OUR TEAM
MERIT Staff
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Tracey has 25+ years of rich nonprofit experience, including executive leadership, organizational consulting, and coaching. Tracey is a strategic, nimble, entrepreneurial social change leader and internal change agent.
Tracey leads by example and by values:
Contributing to a world that provides care, protection, wonderment, and paths to personal well-being and collective success.
Centering communities that have been most systemically oppressed and marginalized.
Advocating for equitable systems that elevates trust, respect, and investment in community voice, experience, and wisdom; and,
Uplifting the humanity, joy, and connectedness of underrepresented people.
Tracey has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from The New School. She is certified by the International Coaching Federation. Tracey is a first-generation American of Trinidadian descent. Born and raised in NYC, and recently relocated to Maryland, Tracey is an avid traveler who has visited all seven continents.
Samuel Walker III is an experienced College Access, Career Development, and Educational Consulting professional. Mr. Walker is a graduate of Furman University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics.
Driven by a desire to elevate disadvantaged communities' social, educational, and economic outcomes, he takes pride in providing his talents in solving complex problems and issues.
Sade is a scholar and an AmeriCorps fellow from Crofton, MD. She received her undergraduate degree, a B.A in Math and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Math Education from George Mason University. Her commitment to helping under-resourced students in STEM and math was honored in her work as an undergraduate student serving as a college application mentor at Wharton High School, and algebra support tutor for Pinellas County Schools. She takes great pride in assisting scholars to achieve their best potential in and out of the math classroom. Sade enjoys LEGO's, symphonic orchestras, and tea.
Prior to joining MERIT Health Leadership Academy, Christine served as the Director of the BEESMART Program operated by Living Classrooms Foundation, also in Baltimore. As a result of experiences in both her personal life and professional career, Christine has developed a deep-seated passion for ensuring that all individuals have access to resources, supports, and opportunities that will enable them to overcome any challenge, and ultimately achieve excellence in their own education and career. She loves to track and celebrate student progress, and in turn demonstrate the importance and effectiveness of high-quality programming to internal stakeholders as well as outside groups. Christine enjoys finding common ground and connecting with teachers/school administrators, professionals/experts, parents, and students from a wide variety of backgrounds. [M.S. Environmental Education, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA.]
Cameron Wardell is an experienced educator originating from Annapolis, MD. He received his undergraduate degree, a B.A. in History, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, Cameron taught Kindergarten-4th grade in Teach for America (San Antonio). He was twice Teacher of the Year and held many leadership roles in the organization and on his campus. Additionally, he has educational experience as a Center Director for Sylvan Learning, Outdoor Facilitator for Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center, & Vietnam High School Trip Leader for Putney Student Travel. Cameron enjoys his beloved Tar Heels, Reddit, and the show Survivor.​​​
Octavia Jennings has over 10 years of experience in the Administrative and Customer Service field. She studied Psychology at Rasmussen College in her pursuit of becoming a Therapist. I am now enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University pursuing my knowledge in Psychology. Before joining the Merit team Octavia worked in the Mental Health Field. She takes great pride in assisting all levels of Management. When she is not working she enjoys making music with her children, painting, drawing and various forms of martial arts.
Chelsea Stroud is a recent graduate of the University of Alabama, where she earned a B.A. in Political Science and Spanish. She is currently serving as a first-time AmeriCorps VISTA, where she is dedicated to supporting communities and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive. Originally from Alabama, Chelsea has a strong passion for helping students transition and acclimate to university life, drawing from her own experiences navigating higher education. Chelsea also holds a Master of Public Administration, which has equipped her with the skills to make a meaningful impact in public service and community development. When she's not working at MERIT, Chelsea enjoys traveling, seeking new adventures, and indulging in her love for food.
A’mari Bing-Way is currently serving her AmeriCorps VISTA service year at MERIT. She is a recent graduate from Merrimack College where she obtained her Master’s of Education in Community Engagement. Her academic and professional background centers on the intersection of education and the impact of community. She aspires to leverage her skills and experiences to contribute to initiatives that foster learning and commitment to community service within both educational and nonprofit settings. A’mari received her B.A. in Global Communications from The American University of Paris. Outside of MERIT, she enjoys crocheting, baking, and watching movies.
MERIT Board of Directors
Board Chair
MERIT Co-Founder
Dr. Tyler Mains
Assistant Medical Officer
Jail Health Services at San Francisco Department of Health
Dr. Sherita Golden
Hugh P. McCormick Family Professor of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Core Faculty, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research
Core Faculty, Armstrong Institute for Patient Safety and Quality
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
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Staff Success Chair
Chitamawe Daka Mulwanda
Director, Equity for
Baltimore City Public Schools
Dr. Lisa Egbounu-Davis
Former Vice President, Medical Innovations, Danaher Diagnostic
Board Director, Omega Healthcare, Avanos Medical and Phreesia Trustee, Johns Hopkins Medicine
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Dione Powell
Vice President of Human Resources Employee and Labor Relations at Johns Hopkins Medicine
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Vice Chair
Kristin Kosmides
Head of Global Citizenship
Franklin​ Templeton
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Treasurer
Brian McDonald
Audit Partner
KPMG
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Geoffrey Genth
Principal Attorney
Kramon and Graham
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Dr. Scott Wright
Director of the Division of General Internal Medicine
Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center
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MERIT Co-Founder
Shyam Gadwal
Director, Executive Education & Advisory Services
Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship