Meet our Board Members

Richard Thayer

Board Member at Large

CEO of Syngineering Solutions, LLC, Richard Thayer,is one of UE's founding board members, developed UE's first executive board committee, and continues to provide invaluable expertise and guidance in organizational transformation, agile operating models, and leadership development with digital-transformation components.

Ghadir J. Smallwood

Sitting Vice President

Executive Board Member, Social Media, Marketing Youth

Ghadir J. Smallwood is one of UE's first volunteers. Graduate of UMBC. Presently in Graduate School. and a certified Pilates Instructor. Youth advocate and community involvement member. A graduate of Seton Kreou HS, Baltimore City. Ghadir is one of UE's first Summer Camp Volunteers since 2015.

Elizabeth DuVerlie

Board Member at Large

Elizabeth DuVerlie is a forrmer Director of Program Development at the MD Healthcare Education Institute. She is also a writer and editor for UE's editorial print publication IBelongMagazine.com. One of UE's first board members since 2015.

Maggie Newman

Board Member

Retired from Johns Hopkins University, a mother, a resident of Baltimore, MD, and a dedicated community volunteer. Lifelong friend of Founding Executive Director since the third grade!

Wanda G. Best

Board Member

Executive Director, Upton Planning Committee

Wanda Gibson Best is a connector of resources. She graduated from South Carolina State University with a BS in Foods and Nutrition and a triple minor in Biology, Chemistry, and Business. Wanda worked for USDA for over twenty years as the program analyst for a five-million-dollar federal food safety and quality program. She has maintained her dietician license for thirty years and continues to practice as a Nutritionist and Dietician.

Bo Brand

Sitting Vice President

Member, Executive Board

One of UE's first volunteers, 2015. Member of UE's Executive Board, long-time resident of Baltimore city, a college graduate,  currently pursuing a medical profession and working at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD. Bo's expertise gives UE partnerships with local medical isntitutions, management and a fresh prespective that only our young adults can bring to UE.

Kamal Quickley

Board Member

Bowie State University, Financial Business Major

Kamal D. Quickley, UE's 1st registered student in 2015. Today he is a student at Bowie State (HBCU) Finance Major and UE's newest board member bringing fresh perspective and financial expertise.

Kamille Simmons

Board Member

Towson State University

Youth committee member and dedicated volunteer. Kamille, a middle school student, arrived at UE and has never left. Today, she is UE's Communication Youth Director, entrepreneur and a full-time student at Towson State University. Because of our funders, friends volunteers and staffers, our youth lands at UE's doorsteps and never leaves! We love that abut them. Today, Kamille serves UE Board and our future looks even brighter.