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Announcing the 2025 Inspire MD Award Winners
Apr 8, 2025
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present this year's honorees who will be celebrated on May 8
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the distinguished individuals and organizations who will be recognized at our 2025 Inspire MD event on Thursday, May 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.
Inspire MD has become the premier celebration of business leadership in Maryland, bringing together executives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to honor those making exceptional contributions to our state. This year's honorees span diverse industries and backgrounds, yet all share a common dedication to advancing Maryland's economy and quality of life.
The 2025 awards will highlight a new inductee into the Maryland Business Hall of Fame (now in its 25th year), recognize a distinguished public servant with the Public Service Award, present the Community Impact Award to a corporation demonstrating extraordinary community commitment (in partnership with Maryland Nonprofits), and celebrate four rising professionals who represent the future of leadership in our state.
We invite you to join us for an evening of meaningful connections, recognition and celebration. Secure your tickets today for what promises to be the business networking event of the year.
Maryland Business Hall of Fame Inductee: Dr. Mike Galiazzo
Dr. Mike Galiazzo joins an esteemed group of more than 60 business luminaries in the Maryland Business Hall of Fame. His outstanding leadership and tireless advocacy for Maryland's manufacturing industry have created a lasting impact on our state's economic landscape.
Through his work at the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland, Dr. Galiazzo has championed innovation, workforce development and economic growth, ensuring manufacturers have the support they need to thrive in an ever-changing global economy.
His induction celebrates his exemplary excellence in leadership, civic engagement, and philanthropy, recognizing not only his professional achievements but also his unwavering commitment to building stronger communities throughout Maryland.
Public Service Award Winners: The Honorable, Rep. Steny Hoyer
Congressman Steny Hoyer is being recognized with the prestigious 2025 Public Service Award for his exceptional contributions to advancing Maryland's economy and quality of life. Throughout his distinguished career in public service, he has championed legislation and initiatives that strengthen Maryland's business community, expand educational opportunities, and create pathways to prosperity for residents across the state.
Representative Hoyer joins an elite group of passionately dedicated Marylanders who have received this honor, including Senator Delores Kelley, Governor Larry Hogan, UMBC President Freeman Hrabowski, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Maryland Senate President Thomas V. "Mike" Miller, University System of Maryland Chancellor William E. "Brit" Kirwan, Senator Barbara Mikulski, and former State Superintendent of Schools Nancy Grasmick, Ph.D.
His tireless advocacy, bipartisan leadership approach, and steadfast commitment to constituent service have made Maryland a better place to live, work and own a business. Through decades of dedicated public service, Congressman Hoyer has exemplified the values this award celebrates and created a lasting legacy that will benefit Marylanders for generations to come.
Community Impact Award: Giant Food
Presented in partnership with Maryland Nonprofits, the Community Impact Award recognizes Giant Food for their extraordinary commitment to community service throughout Maryland. For 89 years, Giant has demonstrated unwavering dedication to creating stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities across the state through initiatives that:
- Fight food insecurity by donating over 6 million pounds of food in 2024 (equivalent to 5 million meals), including 2 million pounds to the Maryland Food Bank.
- Advance pediatric cancer research. Since 2005, Giant has funded groundbreaking work at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, supporting five physician-scientists, nine fellows, and the acquisition of vital medical equipment.
- Champion health equity. Giant nutritionists conduct interactive workshops in public schools, create fresh produce "farmers markets," and lead cooking demonstrations to promote healthy eating in underserved communities.
- Transform youth development by partnering with organizations like U.S. Dream Academy to provide essential tutoring, mentoring and support for children in under-resourced communities and those with incarcerated family members.
- Mobilize employee engagement. Giant associates contributed over 1,490 volunteer hours in 2024 and serve on 20 different nonprofit boards. Their innovative "Giant Gives Volunteer Grants" program empowers employees to secure additional funding for organizations where they volunteer.
Through cause marketing campaigns in 2024, Giant raised and donated over $976,000 to organizations addressing health and economic disparities and supporting local farmers, including $87,000 for the Greater Baltimore Urban League and U.S. Dream Academy.
Giant Food's commitment extends beyond traditional corporate philanthropy, cultivating a workplace culture that genuinely values community engagement at all levels — making them an exemplary recipient of this recognition.
Rising Star Honorees
Alex Choi, Executive Director, Government Program Development, Affairs & Research at TEDCO
Alex Choi exemplifies innovative leadership in Maryland's technology and economic development landscape. At TEDCO, he has spearheaded the Cyber Maryland Program, developing and implementing a statewide strategy to strengthen Maryland's cybersecurity workforce pipeline. His background includes notable achievements during his tenure with the Governor's Office, where he oversaw deployment of approximately $1.6 billion in federal infrastructure funding, served as primary staff liaison to the Asian American Hate Crimes Workgroup, and led a 12-day economic development mission to Korea and Japan that yielded over $100 million in economic development activity. Alex's dedication to community service was particularly evident in his work helping Baltimore City small businesses recover after civil unrest.
Yanni Niebuhr, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer at BFG Financial Advisors
Yanni Niebuhr's remarkable journey from intern to C-suite executive and principal shareholder at BFG Financial Advisors demonstrates the power of determination and innovation. Recognized nationally with the Kestra Ascend Award for Innovation in 2023 and the NextGen Advisor Award in 2025, Yanni has transformed how financial planning services are delivered to Maryland families. His leadership in launching the Financial Planning for All program has broken down traditional barriers to financial advice by reducing fees and eliminating steep asset minimums. Committed to financial literacy, Yanni has developed Corporate Financial Wellness programs that provide essential financial guidance to employees across numerous companies, while also mentoring the next generation of financial advisors.
Whitney Ramirez, Founder & Program Director of Diapers 2 Deposits, Inc.
Whitney Ramirez is revolutionizing financial literacy education for Maryland's youth through her innovative organization, Diapers 2 Deposits. As a former public-school teacher and certified financial education instructor, Whitney has created immersive, hands-on programs that empower young people with essential financial knowledge and professional skills. Her summer youth work program through the Mayor's Office of Employment & Development provides comprehensive mentoring that includes resume writing, networking skills development and real-world financial experiences through "Financial Field Trips." Whitney's dynamic approach to financial education — which includes simulated car-buying experiences and real estate investment tours — is preparing the next generation of Marylanders for financial success.
Caylee Winpigler, Community Impact Manager at Ausherman Family Foundation
Caylee Winpigler has become a transformative force in amplifying youth voices across Frederick County. As Community Impact Manager for the Ausherman Family Foundation, she has built and nurtured a thriving Youth Council of 16 diverse young leaders who are influencing programs and policies throughout the region. Her leadership has fostered an environment where young people feel heard, valued and empowered, creating what colleagues describe as "a movement" rather than simply a council. Beyond her professional role, Caylee serves as President of the Thurmont Historical Society and recently completed her master's degree in International Relations from American University. Her ability to lead with humility while creating opportunities for others to shine makes her truly exceptional.
Join us to celebrate our award winners and the Maryland business community
Be part of this extraordinary celebration honoring Maryland's most inspiring leaders! Inspire MD promises an evening filled with meaningful connections, inspiring stories and the vibrant energy that defines our state's business community. Enjoy networking opportunities, live entertainment and themed food and drink in the historic Baltimore Museum of Industry.
Tickets are available now! For more information and to reserve your spot at this premier event, visit mdchamber.org/InspireMD.
Stay tuned for more in-depth profiles of our award winners in the coming weeks!
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