Franklyn Baker, President & Chief Executive Officer, United Way of Central Maryland, A DotCom Magazine Exclusive Interview

The DotCom Magazine Entrepreneur Spotlight Series

About Franklyn Baker and United Way of Central Maryland:

Cross-functional nonprofit management executive with over 28 years of experience in strategic planning, business operations, process improvement, change management, financial and data management, proposal and product development, health policy and promotion, legal affairs, clinical programs oversight, sales and marketing, regulatory compliance, and provider and community relations.

Specialties: Business process reengineering, change management, contract negotiation, government and provider affairs, regulatory compliance, legislative advocacy, program and policy development, product design, proposal writing, market expansion, asset management, housing development, financial analysis and reporting and business operations.

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY STATEMENT

United Way of Central Maryland promotes equity, creates opportunity, and improves lives by increasing access to education, employment, health, and housing. We achieve equity by dismantling systemic and institutional barriers underrepresented communities face in pursuit of happiness and the quest to realize their dreams.

We respect and value all people without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or citizenship status, age or ability status. We expect our partner organizations, grantees, staff, volunteers, board members, vendors, and key collaborators to uphold these standards.

OUR COMMUNITY

United Way commits to pursuing a more just, fair, and equitable society where one’s background does not predict future outcomes.

We vigorously reject and vehemently oppose racism, sexism, discrimination, prejudice, and injustice in all forms.

We believe access to opportunities need not be predicated by one’s race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or social characteristics.

Our mission is to empower leaders and mobilize the caring power of communities to improve lives. As a leader in uniting and motivating others for good, we tackle tough problems by co-creating solutions with change agents and grassroots leaders representing all walks of life.

We amplify the power and impact of neighborhood leaders and link them to much-needed resources to bring about real change.

OUR PEOPLE

United Way believes in a diverse workforce reflecting the richness and vibrancy of the community we serve.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion principles drive our work and undergird our vision of an inclusive workplace where differences are embraced, and employees feel a real sense of belonging. These same ideals are shared by our board members, donors, and volunteers.

OUR IMPACT

We apply an equity lens to our neighborhood initiatives and impact work, to ensure that clients and community stakeholders representing different backgrounds maintain equitable access to services, support, and resources.

We are committed to responsible community investment and the equitable distribution of grant funds.

We seek to strengthen families by ensuring sustainable employment that pays a wage that allows for a secure place to call home, access to healthcare and healthy food, and education.

Far too often, historical inequities and institutional racism result in deeper educational disparities among students of diverse backgrounds, particularly students of color. By supporting the potential of young people striving for a quality education, we can significantly improve postsecondary outcomes and access to stable employment.

We employ evidence-based approaches to address complex community needs. By listening actively and gathering data about the challenges facing those in our region, we craft evidence-based solutions that will stand the test of time.

We disaggregate data by race and gender to address disparities, unearth structural inequities, and generate actionable solutions to deep-seated, systemic challenges.

We will keep you updated on our progress.