A Morning of Impact:

Celebrating DWD’s Second-Annual Careforce Collective

Thank you to everyone who joined us for DWD's annual fundraising breakfast last week. Careforce Collective brought together passionate partners, donors, industry leaders, changemakers, and community members for an inspiring morning of connection and celebration.

Four Dwyer Scholars delivered heartfelt speeches about their journeys to becoming thriving healthcare professionals. Pictured below, left to right: Meshaun, a Patient Care Technician at University of Maryland Medical Center; Mercedes, a GNA at FutureCare Good Samaritan; Chanel, a Patient Care Associate at LifeBridge Health; and Ashley, a MedTech at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.

Many thanks to these inspirational Scholars for sharing powerful stories of perseverance and how access to opportunity can transform lives, families, and communities. Stay tuned for the full event recap!

We are Better Together!

Change is only possible when communities come together to unite a shared vision. By showing up and investing in our mission, you continue to help us grow, expand access to opportunity, address nationwide healthcare workforce shortages, and reach our goal to serve 100,000 Scholars by 2030.

Couldn't join us this year? You can still contribute to the impact!

Every gift helps create life-changing opportunities for future healthcare professionals. Thank you for supporting our mission!

For more info about Careforce Collective, please contact DWD Director of Development Elizabeth Gibson at egibson@dwyerworkforcedev.org.

DWD HQ Hosts Small Business Committee Roundtable Event:

Workforce Development in America

Hosted at DWD’s Baltimore headquarters, the Workforce Development in America roundtable welcomed a successful day of critical and inspiring conversations around workforce challenges. CEO Barb Clapp joined a powerful panel of bipartisan political representatives and leaders in education and economic growth.

Along with Barb, panelists featured Maryland congressman Johnny Olszewski, Chairman Roger Williams who represents Texas’s 25th congressional district, Secretary Portia Wu who leads the Maryland Department of Labor, Community College of Baltimore County President Dr. Sandra Kurtnitis, Baltimore County’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Education & Engagement Dr. Jennifer Lynch, and Bruce Spector, founder of Electronic Technology Associates and co-founder of the Baltimore Cyber Range.

Discussion topics centered around career and technical education (CTE), career pathways for healthcare workers, and Maryland’s Employment Advancement Right Now (EARN) program that removes barriers and connects jobseekers to employment while creating career pathways and strengthening the state’s economy.  

Read the media coverage in The Baltimore Sun:

DWD Makes Headlines in 
Jacksonville Business Journal

DWD's efforts in Jacksonville, Florida, have received some well-deserved attention. The Jacksonville Business Journal recently spotlighted our expanding presence in the region, highlighting Sharron Nursing Academy’s role in preparing Dwyer Scholars for nursing careers.

The article showcases how DWD and its training partners are helping address Florida’s nursing shortage while creating new pathways to meaningful healthcare careers.

MIC CHECK!🎙️

On Air with Baltimore in Focus Podcast  

DWD CEO Barb Clapp discusses life, workforce development, and DWD’s “secret sauce” with Gabe Ortis on the Baltimore In Focus podcast where he hosts long-form conversations with Baltimore’s community leaders and changemakers. 

Ortis is a popular radio host on WYPR and comes from a family of healthcare workers which reflects in the passion centered around this important conversation on workforce shortages. 



Listen to the full episode below:

DWD featured on TXAN 24 News

Texas-based digital news outlet KXAN 24 highlighted DWD's recent announcement of the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund grant awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission.

The $240,000 grant supports DWD's partnership with Launch Point CDC in Northeast Houston, expanding CNA training opportunities and connecting graduates to careers with hospitals, long-term care facilities, and healthcare providers across Harris County.

DWD has served more than 7,000 Texas Scholars to date, and this grant marks another step forward in strengthening the healthcare workforce while connecting Texans to life-changing careers.  

