b'Emerging Leader Program 2nd Class ProfilesKara AanensonDirector of Legislation, Policy and Reform | Maryland Department of Juvenile ServicesRegion: CentralKara, a resident of Baltimore, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from Wartburg College and a Master of Social Work from the University of Maryland School of Social Work . She is active with Women Moving Forward . Kara enjoys biking, exploring Maryland, cooking, and civic engagement .Sharon AbrahamManaging Director | Abraham Consulting, LLCRegion: Central | Bowe Fellowship (C-Suite) World Trade Center Institute 2024Sharon, a resident of Baltimore City, earned a bachelors degree in Economics with minors in Fine Arts and Spanish from Towson University, a masters degree in Finance from Loyola University, and a certification in Project Management from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She is active with My Sisters Place, the City Center Residents Association, and 414 Water Street Board and Social Committee . Sharon enjoys yoga, traveling, cooking, discovering new food spots, and visiting art museums . She has also completed four half marathons and the Marine Corps Marathon .Mark BalthropAccount Manager | StrykerRegion: SouthernMark, a resident of Annapolis, earned a BA in Psychology from Wittenburg University . He is active with the Broadneck Area Youth Sports, the Wittenburg Lesotho Africa Mission, the Cape St . Claire PTO, and was a Stryker African Ancestry Network business mentor . Mark enjoys being an active father for his two boys (9 and 6), coaching their teams, playing basketball, and enjoying water sports with family/friends .Chantal BowlahController | Vehicles For ChangeRegion: Central Chantal, a resident of Baltimore, earned an AA in Accounting from the Community College of Baltimore County, and a BS in Business Administration and MS in Accounting from the University of Baltimore . Chantal enjoys spending time with her family, trying new restaurants, and exploring places outside of MD .Alex BriceSupplier Diversity Program Specialist | Maryland National Capital Park and Planning CommissionRegion: Central Alex, a resident of Owings Mills, earned an AA from the Community College of Baltimore County and is currently working towards a BS in Business Management from Coppin State University . She is active with St . Agnes Catholic School and is on the board of directors for MCCEI . Alex enjoys tennis, working out, spending time with her son and dog, trying out new restaurants, cooking/baking, and traveling . 28 Leadership Maryland 2025'