Theme: "A New Era- Dreamers, Doers, and Encouragers"

TEDxHagerstownWomen is a platform for women and girls in Hagerstown, Maryland who envision a life far beyond their wildest dreams. Fearlessly, they put thought to action by mobilizing for change, then encourage others to do the same. Our city is entering a new era. These are the voices leading that change.

Kepler Performing & Visual Arts Center
11512 Kepler Drive
Hagerstown, Maryland, 21742
United States

Amber Mowery

Co-Owner, JDog Junk Removal & Hauling and Owner, The Overwatch

Amber, originally from Chambersbug, PA, moved to Hagerstown over 5 years ago. She is the co-owner of JDog Junk Removal & Hauling, a veteran and military family-owned business that specializes in home and commercial service industry, providing junk removal and hauling as well as floor, upholstery, and carpet cleaning. She recently opened The Overwatch, a thrift store located at the Premium Outlets in Hagerstown, MD. Amber believes in community development and giving back to the local community. Through entrepreneurship, she plans to keep investing her time and resources to make this community stronger with each passing year.

Brenda Thiam

Maryland State Delegate

On September of 2020, Delegate Thiam was selected by the Washington County Republican Central Committee to represent District 2B. She was sworn in on October 6, 2020 by Speaker Jones as the first African American woman to be appointed in the Maryland General Assembly in the Republican Caucus. Delegate Thiam has volunteered in various capacities in the community to include president of the Washington County Commission for Women, mentored for Girls Inc., and many roles in her church (Zion Baptist in Hagerstown). She also served as the vice president of the Washington County Republican Club. She volunteers with the Washington County Department of Aging and Partners in Care. Dr. Thiam is a member of the Frederick County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Delegate Brenda J. Thiam, PhD. has a MA from University of Maryland (College Park) and PhD from Capella University. She received her post doctorate graduate certificate from Pennsylvania State University.

Eden Teodorovici

Non-profit Founder

Eden Teodorovici is a freshman undergraduate attending Johns Hopkins University pursuing a major in Environmental Science and a minor in Business. With a passion for volunteerism and environmentalism, Eden has dedicated much of her high school career serving her fellow peers and youth, local homeless, and environment. Her efforts have been recognized by Governor Hogan through the 2021 Governor’s Service ‘Hometown Hero’ Award, United Nations Community Service Award (Ambassador level) and featured various times in the Herald Mail. Overcoming her mental and physical hardships, including four concussions and mental health struggles, Eden’s resilience allowed for her to capitalize on her strengths, followed by her academic, professional, and internal accomplishments. When she isn’t pursuing her studies or volunteering, Eden enjoys weightlifting, gardening, cooking, and relishing nature on long walks.

Nitzalis Rivera

Founder, Spanish4ALL

Nitzalis is a Puerto Rican, New York City native. In 2009, she relocated to Hagerstown, Maryland. She is a mom, grandmother, health coach, and fitness instructor. Nitzalis is currently a member of Leadership Washington County Class 35. As an entrepreneur, she collaborates with local non-profit organizations, as well as private businesses by providing translation and interpretation services through her small business, Spanish 4 ALL. In her 19 years of teaching, she has taught English as a Second Language to elementary, middle, and high school students both in Puerto Rico and the United States. In addition to school-aged students, she has also taught county staff enrolled in her course, “Spanish for Educators”. Nitzalis' work in advocacy for culturally diverse students has been recognized across the state of Maryland. Her work was showcased by the Maryland English Language Learners Family Involvement Network under Promising Practices in Hispanic Family Involvement Strategies.

Tekesha Martinez

City Councilwoman

Tekesha Martinez is a trained mediator, professional facilitator, consultant for restorative justice and expert in conflict resolution. Elected in 2020 to the Hagerstown City Council, she currently splits her time between public service and working as a recovery house Program Manager for a local nonprofit. Formerly a Program Manager for the Robert W. Johnson Community Center, she encourages youth in Hagerstown with unparalleled compassion and commitment. Her art for the spoken word led her to develop Spit Ur Peace promoting a NO judgement, drug, and alcohol-free zone to further empower and connect the local community. She is also a Primed and Polished Portfolio Instructor, at the Museum of Fine Arts. She has successfully raised five adult children and has seven wonderful grandchildren.