Melissa's Success Story

As Melissa soars into her first year as a CNA, she shares her story about facing setbacks and prevailing to fulfill her aspirations. After graduating earlier this year, she recently landed a CNA position with Genesis Healthcare at Franklin Woods Center in Baltimore – the same facility where she visited her great-grandmother who suffered from dementia. 

While working night shifts as a CNA, she’s also studying nursing at Baltimore City Community College and plans to eventually enroll in a program to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Melissa is one of the many Dwyer Scholars across the nation to land a rewarding career in healthcare. It's success stories like this that prove determination and resilience leads to inspirational outcomes. Congrats, Melissa!

DWD Joins Community Leaders & Policymakers at Workforce Education Event in Tallahassee, Florida

DWD partner, The Moore Agency, recently teamed up with Allegiant Strategies Group to host a workforce education event at our partner training campus, Tallahassee State College.

DWD board member Monesia Brown and Chief Engagement Officer Maria Darby fostered critical conversations with key stakeholders including Florida Prepaid College Foundation Director Cindy O’Connell and President Will Thompson, Florida Senator Corey Simon, Deputy Secretary at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Adrienne Campbell, and Florida Department of Education Chancellor Dr. Ashley Meros. 

Erika Donalds (pictured left), wife of Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds, shared thoughtful perspectives while building insightful conversations around local workforce development as a stop on The Promise Tour, their statewide political campaign.

DWD Attends ACTE Region II Conference 
in Kentucky

DWD Chief Engagement Officer Maria Darby and Director of Partner Success Teressa Turner recently attended the Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) Region II Conference in Lexington, Kentucky. The ACTE conference provides professional development opportunities to advance knowledge and skills in CTE and leadership. Maria and Teressa connected with industry leaders and advocated for our mission in the speaker session, “Powerful Partnerships: Building Pathways to Successful Healthcare Careers."

Gear Up for Game Day! DWD Wins Big at Pennsylvania Healthcare Association Convention & Expo

Maria and Teressa also presented DWD’s story at the 2026 PHCA Convention & Expo in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where they connected with employer partner, Saber Healthcare, as well as potential new partners. This year’s “Gear Up for Game Day” theme was fitting for energetic day of building opportunities as DWD expands its footprint in Pennsylvania. 

Dwyer Scholars Attend Baltimore County Provider Council Luncheon

Thank you to the Baltimore County Provider Council for the generous gift to support career advancement for Dwyer Scholars!

This event welcomed DWD alongside a few proud Dwyer Scholars including Maraina (pictured left) and Kathy (pictured right), who presented powerful speeches at the Maryland graduation this summer. Maraina currently works as a PCT at Greater Baltimore Medical Center's oncology department, and Kathy holds the position of Lead GNA at Towson Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center.

Two more Scholars who boast success stories are Ashley (pictured right) who was one of DWD’s very first Scholars, has continued advancing her career from CNA and GNA roles to her current position as a MedTech, and delivered a keynote speech at Careforce Collective, and Talia (pictured left), who started her own healthcare transportation company with her husband called CharmMed Services. We are so proud to see them soar!

Maryland Graduation: The Soul of Medicine

Recently, 24 Dwyer Scholars celebrated completing the CNA program at The Soul of Medicine Training Center with a ceremony at University of Maryland, Baltimore’s Community Engagement Center in Baltimore City. A few of these Scholars’ journeys were made possible thanks to the EARN ENOUGH Grant for Cherry Hill awarded to DWD from the Maryland Department of Labor. 

One graduating Scholar, Brianna, a senior at Carver Vocational Technical High School in Baltimore, took initiative to pursue the program over the summer. 
Her drive and determination is inspirational!   

Texas Graduation: The Heights Of Bulverde

Alongside our training partner, Touchstone Communities, DWD celebrated another class of graduating Scholars in Texas. Four Scholars completed CNA training at The Heights of Bulverde, a skilled nursing facility serving Bulverde and surrounding communities throughout the San Antonio suburbs. 

