#GiveToGain. A night for connection, community, and momentum.
Monument Women’s Creative Alliance hosted our 4th Annual International Women’s Day celebration, an energizing evening featuring a keynote, panel conversation, and community gathering, along with a lively Vendor Marketplace where guests shopped and connected with local women-owned businesses.
The event was beautifully summed up by Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, who said it was “built by people who choose to show up for one another.” That sentiment captured the spirit of the day so well.
4th Annual IWD Highlight Reel
4th Annual IWD Event Photo Album
4th Annual Speakers & Panel Discussion Video
Press
Testimonial
“International Women’s Day with Monument Women’s Creative Alliance is always one of the highlights my year. It is a room full of incredible energy and wonderful women. I enjoy seeing both new and familiar faces. Every single time, I leave feeling more inspired and especially grateful to work with Hazel and Rachel. The night showcased so many amazing women in the Baltimore area who are committed to making life better as well as, celebrating the work of women in our city. I’m so grateful to be part of this. I’m also deeply grateful that you continue to choose Marian House as part of your celebration, because the women here are worth all of it. Thank you for supporting our work. It means so much to me personally and to all of Marian House.”
– Tobi Morris, Marian House
Keynote Speaker
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah
President & CEO at Global Refuge
Krish O’Mara Vignarajah is the President and CEO of Global Refuge. She previously served in the Obama White House as Policy Director for First Lady Michelle Obama and at the State Department as Senior Advisor under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Secretary of State John Kerry.
Krish has committed her career to public service because she knows how differently life could have turned out. She was 9 months old when she and her family escaped a country on the brink of civil war and built a life in Maryland. Her parents came to this country with no jobs and $200 in their pockets.
Krish went on to graduate from Woodlawn High School in Baltimore County, and then attended Yale College. She was named a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University, then returned to Yale Law School, where she served on the Yale Law Journal.
She has been recognized as one of one of the Baltimore Sun’s “Women to Watch,” The Daily Record’s “Most Admired CEOs,” and The Hill’s “Changemakers”. At home, Krish balances her professional commitments with family life alongside her husband as they raise their two young daughters, Alana and Leya.
Opening Remarks
Aalliyeh Clinton
Founder, Monneah’s Engineered Materials, LLC
Aalliyeh Clinton is a Baltimore-based materials science engineer, entrepreneur, and STEM advocate whose passion for science began at Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and led her to earn a B.S. in Chemistry from Morgan State University, where she is currently advancing entrepreneurial and research work while on leave from her master’s program.
In August 2022, she founded Monneah’s Engineered Materials, LLC, an advanced textile company developing sustainable, high-performance PPE, through which she has created a patent-pending material, secured a trademark, partnered with industry leaders, raised over $70,000 in non-dilutive funding, and earned recognition including a 2025 Baltimore RealLIST Startup honor and a Times Square Billboard feature.
She is also the founder of Cool Nerds on the Rise, a STEM education initiative impacting over 400 students, and an accomplished public speaker who bridges science, safety, fashion, and equity to make STEM more accessible, engaging, and inclusive.
Panel Discussion
Erin Moran
Moderator • Executive Director, Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute
Erin Moran is the inaugural executive director of the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute, an organization dedicated to positively impact the region and beyond through results-producing and ethical leadership development. Developed by leaders, for leaders, institute offers a values-driven and robust portfolio of offerings for individuals and organizations that create transformational outcomes for leaders at any level in their careers and across all industries.
Erin has spent most of her 25+ year career dedicated to developing leaders who create inspiring work environments that enable people to be fulfilled while also achieving extraordinary business results. She believes ‘we create a better society when people work in healthy environments.’
Erin has a series of awards to her credit, including being named one of the Top 50 Women Innovators in the Restaurant Industry (2019), a two-time honoree through the National Restaurant Association Power List of Culture Champions (2017 and 2019), Women’s Foodservice Forum Top Women in Metro New York Foodservice & Hospitality (2018) and the Maryland Daily Record Top 100 Women in 2025.
Dr. Arti Santhanam
Strategic Advisor, Applied Neurons LLC
Dr. Arti Santhanam is a strategic leader and venture expert with over 20 years of experience at the intersection of life sciences, capital allocation, and ecosystem development. Known for her ability to scale high-impact innovation, she most recently served as Executive Director for the Emerging Technology Centers (ETC), where she led a public-private transformation to support later-stage venture growth.
Previously, as Executive Director of the Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII), Dr. Santhanam managed a $52M investment portfolio that catalyzed 176 startups and leveraged nearly $800M in follow-on funding. Her governance experience spans critical oversight roles, including the Maryland Governor’s Life Science Advisory Board and the Maryland Energy Innovation Initiative investment committee.
Dr. Santhanam holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from Rutgers University and is recognized as a Daily Record Top 100 Woman in Maryland & Most Influential Marylander, featured as a Baltimore Business Journal’s PowerShift leader & Women Who Mean Business and honored with the Greater Baltimore Committee’s Bridging the Gap Achievement Award, and featured in media publications, including Technical.ly, Baltimore Business Journal, and BioBuzz.
