Kim Ross, regarded as an impactful community advocate and steady difference maker, was recognized as one of the county’s most admirable women in the Baltimore County Commission for Women’s 42nd Annual Women of the Year Awards ceremony on May 16.
County Executive Johnny Olszewski and a host of community leaders and residents were in Towson at the ceremony to show support for the awardees and their families.
After being named woman of the year, Ross expressed her gratitude to the Commission for Women, Olszewski and other county leaders as she was presented with a county council resolution of congratulations.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful to be named Woman of the Year by the Baltimore County Women’s Commission!” Ross said.
“Their collective advocacy and efforts to empower women and girls across the county are truly admirable. This year’s group of honorees are each a shining example of leadership, kindness, and dedication. It was such a pleasure to celebrate with women leaders and advocates, elected officials, and family.”
Recognized as one of The Daily Record’s Maryland’s “Top 100 Women” in 2024, Ross serves as president of the Franklin Point at Deerborne Homeowners Association (HOA), is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Community College of Baltimore County and is the chair of communications for the Baltimore County Democratic State Central Committee.
She is a recent graduate of the Baltimore County Community Planning Institute and recipient of board leader certification training for HOA leaders.
Ross, a BCPS parent, volunteers as a mentor, volunteer and parent teacher student organization (PTSO) member at Rossville Elementary School.
The Women of the Year Awards honor local women residents “who have made significant, unique and lasting contributions within their community to champion the interests and needs of women and families; serve as role models of inspiration and achievement for other women; or enhance the lives of the citizens of Baltimore County.”
District 6 Baltimore County Councilman Mike Ertel said Ross was one of his favorite people.
“She’s really done a lot of great work and I was really excited to see her get recognized,” Ertel said of Ross.
“She’s not only doing things for her own neighborhood, but serving the community college, serving the Democratic Central Committee… Kim’s done a great job and we were really excited to see her get the award this year.”
Along with Ross, a Young Woman of the Year, Woman Making a Difference and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year awards were presented.
The ceremony’s other awardees were:
Woman Making a Difference: Deborah Staigerwald
Staigerwald founded the Baltimore County Recreation and Parks Office of Therapeutic Recreation Services’ “The Sky is the Limit” creative arts program, which provides barrier-free performing arts opportunities for people with all abilities.
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr. La Keita Carter
Carter is the owner and CEO of HEALing, LLC (iHEAL), an award-winning, nationally-accredited wellness agency based in Owings Mills.
In addition to her practice, she teaches psychology at the undergraduate and graduate levels, has authored three psychology textbooks and regularly writes articles related to sexual health, wellness and relationships in her Psychology Today column entitled “Inside Intimacy.”
Young Woman of the Year: Haylee Beard
Beard, a senior at Lansdowne High School, is an executive officer and drill commander at her school’s JROTC program. An esteemed leader in her school and community, she has earned the rank of Eagle Scout and has been included in the National Honor Society.
Beard is highly active in extracurricular activities, participating in the All-County Jazz Choir, chamber orchestra, drill team, volleyball, track and field, softball, dance and jiu-jitsu.
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