2015 Scholarship Gala

Promise Keeper Award

In celebration of 150 years of producing exceptional alumni who are leaders in the community, the Bowie State University National Alumni Association, Inc. paid tribute to alumni who have “Delivered on the Promise of Opportunity” through the awarding of the Promise Keeper Award. This award was bestowed upon alumni who have made significant contributions to Bowie State University and their community through their time, actions, talents, and dedications. The Promise Keeper Award was given in five categories.

Community Category

Involvement that demonstrates commitment to serving Bowie State University and the local, state, and national communities

Clarence R. Askins, Jr.

Clarence R. Askins, Jr. is known throughout the Baltimore Metropolitan community for delivering quality financial services (spanning over four decades) as a dedicated community servant, and in recent years, as a Pastor.As a student at Bowie, he participated in track and field, was the prosecuting attorney of the Student Court, and member of Groove Phi Groove Social Fellowship, Inc. He graduated in 1971 with a B.S. degree and relocated from his hometown in Cambridge, MD to the Baltimore area. Since joining the Baltimore banking community in 1973, he received numerous recognition and awards in his positions as Branch Manager, Loan Officer, Senior Bank Officer, Assistant Vice President and Bank Vice President. Upon leaving branch banking in 1997, he founded the independent mortgage company, Askins and Associates, which now specializes in commercial lending and church funding services.As a community servant, Clarence has served in the Randallstown and Woodlawn, Maryland Optimist International Clubs, with activities to include football coach and youth orator mentor with numerous accolades including, Membership Leader Award, Optimist of the Year, two Presidential terms and Lieutenant Governor of the MD/DE region. He has held member or leadership positions as part of the Associated Black Charities, Baltimore County’s Northwest Hospital Foundation Board and the Board of First Step Youth Services. Receiving the call to Christian ministry in 1984 led him into activities to include street outreach and service as a deacon. He went on to study at the Baltimore School of the Bible, obtained Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from the Family Bible Seminary of Baltimore, a Doctor of Theology degree from the Philadelphia Bible College and Seminary (PBCS) and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Living in Favor Christian University (Raleigh, NC). Ordained as a minister in 1990, he later became pastor (2004) of Philadelphia Christian Church Ministries in Baltimore, MD, and is currently serving as Senior Pastor. As a minister and pastor, he has been a seminary instructor, member of the United National Baptist Conference, USA and Budget Director of The Baptist Ministers Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity. Most importantly, Clarence, or “Ray,” as he is affectionately called, is a family man. It was at Bowie where he met his wife of 42 years, alumna, Elaine P. Washington. He is the father of three sons, Jeffery, Anthony, and Clarence III, a daughter Kaisha (Adam), grandfather of five and great-grandfather of one.

David Henry

Mr. David “Nicky” Henry was born and reared in Cambridge, Maryland. His educational highlights include the completion of Mace’s Lane High School, Bowie State University’s undergraduate program and Coppin State University’s graduate program. He was an educator who taught for thirty-eight (38) years; the majority of the years were in Baltimore City as a Special Needs Educator.He began his teaching career in Seaford, Delaware, as a sixth grade teacher. Three years later, he taught fifth/sixth combination at Buckingham Elementary School in Prince George’s County and became the first African-American to integrate that school. His next position was in Baltimore City as a sixth grade teacher. This position was also a first for an African-American at Robert Poole School. His specialty, however, was as a Special Educator for the remaining years of his career.

Mr. Henry retired in 2001 from teaching to fulfill his dream of publishing two pictorial history books about the African-American Community of Cambridge-Dorchester County, Maryland. These books contain pictures that depict the accomplishments of African-Americans in the location of Cambridge-Dorchester County, Maryland. They are subdivided into thirteen categories ranging from businesses to fashions to sports. They were released in 2005 and 2007, after nine (9) years of research. Currently, he is researching information for a third book about the where-bouts and successes of former residents of the Cambridge area who moved to other places in the United States.

In May of 2014, Mr. Henry was enshrined into the Sports Hall of Fame at Bowie State University as an outstanding member of the basketball team as a guard from 1959-1963. For three years he maintained a fourteen point average and in his senior year, eighteen points.