Airen Washington
CEO, Airen Washington Creative LLC
Airen Washington is a public servant and the owner of Airen Washington Creative LLC. She previously served as Director of Communications for senior elected officials on Capitol Hill and the Congressional Black Caucus, as well as a financial services trade association and its 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm. Her work sits at the intersection of policy and entertainment, earning PR placements in mainstream and Beltway outlets.
Airen Washington Creative specializes in marketing and communications across finance, clean energy, technology, and education for organizations advancing equity and economic mobility in Black and Brown communities. The agency delivers strategic messaging, digital content, event production, and community engagement—spanning social media, brand identity, partnership support, and multi-platform campaigns designed for measurable impact. Clients include Industrial Bank, WACIF, Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, and DC Startup & Tech Week, with a growing focus on equitable clean energy and climate justice through partnerships with Volt Energy Utility and Sharing the Power Foundation.
With a background spanning policy, entertainment, and the arts, Airen pairs communications strategy with live event, film, and video production expertise to execute seamlessly across digital campaigns, event experiences, video, and print. Her work has supported organizations including the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington National Opera, Forbes the Culture (now Forbes Blk), Broccoli City Foundation, and the National Bankers Association Foundation.
Smitha Gopal
COO, EcoMap Technologies, Inc.
Smitha Gopal is the COO of EcoMap, the Baltimore-based ecosystem intelligence AI software company. She was previously the CEO of Rendia, the Baltimore-based patient engagement software company that was acquired in 2022 by PatientPoint. Prior to joining Rendia, Smitha worked at a boutique investment bank. She earned an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a BS in Finance from the University of Virginia. She serves on the boards of the Leadership and the Baltimore Museum of Industry and lives in Baltimore City with her family.
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Venue Sponsor
Platinum
Gold
In-Kind
Guests were encouraged to arrive early to shop and connect with local women-owned businesses in the Vendor Marketplace. It was a great opportunity to support local entrepreneurs, discover unique products and services, and kick off the evening with community and connection.
Look What I Found
A curated “you never know” shop featuring custom crafts, fun finds, and a beautiful charm bar, perfect for gifting (or treating yourself).
The Dappled Wood
Lightweight statement earrings and accessories inspired by nature, made with premium hypoallergenic metals and artistic details (hello, faux stone + florals!).
Earth’s Groove
Small-batch, hand-crafted herbal tea blends that are 100% natural and eco-conscious—crafted for calm, wellness, and a little everyday reset.
Shayna Hardy Photography
Modern, confidence-boosting headshot sessions and portraits designed to help you look polished, approachable, and authentically you.
Forward Progress LLC
Executive coaching and talent consulting rooted in evidence-based methods, stop by to sign up for a complimentary coaching session or grab a “coaching session in a box.”
Naturally London
A foundational wellness brand rooted in Hydro-Comfort™, where water, science, and stillness support nervous system care and everyday balance.
Classic Wardrobe
An online women’s boutique serving timeless, effortless style—shop cozy oversized cardigans, chic outerwear, and elevated everyday staples.
Kristin Hanson Writes
Meet the author of Mortimer the Terrier’s Second Chance (a children’s book celebrating self-confidence) and learn more about Kristin’s editorial writing work.
Gina Casbarro
Gina Casbarro offers mini oracle readings, shares her intuitive coaching + feng shui work, and is raffling an Intuitive Coaching Session.
GM Bee Gallery
Gail McCann showcases colorful pixel-block artwork and custom pet portrait examples.
Luxury Stylish Designs
Handcrafted luxury tote bags in premium cotton, vegan leather, and denim, bold, vibrant small-batch pieces plus custom apparel, mugs, and tumblers.
Refocus Performance Fitness
Specialized personal training blending corrective exercise, strength & conditioning, yoga, and Pilates, plus wellness goodies like mini bands, mobility tools, and show-special sign-ups.
Social Seeds Project
A personal development brand rooted in reflection and generational growth, shop the Seeds of Legacy journal for intentional parenting and legacy-building.
Jewell Gideon Collective
Jewell Gideon Collective presents The JuJu Stack. A one-of-a-kind mirror for introspection to connect with your future, present and past self.
MFG Toffee and Bark Co.
Internationally award-winning, globally inspired fine toffees and barks. Sweet, elevated treats that make incredible gifts (and even better snacks).
Le Bleu Bodycare
A Baltimore-based independent fragrance house offering gender-neutral luxury fine fragrances and body care essentials, handmade in small batches with clean, botanical notes.
SHANI PAINTS
Shani Paints
Original acrylic and mixed media paintings, bold, expressive artwork made to brighten your walls and your mood.
Ashmo Jewelry and Accessories
Handmade, one-of-a-kind statement pieces—bracelets, earrings, and more designed to make your outfit feel instantly “done.”
Convicted Without Context LLC
A social-impact advocacy platform supporting families navigating incarceration through legal literacy education, stabilization tools, trauma-informed healing spaces, and practical roadmaps for caregivers.
Cedar Studio
Cedar Studio and Coaching will be vending a Grounded Ease Tea and Locally Sourced Tallow Balm, as well as offering an introduction to breathwork and soundhealing work.
