National Networking Community for Business Women Launches New Chapter in Prince George’s County
Women’s Business League Launching New Chapter on January 17, 2022
By PRESS OFFICER
Women’s Business League
Prince George’s County, Md. (Jan. 6, 2022)—Get ready Prince George’s County because something new is coming to your community! Women’s Business League (WBL) is expanding and launching a new chapter in your area. Launching on January 17, 2022 via a virtual event at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, the chapter will be led by Chapter Leaders, India Hall and Jonvoana Evans. The goal of this group is to provide a supportive collaboration between professional women which will provide inspiration, referrals, relationships, and education to all the members.
WBL provides a positive, encouraging and inspiring community for women in business and entrepreneurship. This isn’t your average networking group—and that’s a good thing! WBL believes women can accelerate their results, one relationship at a time. Their foundation is to build a strong, supportive network for women in business through connection, opportunity and community. WBL is a space where women of all backgrounds can come together to uplift and encourage each other.
“By joining WBL at the beginning of the pandemic, it not only saved my business but launched it on an amazing trajectory. I immediately felt the support from the community who showed up in the most incredible way. Once I joined, my sales quadrupled in just one month’s time, then doubled again. Six months later, I was making 10X what I would have made had I not joined,” said Jeannine O’Neil, member of the Ipswich, MA chapter and owner of Magnolia Blooms.
“Women’s Business League has given me community, education and support. These amazing women mention my name whenever they can to potential clients. My business has grown over 35% since joining WBL and it hasn’t even been a full year!,” said Stacey Welch-Andrade, Georgetown, MA member and Owner of Sprinkles by Stacey
To attend the launch event please visit www.womensbusinessleague.com/events to register or email info@womensbusinessleague.com for more information.
WBL is a national networking community for female entrepreneurs and business women. Founded by Amy Poscik and Melissa Gilbo, WBL has over 40 chapters nationwide and more than 450 members. WBL is an inspiring community where members can dream big, reach for their goals and build meaningful relationships.
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Governor Hogan Appoints Karen R. Toles to the Maryland House of Delegates
By SHAREESE CHURCHILL
Office of the Governor
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Jan. 11, 2022)—Governor Larry Hogan today announced the appointment of Karen R. Toles to the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Legislative District 25 in Prince George’s County. She was nominated by the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee.
“I am confident that Ms. Toles will represent the citizens of Prince George’s County well in her new role as delegate,” said Governor Hogan. “I offer her my sincere congratulations and look forward to working with her and the General Assembly this legislative session.”
Toles is a former Prince George’s County council member, serving eight years from 2010 to 2018. She is currently the director of community affairs, as well as legislative affairs advisor, for the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. She also has a policy consulting business, Paramount Policy Partners, LLC. Toles received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and her law degree from the University of Baltimore.
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President of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital to Retire
Christine R. Wray announces Jan. 2022 retirement after 42 years of service in healthcare
By CHERYL RICHARDSON
MedStar Health
CLINTON, Md. (Jan. 5, 2022)—Christine R. Wray, FACHE, president of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital who also serves as a senior vice president for MedStar Health, announced that she will be retiring on January 28, 2022.
Wray was named president of MedStar Southern Maryland in September 2014, two years after MedStar Health acquired the hospital located in the Clinton area of Prince George’s County. With Wray at the helm, MedStar Southern Maryland saw the development and growth of several new service lines.
In 2016, the hospital received national recognition from U.S. News & World Report, having ranked among the top 50 of best hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery. In 2017, MedStar Southern Maryland joined the prestigious MedStar Heart and Vascular Institute-Cleveland Clinic Alliance. Wray also helped facilitate the opening of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in February 2020. This 25,000 square foot facility offers unmatched medical expertise, leading-edge therapies, and access to robust clinical research, all under the same roof.
Moreover, the construction of MedStar Southern Maryland’s new Emergency Department (ED) expansion project took place under Wray’s leadership, and remained on schedule despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The $43 million ED expansion project has been deemed the largest construction project in the hospital’s history. The new emergency department opened its doors in April 2021 to provide local residents with seamless access to the most advanced care.
Wray’s focus on providing quality care has helped MedStar Southern Maryland build a foundation of excellence that will serve local communities for decades to come. MedStar Southern Maryland is grateful for the innumerable and lasting contributions that Wray made throughout her 42-year healthcare career.
“I have so cherished working with all of you in our commitment and service to our wonderful communities. It has truly been an honor and a privilege,” Wray said in an announcement that was emailed to hospital associates. “Please always be proud of the work you do and how you care for each other as you care for our patients. It is incredibly important work and you are the best of the best!”
Dr. Stephen Michaels, who currently serves as the chief operating and medical officer for MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, will take over as president of MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center.
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