For his outstanding community work at churches, fraternal organizations, libraries, schools, and the Nabb Research Center, Mr. Henry has received many awards and recognitions, including an Individual Achievement Award from the Heart of Chesapeake Country Heritage Area for Dedicated Service and Significant Contributions to Preserving the Heritage of Dorchester County; a Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service rendered to the Tri-State Association Annual Black History Program by the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World; a Humanitarian Award for Contributing to the Cultural Awareness and Rich Heritage of Dorchester County as an Author by the Dorchester County Branch NAACP; a Resolution from the Senate of Maryland in Recognition of Receiving the Individual Achievement Award by Thomas V. Miller, President of the Senate and Richard F. Colburn, Sponsor; and a Certificate of Recognition from the Ministers and Citizens for Change, as Author/Historian, and for Service to the Community.

Presently, he lives in Reisterstown, Maryland with his wife Dorothy and spends a great deal of his time in Cambridge sharing lots of historical information to all concerned citizens. He enjoys spending time with his three children and grandchildren, listening to jazz music, fishing, talking about past times with his friends, and touring his former community. In addition, he is a member of the Mace’s Lane High School Alumni Association.

Dr. Stephen Hill

Dr. Stephen Hill currently serves as the Clinical Director of Ameriwell Chiropractic, LLC – a bustling personal injury practice serving nearly 200 patients weekly. He is a proud graduate of Bowie State University (2005) and Life University (2009) where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine, respectively. While a student at Bowie State University, Dr. Hill was a member of Circle K (community service organization) and was awarded membership into Phi Sigma Biology Honor Society. For three years, he tutored incoming freshmen participating in Bowie State University’s summer Science Engineering and Mathematics (SEM) Program. Dr. Hill also served as a member of the Student Government Association, representing the senior class as Mr. Senior. When not tutoring or serving the student body, Dr. Hill was actively involved in student life activities. He served as a Resident Assistant and as a Wiseman Center Game Room Manager for two years. Upon graduation from Bowie State University, Dr. Hill completed a doctoral program at Life University in Marietta, GA. His spirit of community involvement continued at Life University where he provided tutoring for the after-school program for the Boys & Girls Club of America. He also provided free summer chiropractic care to underserved communities in El Salvador. After graduation from Life University, Dr. Hill moved back to the Washington, DC metropolitan area to practice. Due to his success, he was asked to be a regular guest on the Bernie McCain show (Radio One)—a role he fulfilled for more than two years. Dr. Hill truly believes in cultivating the next generation of medical practitioners. He regularly volunteers for career day panels with Bowie State University’s Natural Sciences Department and facilitates shadowing opportunities at his office for its students that are aspiring health care professionals. Dr. Hill is a member of Bowie State University’s National Alumni Association and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Bowie-Mitchellville Alumni Chapter). He is also happily married to another Bowie State University alum and former Miss Essence, Stephanie (Gantt) Hill.

Leadership Category

Initiatives that evidence humility, strategic planning, focus, and cooperation to further the academic mission of Bowie State University and that of local, state, and national communities

Judy Washington Estep

Judy Washington Estep served over four decades as a public school educator and academic administrator, having served in three school districts and received numerous awards/recognitions for her outstanding leadership and innovative programs.Judy's academic career really took off with her appointment as principal (the youngest ever appointed principal) of Mt. Hope/Nanjemoy Elementary, at which Judy worked tirelessly to transform a school that was historically underachieving to one recognized for student achievement and teacher excellence. In recognition of her achievement, the School Staff and Community Leaders established the Judy Estep Day; the Washington Post awarded her its Educational Leadership Ward, and later, George Washington University awarded her its Outstanding Leadership Award.After leaving Charles County, Judy served a short tenure as principal at J.C. Parks Elementary and a longer tenure as principal of Glen Forest Elementary, an urban school with 600 international students, and 40 spoken languages, both in Fairfax County. Judy and her staff were recognized for their Reading Recovery Program and other achievements with their English as a Second Language programs.After five successful years in Virginia, Judy returned to Prince George's County as principal of Thomas Claggett Elementary in District Heights. After her return to the School System from a Health Leave, Judy was assigned to the Division of Instruction, where she developed the highly acclaimed PGCP Academic Showcase, but was soon appointed as principal of Henry Ferguson Elementary in Accokeek. There, she organized the School Community to purchase air conditioning window units for all of the classrooms, an initiative that was the impetus for a School District-wide launch.Judy was not destined to remain in Prince George's County; she was appointed Director of Elementary Education in Charles County, and eighteen months later, she was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Instruction. Under Judy's leadership, the County Public School System was recognized by the College Board for its work with traditionally underrepresented students. Moreover, Judy was selected by the College Board to represent the County Public Schools on a trip to several Provinces in the People's Republic of China.Judy was born in Pisgah, Md. to Clara and the late Vincent Washington. After graduating from Monkey High School in Charles County, Judy attended Bowie State College, where she met her husband of 45 years, Robert Estep, Sr. They have two children: Robert, Jr. and Lauren.For all of her opportunities, blessings, and gifts, Judy is truly grateful. To God be the Glory.

