We believe that authentic and meaningful relationships are essential in order to be successful in your career.

Our Made in Maryland Brand Summit will celebrate Baltimore’s brilliant, innovative, creative, and influential industry leaders, encouraging conversations about entrepreneurship and brand building. This all-day event will feature dynamic speakers, panel discussions, and Q&As, plus plenty of networking opportunities. While mingling with fellow visionaries, guests will enjoy eats and drinks, all in good company.

For sponsorship opportunities, email [email protected].
Adam Smith
Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, Laureate International Universities

Adam first joined Laureate International Universities, a global network of universities enrolling over 850,000 students, in 2014. Now, based in Baltimore, Adam leads a team who drive internal, executive, and external communication, as well as a wide range of social impact initiatives across Laureate’s global network. Adam continues to volunteer as a mentor, facilitator, and adviser for a number of nonprofits, particularly those supporting LGBTIQ youth.

Adam Smith
Vice President, Communications & Public Affairs, Laureate International Universities

Adam first joined Laureate International Universities, a global network of universities enrolling over 850,000 students, in 2014. Now, based in Baltimore, Adam leads a team who drive internal, executive, and external communication, as well as a wide range of social impact initiatives across Laureate’s global network. Adam continues to volunteer as a mentor, facilitator, and adviser for a number of nonprofits, particularly those supporting LGBTIQ youth.

Alexandra Seward
Digital Marketing Manager, Atlas Restaurant Group

Alexandra Seward is a Baltimore native and recent graduate from Johns Hopkins University. While at Hopkins she played Division 1 lacrosse under Coach Janine Tucker. She also runs the local food-influencer account @Foodie2Shoes_. In addition to working at Atlas, Alexandra teaches yoga at Corepower Yoga in Baltimore.

Alexandra Seward
Digital Marketing Manager, Atlas Restaurant Group

Alexandra Seward is a Baltimore native and recent graduate from Johns Hopkins University. While at Hopkins she played Division 1 lacrosse under Coach Janine Tucker. She also runs the local food-influencer account @Foodie2Shoes_. In addition to working at Atlas, Alexandra teaches yoga at Corepower Yoga in Baltimore.

Alissa Ganser
Chief Service Office, Business Volunteers Maryland

Alissa Ganser leads the Business Volunteers Maryland suite of programming, supporting 50+ corporate partners in community engagement and social responsibility. She is also the organization’s lead consultant, developing custom CSR strategies, systems, and plans that meet business goals and deliver maximum impact. Alissa is a Maryland State certified school administrator, school teacher, and holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins University.

Alissa Ganser
Chief Service Office, Business Volunteers Maryland

Alissa Ganser leads the Business Volunteers Maryland suite of programming, supporting 50+ corporate partners in community engagement and social responsibility. She is also the organization’s lead consultant, developing custom CSR strategies, systems, and plans that meet business goals and deliver maximum impact. Alissa is a Maryland State certified school administrator, school teacher, and holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins University.

Bari Rosenstein
Social Media Manager, Honest Tea & ZICO Water

Before starting with The Coca-Cola Company managing social media for Honest and ZICO coconut water in 2018, Bari jump-started her career by working in advertising agencies in the Baltimore area. She’s managed accounts ranging from food service, technology, retail, the automotive industry, apartment listings, and healthcare.

Bari Rosenstein
Social Media Manager, Honest Tea & ZICO Water

Before starting with The Coca-Cola Company managing social media for Honest and ZICO coconut water in 2018, Bari jump started her career by working in advertising agencies in the Baltimore area. She’s managed accounts ranging from food service, technology, retail, the automotive industry, apartment listings, and healthcare.

Chichi Nyagah-Nash
Director, General Services, City of Baltimore

As the Director of the Department of General Services (DGS), Chichi Nyagah-Nash oversees support services of the city’s departments as well as the mayoral and councilmanic offices. She also has experience working with the residents and business owners of Baltimore City as the Director of Special Projects in the Department of Housing and Community Development. Her experience and expertise includes Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunities, Corporate Ethics & Compliance, Program Management and Security & Investigation consulting.

Chichi Nyagah-Nash
Director, General Services, City of Baltimore

As the Director of the Department of General Services (DGS), Chichi Nyagah-Nash oversees support services of the city’s departments as well as the mayoral and councilmanic offices. She also has experience working with the residents and business owners of Baltimore City as the Director of Special Projects in the Department of Housing and Community Development. Her experience and expertise includes Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunities, Corporate Ethics & Compliance, Program Management and Security & Investigation consulting.

Erin Cermak
Founder & CEO, Revolution Event Design & Production

Erin Cermak is Revolution’s fearless leader and design guru whose creative genius has taken special events to the next level. Fierce creativity, a strong work ethic, and a giant dose of ambition is what Erin accredits to becoming the president of a national, award-winning event company. She has established a team of innovative, bold, and eager event producers, who together have captured the national market with unparalleled ingenuity and imaginative products and service.

