As the year winds down, it’s natural to pause and reflect on the moments that shaped us—both the challenges and the celebrations. Reflection provides space to breathe, express gratitude, and chart our path forward. The Maryland Business Roundtable for Education team recently took that pause, looking back at the standout moments that defined 2025. From settling into our new headquarters to celebrating the achievements of Maryland students, each staff member identified a meaningful highlight that captured the spirit of this year.
Here are their favorite moments of 2025:
“Some of my favorite moments of 2025 were spent during Summer of Service! This is one of my favorite pieces of MBRT programming, as I feel it helps develop students in so many ways. It feels great to positively contribute to our community, and to see how enthusiastic the students are about the projects. While it certainly helps with meeting graduation requirements and building network, it more importantly teaches about citizenship and civic engagement.”
-Taylor Hudson, College Pathways Manager with Next Generation Scholars Responsibilities, Kent
“My favorite MBRT moment from 2025 was NGNL. It was such a fun way to wrap up the school year and send off to my first class of seniors! Loved seeing Loyola’s campus and the CFG Tour!”
- Abigail Wittman, Next Generation Scholars Program Specialist, Caroline
“One of my favorite moments in 2025 was March 3rd. That’s the day we officially moved into our new offices in Towson. From the moment we walked in, it felt like a fresh start. And, compared to our old spot in Catonsville, Towson gives us room to breathe and grow. It’s warm and welcoming, the kind of place where the whole team can come together, share ideas, and celebrate wins. The space is filled with possibilities, and every day reminds us why this move was worth it. I’m grateful for everything that’s happened this year, but March 3rd stands out. It was the start of something better.”
- Chris Thorn, Chief Technology & Operations Officer
“One of my favorite memories of 2025 was our Staff Retreat in Ocean City. Every time our statewide team has the chance to collaborate in the same room, it is invigorating. I always come out of these sessions with a page full of ideas and inspiration for telling our story!”
- Morgan Cox, Event & Marketing Manager
“There was not one best moment, but the best moments come from our NGS activities. Through these moments of connection, I gained critical insight into how I could better support them.”
- Leonard Webb, Next Generation Scholars Program Manager, Allegany
“This is my favorite memory of 2025. WiHi students "TOTALLY" engaged during Industry Day! These young people were so tuned in to this event that they were taking notes!”
- Tashe Williams, Next Generation Scholars Program Manager, Wicomico
“My “Best of 2025” is more of a collection of favorite moments that highlight our month-long adventures with our BCPS Summer STEM Careers Camp program in July showcasing some of MBRT’s greatest values! With our trusted partners with Baltimore City Public Schools and the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (MOED), MBRT's talented Speakers Bureau made an impact inspiring middle school students about options for their future in classrooms at National Academy Foundation and Hampden Middle Schools. The collaboration with our incredible partners at Baltimore Ravens M&T Bank Stadium, Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC), Maryland Public Television, Irvine Nature Center, Baltimore Museum of Industry and the Institute of Marine & Environmental Technology (IMET), provided Career Tours with hands-on STEMonstrations making real-world connections to their future! Overall, it was an amazing month of engaging and fun, learning experiences for Baltimore City students and memories the students, volunteers, partners, and I won’t soon forget!”
- Carrie Pannone, Sr. Manager, State Programs
“Our students mock debating the cell phones in the schools bill at our February Youth Congress Day is an absolute standout memory from the past year. I believe they blew everyone in the room away with their sound reasoning, logic, advocacy and debating skills…including Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Pro Tem Dana Stein. The MBRT is leaving no students behind and ensuring that their voices are heard!”
