![Maureen van Stone and Christopher Mason-Hale at the opening reception for Leadership Maryland's Emerging Leader inaugural class.](/sites/default/files/library/images/community/maryland-center-developmental-disabilities-mcdd/newsletter/2024-issue-3/Chris-Maryland-Leaders.jpg)
On May 2, Christopher Mason-Hale, BSW, MCDD community advocate, attended the opening reception for Leadership Maryland’s Emerging Leader inaugural class at the Banneker-Douglass Museum in Annapolis, Maryland. Mason-Hale is the first participant in the program to have a physical disability. The six-month Leadership Maryland Emerging Leader Program, which began on June 6, 2024, brings together a cohort of 30 forward-thinking individuals from Maryland’s public, private, government, education and nonprofit sectors to equip them with skills and tools to advance in their careers. We are confident that Mason-Hale will represent the MCDD and Kennedy Krieger Institute exceptionally well.
![Dr. Mirian Ofonedu headshot.](/sites/default/files/library/images/community/maryland-center-developmental-disabilities-mcdd/newsletter/2024-issue-3/Mirian%20Ofonedu.jpg)
Mirian Ofonedu, PhD, LCSW-C, director of training for the MCDD, received the Community Advocates 4 You 2024 Outstanding Community Leader award and was honored at the Amanda Queen Scholarship Luncheon on May 4, 2024. Dr. Ofonedu was recognized for her dedication to collaborating with Maryland’s faith community leaders to promote inclusive faith-based support for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities. Her efforts have significantly enhanced the accessibility and inclusivity of community support services. Congratulations, Dr. Ofonedu!
![Mallory Legg and Maureen van Stone at The Daily Record's Top 100 Women ceremony.](/sites/default/files/library/images/community/maryland-center-developmental-disabilities-mcdd/newsletter/2024-issue-3/Top-100-Women.jpg)
Congratulations to Maureen van Stone, Esq., MS, assistant vice president at Kennedy Krieger and director of the MCDD, for being inducted into the Daily Record’s Top 100 Women Circle of Excellence. She was honored at a reception and awards celebration on May 6, 2024, at the Lyric in Baltimore, Maryland. The MCDD team celebrates van Stone’s achievement and is grateful for her continued leadership.
![Kendall Murphy headshot.](/sites/default/files/library/images/community/maryland-center-developmental-disabilities-mcdd/newsletter/2024-issue-3/Kendall-Murphy.jpg)
Kendall Murphy, Esq., staff attorney for Project HEAL (Health, Education, Advocacy, and Law), achieved a significant milestone by being sworn into the Maryland State Bar Association on May 23, signifying a momentous accomplishment in her legal career. With this accomplishment, Murphy has earned the prestigious “esquire” title. As she takes on this new professional chapter, we look forward to witnessing her continued success.
The MCDD is thrilled to announce that the Working for Inclusive and Transformative Healthcare (WITH) Foundation has awarded grant funding to the MCDD and Project HEAL. This grant will support our efforts in offering legal services for individuals seeking assistance with guardianship, less restrictive alternatives, supplemental security income (SSI) and social security disability insurance (SSDI). Additionally, the grant will enhance self-advocate compensation and participation and enable us to hire a new SSI/SSDI attorney. We are excited to continue this important work!