Erin Cermak
Founder & CEO, Revolution Event Design & Production

Erin Cermak is Revolution’s fearless leader and design guru whose creative genius has taken special events to the next level. Fierce creativity, a strong work ethic, and a giant dose of ambition is what Erin accredits to becoming the president of a national, award-winning event company. She has established a team of innovative, bold, and eager event producers, who together have captured the national market with unparalleled ingenuity and imaginative products and service.

Flynn Burch
Director of Global Philanthropy, Under Armour

Flynn joined the Under Armour Global Philanthropy division in August 2016. He and his team help drive positive change nationally through their cause-marketing platforms (UA Freedom and Power in Pink). Flynn also manages partnerships with their athletes, and collegiate and professional sports teams, supporting their involvement with philanthropic organizations.

Flynn Burch
Director of Global Philanthropy, Under Armour

Flynn joined the Under Armour Global Philanthropy division in August 2016. He and his team help drive positive change nationally through their cause-marketing platforms (UA Freedom and Power in Pink). Flynn also manages partnerships with their athletes, and collegiate and professional sports teams, supporting their involvement with philanthropic organizations.

Greg Cangialosi
Entrepreneur, Chairman & Co-Founder of Betamore

Greg serves as Chairman & Co-Founder of Betamore, Managing Member of the Baltimore Angels, and Venture Partner with Early Light Ventures. In 2001, he started and scaled Blue Sky Factory, a leading email marketing service provider. Greg also serves on the board of the Baltimore Development Corporation and completed a two-year term on National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship for the US Department of Commerce.

Greg Cangialosi
Entrepreneur, Chairman & Co-Founder of Betamore

Greg serves as Chairman & Co-Founder of Betamore, Managing Member of the Baltimore Angels, and Venture Partner with Early Light Ventures. In 2001, he started and scaled Blue Sky Factory, a leading email marketing service provider. Greg also serves on the board of the Baltimore Development Corporation and completed a two-year term on National Advisory Council on Innovation & Entrepreneurship for the US Department of Commerce.

James Maravetz
Vice President of Marketing, Flying Dog

James has spent over a decade as an advertising Creative Director and Commercial Film Director at some of the world's largest advertising agencies. He's also led marketing campaigns for numerous national brands, including Miller Lite, Bacardi, and Under Armour. Since joining Flying Dog, he has been tasked with revitalizing the brand, supercharging its marketing department, and drinking experimental beers at 8 a.m.

James Maravetz
Vice President of Marketing, Flying Dog

James has spent over a decade as an advertising Creative Director and Commercial Film Director at some of the world's largest advertising agencies. He's also led marketing campaigns for numerous national brands, including Miller Lite, Bacardi, and Under Armour. Since joining Flying Dog, he has been tasked with revitalizing the brand, supercharging its marketing department, and drinking experimental beers at 8 a.m.

Justin Bonner
CEO, Jailbreak Brewing Co.

Justin Bonner, along with his business partner Kasey Turner, founded Jailbreak in 2013. Both previously owned and operated businesses in the cyber security/technology space. After a collective 25 years in the industry, they decided to escape (or Jailbreak) from their less passionate and creative careers to embark on a more inspiring endeavor in brewing.

Justin Bonner
CEO, Jailbreak Brewing Co.

Justin Bonner, along with his business partner Kasey Turner, founded Jailbreak in 2013. Both previously owned and operated businesses in the cyber security/technology space. After a collective 25 years in the industry, they decided to escape (or Jailbreak) from their less passionate and creative careers to embark on a more inspiring endeavor in brewing.

Ken Praay
Co-Founder, Monument City Brewing Co.

Ken Praay started Monument City with his brother, Matt, after a transformative hike along the Appalachian Trail. After a career as Citigroup's Senior Vice President of Marketing in the consumer lending division, he wanted a change in pace and beer was the natural answer.

Ken Praay
Co-Founder, Monument City Brewing Co.

Ken Praay started Monument City with his brother, Matt, after a transformative hike along the Appalachian Trail. After a career as Citigroup's Senior Vice President of Marketing in the consumer lending division, he wanted a change in pace and beer was the natural answer.

Kiera Hynninen
Associate Dean of Global Marketing & Communications, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

Kiera Hynninen leads branding, marketing, creative, and communications at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Hynninen brings to Carey more than 25 years of experience in traditional and digital/social marketing, strategy, branding, acquisition and retention initiatives, partnerships, creative, research, and communications.

Kiera Hynninen
Associate Dean of Global Marketing & Communications, Johns Hopkins Carey Business School

Kiera Hynninen leads branding, marketing, creative, and communications at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School. Hynninen brings to Carey more than 25 years of experience in traditional and digital/social marketing, strategy, branding, acquisition and retention initiatives, partnerships, creative, research, and communications.

Lauren Shafer
Business & Marketing Manager, Michele's Granola

Lauren Shafer crafts, executes, and meticulously measures the impact of the growing brand’s social media. During her more than six years with the company, she's navigated not only the quickly changing landscape of social media itself, but also the brand’s transition from a local granola company to a nationally distributed product. Lauren is also a MICA alum, a certified health coach, and a long-distance runner often found exploring the roads and trails of Baltimore on foot.

