The Touching Lives Award recognizes non-management staff that provide front line services to a Frederick County nonprofit’s clientele, or that provide administrative support that sustains the operations of the organization, and does not manage any staff members (employees). These nominees have demonstrated outstanding involvement and commitment to touching the lives of others.
Sonia Amir-Bowie
Hood College
Sonia Amir-Bowie has been with Hood College for five years, currently serving as the Program Assistant for the Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership. In this role, she supports both faculty and students, many of whom are seasoned professionals such as executive directors, CEOs, and military personnel, who are pursuing their Doctor of Leadership degree. As the Program Assistant, she often feels her most important role is that of cheerleader and coach. She provides guidance to these students, many of whom balance professional and academic commitments, helping them persevere and succeed despite the overwhelming demands of their personal and professional lives.
One of Sonia’s proudest accomplishments is founding the Nonprofit Board Fair, an event that takes place through the doctoral program every other year at Hood College. As someone passionate about service, she sought a way to connect students with the broader community. The nonprofit board fair was organized to create opportunities for doctoral students to join the boards of local nonprofit organizations. Its aim was to emphasize the doctoral program’s commitment to preparing leaders and transforming communities.
Her work is rooted in her belief that service to others, especially youth, is a responsibility, a value she’s carried from her experiences working with youth development programs, local police, D.A.R.E. and the Boys & Girls Club. Before her current role, she held positions at the States Attorney’s office of Prince George’s County, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the National Recreation and Park Association.
A child of Colombian and Pakistani immigrants, Sonia understands firsthand the challenges of navigating culture and language, and just trying to fit in. Her experiences shaped her passion for working with young people, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds who may lack the support systems she had. She credits much of her success to the resilience she developed while earning her graduate degree, which was funded by her win in the Miss Maryland competition. As a former Miss Maryland, she advocated for youth development and used her platform to raise awareness about the struggles of immigrant children. She continues to volunteer for organizations like the Distinguished Young Women and the Miss America Organization, that empower young women with life skills and provide opportunities towards scholarship, leadership and service. Now at Hood College, Sonia is driven to be a guide and support, helping others build the foundation for their own dreams.
“Sonia Bowie exemplifies values of service through her work coaching young women and helping them navigate paths for success. She is an invaluable asset to the Frederick community.”
Sarah Presnell
City Youth Matrix
Sarah Presnell, a full-time teacher of Art at Lincoln Elementary School (K-5), in Frederick, also volunteers her time with the City Youth Matrix, a non-profit established to assist families with overcoming barriers to getting access to high-quality extracurricular activities and empowering families to become more engaged in the lives of their children.
Sarah is a painter by passion, education, and training. She attended Linganore High School then pursued her degree in Fine Arts with a minor in science from Bloomsburg University, now Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. She received her certification to teach art from the Massachusetts College of Art and is now also a national board-certified professional teacher.
In her work with City Youth Matrix, she often encounters families and kids from her school. It brings her great job to provide these families with access to many of the same extracurricular and enriching activities that many other families enjoy. She knows firsthand through her work that children benefit so much from social and emotional support of these activities in their well-being and overall health and performance in school. They also build better social skills for the children and social networking for their families.
She lives with her husband and two young boys in Hagerstown, Maryland.
“Sarah Presnell has committed a sustained commitment to excellence in public education and additionally serves part-time in admissions and family empowerment for City Youth Matrix (CYM). She has a unique ability to communicate with CYM families that is both compassionate and empowering. Sarah is also very outstanding at executing daily tasks and with maintaining cohesiveness between our families and staff and the founding values of the CYM mission.”
– Aaron Vetter, Executive Director
Learn More About City Youth Matrix
Jennifer Reeder
The Ranch
For nearly four years, Jennifer Reeder has been a guiding force at The Ranch, helping men in recovery from substance use disorders reclaim their independence and rebuild their futures. As the Education & Training Coordinator, she developed the Engagement Tracks program, empowering clients to pursue education, employment, or self-improvement. Through hands-on support, she helps clients navigate everything from securing food stamps and driver’s licenses to building financial literacy and career skills.
Jennifer’s work is about more than case management; it’s about restoring confidence and dignity. Under her guidance, over 25% of current clients have gained meaningful employment, not just “for now” jobs but sustainable careers that serve as protective factors against relapse. She connects clients with community resources and instills self-sufficiency, ensuring that when they leave The Ranch, they have the skills and confidence to thrive.
What drives Jennifer is the belief that everyone deserves respect and a second chance. She approaches each client as if they were family, providing the care and guidance many have never known. Her ultimate goal? To work herself out of a job, because when her clients no longer need her, it means they’re ready to take on life with confidence.
For her unwavering dedication and life-changing work, Jennifer Reeder is a deserving recipient of the Touching Lives Award.
“I see the work that Jenn does every day, and she does so much to support not only clients but each and every staff member. Her skills and knowledge are incredibly valuable and have helped me a lot in my own work, and I have felt her compassion firsthand in conversations I have had with her both concerning work and other matters. I can effortlessly say that the impact she has on the people around her is tremendous and long-lasting.”
– Jason Barth, Executive Director
Blair Wilson
Delaplaine Foundation
For just over five years, Blair Wilson has been evaluating, organizing, facilitating, and mentoring grant seeking organizations’ applications as Program Manager for Delaplaine Foundation. She is also Chair to their Community Advisory Council and participates in several local funders groups, including the Frederick County Nonprofit Summit Committee and the Frederick County Philanthropic Funders Collaborative.
Blair vividly remembers the first time she heard Delaplaine Foundation President, Marlene Young, speak to a crowd. Her speech was polished, concise, and given without notes! She was so impressed that it inspired her to overcome her fear of public speaking – her greatest professional achievement to date.
Working for Delaplaine Foundation has greatly expanded Blair’s knowledge of Frederick County and the people who live here. Her job allows her to regularly communicate with people and organizations in Emmitsburg, Thurmont, and Brunswick, just to name a few places. It’s opened her eyes to the breadth and diversity of our community!
For her commitment to the nonprofits applying for funding and the beneficiaries of those grants, Blair is a deserving recipient of a Touching Lives Award…even though she’s probably hiding from the spotlight.
“Blair is vital to the operations and ongoing success of Delaplaine Foundations as a front-line interface with our applicants and grantees as well as our internal data expert. She works in dedicated and complete dedication of our mission to enrich communities, families and quality of life for all and works in collaboration with other community funders to gain a comprehensive scope on Frederick County
philanthropy. Through her consistent excellence and professionalism, Blair is beyond deserving of the Touching Lives Award for which I enthusiastically and proudly recommend her.”
– Marlene B. Young, President
Learn More About The Delaplaine Foundation
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