The Frederick County Future Minority Business Leaders is an 8-month leadership program in an effort to bring minority businesses together to expand growth opportunities through resources, networking and business education that inspires innovative leaders. The 2018 class includes 17 members who will be highlighted individually throughout the program.
Walter Hood is currently
The leader he most admires is Abraham Lincoln. "He was forced to make incredibly difficult decisions for the betterment of the country, and never harbored any ill will towards his adversaries," said Walter.
"I believe a leader is someone who takes initiative and goes the extra mile to lead by example, he said. "It is important that leaders live up to the expectations of their organization or community because they are the cornerstone that holds everything together."
Ivana Shuck is a MBA Candidate at Hood College and is work
She credits Pope Francis as her favorite leader because he is the personification of "leading by example and putting an organization's needs and goals above one's own. She adds, "I wish more leaders today would look up to some of his leadership traits, and realize that they should be a living example of unity and acceptance, rather than egoistic agenda and division." When asked what leadership means to her, she said it "means creating an environment where everyone is encouraged to move towards something better, to improve. Whether that is improving one's skill set, helping your community or enhancing your organization, a leader should always strive to leave things better than they found it."
Tawanda Bailey is the Owner and Independent Licensed Massage Therapist of Bailey Massage Wellness.
When asked who her favorite leader is, she found it difficult to choose just one but because a good leader is a person "that has integrity, honesty and humility," she credits her grandmother for being the person that she is today. Tawanda said her grandmother was the oldest of 16 siblings that helped raise, had a kind word about everyone she encountered and a very servant heart. "My grandmother has been gone for 21 years now and even today, when I take on another endeavor, I find myself thinking of her, knowing she is looking over me. I think she would be proud to see that I took her lessons to heart and live them every day."