Lauren Shafer
Business & Marketing Manager, Michele's Granola

Lauren Shafer crafts, executes, and meticulously measures the impact of the growing brand’s social media. During her more than six years with the company, she's navigated not only the quickly changing landscape of social media itself, but also the brand’s transition from a local granola company to a nationally distributed product. Lauren is also a MICA alum, a certified health coach, and a long-distance runner often found exploring the roads and trails of Baltimore on foot.

Melissa Cheek
Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, T. Rowe Price

Melissa Cheek creates opportunities for employees to engage with local nonprofits. As a CSR leader, she does more than connect volunteers, she is dedicated to finding new ways to leverage the traditional volunteer/giving practice into a development experience for both the nonprofit organization and the professional.

Melissa Cheek
Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, T. Rowe Price

Melissa Cheek creates opportunities for employees to engage with local nonprofits. As a CSR leader, she does more than connect volunteers, she is dedicated to finding new ways to leverage the traditional volunteer/giving practice into a development experience for both the nonprofit organization and the professional.

Nabila Chami
Director of Brand Strategy, National Aquarium

Nabila Chami works to connect digital audiences with the Aquarium’s important work to change the way humanity views and cares for our ocean planet. Before entering the nonprofit world, Nabila worked to establish social media strategies for ABC and CBS radio affiliates in Washington, DC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from American University.

Nabila Chami
Director of Brand Strategy, National Aquarium

Nabila Chami works to connect digital audiences with the Aquarium’s important work to change the way humanity views and cares for our ocean planet. Before entering the nonprofit world, Nabila worked to establish social media strategies for ABC and CBS radio affiliates in Washington, DC. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from American University.

Nick Gestido
Director of Craft and Import Sales, Bond Distributing

Nick Gestido has spent 5 years working with the craft beer producers, retailers, and consumers around Maryland after a somewhat sudden-but welcome-career change from the world of journalism. His expertise in all things beer has allowed him to develop strong brands and to bring excellent craft beer to the community.

Nick Gestido
Director of Craft and Import Sales, Bond Distributing

Nick Gestido has spent 5 years working with the craft beer producers, retailers, and consumers around Maryland after a somewhat sudden-but welcome-career change from the world of journalism. His expertise in all things beer has allowed him to develop strong brands and to bring excellent craft beer to the community.

Phyllis Langley
Marketing Consultant, Ceremony Coffee Roasters

Langley moved to Baltimore four years ago with a background in sports marketing and a dream to pursue a career in the golf industry. Her passions helped her create her visual marketing consulting firm, Way Out Visual Co., where she develops visual aesthetics and creates content for social media, web, and print media. Langley has curated exquisite content for Ceremony Coffee since 2017.

Phyllis Langley
Marketing Consultant, Ceremony Coffee Roasters

Langley moved to Baltimore four years ago with a background in sports marketing and a dream to pursue a career in the golf industry. Her passions helped her create her visual marketing consulting firm, Way Out Visual Co., where she develops visual aesthetics and creates content for social media, web, and print media. Langley has curated exquisite content for Ceremony Coffee since 2017.

Shelby Silver
Senior Social Media Manager, McCormick & Company

Shelby began her career on a social media team of two. Now, she is a part of the digital and creative team where she leads a group of seven after bringing all social media efforts in-house this past May. Her team is responsible for inspiring, educating, and connecting with consumers for 14 different brands-including Frank’s RedHot, French’s Mustard, and Old Bay Seasoning-across 40 social media handles.

Shelby Silver
Senior Social Media Manager, McCormick & Company

Shelby began her career on a social media team of two. Now, she is a part of the digital and creative team where she leads a group of seven after bringing all social media efforts in-house this past May. Her team is responsible for inspiring, educating, and connecting with consumers for 14 different brands-including Frank’s RedHot, French’s Mustard, and Old Bay Seasoning-across 40 social media handles.

Spike Owen
Co-Founder, Key Brewing Co.

Native Baltimorean, Spike Owen, spent 20+ years in the hospitality business before concentrating on opening Key Brewing Co. in 2015. His knowledge of creating and managing bars and restaurants in the DMV area ignited his passion for beer. Owen's love for Baltimore and his desire to see it succeed made it a no-brainer to open his brewery in "The Greatest City in America".

Spike Owen
Co-Founder, Key Brewing Co.

Native Baltimorean, Spike Owen, spent 20+ years in the hospitality business before concentrating on opening Key Brewing Co. in 2015. His knowledge of creating and managing bars and restaurants in the DMV area ignited his passion for beer. Owen's love for Baltimore and his desire to see it succeed made it a no-brainer to open his brewery in "The Greatest City in America".

Wednesday, December 4 • 9:00AM - 5:00PM

Haven Street Ballroom
1 N Haven Street • Baltimore, MD 21224

Hosted By:
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