Our Mission
The Baltimore Women & Allies Board (BWAB) empowers women and allies to thrive professionally while transforming Baltimore into a national model for workplace opportunity and innovation.
Who We Are
The Baltimore Women and Allies Board (BWAB) is a Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) initiative focused on helping women and allies thrive professionally while strengthening Baltimore’s future workforce and leadership pipeline.
Originally established in 2018 by GBC Board members Christine Aspell (KPMG) and Sabina Kelly (Bank of America, retired), BWAB grew out of conversations with then-GBC President & CEO Donald C. Fry (retired), who emphasized GBC’s role in fostering career development for women. A founding management committee—made up of leaders from GBC, KPMG, and Bank of America—launched early programming and the #bWomen initiative.
Following GBC’s merger with the Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore in 2022, BWAB activity paused temporarily. The initiative was relaunched in 2025 as the Baltimore Women and Allies Board, with Suzy Menser (KPMG) and Ayesha Jackson (Bank of America) serving as Co-Chairs beginning in 2026.
What We Do
BWAB brings together professionals across industries, career stages, and identities to build community, expand access to opportunity, and elevate leadership across the Baltimore region.
Our programming is organized around three pillars:
Community
Programs designed to strengthen relationships across BWAB’s network through connection, service, and shared purpose.
Wellness
Programming that supports mental health, resilience, work-life balance, and sustainable career pacing.
Empowerment
Skill-building and leadership-focused events that help women and allies navigate career pathways and access opportunity.
Leadership and Stewardship
BWAB is guided by a leadership structure that ensures strategic direction, partner input, and broad participation.
Co-Chairs
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Ayesha Jackson, Bank of America
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Suzy Menser, KPMG
Advisory Group
A working group of representatives from KPMG, Bank of America, the Greater Baltimore Committee, and a subset of BWAB’s Collective. The Advisory Group provides stewardship, helps set priorities, and supports execution across the year.
The Collective
A network of professionals from GBC member organizations, representing a wide range of identities and career stages. The Collective is the primary community of engagement and participation for BWAB.
How Partners Can Engage
BWAB is designed to be an on-ramp for participation and a platform for leadership.
Ways to get involved:
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Attend BWAB events and invite colleagues from your organization
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Join the Collective to stay connected to upcoming programming and opportunities
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Volunteer on a planning effort through the Program Steering Committee
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Support recognition efforts by nominating leaders or helping shape submissions
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Help expand engagement by serving as a connector within your organization
Partnership and Funding Opportunities
BWAB is powered through GBC partners who invest time, leadership, and resources into the initiative.
Organizations can support BWAB by:
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Sponsoring BWAB programming and events
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Supporting engagement across their teams and networks
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Providing in-kind support such as space, speakers, or expertise
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Helping scale programming and expand access across the region
To explore sponsorship or partnership pathways, please contact lisab@gbc.org.
Progress and Momentum
BWAB was launched in 2018 and relaunched in 2025 to meet today’s workforce and leadership needs. In 2026, BWAB is expanding participation, strengthening governance, and delivering programming aligned with the priorities of women and allies across the Baltimore region.
Stay Connected
To receive BWAB updates, event announcements, and engagement opportunities, submit the steering committee interest form.