“Be the change you want to see” is a saying that has been passed down through generations, inviting us to take ownership and responsibility for shaping the world around us. This is not always easy. With all the obstacles and the constant pressure to get it right, the real measure lies in how we hold ourselves accountable.
At TEDCO, accountability is more than just a principle; it is a core value. We uphold a standard of doing what we promise, following through on our commitments, and delivering meaningful results. This year, the Maryland Innovation Initiative launched the Baltimore Innovation Initiative Pilot Program, where I serve as Program Manager. Together with my team, we set ambitious goals for the year, including launching the program, building strong partnerships with institutions throughout the Baltimore region, and successfully welcoming our first cohort of awardees. I’m proud to say that we have achieved these milestones, ensuring that our intentions translated into tangible impact.
As a young professional, I hold myself to a high standard, mindful of the sacrifices that paved the way for me to be where I am today. I recognize that to truly be the change I want to see, I must consider the bigger picture and the impact of my actions. My journey toward mastering accountability has been guided by people who recognized my potential long before I could see it myself. Their guidance and encouragement reminded me that accountability is not just about meeting expectations; it is about being intentional, learning from mistakes, and creating outcomes that matter.
Accountability is the currency of progress. I've learned that it has ripple effects, not just with the entrepreneurs, organizations, and institutions we work with at TEDCO, but with the broader trust and confidence that fuels Maryland's innovation ecosystem. I hold this knowledge close as I navigate my position today. In fact, in my former role, I was crowned "the follow-up queen," a title I wore with pride because I understood that every unreturned email, every missed check-in, every forgotten commitment chips away at the foundation of trust that makes this work possible.
Within my role, with TEDCO’s Maryland Innovation Initiative, I'm contributing to a culture where accountability isn't merely a buzzword but a way of life. Where Maryland's innovators know they have partners they can truly count on. Because being the change means showing up as the partner we want to see in the world.