Couldn’t Get a Ticket? You Can Still Support DWD Scholars

We can’t wait to see you at our inaugural Careforce Collective Leadership Breakfast, presented by CFG Bank! This first-ever gathering is officially sold out—a true reflection of the excitement around purpose, connection, and impact.

If you missed your opportunity to get a ticket, you can still support our DWD Scholars by making a donation here: 

dwyerworkforcedev.org/donate

To everyone joining us on October 9th at The Penguin Room at Whitehall Mill in Baltimore from 8:00–10:30 AM, we look forward to launching what will become a powerful new DWD tradition.

A special thank you to our incredible individual and corporate sponsors who made this day possible.

Watch our social media channels for the breakfast recap and a special Scholar success video!

The day couldn't be possible without our wonderful sponsors!

Baltimore’s Power 10 Welcomes DWD’s CEO

We’re so excited to congratulate DWD CEO, Barb Clapp, for being named a Baltimore Business Journal 2025 Power 10 Honoree.

In September, Barb proudly joined fellow leading Baltimore CEOs on stage to accept her award, expressing gratitude to the strong team and dedicated partners who continue to help her grow and advance DWD’s mission. 

No one is more deserving of this recognition. Congrats, Barb!

Barb is seen above with her fellow Power 10 CEO honorees.

The Daily Record Spotlights Maryland Dwyer Scholar Graduation

In August, DWD proudly celebrated a major milestone: its first three Scholars to become Licensed Practical Nurses, alongside 320 Scholars who earned their Certified Nursing Assistant certification. The milestone event at Southern Baptist Church in East Baltimore, featuring inspiring remarks from Jason Perkins-Cohen, Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, and a video message from Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore, was recognized in The Daily Record for its impact on addressing the healthcare workforce crisis.

Op-Ed: Nicole Kaufman on Strengthening Texas’ Healthcare Workforce

DWD Board Member Nicole Kaufman shares a powerful op-ed in Fort Worth INC, highlighting the urgent need for innovative healthcare workforce solutions. Texas is growing fast, but the number of healthcare workers hasn’t kept up—leaving our senior population especially vulnerable. That’s why education models like Dwyer Workforce Development’s tuition-free, support-driven approach are critical to building a stronger, more sustainable healthcare workforce.

Sunshine, Strategy & Florida Highlights

Members of our team recently traveled to Orlando for the 2025 Workforce Development Summit, and it was one for the books!  

COO, Maria Darby, and Director of Case Management, Sherna' Barksdale, took the stage with their presentation “Building Florida’s Frontline: Expanding Access to Healthcare Careers and Opportunity.” They demonstrated how nonprofits, workforce boards, and employers can partner to create accessible, inclusive pipelines into healthcare—while strengthening communities in the process. 

Investing in Workers to Power the Future of Senior Living

A recent Provider Magazine article highlights the critical role workforce development plays in the future of senior living. With staffing shortages threatening quality care, innovative programs—like DWD—are proving that investing in workers pays off for both employees and the communities they serve. By breaking down barriers and providing holistic support, these initiatives help ensure seniors receive the care and dignity they deserve while building strong career pathways for healthcare workers.

Op-Ed: Tom Geddes on Closing America's Healthcare Workforce Gap Demands Innovation and Action

The U.S. is facing a healthcare workforce crisis, especially in senior care. Nearly 10,000 people turn 65 every day, but staffing shortages put quality care and patient dignity at risk. In a new op-ed in Seniors Housing Business, DWD Board Member Tom Geddes highlights a solution: barrier-breaking workforce programs like DWD.

Graduations continued in September with Scholars across all our states celebrating after receiving their CNA or GNA certifications. We are so excited to see you all grow and thrive in your careers. 

Check out some pictures from the graduations below!

18 Scholars graduated from the Soul of Medicine in Maryland

9 Scholars graduated from Wellsential Ebony Lake and Rio Grande City in Texas

Our Dwyer Scholars deserve the best—which includes feeling and looking their best and that’s exactly what they get with our partners at Scrub In. Stacey-Ann and her amazing team go above and beyond to equip our Scholars in six different states with the scrubs they need to look professional and feel great.

Stacey-Ann has created new protocols and systems for us, truly tailoring Scrub In to fit our needs! Thank you, Scrub In, for your partnership and for helping us get our Scholars dressed for success!

Behind the Scenes—New Video Loading!

We had an exciting day capturing stories for our annual DWD video. We spent time with one of our inspiring Maryland Scholars—who recently earned her LPN certification - as well as a few of our dedicated partners. Stay tuned—we can't wait to share their stories. Here's a sneak peek with some behind the scenes photos. 

On the Ground in Texas: Health Insights from Accelerator 2025 

DWD Case Manager Jaime Rosas and Community Engagement Coordinator Joan Garza, along with Board Member Veronica Gonzales, attended the Accelerator 2025: The State of Health conference in the Rio Grande Valley. The event focused on non-medical drivers of health—like food access, transportation, and housing—and featured a poverty simulation that highlighted barriers families face in accessing care. Insights from the conference are helping DWD strengthen its support for Scholars and build healthier futures.

DWD Team Together in Baltimore—What a Week!

DWD team members from Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania joined our Maryland colleagues in Baltimore for a week full of training, collaboration, and fun. From celebrating birthdays to friendly competitions at Monster Mini Golf, the week was all about learning, bonding, and strengthening connections across the DWD family.

Cheers to Our Team Milestones!

We're thrilled to give a big shoutout to a few of our team members for hitting career milestones with DWD! 

Becca Thompson and Lana Abassi - 1 year at DWD

Geri Smith - 2 years at DWD

Sherna' Barksdale – 3 years at DWD

Thank you for bringing your best every single day. Here’s to many more! 

Warm Up With a Free Coat and More!

From October 6-10, Scholars can pick up a FREE new or gently used coat and winter accessories to stay cozy this season!

Career Q&A Sessions

DWD’s Director of Career Services, Lakita Green, is hosting four upcoming Q&A sessions for Scholars looking to advance their careers. Scholars can bring questions, get advice, and discover new opportunities to grow their skills and confidence.

Get Smart About Your Money

In October, we will be hosting a Financial Literacy event, where Scholars will learn practical tips for budgeting, saving, and planning for the future.

DWD is Growing 

We're expanding our team and looking for passionate individuals to join us in making a positive impact in Maryland!

Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a dynamic team committed to workforce development!

Know Someone Looking to Grow Their Career in Health Care?

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!

Help us spread the word about the impact and positive changes we are making in healthcare. Like, share, and follow our stories on social media to create awareness and inspire others to join our cause.