When you think of Baltimore City leadership — the press conferences, the policy announcements, the viral “Mask up, shorty” moments — Brandon Scott often comes to mind. But leadership does not only live at a podium. Sometimes it lives in the steady presence behind the scenes — in the strategist, the partner, the mother, the entrepreneur who helps hold the foundation in place. That is where you will find Hana Scott. In a candid conversation on Be More Positive, Baltimore’s First Lady shared reflections on her upbringing, her career pivot from science to entrepreneurship, her postpartum journey, and her unwavering love for the city that raised her. A Baltimore Girl, Through and Through Scott describes herself as “a regular, degular girl,” but her story reflects discipline, resilience and purpose. Raised in the Northwood neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore near Morgan State University, she attended Baltimore City Public Schools before graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Education, she explains, was not just expected — it was transformative. Raised by a single father alongside her brother, Scott shared a bedroom with her family until she left for college. She later earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, graduating debt-free with a degree in biology. “I understood that graduating without student loans would give me a leg up,” she said. At a time when HBCUs did not receive the national recognition they do today, Scott chose UMES not for prestige, but for alignment — financial, cultural and long-term. From the Lab to Leadership Before becoming First Lady, Scott worked in vaccine research, contributing to studies focused on malaria and HIV. The work was complex and impactful. It was also isolating. “It sounds impressive,” she said. “But I was miserable.” Recognizing that fulfillment matters as much as achievement, Scott pivoted. In 2017, she launched her own operations and project management firm, supporting mission-driven organizations, particularly Black women-led teams and nonprofits. Over time, she refined her client base to reflect her values. “I signed contracts with anyone who would pay me money at first,” she said. “Now I’m intentional.” When national funding shifts affected many minority-led organizations, Scott resisted the urge to pivot away from her community. Instead, she leaned into programs like Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women initiative and strengthened her network of fellow entrepreneurs. “Community reminded me not to change what I was building.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFCm7X8jNvQ Motherhood, Transparency and Grace Scott speaks most passionately about motherhood. She and the Mayor share three children — Sarone, Charm and Camden — and she describes parenting as an opportunity for growth and healing. “Parenting is healing your inner child,” she reflected. She also spoke candidly about experiencing postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest child. Feelings of isolation, persistent sadness and difficulty finding joy prompted her to seek support from medical professionals and lean on her family and village. “I didn’t sound like myself,” she said. “And I wasn’t.” Her willingness to share that journey publicly offers reassurance to other mothers navigating similar experiences. “I have to remind myself — I’m still postpartum.” Her message is clear: seeking help is strength. Balancing Visibility and Peace As the spouse of a public servant, Scott acknowledges that visibility comes with scrutiny. “Reading negative things about yourself every day for years is not a normal human experience,” she said. While criticism is part of public life, Scott emphasizes discernment — choosing when to engage and when to protect peace. “If I responded to every lie, I wouldn’t have time to do anything else.” It is a reminder that strength can be quiet and boundaries can be powerful. Be More Baltimore When asked what people misunderstand about Baltimore, Scott does not hesitate. “It’s easy to punch down on Baltimore,” she said. “But this city is charming, resilient, gritty and witty.” From waterfront views at the Peninsula to community gatherings at Druid Hill Park and AFRAM, she sees a city defined not by headlines, but by its people and potential. Her pride is personal. She and the Mayor even named their children Charm and Camden — a reflection of just how deeply Baltimore is woven into their family’s story. What Positivity Means For Scott, positivity is not about ignoring challenges. It is about highlighting solutions and elevating the people doing the work. “There’s a lot of criticism without solutions,” she said. “But there are organizations and leaders on the ground making change.” As Baltimore continues to evolve, Hana Scott represents a form of leadership rooted in intention, warmth and quiet strength — leading not always from the front, but often from the foundation. To hear the full conversation with Hana Scott, listen to Be More Positive wherever you get your podcasts and experience the complete interview in her own words. For more than 40 years, The Baltimore Times has brought readers positive stories about positive people. Hana Scott’s story is one of them.

The Best of Black Baltimore is The Baltimore Times’ monumental annual campaign to celebrate the business, culture, and excellence of Baltimore’s Black‑owned enterprises. Residents across the city nominate and vote for standout businesses and individuals in dozens of categories, creating deep community engagement and authentic local data. The campaign culminates in a high‑visibility awards celebration that brings together business owners, tastemakers, celebrities, sponsors, advertisers, partners, community organizations, elected officials, and residents for recognition, networking, and cultural celebration. This campaign highlights and elevates Black economic and cultural leadership, strengthens community pride, and drives increased patronage. It also offers funders, government and civic leaders, and stakeholder partners a proven platform to amplify local entrepreneurship, showcase cultural excellence, and build a more connected, resilient business ecosystem across Baltimore.

