Description
The Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce invites you to celebrate Women Who Make a Difference, a special Women in Business event celebrating leadership, impact, and innovation.
Join us for an engaging morning featuring a panel discussion with four accomplished women leaders, followed by the recognition of three outstanding NAACCC Chamber Members through the Women Who Make a Difference Awards.
This event highlights the voices, stories, and achievements of women who are shaping the future of our business community. Although this is an event highlighting women, we encourage all members of the community to celebrate with us.
Featured Moderator
Lacey Snyder
Featured Panelists
Meet the Women Leading the Conversation
Hear firsthand from three influential women as they share insights on leadership, growth, advocacy, and making a meaningful impact in business and the community.
Brittney Leonard
Brittney currently works alongside her husband, Andrew, in their family-owned businesses, Office Phones Plus and its sister company, BL Technical Services, where she supports business development. While her role today is highly people-focused, her professional journey did not begin that way.
She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland with a major in Family Science. During her studies, she completed coursework in poverty and affluence, family violence, and trauma. These subjects shaped her worldview and sparked a lasting desire to give back to her community. Early in her career, she worked in cubicle-based roles at a furniture company and later a packaging company, primarily interacting with customers through phone and email. Naturally shy at the time, she remained behind the scenes and avoided the spotlight.
Meeting her husband, Andrew, opened the door to a new chapter. Through his encouragement and their work together in business development, she gradually developed confidence and discovered her voice. Alongside this professional growth, her faith in Jesus Christ has played a pivotal role in shaping the woman she is today.
In recent years, her involvement in church has led her to new passions rooted in service and advocacy. She is now an advocate for blood donation through Good Neighbors Group and is actively involved with the Chesapeake Arts Center, helping provide free programs and activities for children in the community. Finding time outside of her full-time role to give back is a commitment she considers a privilege, not a sacrifice. Serving others has brought her a deep sense of fulfillment that extends far beyond networking or office work.
She never anticipated having such a social role but is grateful for the opportunity to share her journey and inspire others to find purpose through service and growth.
Jill Porter
Jill Porter joined Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) as a Business Development Director in November 2022. In this role, she is dedicated to strengthening Anne Arundel County and Maryland’s economy by supporting the Cyber, Tech, Defense, and Hospitality industries through strategic programs, financing solutions, and collaborative partnerships. Working closely with the Maryland Department of Commerce and other key partners, Jill fosters connections that drive growth and innovation across the region.
Beyond her work at AAEDC, Jill is deeply committed to community engagement. She serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County and actively contributes to several regional organizations, including The BWI Business Partnership, the Fort Meade Alliance, and the Maryland Tech Council’s Chesapeake Regional Chapter. She also participates in workforce development, education and tech-focused initiatives, furthering her mission to create meaningful opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
Prior to joining AAEDC, Jill built a 23-year career in hospitality, leading operations, sales, and marketing for independent properties. Most recently, she managed sales and marketing at the Maritime Conference Center (MCC) while working alongside business development professionals at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS), a nonprofit maritime training center.
Outside of work, Jill finds joy in spending time with her family, immersing herself in nature, swimming and enjoying music. Grounded in authenticity, resilience, and a deep commitment to service, she believes that meaningful connections and collaboration are the foundation of lasting success.
Angela Balsamo
Originally from Buffalo (Go Bills!), Angela grew up in Ellicott City and graduated from Mt. Hebron High School in 1996. She then attended Salisbury State University, graduating in 2000 with dual degrees in Communication Arts and Political Science.
Angela thought she wanted to spend her career in film and television, but after several years of working as a news producer at WMDT in Salisbury, WJZ in Baltimore, an independent news agency in DC covering the White House and Capitol Hill, and then working on the movie Ladder 49, Angela decided to step away from the industry.
At the same time, her husband, Tom, had three Huntington Learning Centers that he owned and operated with his business partner (his mom!). This is when both Angela and Tom learned the hard and expensive way about advertising and marketing for a small business. Upon the sale of the three centers Angela and Tom purchased Coffee News, launching them into a world they never could have imagined. Now almost 20 years later and a few more businesses under their belts, they love sharing with fellow business owners their mistakes and successes in hopes of helping others. Over the years they’ve both been President of different chambers, sat on several non-profit boards, and said yes to a whole lot of volunteering. Angela currently serves as the Vice President of the Salisbury University Alumni Association, is one of the school’s few mentors for graduates, is the PTA treasurer for Old Mill High School, chair of the Pasadena Thanksgiving Parade, sits on several committees here with the Howard County Chamber as well as each of the 5 other Chambers they are active members of, is chair of the Membership Engagement Committee with us, and is President of Maryland Business Builders, a weekly networking group Tom and Angela have been members of for 25 years.
Angela and Tom have been married for almost 25 years and have one child, Rose, who’s a freshman in high school.
Women Who Make a Difference Awards
As part of this event, the Chamber will recognize three Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber Members whose leadership and contributions make a lasting impact on our business community.
These awards celebrate women who lead with purpose, inspire progress, and help move Northern Anne Arundel County forward.
Nominate a Woman Who Makes a Difference
Help us shine a spotlight on exceptional women leaders within our Chamber. Your nomination helps recognize those whose leadership and dedication strengthen our business community.
Early Bird before 2/10/26
$35 / Members
$45 / Non-Members
2/11/26 or later
$45 / Members
$55 / Non-Members
Award Categories
Community Impact & Advocacy Leader
Honors a woman who uses her leadership, voice, and influence to create meaningful and lasting positive change. This award recognizes a business leader who actively advocates for others, strengthens community connections, and contributes time, talent, or resources to initiatives that improve the economic, social, or civic well-being of Northern Anne Arundel County. Her impact extends beyond her organization and helps lift the broader community.
Rising Star
Recognizes an emerging leader who has demonstrated exceptional promise, initiative, and impact early in her career or as a Chamber member (for 2 years or less.) This award celebrates a trailblazer—a woman who is already paving new paths, challenging the status quo, and bringing fresh ideas, energy, and leadership to her field. Though early in her professional journey, her influence is growing quickly and signals a strong future of leadership and innovation.
Business Innovation
Celebrates a woman who brings creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking leadership to her business or industry. This award honors a leader who embraces new ideas, technologies, strategies, or business models to drive growth, solve problems, and adapt to change. Her innovative mindset not only advances her organization but also inspires progress within the broader business community.
Swag Bag Giveaway Opportunities for Chamber Members
Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce members are invited to participate in our swag bag giveaways! If your business is interested in providing branded items or promotional materials, you are more than welcome to contribute—no event sponsorship is required. The only requirement is that your business is an active member of the Chamber.
If you would like to include swag in our upcoming giveaways, please contact lsnyder@4bridgeslending.com for details.
Sponsorships Available
6 tickets
Business logo listed at event scrolling (every round)
Listed at event on sponsor board
Logo on website and event digital materials
4 tickets
Business logo listed at event scrolling (every 3 rounds)
Listed at event on sponsor board
Social media recognition
Logo on website and event digital materials
3 tickets
Business logo listed at event scrolling (every 6 rounds)
Listed at event on sponsor board
2 tickets
Business logo listed at event scrolling (every 8 rounds)
Listed at event on sponsor board