As our network seeks to further understand the critical shifts philanthropy is being asked to make, Maryland Philanthropy Network is continuing to use our annual meeting as an opportunity to exploring key topics to shift perspectives, cede power, and collaborate with communities to heal and achieve greater equity. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali, a renowned thought-leader, strategist, policymaker, and community liaison, will help us understand climate justice as central to the pursuit of racial justice and freedom. Kondwani Fidel, Baltimore native and globally recognized poet, will once again share his thought-provoking poetry with us, recognizing that arts and creativity have an indelible role in moving people to action for lasting social change.

Maryland Philanthropy Network is pleased to host Dr. Karen Salmon, State Superintendent of Schools, for a briefing about philanthropy’s role moving forward followed by discussion. Dr. Salmon will address questions such as the availability of state funding to address the digital divide, contingency plans should the pandemic return full force in the next school year and how MSDE is thinking about the community schools strategy in reconstruction and redesign.