At TEDCO, each core value serves as a guiding principle to support our mission. With integrity at the center, storytelling becomes more than words on a page; it is the ability to uphold truth, transparency, and ethical principles across personal, professional, and stakeholder relationships. At its core, integrity demands that our actions consistently align with our values, knowing that what we deliver represents who we are.
As someone who deeply values storytelling and the power of writing, I see integrity as inseparable from communication. Storytelling is not just about crafting compelling narratives; it is about ensuring that what we share is authentic, accurate, and reflective of reality. In grant writing, for example, integrity requires that every word reflects the true work and impact of an organization. It means resisting shortcuts that compromise quality, while striving for efficiency that strengthens results. It requires acknowledging risks and understanding the far-reaching implications of our words and actions.
One of the first lessons I learned in grant writing was the ethical responsibility behind securing funding. As a grant writer, I must ensure that every proposed outcome, metric, and description of impact reflects the organization’s reality. In this role, I serve as both storyteller and guardian of trust, portraying the organization in a way that honors its mission and positions it for sustainable growth. Through writing, I work collaboratively to gather all resources and perspectives necessary, so that a funder reviewing the proposal sees a transparent, vigorous account of the organization’s vision and capacity.
At TEDCO, integrity is essential to our work. As stewards of resources designed to support Maryland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, TEDCO operates on trust—a trust that funds will be used as intended, that entrepreneurs are represented honestly, and that opportunities created today will build lasting economic impact for tomorrow. Just as a grant writer ensures transparency in proposals, TEDCO ensures transparency in its work: to serve entrepreneurs with equity, accountability, and purpose.
In my personal life, I strive to uphold the same principles that guide my professional work. As the eldest of five children, as well as a mother, wife, and friend, I have learned that integrity is the cornerstone of trust. Trust is not something that can be assumed—it must be earned through consistency, honesty, and accountability. Whether in personal or professional settings, integrity strengthens relationships and creates a foundation for mutual respect and lasting connections.
Maya Angelou once said, “I do my best because I’m counting on you counting on me.” This captures the heart of integrity; our choices do not exist in isolation; they ripple outward, impacting the lives, opportunities, and futures of others.
At TEDCO, integrity is not simply a value, it is a promise. A promise to entrepreneurs, to funders, to partners, and to the communities we serve. Through storytelling, writing, and our daily work, we uphold that promise by ensuring that our actions match our words, and our words reflect our truth.