BOARD
Sherrell Savage
Acting-Chair of Board
Elder Sherrell Savage is an ordained minister, teacher and worship leader. She was licensed to preach at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Baltimore MD by the late Pastor Walter W. Brown, Jr. January 8, 1998. She was ordained as an Elder under the leadership of Pastor Billy H. Stanfield, Jr. in June 2009 and served as the Administrative Pastor of New Vision Church until July 2014. During her time at New Vision Church she co-created the New Members Ministry curriculum and also worked on developing the ministry's strategic plan. Her ministry passions include encouraging others through words of comfort, praise and worship ministry, teaching bible study, and women's ministry.
Through her own journey of learning to live with diabetes and its impact on all areas of her life, Elder Savage created a wellness coaching business to help others on their health and wellness journey called, The Sanctuary of Movement. She offers 30-minute initial coaching consultations and ongoing coaching sessions, to help people from all walks of life shift their physical, mental, spiritual and emotional lives for the better. Elder Savage is also a certified instructor of Nia Technique, a life and wellness practice that blends dance arts, martial arts and healing arts for people to experience health through mindful movement and a certified Gospel Yoga Flow instructor.
Dr. Maria Yasmeen Finger-Elam
Secretary
Dr. Maria Yasmeen Finger-Elam is an award-winning researcher and data strategist with over a decade of experience in K-12 public education. Born in Philadelphia to two now retired educators and first-generation college graduates, Maria witnessed firsthand how providing students with access and opportunity had the potential to change the trajectory of a family for generations. Maria and her sister, Sydney followed their parents’ example of using their gifts to serve others by pursuing their callings in education and nursing, respectively.
Maria began her professional career as a Research Specialist in Howard County Public School System, where she was named a Strategic Data Project Fellow by the Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University. In 2015, Maria transitioned to Baltimore County Public Schools, where she spent nearly 4 years as the Supervisor of Research before being appointed to the position of Coordinator of Data Strategy in 2019. As a researcher, Maria earned the rare distinction of winning the Lorne H. Wollatt Distinguished Paper Award for two consecutive years. Throughout her career Maria has combined her technical skill with her passion for equity and justice to advocate for all students, particularly those historically marginalized in educational settings.
Maria is a proud Hampton University alumna; she graduated in 2003 with a B.A. in Psychology. She also earned an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology from The University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC). Maria currently resides in Owings Mills with her husband, Gary, and two daughters, Ameenah and Noor.
Roland Finger
Treasuer
Sonia Chase
(Retired WNBA)
Board Member
Dr. Bilal Ali
Board Member
Dr. Bilal Ali has over 20 years of experiences in the mental health and substance abuse field, Dr. Ali has a bachelor and master degree in psychology, B.A. from University of Baltimore, and Master Degree from Coppin State University. and Honorary Doctor degree from G.O.D.S. U.(2017)and he is a member of the national honor society of Psi Chi Dr. Ali has dual license in mental health and substance abuse. L.C.P.C. and L.C.A.D.-C and in addition, Dr. Ali has earned a Lay community health education certificate from John Hopkins University. Dr.Ali is a board approved supervisor by the board of professional counselors and therapists. Dr.Ali sits on several community boards. Empowering Minds of MD youths, Code of the Schools, New Vision Youth Services. Dr.Ali is a former member of the Maryland House of Delegate 41district ,and he is currently elected to the Maryland state central committee 41 district.
Dr. Phillip Leaf
(Professor, John Hopkins University)
Advisor