Florida Graduation: South Florida Healthcare Institute

Further south in Boca Raton, Florida, DWD is proud to continue growth across the state and honor the graduates of South Florida Healthcare Institute (left) and MorseLife Health System (right). These Scholars are one step closer to making a difference in the healthcare workforce! 

New States Means New Partnerships & Possibilities!

Blessings Healthcare Career Academy

Illinois

As DWD grows and expands to new states to serve more Scholars across the nation, we’re thrilled to announce our first official training partner in Illinois! Blessing Healthcare Career Academy serves hundreds of students each year through training programs for CNA, phlebotomy, and CPR certifications.

Hugs Inc. Health Career Training

Illinois

We’re also delighted to welcome our second official Illinois training partner, Hugs Inc. Health Career Training. Located in Lansing, IL, they offer certification programs for CNA, EKG, and phlebotomy. This nurse-owned training center is committed to building careers and healthcare-related opportunities to the Cook County community. 

Goodwill Columbus

Ohio

Another exciting debut to celebrate is DWD’s first community partnership in Ohio! This Goodwill organization is much more than the popular retail store and donation center. In addition to the charity, this location provides free workforce development and career training opportunities for online and in-person courses and certifications throughout Franklin County. 

New Training Partnerships in North Carolina 

Shades of Purple Health Training Institute

This new partner boasts a variety of academics and tailored programs including CNA and phlebotomy courses, in-service training, and CPR certification classes offered weekly. In addition to their Raleigh location, Shades of Purple recently expanded to another facility in Sanford, NC, aligning with DWD’s goal to increase training opportunities and serve more Scholars across the state.  

Lotus Healthcare Academy 

Based in Raleigh, NC, this academy specializes in phlebotomy training programs and career-focused support. Along with phlebotomy certifications, Lotus Healthcare Academy offers skills refresher workshops and focuses on preparing students for entry-level healthcare careers. This exciting new partnership directly connects Scholars to job openings and career advancement opportunities. 

Building on Momentum in Maryland

Hallmark Health Consulting Services 

As DWD continues a valuable employer partnership with Health Consulting Services, which currently serves several Maryland facilities, we’re thrilled to welcome Hallmark Health Consulting to our growing network of partners. This consulting service supports six of DWD’s partner facilities with locations in Baltimore City, Howard County, and Cecil County.  

Learning How

As our model prides itself on providing critical support services to Scholars throughout their journey, DWD is proud to re-introduce one of our valued partners, Nkenge Yasin with Learning How MD. Finding reliable, high-quality childcare is often one of the biggest challenges Scholars face. This partnership offers affordable and reduced rates as a fantastic opportunity to enhance support in Maryland.

Lights. Camera. Action! 🎥

Stay Tuned for DWD’s New Annual Video

From inspiring Scholar stories to compelling partner and trainer testimonials across several states, we’ve rounded everything up to showcase what DWD is doing to make an impact in not only the healthcare workforce but also in shaping the lives of so many. Here’s a sneak peak with some behind-the-scenes shots. Stay tuned for the video premiere coming soon!

Watch Us Go–and Grow!

As DWD continues to grow and expand resources to help Scholars prepare for successful career journeys, we’ve refreshed our newsletter to bring you more updates, success stories, and essential news across our communities. Stay tuned for news arriving directly to your inbox at the beginning of each month! 



If you have a success story to share, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact communications@dwyerworkforcedev.org.

Know Someone Looking to Grow Their Career in Healthcare?

Calling all nonprofits, government agencies, case managers, social workers, faith community leaders, and counselors dedicated to serving unemployed and under-employed community members! We invite you to connect with us and explore how we can collaborate to become a valuable workforce development resource for your organization and the individuals you support. 

Let's work together to empower and uplift our community through meaningful employment opportunities and skill-building programs. Reach out to us today to start this impactful journey together!

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