The Chris Wilson Foundation

04/13/2026

04/06/2026

Our March newsletter is here! Check it out to stay up to date on all things CWF💙

04/03/2026

At the Chris Wilson Foundation, we’re proud to support individuals as they rebuild and move forward. When one person gets a second chance, whole communities grow stronger. 💛

03/31/2026

✨As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to honor the impact of the incredible women in our community and beyond.

At the Chris Wilson Foundation, we are inspired every day by women who lead with purpose, uplift others, and create pathways to opportunity. This month, we’ve had the privilege of highlighting some of those wonderful individuals.

This month isn’t just about celebration. It’s about honoring that work and those quiet wins that don’t always get seen. We celebrate you, not just this month, but every day. ✨💜

03/30/2026

✨Women’s History Month Spotlight: Brittany Porter

This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to highlight our very own Brittany Porter, Program Director at the Chris Wilson Foundation. She is a leader walking in purpose and creating pathways for others to do the same.

Brittany Porter was incarcerated from 2010 to 2015 at the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women. After her release, she made a commitment to become a better version of herself and walk fully in her purpose. Like many returning citizens, she faced challenges finding meaningful and gainful employment, but her path shifted when she was introduced to Turn Around Tuesday, a reentry program that helped her become a Certified Community Health Worker.

She used that opportunity to build a career rooted in service, working in hospitals before transitioning into the nonprofit space. Today, as Program Director at the Chris Wilson Foundation, Brittany is deeply committed to supporting individuals returning home from incarceration. She mentors, facilitates sessions inside correctional facilities, and helps create employment opportunities for those impacted by the criminal justice system.

Brittany’s work is grounded in lived experience, compassion, and a genuine desire to make a difference. She reminds us that transformation is real and that when people are given opportunity and support, they can build new paths forward.

Thank you Brittany Porter and all the women who continue to uplift their communities and create change every day. ✨💜

03/27/2026

✨Women’s History Month Spotlight: Dr. Kaye Whitehead

This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to honor Dr. Kaye Whitehead. She is a powerful voice shaping conversations around justice and community.

A Baltimore-based educator and radio host, Dr. Kaye Whitehead creates space for dialogue that challenge and uplifts. Through her work in classrooms, media, and community spaces, she centers truth-telling and ensures that stories, especially those too often unheard, are brought to the forefront.

In a world where meaningful dialogue is often overshadowed by noise, Dr. Whitehead remains deeply committed to thoughtful engagement and community connection. She reminds us that impact doesn’t always come from visibility. It comes from consistency and a courage to speak truth in every space you enter.

Thank you Dr. Kaye Whitehead and all the women whose voices continue to shape a more just and equitable future. ✨💜

03/23/2026

Women’s History Month Spotlight ✨

This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to honor Shanaysha Sauls. She’s a visionary leader cultivating healing and self-determination in Black communities.

A Baltimore-based organizer and founder of the Black Yield Institute, Shanaysha Sauls is reimagining food systems through a lens of justice and sovereignty. Her work centers land, culture, and community—creating pathways for Black residents to grow their own food, reclaim ownership, and build sustainable futures rooted in collective care.

In a world where this kind of work is often overlooked, Shanaysha remains deeply committed to transformation at the grassroots level. Through her leadership, she reminds us that real change doesn’t always come from the spotlight—it grows from the ground up, nurtured by those who are willing to invest in their communities every day.

Thank you Shanaysha Sauls and all the women whose work continues to grow a more just and equitable future. 💜✨

03/20/2026

✨This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to honor Augusta T. Chissell.

Augusta, who’s nickname was Gussie, was a Baltimore-based civil rights leader. She was deeply committed to advancing economic and social justice, particularly for Black communities. She worked alongside local activists and labor groups to challenge discriminatory hiring practices, organizing for fair employment and expanding access to jobs for Black workers at a time when many were systematically excluded.

In the face of systemic barriers, Augusta stood firm, using her voice and actions to challenge discrimination and uplift her community. Her courage reminds us that real change is driven by those willing to speak up, organize, and lead with purpose.

Here’s to Augusta T. Chissell and all the women whose legacies continue to shape a more just and equitable future.✨💜

trailblazers

03/16/2026

✨💜Women’s History Month Spotlight: Nykidra Robinson

This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to highlight Nykidra Robinson, a leader working to strengthen communities and expand civic engagement across Baltimore and beyond.

Nykidra is the founder of Black Girls Vote, a national organization dedicated to engaging and educating Black women about the power of their vote. Through this work, she has helped register thousands of voters and organize hundreds of civic engagement events that encourage communities to make their voices heard.

Her leadership has earned recognition as one of Maryland’s Top 100 Women and led to her appointment to the Maryland Commission for Women, where she continues advocating for women and families.

We celebrate women like Nykidra who are empowering communities and opening doors for the next generation.💜✨

03/11/2026

Women’s History Month Spotlight ✨

This Women’s History Month, we’re highlighting Judge Cathy Serrette and sharing part of the story behind how our CEO, Chris Wilson, got to where he is today.

After being incarcerated at 17, Chris spent more than 16 years in prison working to transform his life. He educated himself, created a master plan for his future, and committed to personal growth.

When Judge Serrette reviewed his case, she recognized the dedication and change Chris had demonstrated. Her decision to reduce his sentence helped give him the opportunity to start the next chapter of his life.

In 2012, Chris was released and today he serves as the CEO of the Chris Wilson Foundation, where he works to empower young people and create pathways of opportunity for others.

This Women’s History Month, we honor Judge Serrette for recognizing the power of growth, redemption, and second chances.

03/09/2026

✨ Women’s History Month Spotlight: Anna Murray Douglass

This Women’s History Month, we honor Anna Murray Douglass . She’s a powerful yet often overlooked freedom fighter with deep roots connected to Maryland and the broader fight for justice.

As a young free Black woman living and working in Baltimore in the 1830s, Anna played a critical role in the fight against slavery. She courageously helped Frederick Douglass escape slavery by providing money, sewing him a sailor’s disguise, and helping him secure the documents needed to travel north to freedom. Her bravery put her own safety at risk but helped change the course of American history. 

Beyond that moment, Anna continued her work in the abolitionist movement. She supported freedom seekers and helped operate stops along the Underground Railroad. Her dedication to justice and community uplift made her a quiet but powerful force in the movement for freedom. 

Anna Murray Douglass reminds us that behind many historic movements are courageous women whose leadership and sacrifice helped pave the way for change.