Gordon Sampson

After graduating from Moton High School in Easton, Maryland, Gordon Sampson attended Bowie State College, from which he received a BS in Elementary Education in 1969 and an MA in Administration and Supervision in 1979. He has engaged in further study at Howard University, George Washington University, and Western Maryland College.Gordon began his multidimensional educational career in Prince George's County Public Schools as an Elementary School Teacher and ultimately served as vice principal and principal, respectively, at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. He later served as Chief Educator Administrator for a cluster of schools in the County, overseeing the daily operation of each school in the cluster.While providing leadership in the County Schools, Gordon implemented a number of educational initiatives, including a program to improve SAT and AP scores, a program and guidelines for a ninth grade academy, procedures to increase participation in the PSAT, a Magnet program with professional career strands, and a program to decrease thigh school dropouts' credit recovery.Gordon retired from the Prince George's County School System in 2000. Subsequently, he served six years as principal of Kent County High School in Worton, Md. Other employment since retirement includes working for the National Youth Challenge Program ( for dropouts seeking to earn their GED); working for New Lenders (New York), at which he worked as a trainer and mentor for principals in Prince George's County; and currently as a supervisor of student teachers at Bowie State University.Gordon has received many honors and awards, including the 2005 Met Life Maryland State Principal of the Year Award, NAACP Positive Youth Image Award, Largo High School Peer Mediation Award, and Maryland State Department of Education Reading Merit Award.He is married to Joyce Sampson, a retired educator, and they have two children: Gordon, II and Kimberly.Gordon's greatest achievements and accomplishments since high school have been achieving his goals and giving back to the community in which he lives.

Councilmember Brandon Todd

Mr. Brandon T. Todd is a native Washingtonian and a success of the District of Columbia Public School system, having attended Eastern Senior High School on Capitol Hill. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Bowie State University and a Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration on Organizational Development from Trinity Washington University.

For seven years, Brandon worked for Councilmember—now Mayor— Muriel Bowser in many capacities. For nearly five of those years, he served as her Director of Constituent Services, delivering for nearly 80,000 Ward 4 residents. Since 2011 Brandon has served on the Executive Committee of the Ward 4 Democrats as Corresponding Secretary and now, since 2013, as President. Brandon’s platform included increasing active Ward 4 Democrats, raising money to support the Democratic Party, and working to register new Ward 4 Democrats. During his term, the Ward 4 Democrats monthly meeting attendance doubled. They have conducted voter registration drives, and raised thousands of dollars to support the Democratic Party in the District of Columbia. In addition, Brandon represents Ward 4 on the DC Democratic State Committee. In 2012 he served as an elected Delegate for President Barack Obama, representing the District of Columbia at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Brandon is a member of: Friends of the Petworth Library, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Kiwanis International, Thursday Network-Auxiliary of the Greater Washington Urban League, NAACP DC Branch, and the Rotary Club of Federal City. Most notably, he was named one of The EnVest Foundation’s “Top 40 under 40” Leaders in Philanthropy in 2012.

Mr. Brandon Todd attends St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and resides in the Petworth neighborhood of Ward 4.

Legacy Category

Contributions resulting in a deep sense of significance, where true meaning is found beyond pursuit towards success

Brett M. Gillard

Mr. Brett M. Gillard graduated from Bowie State University with a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems in 2003 and a Master of Business Administration in 2006. During his undergraduate studies, he joined the Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Incorporated and served as its Vice Polemarch. In 2002 he was first runner up for “Mr. Bowie.” Additionally, he served as a math tutor during both his undergraduate and graduate studies.

Shortly after completing his undergraduate studies, Mr. Gillard began his career at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Currently, he services as the Business Resource Analyst for the Information Technology & Communications Directorate in the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), where he develops and executes an annual comprehensive, budget exceeding $14 million for each work breakdown structure element; prepares and executes the Directorate budget that supports Information Technology services provided to NASA; and develops and justifies a comprehensive, multi-year budget for assigned Center Management and Operations and Agency Management and Operations budgets.

In addition to his professional positions, Mr. Gillard serves as the Vice-Chair of the African-American Advisory Committee of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and as Code 700 Directorate Representative, Safety Awareness Campaign. Also, he is the 2008 Silver Recipient of NASA Agency Rookie of the Year Award.

