Johns Hopkins University; Top nominee at Allegis Group for “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever” Award; Fosters kittens for BARCS.
Andre Cawley
Art Director, St. Paul Research, a division of Agora Financial; B.A. in Graphic Design, University of Maryland Baltimore County; Freelance Design for non-profits & political clients; Interests include pop culture, local events benefitting LGBTQ+ causes, traveling. 
Patrick Cotherman
Financial Advisor, Merrill Lynch; Bachelor of Science Majors in Management, Marketing, and Finance, University of South Carolina; Certified Financial Planner; Enjoys time with family and friends; Avid Ravens, Orioles, and South Carolina sports fan.
Richard Craft
Certified Financial Planner, Academy Financial; B.A. in International Business Management, Dickinson College; ChFC Designation, The American College; MS in Personal Financial Planning, College for Financial Planning; Partner in a new brewery coming soon to Baltimore.
Ashley Day
College Counselor, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School; B.A. Political Science, McDaniel College; MAT, Goucher College; Member of Midtown Academy, CollegeBound Alumni Board, and Emerging Leaders with United Way of Central Maryland; Interests include mentoring and educational opportunities for youth.
Steven C. Delany
Director, Global Loan Operations, Morgan Stanley; B.S. in Business Administration, Saint Joseph’s University; Co-Chair of Baltimore Corporate Social Responsibility Committee; Member of Red Shoe Crew; Crossroads School Mentor; Proud parent of his son, born April 2018.
Greg Furshman
Account Executive, KELLY Benefit Strategies; B.S. in Business Communication, Stevenson University; Serves on One Love Foundation Maryland Board, and Military Bowl Junior Board; Team captain of lacrosse team at Stevenson University; Head Coach for Koopers Lacrosse 2021 Club.
David Goldman
Leasing Associate, Seawall Development; B.S. in Marketing, Jacksonville University; Spent the last year rebuilding a 1973 BMW motorcycle; Worked with a team to organize and host the inaugural RemFest; Hopes to one day have a personal glass blowing studio. 
Michele Hayes
Attorney, Niles, Barton, & Wilmer LLP; B.S. in Psychology and Sociology, University of Maryland, College Park; Juris Doctor, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law; Licensed in MD, PA, and DC; Certified Yoga Teacher at Corepower Yoga.  
Michael Hoffman
Director, Verdence Capital Advisors; B.S. in Political Science and Government, James Madison University; Certified Financial Planner; Active in his community and volunteering; Married with a 1-year-old daughter.
Jacob Klein
Supervisor, Klein’s ShopRite of Maryland; B.A., Washington University in St. Louis; M.B.A. in Finance and Health Care Management, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School; 4th generation member of a family-owned and operated grocery store, Klein's ShopRite; Co-Founder of Harlem Lacrosse. 
Michael LaRoque
Co-Founder, SpotsWash, LLC; President, Champagne Campaign; B.S. in Business Management, York College of Pennsylvania; Enjoys giving back to the community and raising money for local charities; Hobbies include golf, lacrosse, sailing, and the Steeplechase Racing.
Maria Mendoza
Senior Project Manager, MOI, Inc.; Bachelor of Fine Art, Maryland Institute College of Art; Multidisciplinary artist, and creative professional; Served as a guest juror at the Sitar Arts Center in Washington, DC; Featured artist in the Baltimore Style Magazine.
Alicia Mozina
Founder, The Empowered Women’s Network; 8+ years studying early child development, psychology, marketing, and human behavior; Believes in the power of community - “In order to rise individually, we must rise together.”
Jessica Nyce
Registered Representative, Thompson Financial Group; B.A. in Communications, Wake Forest University; FINRA Licensed Broker; Visited 7 countries, studied abroad in London; Hobbies include cooking, exercising, reading, running, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, traveling, time with family and friends.
Lindsay E. Prokopetz
Brand Manager, Laureate Online Education; B.S. in Life Science Communication, University of Wisconsin, Madison; M.S. in Communication, Towson University; Chair of Scholarship for the Junior League of Baltimore.
Josh Russakis
Director of Baltimore & Providence, Venture for America; B.A., Amherst College; Amateur mechanic with a love to rebuild/restore vintage Asian and European motorcycles; Enjoys reading, listening to music, or checking out the newest restaurant in Baltimore.  
Melanie Shimano
Data Automation & Technology Analyst, Baltimore City Department of General Services; Founder/Director, Food Computer Program; M.S. in Engineering Management, B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University; Passionate about providing STEM; Built computer-controlled robotic arm.
Chris Skandalis
Vice President of Commercial Lending, The Columbia Bank; B.S. in Sports Management, Towson University; Enjoys spending time with family, watching his children compete in their sports, vacationing, volunteering, and playing golf.
Paige Tester
Digital Content Specialist, 14 West/The Agora Companies; B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies, Towson University; Honors College Graduate; Studied in Scotland for 6 months; Manages Philanthropy Program at The Agora Companies; Owned own dog walking company; Enjoys yoga.
Laura Vogel
Owner, Little Red House Company; Vice President, Marking, Bunnik L.L.C.; B.A. in Psychology, Northwestern University; Integrated Marketing Communications Certificate, Medill School of Journalism; Grew up sailboat racing; Loves windsurfing, skiing, wakesurfing, and her golden retriever, Ollie. 
Devin Walsh
Chief Operating Officer, Chesapeake Brokerage, LLC; B.S., West Virginia University; Co-Chairman for Annual “Be A Hero” Gala, Baltimore Child Abuse Center; Founder of Clipper City Business Builders; Co-Founder of the Calvert Hall Business Network; Enjoys golf, traveling, playing guitar.
Caryn York
Executive Director, Jobs Opportunities Task Force; B.A. in International Studies, Washington College; Board President, Out for Justice, Inc.; Board Member, United Way of Central Maryland; Commissioner, Baltimore City Wage Commission; Commissioner, Maryland Access to Justice Commission.

Special thanks to Rising Stars presenting sponsor Baltimore Business Journal and Rhonda Pringle.

Additional thanks to Southwest Airlines, Ampersea, Tony Foreman and Bar Vasquez, Sagamore Pendry Baltimore, Photography by Tre`Lynn, and
Living Classrooms' Associate Leadership Council.
Join Living Classrooms and our Rising Stars
at Maritime Magic Tomorrow!
Friday, September 28, 2018
7:00pm
1417 Thames Street, Fells Point

The weather is looking fine for the 32nd Annual Maritime Magic! The evening will feature an incredible live performance by reggae legends The Wailers, delicious food & drinks from over 80 of Baltimore's hottest chefs, a fabulous silent auction, and a beautiful night under the stars.

Our 2018 Rising Stars will be honored during a private ceremony prior to the start of Maritime Magic.
Advanced Ticket Sales Have Closed but Tickets Are Still Available!

Nominate a 2019 Rising Star
Rising Stars honorees are up-and-coming young professionals in Baltimore and Washington, DC who are nominated and selected based on their professional achievements and philanthropic efforts. Honorees participate in networking and philanthropic activities throughout the year and are recognized in the media. The program culminates with an awards celebration. 

Do you know someone who is rising in their field and should be recognized in 2019?

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