Hosted by the StarTUp at the Armory, the ATHENAPowerLink® Baltimore Women in Business Speaker Series features trailblazers from across Maryland discussing accomplishments, challenges, and insights as women business leaders. This is a great opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members from Greater Baltimore.

Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew speaking
Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew speaking about her accomplishments as head of Root Branch Media Group at the StarTUp at the Armory
Dr. Kamila Young presenting in front of an audience
Dr. Kalima Young, assistant professor, Towson University, Department of Electronic Media and Film, speaking about the importance of representation in media and film.

On March 7, Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, HonD, founder and CEO of Root Branch Media Group, spoke about the power of media, and how her company is inspiring students across the state and small businesses within Baltimore City to see the value of storytelling.

Vonnya spoke about the many accomplishments Root Branch Media Group has experienced throughout the years. Three accomplishments Vonnya takes great pride in are:

  • Turning Baltimore City Public School’s curriculum into 125 thirty-minute videos to provide an alternative to students who did not have access to the internet and/or technology during the pandemic.
  • Becoming the first African American woman in Maryland to buy a block on the Baltimore waterfront.
  • Creating Root Branch Marketplace, a QVC style show that highlights local small businesses within the Baltimore waterfront area.

As part of Root Branch Media Group’s core mission of continuing to inspire and uplift youth, Vonnya and her team work with schools in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Prince George’s County to offer field trips to show young students what a professional media facility looks like. Vonnya noted that many of the students leave with not only the knowledge of media production, but also develop interest into other ventures such as owning a building or starting their own coffee brand.

Ardys Russakis kicking off the Women in Business event with information about the StarTUp at the Armory.
The audience members clapping for Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew.
Vonnya Pettigrew speaking in front of an audience about her journey as the founder and CEO of Root Branch Media Group.
An audience listening Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew share her journey as the founder and CEO of Root Branch Media Group.

Attend the next session of the ATHENAPowerLink® Baltimore Women in Business Speaker Series: Women in Trades Panel

Join three women who’ve pushed through barriers to run their own businesses. Each will share their personal stories and discuss their paths to success in these historically male-prominent fields.

  • Anna Gavin, president, Fireline Corporation
  • Danni Donovan, master plumber and director of operations, Donovan WaterWorks
  • Joanna Bartholomew, CEO and founder, O’Hara Development Partners
REGISTER FOR THE MAY 14 EVENT