Continuing the Whitehead and Gillard family legacy of Bowie State University graduates, educators, administrators, and ambassadors, Mr. Gillard continuously volunteers his personal time mentoring BSU students regarding career development, especially as it relates to opportunities in the federate government. Throughout his life, he has continued to embody the core values of BSU and build upon his legacy of service. He selflessly volunteers his time for various civic and community efforts, such as helping combat hunger and homelessness in the DC metropolitan area. He is also a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated.

Mr. Brett M. Gillard is a faithful member of Washington Christian Center and a devoted husband and father. He and his wife Roxanne are proud parents of three children: Armani, Makenzie, and Cole.

Shantel Peacock

Mrs. Shantel Peacock has always had a passion for finance. When in high school, she participated in the National Academy of Finance program. While matriculating at Bowie State University, she was an active member in business honor societies and organizations. She served as secretary of the Bowie State Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA). It was during her participation in NABA’s Eastern Regional Conference that JP Morgan Chase recruited her to work for them immediately upon graduation from BSU. In 2010, she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Bowie State University with a Bachelor's of Science degree from the College of Business. Having approximately 10 years of experience in financial institutions, Mrs. Peacock is a financial controller at JPMorgan within the Investment Bank. She works with counterparts globally, while managing teams in Delaware and India. In addition to the financial aspects, she focuses on developing and providing mentorship to junior talent within the company.Hence, Mrs. Peacock now attends the NABA conference in the capacity of recruitment. Additionally, through working with BSU’s Dean of the College of Business, she has successfully created a profile of the student population in the College of Business to substantiate her advocacy that JP Morgan recruit directly from Bowie State University. Such direct recruiting would afford BSU students more opportunities for internships and full time careers at one of the largest financial institutions in the world. Mrs. Peacock is committed to continuing her efforts until her goal is realized.Assisting others in obtaining the best quality of life possible has always been the motivation behind Mrs. Peacock’s passion. Thus, a mentor, she educates individuals, the youth and young adults in particular, and guides them in making informed decisions, especially financial ones. When the Director of Finance for the Future Leaders and Young Entrepreneurs, Inc. (FLYE), Mrs. Peacock employed her financial skill sets to support FLYE’s operations.Mrs. Peacock also serves the community through volunteer efforts with the Special Olympics, the Ronald McDonald House by preparing and serving meals to families of sick children, and through Adopt-A-Family programs. Mrs. Shantel Peacock resides in Wilmington, Delaware with her husband Kevin Peacock.

Ashley N. Robertson, Ph.D.

Ashley N. Robertson, Ph.D. was born in Oxford, NC and is an authoress, curator and museum director for the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation-National Historic Landmark at Bethune-Cookman University, where she is also an assistant professor of history. Her recent book Mary McLeod Bethune in Florida: Bringing Social Justice to the Sunshine State explores the life of the founder of B-CU. Dr. Robertson graduated from Howard University in 2013 with a Ph.D. in African Diaspora History, and she also holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Bowie State University and a Master of Arts in African American Studies from Temple University. She has been inspired by the legacy and life of her “Shero” Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune, and she truly believes in her words “Knowledge is the prime need of the hour.”

