On September 24, 2025, Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT) brought students, business leaders, and educators together for a powerful day of career exploration and connection at Baltimore City’s historic Engineers Club. The day featured two signature events — Industry Day and the MBRT’s 2025 Annual Meeting, “My Future. My Maryland.” — both focused on inspiring students, building partnerships, and strengthening Maryland’s future workforce.
The day kicked off with MBRT’s signature Industry Day program, a hands-on career exploration experience, providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable insights into industries and career paths. With the theme “Engineer My Future,” this year‘s Industry Day focused on careers in STEM and engineering. Students from across Maryland rotated through five interactive stations presented by engineering firms AECOM, Dixon Valve, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Northrop Grumman, and Whiting–Turner. Each station offered a look at a day in the life of an engineer and featured hands-on “STEMonstrations,” including virtual reality goggles to view a construction blueprint, building tin-foil boats, and practical questions about attaining needed certifications.
“I didn’t know quite yet what engineering meant, I just knew I wanted to pursue it,” McWyndvel Maignan, a student from Wicomico High School, reflected. “After today, I found a company I want to research further. I can now confidently say I do want to pursue engineering in the future.”
In the afternoon, students joined business leaders and community partners for the 2025 MBRT Annual Meeting. The event opened with networking, including a chance for students to practice introductions and sharing their career visions with Maryland’s business community.
The program featured a heartfelt welcome from MBRT Alumna Jordyn Cox-Pemberton, who shared how MBRT had helped to shape her college and career journey. Guests also experienced a fireside chat with Student Ambassadors Liam Wallace and Ke’yare Hawkins, who explored the theme “Why Maryland for My Future?” and shared powerful insights about what it will take to keep Maryland’s top student talent right here at home.
Executive Director Sharon Markley Schreiber revealed MBRT’s 2026 2029 Strategic Plan, “My Future. My Maryland.” The plan centers on five strategic goals: strengthening partnerships, elevating communications, preparing students for in-demand careers and college pathways, amplifying advocacy, and building organizational sustainability.
Before closing the meeting, MBRT presented its prestigious annual leadership awards, honoring individuals who exemplify dedication to education, business partnerships, and community engagement. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients!
- June E. Streckfus Leadership in Education Award: Dr. Mark Ginsberg, President, Towson University
- Norman R. Augustine Leadership in Business Partnerships Award: Christine D. Aspell, Chair, MBRT Board of Directors and Office Managing Partner, KPMG
- Joyce K. Smith Leadership in Community Partnerships Award: Michael Freeman, M&T Bank Branch Manager and MBRT Speakers Bureau Volunteer
These honorees have made extraordinary contributions to connecting education, industry and community, advancing MBRT’s mission to prepare students for success.
These events would not have been a success without the support of our sponsors: Presenting Sponsor, The Engineers Club of Baltimore and Engineers Week Council; High Honors Sponsor, The College of Southern Maryland; To-Go Student Catering Sponsor, Copper Kitchen; and Print Sponsor, Northrop Grumman. Thank you to the participating engineering firms: AECOM, Dixon Valve, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, Northrop Grumman and Whiting-Turner.
Join Us in Shaping Maryland’s Future
The work doesn’t end here. Whether you are a business leader, educator, or community member, there are many ways to get involved with MBRT — from becoming a member, speaker or mentor to sponsoring programs that bring career exploration to more students across the state.
Together, we will build a brighter future — one Maryland student at a time.
