First Lady Yumi Hogan honored the winners of the Arc Maryland's "Together We're Better Awards" along with Secretary Beatty and MSDE Assistant State Superintendent Marcella Franczkowski.  Winning artwork was selected from more than 90 submissions from across the state. 

Governor Hogan has proclaimed 2020 the Year of the Woman, and we will be highlighting exceptional women in Maryland's disability community each month.  This month we are honoring Janice Jackson. 

Janice Jackson, a former Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, is currently a commissioner for the Maryland Commission on Disabilities.  She also serves as a board member for The League for People with Disabilities, The Image Center for Independent Living, and Hoffberger Center for Professional Ethics.   Janice is also a peer mentor with The Christopher Reeve's Foundation, Good Samaritan Hospital, the University of Maryland Rehabilitation & Orthopedic Institute, and nursing homes throughout Baltimore.  Janice is the Founder and Executive Director of Woman Embracing Abilities Now (W.E.A.N.). W.E.A.N. is a nonprofit mentoring organization servicing women and young ladies with varying degrees of disabilities throughout Maryland.   She is also an Adjunct Professor at the University of Baltimore, where for the last 15 years she has taught Business Ethics to undergraduate students.  

All of Janice's hard work has not gone unnoticed as she has received many honors and awards, such as being a three time winner of Maryland's 100 Top Women. Her most notable recognition was receiving the 2012 Citizens Medal from President Obama. This award is the second highest civilian award bestowed by a president of the United States for exemplary community service.  

Thank you Janice for all you do to change Maryland for the better!