Chanel Turner

Ms. Chanel Turner, a burgeoning vodka entrepreneur, has reached unparalleled heights within the male dominated Spirit industry. By her own direct investment, Chanel founded FOU-DRÉ LLC in 2009 at the age of 25 years-old. Not only is she the first woman to own her own spirit but she is the first African-American woman, as well as, the youngest individual to own and operate a vodka brand. FOU-DRÉ is the personification of Chanel’s ideals—being bold, fearless, pioneering, and instrumental in the advancement of one’s community. Every detail of what goes into making FOU-DRÉ an Ultra-Premium vodka brand is in an effort to create an “experience” for the consumer. In order to gain a strong foothold in the spirit industry, every aspect had to be painstakingly thought out to yield a product that could speak for itself. Finding the perfect flavor was the first huge undertaking for Chanel. She scoured the country for months in an effort to find the perfect distillery capable of breathing life into what she had envisioned as the perfect vodka. It took 80 taste testing’s before finding the right mix of flavor and refinement. Chanel’s “dare to be different” vision for her brand has propelled her 80 proof, fruit infused, spirit into uncharted territory as a full service vodka brand providing more than just libation for its high profile clientele. FOU-DRÉ can be found in over 30 liquor stores in the Washington Metropolitan area, as well as locations in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey and Singapore.From its successful launch in September 2012, FOU-DRÉ has presented itself as a force to be reckoned with in the spirit industry evidenced through its many awards. FOU-DRÉ ranked Extraordinary in the Micro Liquor Spirit Awards; was awarded the Triple Gold Medal in the 2012 MicroLiquor Spirit Awards; recognized as having extraordinary taste and extraordinary package design; awarded Gold Medal in Beverly Hills International Spirit Awards; awarded the Gold Medal in the ‘fruits’ category for The Fifty Best flavored vodka “blind” taste test www.TheFiftyBest.com. FOU-DRÉ also received a 95 rating from Cigar & Spirits Magazine Vol. 4 Issue 2. On February 2, 2014, Chanel was a featured guest on NBC4, WJLA Working Woman segment the Washington Blade profile which highlights influential entrepreneurial women in the Washington Metropolitan area. Most recently Chanel was awarded CAGLCC’s 2014 Emerging Entrepreneur of the year Nonprofit, philanthropic and charitable works. Being actively involved in one’s community and supporting innovative ideas is the driving force behind Chanel’s brand. Being openly lesbian, Chanel knows the importance of community. She’s all too aware of the strength that it takes to strike out on one’s own by taking a leap of faith and how hard it is to accomplish one’s dreams without a proper support system. As a part of her vision for the FOU-DRÉ brand, Chanel has aligned FOU-DRÉ with charitable groups within and outside the LGBT community. FOU-DRÉ LLC has donated its services in support of several fundraising events geared towards the support of the disenfranchised, and the underprivileged. In July 2013, FOU-DRÉ supported the Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, Fashion presentation and Silent Auction event at the VBH Luxury Inc. in New York, New York benefitting the Iris House, a Harlem based non-profit community services organization that provides services to communities affected with HIV/AIDS. Later, in October 2013, FOU-DRÉ was in support of the Kicked It in Heels 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Fundraiser, an event aimed at correcting the health care disparities in breast cancer treatment focusing on young women and women of color transitioning back into their day-to-day lives. In November 2013, FOU-DRÉ again lent it services to The Cinderella Foundation’s signature fundraiser, "Fashion With A Purpose 2013" which featured celebrity designer Korto Momolu from Project Runway, Carla Hall from ABC's " The Chew" and Bravo's "Top Chef" and Eileen Whelan, ABC7 meteorologist. The aim of the event is to inspire, educate, and empower underprivileged girls and young women allowing them to transform their lives and make their dreams a reality.For Ms. Chanel Turner, it is imperative that the FOU-DRÉ story be an empowering one for all. Her success thus far in the spirit industry has defied the odds transcending racial, gender, and socioeconomic boundaries.

Philanthropy Category

Altruistic contributions of time, leadership, and sustained financial support for the advancement of Bowie State University and local, state, and national communities

Bishop Joel & Pastor Ylawnda Peebles

Bishop Joel Peebles is the son of one of the most loved Christian families in the nation. He is the youngest of three sons born to the late Bishop James Peebles and the late Apostle Betty Peebles. Joel Peebles received the call to preach the gospel at a young age. Under the tutelage and encouragement of his father, he occasionally joined him on a weekly radio broadcast in the late 1970s.In addition to the great education that he received from his parents, Joel’s formal education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and a Masters of Arts in Council from Bowie State University; a Master of Divinity from Wilbur Henry Waters College and was bestowed a Doctorate in Humane Letters from Breakthrough Bible College. Joel began preaching at the City of Praise over 20 years ago and has worked to grow and realize the vision established by his parents. Since 1997, Bishop Peebles has served on the church’s Board of Trustees. In addition, Bishop Peebles currently serves as President of the Board of the Center of Hope, an upscale senior living complex. Bishop Peebles continues to serve as Pastor over the congregation that was established and grown by his parents over many years. In the years after his father passed, Bishop Joel and his mother Apostle Betty Peebles continued to grow the ministry and care for the congregation at the City of Praise in their capacities as Pastor and Assistant Pastor respectively. In August 2012, Bishop Peebles was consecrated Pastor of the City of Praise Church Ministries. Bishop Peebles is married to his best friend Ylawnda Peebles for almost 20 years, who matches her husband’s enthusiasm for the Lord. Together they have counseled hundreds of couples and host an annual marriage and family seminar Marry Me Again. Ylawnda Peebles is an ordained minister, a woman of worship, wisdom and elegance; dedicating her life to Faith family and friendships. Ylawnda is a graduate of Bowie State University, where she graduated with high honors earning the Magna Cum Laude Award. In 1999 - she adopted a female group home where she provided mentoring, warm-winter coats, school supplies, trips to classical theaters, and counsel. She is the founder of Heart to Heart Literacy Program (2003), a 501 (c) 3 not for profit charitable organization that was designed to inspire literacy in school aged children. She later established Heartfelt Inc., a community based organization designed to teach adult literacy. Her heart for the community let her to founding and directing "Blessed By You" After-school Program which trained students between the ages of 9 - 16 in etiquette, interview skills and career education (2004-2008).

