I am being honored by Living Classrooms Foundation and the Baltimore Business Journal as a “Rising Star,” an award recognizing outstanding young leaders for their achievements and philanthropic efforts. In accepting this distinction, I have committed to raising money to help Living Classrooms fulfill its mission of providing hands-on education and job training to underserved youth and adults in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas. Operation RESPOND, an initiative within Living Classrooms, is a long-time partner of mine. The staff of Operation RESPOND work tirelessly to connect people and communities impacted by gun violence with resources--including mental health and economic opportunities--and caring community advocates.