After nearly two decades as the founder and CEO of Clapp Communications, an award-winning communications firm, Barb made the bold decision in 2019 to sell the company and dedicate herself to a deeper mission: creating career opportunities for those who need them most. Having grown up under difficult circumstances herself, Barb understands firsthand the power of access and support in changing lives.

Since stepping into her role at DWD, Barb has transformed the nonprofit from concept to a full-scale national workforce development organization that has served over 6,000 Dwyer Scholars across five states since inception in 2021. Serving underserved individuals, DWD removes barriers to success by providing person-centered case management, need-based wraparound services—such as transportation, childcare, and housing support—free CNA and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) training, and job placement support.

In this episode we interview Jaz Erenberg. Jaz is a muralist who creates community centric public artwork. Over the last 6 years, her practice has grown through collaboration with communities to build creative ways to make them feel seen and heard throughout the process. Using workshops and events, communities have become an integral part of how she creates public artwork. When a community is involved in how their space can be transformed, their sense of ownership and pride is reignited and they become a stronger, more connected community. We hope this episode brings some color to your day and inspires you. Enjoy!

David is the executive director of the Pikesville Armory. This public, private, and community 17-acre project has the opportunity to re-imagine the area. In this episode, we discuss the scope and vision, as well as the community feedback that has gone into the project. We also discuss the project's regional implications and the national implications of the work. We hope you enjoy!