She is the author of, "God Loves Me Just The Way I Am" and also co-hosts many ministry affairs such as "The Marry Me Again Experience Marriage Events, "Touching the Hearts of People" telecast aired on the Word Network, the Word of The Day aired on both Praise 104.1 and 105.1 WAVA stations in the Washington DC metropolitan area.

She is quoted by saying “"An empty life only focuses on personal achievement. True happiness is trusting in God, loving your family and making a substantial impact on one's community."The couple is blessed to have four amazing children Joel, Jr., Janay, Jordan and Jeremiah and the family lives in Southern Maryland.

William R. Teel, Jr.

As the President and Chief Executive Officer of 1 Source, Mr. William R. Teel, Jr. is responsible for the overall executive leadership of the company, including responsibility for business affairs, corporate strategic planning and mission success.A native of Anacostia in Southeast Washington, D.C., Mr. Teel is the first in his family to graduate from college. Despite challenging beginnings, Mr. Teel went on to earn a R.O.T.C. commission to Second Lieutenant from the U.S. Army, and later two Master’s degrees, including a M.B.A. from Johns Hopkins University and a Master’s in Information Technology from Bowie State University.With 20 years of professional experience, Mr. Teel created 1 Source in 1999. His vision was to build a strategic information technology and management firm that could deliver effectively on the promise of great IT services to U.S. government clients. His outstanding leadership and his many years of federal, commercial, and non-profit experience drove his passion to make 1 Source a company that delivers excellence on all levels—to clients, to employees, to the community and ultimately to the American people.Throughout his successful career, Mr. William Teel has never forgotten humble beginnings. He has placed a emphasis on personal and corporate philanthropy, making significant contributions to charitable causes and always looking for new opportunities to make a positive difference in the community.

Volunteerism Category

Principle of donating time and energy for the benefit of other people in the community as a social responsibility

Adrienne E. Carr

Ms. Adrienne Elaine Carr was born in Silver Spring, MD and was raised in Beltsville, MD. In May 2008, Ms. Carr graduated from Bowie State University in Bowie, MD with a Bachelor’s of Art in History. In January 2015, she earned a Master’s of Science in Management with a focus on Federal Acquisition and Contract Management from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC.

Ms. Carr's career as a federal employee began with an internship with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as a Budget Analyst. After USAID, she secured a job with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a Budget Analyst. While working for IRS, she assisted the strategy and finance department manage operating resources to ensure the organization was fully utilized to deliver program priorities. Ms. Carr’s commitment to a public sector career was solidified with the Department of the Navy (DoN) where she is currently employed as a Contracting Officer. While employed at DoN, Ms. Carr has executed congressionally mandated and intergovernmental programs between the U.S. government and allies. She also streamlines and standardizes DoN business processes by utilizing her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and knowledge obtained during a Navy Resource Management Program at the University of Virginia.

Ms. Carr’s personal goal is to focus on the community. She is on the committee for Hashtag Lunchbag DC, a movement dedicated to eliminating hunger in local communities. In cities like the District of Columbia, where nearly 12,000 people were homeless in 2014, hunger affects a diverse population of employed and unemployed, elderly, and homeless. Every month, Ms. Carr helps facilitate approximately 60 volunteers prepare and deliver hearty, well-balanced meals to local homeless shelters. Since the first event in March 2014, Hashtag Lunchbag DC served nearly 9,000 meals and continues to “pay it forward” through social media outlets like Instagram. Prior to Hashtag Lunchbag DC, Ms. Carr served as Chair of Board of Directors for Power of Pink! Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering patients, survivors and family members of those who have been affected by breast cancer in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Ms. Carr also participates in distance races such as the Rock n’ Roll Marathon, Army 10-miler and Cherry blossom 10-miler. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Phi Alpha Theta Honors Society, and the National Contract Management Association. She is also a member of the Defense Acquisition Corps and is Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act level three certified in Contracting.