Wicomico Commission on Women

04/10/2026

Thank you, Maryland Commission for Women, for highlighting our work down here in Wicomico!

County Commission Spotlight! Check out the amazing work the Wicomico Commission on Women is doing in their community! This week, Chair Megan Outten briefed the Wicomico County Council about the Greater Salisbury Committee's new report on child care access and affordability. Child care access is such a tough and vital issue for Maryland women, and we are so excited to see the great work Wicomico is doing. Go Megan!

Watch the video here (at 2 hr 41 minutes): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKYD4l77zT4

And check out the Greater Salisbury Committee's white paper here:https://greatersalisbury.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/childcare-task-froce-initiative-2026.pdf

04/09/2026

There are 7,598 children under the age of five in Wicomico County.
Licensed child care providers have capacity for 3,750 of them.

That means thousands of children and working parents are left without options. Not because families don't want care. Not because providers don't want to serve them. But because the system is breaking down, and no one has stepped in to stop it.

This past Councilmeeting, the Wicomico County Commission for Women brought research, data, and a concrete policy solution to our County Council.

That conversation deserves to continue, and we intend to make sure it does.
📋 Read the full child care report:https://greatersalisbury.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/childcare-task-froce-initiative-2026.pdf

Thank you Katherine Jones from Greater Salisbury Committee for joining us to present your White Paper.

04/02/2026

This week, a new White Paper addressing childcare issues and challenges on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland was released.

This report highlights a growing trend we have been raising an alarm on here in Wicomico. We have a care gap!

Click here to read the full Greater Salisbury Committee whitepaper:https://greatersalisbury.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/childcare-task-froce-initiative-2026.pdf

03/31/2026

On this last day of Women's History Month, we are honored to present our Lifetime In Service Award to Christine Truitt Boznik.

Christine's life has been defined by an unwavering commitment to service, one that has spanned decades and continues to shape our communities today.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Christine has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families through some of their most difficult moments, working in the fields of domestic violence, sexual abuse, child advocacy, and mental health.

Her work has not only provided care but dignity, stability, and hope to countless individuals across Wicomico County.

Christine’s impact reaches far beyond her professional role. She has been an instrumental member at the Life Crisis Center, helping to build one of the most vital support systems for survivors in our region.

Over the years, she has served in leadership and volunteer roles with organizations, including the Wicomico Child Advocacy Center, Chesapeake Health Center, Crisis Response Team for Schools, the Women’s Fund at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Girl Scouts, and numerous women’s organizations — always stepping forward when her community needed her most.

What makes Christine’s service truly remarkable is not just its length, but its consistency. Decade after decade, she has shown up with compassion, with strength, and with a deep belief in the power of community care.

The Lifetime in Service Award honors not just Christine’s past contributions, but her continued dedication to building a stronger, more compassionate community for generations to come.

03/29/2026

We are honored to recognize our next Women of Wicomico Awardee, Pam Gregory, President & CEO of United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore

Her colleagues describe her as someone who doesn’t just lead an organization — she strengthens entire communities. Pam has built a reputation for bringing nonprofits, businesses, government leaders, and community members to the same table to create meaningful, lasting change.

Under her leadership, United Way has expanded its reach across education, financial stability, health, and basic family needs — investing over $1 million annually into local programs that serve residents on the Lower Shore.

Above all, she leads with people at the center. Pam reminds us that strong communities aren’t built by one organization alone, but by people willing to come together, listen, and lead with heart.

03/27/2026

Continuing our celebration of our 2026 Women of Wicomico Awardees, we are honored to recognize Monica Brooks.

Monica is a dedicated advocate, community leader, and unwavering voice for justice in Wicomico County. Known for her tireless commitment to uplifting others, Monica has consistently worked to make her community a place where every resident feels seen, heard, and safe.

As President of the NAACP Wicomico County 7028B, Monica has been at the forefront of efforts to advance civil rights, expand opportunity, and address systemic inequities. Her advocacy spans a wide range of critical issues from environmental justice to election reform and housing access. Regardless of the topic, her work is always rooted in a deep commitment to equity and community empowerment.

Monica’s leadership extends across local, state, and national spaces. She ensures that the voices of Wicomico residents are represented in the conversations that shape their future. Respected for her passion, persistence, and integrity, Monica leads by example – showing up and building bridges across communities.

Monica Brooks embodies the power of service, advocacy, and community-driven leadership.