Each year, CIAA Weekend transforms Baltimore into a vibrant celebration of culture, connection, and community. What began as a basketball tournament has evolved into one of the city’s most impactful cultural moments — drawing tens of thousands of visitors, energizing local businesses, and reshaping how Baltimore is experienced and remembered. For many, CIAA Weekend feels less like a sporting event and more like a city-wide family reunion. Alumni return home, first-time visitors are welcomed with open arms, students find opportunities to network, and neighborhoods across Baltimore come alive with pride and purpose. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvzDOrCWINs More Than a Game While the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships remain at the heart of the weekend, the experience extends far beyond the arena. With more than 22 championship games and signature events including Fan Fest, step shows, career and education expos, community panels, day parties, and formal events, CIAA Weekend offers something for everyone. The diversity of programming allows attendees to experience Baltimore from multiple perspectives — from its historic neighborhoods and cultural institutions to its nightlife and culinary scene. Disrupting the Narrative About Baltimore CIAA Weekend also plays a powerful role in shifting perceptions of the city. For a few days each year, Baltimore gets to define itself not through headlines, but through lived experience. Visitors engage directly with the city’s culture, hospitality, and creativity — often leaving with a deeper appreciation for Baltimore’s people and neighborhoods. Inclusion and Legacy CIAA Weekend is rooted in HBCU culture, but its reach extends far beyond alumni. Whether attendees went to an HBCU or not, the weekend offers an accessible entry point into a legacy built on community, resilience, and shared history. CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker, photographed at the WBAL TV-11 studio, January 9, 2025. “HBCUs are a cornerstone of our communities,” McWilliams Parker explained. “Even if you didn’t attend one, you’re still connected to their impact. CIAA Weekend reminds us that this legacy belongs to all of us.” Economic Impact and Long-Term Commitment Beyond its cultural significance, CIAA Weekend serves as a major economic engine for Baltimore. Each year, millions of dollars flow into the local economy, with intentional spending directed toward Black-owned and minority-owned businesses. According to CIAA leadership, recent tournaments generated more than $1.4 million in minority-owned purchasing, underscoring the event’s commitment to equity and community investment. The CIAA Tournament’s extension in Baltimore through 2029 further solidifies its long-term impact. This continued partnership creates stability, supports tourism, and opens doors for students, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to benefit year after year. Know Before You Go The CIAA Tournament tips off February 24–28 at CFG Bank Arena, with events happening across Baltimore through March 1. Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, explore multiple neighborhoods, support local businesses, and document their experience to help showcase Baltimore’s story. More information, including tickets and the full event lineup, is available at CIAAtournament.org and baltimore.org. CIAA Weekend is more than a moment on the calendar — it’s a reminder of what’s possible when culture, community, and collaboration come together. For Baltimore, it’s a chance to shine, connect, and welcome the world on its own terms. For a deeper look at the impact of CIAA Weekend — from culture and community to economic opportunity — listen to the full episode of Be More Positive, available now on all major podcast platforms.

Baltimore’s business community is evolving, and for many entrepreneurs, the biggest challenge is not a lack of resources. It is knowing where to start. That is where Tiffany Bethea comes in. As executive director of the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, Bethea is helping shape how business owners across the city connect, grow and navigate an ecosystem that can often feel overwhelming. After sitting down with her for Be More Positive, one thing became clear. Her work goes beyond programming and events. She is focused on building structure. During the conversation, Bethea spoke candidly about what it means to lead in a moment that feels both promising and demanding. With more people entering entrepreneurship and more attention on Baltimore as a place to build, there is also increased pressure to move quickly and succeed. Her approach starts with something simple, but often overlooked. Pause. Through practices like prayer, breath work and intentionally creating space before the day begins, Bethea prioritizes staying grounded. That discipline carries into how she leads. Zuryna Livermore (left) interviews Tiffany Bethea for the “Be More Positive” Podcast. That clarity is reflected in her vision for the chamber. Often described as a hub for business owners, the Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce offers networking, education and access to resources. Bethea is working to refine that experience by shifting the focus from general access to intentional alignment. One of the key challenges she has identified is that many entrepreneurs are trying to solve problems that do not align with their current business stage. In other words, they are moving, but not always in the right direction. Drawing from her background in coaching and consulting, Bethea is working to build a more structured ecosystem that helps business owners identify where they are and what steps they should take next. The goal is to reduce confusion and help entrepreneurs move with greater clarity. That approach is already influencing how the chamber operates. Through curated networking events, educational programming and monthly mastermind sessions, members are encouraged to build meaningful connections and gain practical insight. The emphasis is not just on being in the room, but on leaving with direction. Bethea has also been intentional about the team supporting that vision. She recently introduced a new leadership group designed to bring fresh ideas, challenge existing approaches and help expand the chamber’s impact across the city. At the center of it all is a focus on outcomes. For Bethea, success is not defined by activity, but by results. She wants to see businesses hiring, increasing revenue, expanding operations and becoming more sustainable. That impact-driven mindset is shaped by her personal foundation. A woman of faith and a Baltimore native, Bethea brings a sense of purpose to her work that extends beyond business metrics. It also aligns with a broader shift happening across Baltimore. Despite long-standing narratives about the city, there is a growing sense of collaboration among entrepreneurs, creatives and business leaders. More founders are building together, sharing resources and creating opportunities that extend beyond individual success. Bethea believes that spirit is one of Baltimore’s greatest strengths, even if it is often overlooked. Looking ahead, her vision is clear. She wants a business community where entrepreneurs are no longer guessing, but moving with intention. A place where access is matched with understanding. If Baltimore is entering a new chapter of business and innovation, leaders like Tiffany Bethea are helping ensure that entrepreneurs are prepared for it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLslUwT6HIA

