Prominent Researcher Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett Headlines

 Annual Fundraiser for Foundation of Hope

Funds raised help the organization continue its Economic Development and Empowerment Program for 6th-grade girls at Easton Middle School

“Beyond the vaccine development and all the other things, the one thing I represent is you. So when you see me, see yourself as who you’re supposed to be, who you’re destined to be.”  Prominent scientist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett spoke those inspirational words in front of a ballroom full of people at the Foundation of Hope’s annual fundraiser luncheon on December 4 at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort in Cambridge.

Dr. Corbett is an American viral immunologist whose experience includes serving as the scientific lead on the Vaccine Research Center’s (VCR) Coronavirus Team at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The group’s work led to the development of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.  

Her keynote address was the pinnacle of an exciting agenda for the event.  Janice Walker-Emeogo, the Small Business State Outreach Director at the Maryland Department of Labor served as the emcee for the luncheon. Community leaders such as Delegate Johnny Mautz and State Senator Addie Eckardt gave welcome remarks. They presented citations to honor the work of the foundation’s board members Keasha Haythe, Angela Bordley, Michelle Harding, Derick Daly, Regina Dawson, and Dr. Mary De Shields.

Another luminary, Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, President of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) gave the introductory address. During his tenure at UMBC, he created the Meyerhoff Scholars Program aimed at increasing diversity among future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and related fields. Dr. Hrabowski’s pride was evident in his short but rousing speech to introduce Dr. Corbett, a Meyerhoff Scholar.

In her keynote address, Dr. Corbett credited her family with laying the foundation for her success. “My circumstances are a little bit different than my peer scientists. My village looked a little bit different than some other’s village,” she said. “It is important to understand that the village does sometimes start right at home.” As one of seven children in her family, Dr. Corbett says her parents were committed to understanding each of their children’s needs and strengths.

She likened their love and support to that of the Foundation of Hope. “It's that type of foundation.  And then the bringing in of programs that see children, especially young girls, like myself.  Programs like the Foundation of Hope, like the Meyerhoff Scholarship Program… see us and build this foundation around us so that we can be equally as resourced as our better-off peers.”

Dr. Corbett encouraged attendees to think of their donations as an investment in the future of young girls. “The money you put in those envelopes, it goes beyond the booklets. It goes to the point where the curriculum in that booklet takes a young girl to that professorship at Harvard. It is about a chance for children and young girls who would normally not have had that.”

A question and answer session followed Dr. Corbett’s remarks. A number of attendees queued up to get her thoughts on a wide range of topics from how a vaccine works, educating those who are vaccine-hesitant, recent news on the omicron variant, and how best to mentor young women leaders of tomorrow. 

The luncheon also included a silent auction. About 29 local businesses and foundation supporters donated auction items ranging from artwork, jewelry, dining gift cards, wellness kits, and more. The event raised more than $24,000 for the Foundation of Hope.

The Foundation of HOPE, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was founded in 2016 by Keasha Haythe, an economic development professional.  It aims to help Talbot County girls reach their potential. The foundation’s signature initiative is its Economic Development and Empowerment Program for girls in sixth grade at Easton Middle School.  

“There’s a bunch of changes that they go through at that age from 12 years old so specifically in this program helps them through that,” says Mrs. Haythe. “Statistics show after-school programs boost academic so that’s one of the reasons we focus on sixth-grade girls.”

The foundation recently published its workbook covering its curriculum.  Exercises highlight such topics as building self-esteem, bullying, social media, workforce development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

Natalie Brooks whose daughter Leilani participated in the program said “It’s been really incredible to see her blossom as a young lady.  She went from being a B, C student to an all A student.”

Leilani agrees with the positive impact of the Foundation of Hope. “I think everyone should experience this.”