03/26/2026

We are honored to announce the Wicomico Commission for Women’s 2026 Women of Wicomico awardees.

This year, we chose to recognize four outstanding women whose impact runs deep here in Wicomico.

Today we recognize Dominique Sessa!

Dominique is a tireless advocate, leader, and voice for the disability community across Wicomico County and the State of Maryland. With unwavering compassion and determination, Dominique has dedicated her life to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are seen, heard, and empowered.

As Chairwoman of Maryland’s Assistive Technology Loan Program, she has worked at the state level to expand access to critical resources, including testifying before lawmakers to secure funding for assistive technologies.

Through her platform, The Girl in the Pink Wheelchair, Dominique provides vital information, guidance, and advocacy tools to individuals and families across the Eastern Shore – helping countless people navigate systems and advocate for themselves with confidence.

A former Ms. Wheelchair Maryland, Dominique has used every platform available to educate, inspire, and engage the public on the needs and experiences of the disability community. She serves on numerous boards and commissions, including the Maryland Commission on Disabilities and the Bay Area Center for Independent Living, and remains an active presence in local government and community initiatives.

Known for her kindness, integrity, and unwavering positivity, Dominique leads with both heart and purpose. Her work has earned recognition from local and state leaders alike, but her greatest impact is felt in the lives she uplifts every day.

Dominique Sessa embodies what it means to serve – transforming advocacy into action and building a more inclusive community for all.

03/16/2026

Congratulations to Commission member Nancy Mitchell Poet Laureate of the City of Salisbury, for being honored with the 2026 ESWA Legacy Award!

SALISBURY — The Eastern Shore Writers Association has announced that Nancy Mitchell—celebrated poet, educator, and visual artist—was honored with the 2026 ESWA Legacy Award. The ceremony …

02/26/2026

The Wicomico Commission for Women is seeking nominations for the annual Women of Wicomico Awards!

The Women of Wicomico Awards honor the extraordinary women in our community who go above and beyond in service to others. These awards recognize leaders, mentors, volunteers, advocates, and quiet changemakers whose work strengthens Wicomico County.

Whether through public service, nonprofit leadership, business, education, healthcare, or grassroots efforts, these women embody dedication, compassion, and a deep commitment to improving the lives of those around them. The Women of Wicomico Awards celebrate their impact and uplift the stories of those helping move our community forward every day.

Nominations can be made here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSct39aHfyHQwYdiVFLhJLZBurxKWqHUNi5kvhJlp0LM6DNenA/viewform?usp=header

11/05/2025

Congratulations to our Vice Chair Dr. Calixte on her Outstanding Rural Health Practitioner Award. 🩺♥️
Dr. Calixte is the Physician Deputy/Medical Director of Wicomico and Somerset Health Departments. She has demonstrated above and beyond efforts to support our communities, delivering care in multiple languages and building strong community partnerships. We are lucky to have you uplifting communities here on the Lower Eastern Shore!

🌟 Honoring Excellence in Rural Health! 🌟

The Maryland Rural Health Association is proud to nominate Dr. Cynthia Calixte, MD, MPH for the Outstanding Rural Health Practitioner Award!

Dr. Calixte has made a lasting impact on rural healthcare across Maryland’s Eastern Shore, providing culturally responsive care, leading innovative public health initiatives, and expanding access to critical services for underserved communities.

Serving as a physician at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, Deputy Health Officer of the Wicomico Health Department, and Physician Deputy of the Somerset Health Department, Dr. Calixte delivers care in multiple languages—including Haitian-Creole—and strengthens rural health systems through collaboration, mentorship, and innovative programs.

“Dr. Cynthia Calixte exemplifies the dedication, innovation, and leadership that advance rural health in Maryland,” said Jonathan Dayton, MRHA Executive Director.

👏 Join us in celebrating Dr. Calixte’s remarkable contributions to rural health!



Wicomico County Health Department
Somerset County Health Department

10/23/2025

Thank you to the Life Crisis Center for joining the Wicomico County Council this week to raise awareness and receive a proclamation recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence affects every community regardless of age, race, or background. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men will experience domestic violence in their lifetime.

Every day, survivors depend on community organizations like the Life Crisis Center for safety, advocacy, and support.

This month and every month, let’s continue to break the silence, support survivors, and work toward a future free from violence. 💜

10/02/2025