For many aspiring podcasters, authors, entrepreneurs, and organizations, the idea of building a media presence can feel overwhelming. From branding and production to marketing and public relations, there are multiple pieces that must come together for a message to truly reach an audience. That’s where Elevation Global Media Group, founded by Cassandra Ferguson, steps in. Cassandra Ferguson, founder of Elevation Global Media Group.  Based in Baltimore County, Elevation Global Media Group is a full-service media company designed to help individuals and organizations bring their stories to life across television, radio, podcasts, and digital platforms. Ferguson created the company to solve a problem she personally experienced while hosting her own radio show. “I had a great radio show,” Ferguson shared on the Be More Positive podcast. “But I realized that I wasn’t being given the essentials to move forward and grow it as a business.” That realization sparked the creation of Elevation Global Media Group — a place where creators and organizations can access the tools, strategy, and support needed to build a sustainable media platform. The company provides a wide range of services including branding development, marketing strategy, media production, and public relations support. Ferguson explains that many people are eager to start a podcast or media project but often lack foundational elements such as professional branding, contact infrastructure, or a clear marketing plan. “People think they can just show up in front of a microphone,” she explained. “But they may not have a headshot, an email address, or the essential pieces that allow others to connect with them.” Elevation Global Media Group works to bridge that gap by offering a comprehensive, full-service approach. Whether working with corporations, media organizations, entrepreneurs, or first-time creators, the team helps clients refine their vision and translate it into a strategic media presence. Beyond working with professionals, Ferguson has also built a strong commitment to youth mentorship through the company’s digital and media literacy programs. Elevation Global Media Group partners with Baltimore City and Baltimore County schools to introduce students to branding, storytelling, and content production. Students even have the opportunity to create their own podcasts and interview guests, giving them hands-on experience in media creation. For Ferguson, the mission is clear: empower people to share their stories authentically. “One of the biggest trends I see is people copying what others are doing,” she said. “But the most important thing is to bring your own voice and your own vision.” By combining strategy, creativity, and mentorship, Elevation Global Media Group is helping individuals, businesses, and organizations amplify their message and expand their reach. To hear the full conversation with Cassandra Ferguson and learn more about how Elevation Global Media Group is supporting creators and communities, listen to the full episode of Be More Positive at bemorepositive.transistor.fm.

If you know Baltimore’s food scene, then you already know Simone Phillips. As the founder of Charm City Table, Phillips has built a trusted platform that highlights where to eat, what to try and which local businesses deserve your attention. But after sitting down with her for Be More Positive, one thing became clear: Simone is doing much more than posting great food. Baltimore Native and Travel Food Enthusiast Simone Phillips (@charmcitytable) with Be More Podcast host Zuryna Livermore She’s helping tell a bigger story about Baltimore. During our conversation, Phillips reflected on her upbringing, her deep family roots in West Baltimore and Baltimore County, and how community shaped the way she experiences food. From family gatherings in Reservoir Hill to a childhood filled with home-cooked meals made from scratch, food was never just about eating. It was about connection, culture and memory. That foundation eventually grew into Charm City Table. What started as a personal way to document restaurants and meals around the city has grown into a major lifestyle and media platform. Over the years, Phillips has turned her love for Baltimore’s dining scene into a brand that celebrates not only good food, but also the people and creativity behind it. And that’s what makes her work stand out. Phillips has been especially intentional about highlighting Black-owned and minority-owned businesses, helping show the depth and diversity of Baltimore’s culinary scene. In a city as creative and culturally rich as this one, that kind of visibility matters. Our conversation also touched on something many locals already know— Baltimore’s food scene still doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves. While crab cakes will always have their place, Phillips made it clear that Baltimore offers far more than the usual stereotypes. From neighborhood staples to elevated dining experiences, the city’s restaurant scene is layered, dynamic and full of talent. She also shared a perspective that resonated beyond food— that one of the biggest misunderstandings about Baltimore is that people often overlook just how creative the city really is. And she’s right. Baltimore is full of artists, chefs, entrepreneurs and storytellers who are constantly creating, building and pushing culture forward. Phillips is one of them. Through Charm City Table, she isn’t just showing people where to eat — she’s showing them how to see Baltimore. That includes what’s next. In addition to continuing her work in food and hospitality, Phillips is also creating new opportunities for local creatives, including a short-form film screening initiative connected to the Maryland Film Festival. At its heart, this conversation was about more than content creation or restaurant recommendations. It was about city pride, creative evolution and the joy of celebrating Baltimore for all that it is. Simone Phillips has built a brand around good taste, yes — but also around community, culture and love for this city. And that may be the most Baltimore thing about her. Listen to the full episode of Be More Positive wherever you get your podcasts.