I am a forty-eight-year former resident and principal of the first high school in Cherry Hill, Southside/New Era Academy. I chaired the team that developed the Concept Paper outlining the vision for two 21st-century schools and a new high school to complete the community’s cradle-to-college educational campus. As Board Chair, I work collaboratively with Cherry Hill Strong, the community’s quarterback for the Purpose Built Community initiative, to ensure we are unified and speaking with one voice in advancing the Cherry Hill Community Transformation Plan.

My work as a Social Worker, Community Advocate, Educator and Pastor for over 45 years have afforded me the opportunity to empower individuals and groups within a community to access resources, services and support. As a community leader, I serve as the president of the Cherry Hill Ministerial Alliance ministering to the spiritual needs and concerns of the people.

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Dr. Bartholomew “Dr.B” is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Board-Approved Clinical Supervisor. She is the owner of Family Therapy Behavioral Services LLC, a PRP-Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program and a mental health program named Family Therapy Services. Also, she is a radio personality on her own radio show called “ASK DR. B” Radio Show on WOLB 1010AM for 18 years.

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Dr. Bartholomew is very committed and passionate about working with the families in Cherry Hill because she was raised in Cherry Hill, has a very strong connection in Cherry Hill, due to her family members still residing in the community and the many relationships that she has established over the years with children and families of Cherry Hill.

I started my work in Cherry Hill in 1989 and achieved the following deliverables: Guided the process for the first community plan adopted by Baltimore City, brought Hotspot, CSafe and Safe Streets to Cherry Hill by writing grants and directing the programs for a time.

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I was born and raised in Cherry Hill and never forgot where I came from. To return years later as the School Leader/Principal of the elementary school I attended will always be the best career assignment that I accepted! Now, working with the Board of Directors for CHCC, and community organizations, gives me the opportunity to make valuable contributions for decision-making on behalf of residents.   

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I have always called Cherry Hill home. I have served the Cherry Hill community in various civic initiatives, community events, and youth programming. As a proud Baltimorean, I am passionate about uniting marginalized communities of color through sustainable, meaningful and viable programming, initiatives and resources.​

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Claude Johnson, a lifelong Baltimore native and Cherry Hill resident, is a graduate of Cardinal Gibbons High School and holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Providence College. A devoted husband to Veronica Silva Johnson and father of Claude III and Quinn, Claude is deeply rooted in his community through his service on the Cherry Hill Community Coalition Board, his membership at St. Veronica Roman Catholic Church, and his leadership on the Parish Council.

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With more than 30 years dedicated to helping youth and young adults access education and career training through the Job Corps Program, Claude is known for his strong communication skills and his natural ability to bring people together. A believer in lifelong learning, he believes in learning from mistakes, seeing the glass half full, he inspires and strives to bring out the best in everyone he encounters.

As a proud Cherry Hill native, I have an unwavering dedication to the community. My lifelong connection to Cherry Hill fuels my passion for advocating on behalf of Cherry Hill's elderly and youth—two populations I believe are the heart and future of the community.

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Martina is deeply committed to uplifting the community that raised her. With a career in human services, she advocates for access, equity, and connection to essential resources. Serving on the SB7 Grant Committee, she works to ensure that funding and initiatives reflect the real needs of Cherry Hill families. Her mission is simple: to serve her neighbors with purpose, compassion, and pride.

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I joined IHI in the spring of 2018 as the Program Manager for the Bailey Consent Decree (ELAP). Since then, I succeeded the late Samuel Jordan in November 2025, as the Executive Director. I came to IHI from Catholic Charities, where I supervised a team of five full-time case managers at My Sister’s Place. I  have worked with hundreds of underprivileged clients and have been actively involved in both policy development and program design.

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I’m currently attending College to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) to create a successful future for myself.  I want to return to my Community of Cherry Hill to be able to REACH ONE, TEACH ONE by Any means necessary. This is something I love to do. We are the future, so it’s important that I pour back into the community with as much as I can, because I’m a product of it’s environment.

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I have love for my community and joined the Cherry Hill Community Coalition to be part of the changes for improvement. I currently referee sports games and interact with many youth/families. Families need stable housing and employment opportunities. I believe we are headed in the right direction to improve the lives of all residents in the Cherry Hill community!  

For more than 20 years, Stephanie Amponsah has led organizations and initiatives devoted to improving the lives of young people in Baltimore and beyond. As a former social worker and executive director, Stephanie has guided programs that build opportunity and equity in under- resourced communities.

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I have been a resident of the Cherry Hill Community for the past 50 years. I work diligently in the community on behalf of its residents.

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I have proudly lived in the Cherry Hill Community for over 75 Years and have passionately worked as a dedicated community activist for over 60 years. I am affectionately known by many in Cherry Hill as “Mama Cleo” for my helping, generous, and nurturing spirit. I have devoted most of my life advocating for the overall betterment of the Cherry Hill Community. I have been persistent when it comes to bringing about revitalization, transformation, justice, equality, and righteousness. I am currently an active member in numerous organizations geared toward the refinement of the Cherry Hill Community and other surrounding communities in Baltimore such as: The SB7 Coalition, Cherry Hill Ministerial Alliance, Baltimore City Guardian Angels, Baltimore City Police Chaplain and Maryland State Selective Service Board per former President Barack Obama.  I have been acknowledged/awarded by the following organizations: Baltimore’s Black Unsung Heroines for contributions made to the Cherry Hill Community and Baltimore City; received the Froelicher Award; WJZ TV Award for outstanding Community Service; Enterprise Foundation National Leadership Award; Cherry Hill Legend Inductee; recipient of the prestigious American Institute for Public Service National Jefferson Award; Street named in the Cherry Hill Community in my honor as Cleoda Walker Way; and recipient of the Caring for the Community Certification from John Hopkins Academic Medicine.