Awardees are honored with an evening gala highlighting how one helps boost our community by providing rewarding careers for our children, expanding our regional economy, and protecting our national security. The nomination categories include:
A person is making significant contributions to our entire community's well-being displayed as a personal commitment to the advancement of building our Workforce for the Future or advancing Innovation & Technology, with demonstrated qualities of enlightened leadership over a remarkable period.
VISIONARY
We acknowledge the individual's steadfast, consistent contribution to building our S.T.E.M. Educated Workforce or advancing our Innovation and technology base in a public way while inspiring others to help accomplish shared goals.
LEADER
One who consistently goes above and beyond in volunteering their knowledge, experiences, and wisdom to stimulate and inspire greatness in students, teachers, or emerging technology businesses.
MENTOR
Recognizes exceptional personal efforts in developing and implementing innovative programs/products benefiting building our S.T.E.M. Educated Workforce or advancing our Innovation & Technology base, with the potential for broad positive impact in the community.
INNOVATOR
A person of interest to watch and one who demonstrated the potential to be an excellent, long-term contributor to building the S.T.E.M. Educated workforce or advancing our Innovation & Technology base.
RISING STAR
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
John Casner
VISIONARY
Kimberly A. Watts – DEVCOM U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
LEADER
Kimberly D. Justus – Susquehanna Workforce Network
Rob Limpert – iCEV
Phil Rogofsky – Maryland STEM Festival Inc
Tamera Rush – Tenax Technologies
INNOVATOR
Thomas Keller III – Cecil College
Nick Lattanzi – Elite Edge Partners LLC
Bharat Patel – Accenture Federal
MENTOR
Melissa Dethlefsen – Harford County Public Schools Central Office
Corey Geho – APGFCU Education
Keisha Nandalal – Retired Educator
Jill L. Peregino – Harford Community College
Tim Pistel – Harford County Public Schools Aberdeen High School
Dr. Shomari Zachary – Harford County Public Schools
RISING STAR
Gabrielle Whitworth – CHOSEN Community Development Corporation
NEXTGEN
Grace Buxton – Science and Mathematics Academy at Aberdeen High School
Meghan Greimel – Harford County Public Schools Student
Christopher Peterson – Student
2026 VISIONARY AWARDEES
Sponsoring the awards aligns with the broader goal of building a technically skilled workforce, which is integral to societal advancement and economic growth. Get more details on the sponsorship packages below.