WINTER 2023
T H E CHAN GEMAKER EDITION Celebrating Individuals Who Make Things Happen In Our Community
I N
TH IS
IS S U E
04 DOWNTOWN YORK MAP, GETTING HERE & PARKING: Where to go and where to park
07 PAST CHANGEMAKERS & CURRENT SUPPORTERS A Look Back at Previous Changemakers and 2023 Supporters, Buchart Horn & UPMC
THE CHANGEMAKER EDITION
09 THE 2023 CHANGEMAKERS Celebrating Individuals Who Make Things Happen In Our Community
10
ASHANA TAYLOR The Entrepreneur
12
JEFF BEARD The Influencer
14
CLAUDIA SALAZAR The Artisan ABOUT THIS ISSUE:
18
EDOUARDO THIBAULT The Advocate
20
JAZMIN B. SIMPSON The Mentor
24
SAMANTHA DORM The Historian
This jointly published issue of the York County Economic Alliance & Downtown Inc is to celebrate the talent and drive of individuals making things happen in our community. In addition to this publication, those featured were recognized at a Changemaker Celebration, presented by UPMC and Buchart Horn, held at Investment Real Estate LLC in December.
ON THE COVER:
27
WAYNE MARTIN The Motivator
30 EVENTS
The 2023 Changemakers, from left to right: Wayne Martin, Samantha Dorm, Claudia Salazar, Ashana Taylor, Jazmin B. Simpson, Edouardo Thibault, and Jeff Beard. The Changemakers were photographed by Hayman Studio (haymanstudio.com).
Downtown Map With its imaginative arts community, stunning architecture and restaurants that push the limits of flavor, DOWNTOWN YORK is the creative core of York County. It’s where the word revolutionary isn’t just a nod to the city’s past, but an indicator of its future. We invite you to visit today and soak in rich history, charming boutiques and a growing craft beer scene. You’ll find that Downtown York is HISTORICALLY EDGY, inside and out. This map will get you started!
N W
CO D
E
ORU
S CR
EEK
NORTH ST DUKE ST
BEAVER ST
PERSHING AVE
GEORGE ST
S
YORK REVOLUTION
GAS AVE PHILADELPHIA ST
MARKET DISTRICT WeCo
CLARK AVE
(WEST of CODORUS)
MARKET ST MASON AVE KING ST
PRINCESS ST
RAIL TA G E
HERI
KEY:
Bike Parking
Bar
Shopping
Dining
Park
Police
Museum
Courthouse
Parking
@DowntownYorkPa
04 • YoCo Connect & Downtown York • Downtown Map
PINE ST
QUEEN ST
CO D O
RUS
CREE
K
TRAI
L
NEWBERRY ST
PENN ST
ROYAL SQUARE
Getting Here DOWNTOWN YORK is easily accessible from all points north, south, east and west. Main arteries you want to look for? George Street and Queen Street from the north and south; Market Street and Philadelphia Street from the east and west. FROM LANCASTER:
FROM GETTYSBURG:
• Take Route 30 West to North George Street • Turn left onto North George Street • Follow straight FROM HARRISBURG AND ALL POINTS NORTH:
• Take Route 30 East to North George Street • Turn right onto North George Street • Follow straight FROM SOUTH/BALTIMORE:
• Take I-83 South to Route 30 West, Exit 22 (North George Street) • Stay in the middle lane and turn right at the light onto North George Street • Follow straight
• Take I-83 North to South George Street Exit • Follow Business I-83/South George Street
Parking Parking is plentiful in York City, with 350 on-street meters and 1,260 garage spaces in three garages conveniently located within walking distance to downtown attractions.
Parking just got a whole lot easier with the ParkMobile App! No more scrambling to find loose change, returning to your car to feed the meter, or difficulty finding a spot. Download it to your mobile device before your next trip to Downtown York for an easy, contactless payment option.
GARAGE LOCATIONS • Market Street Garage (41 E. Market St.) • Philadelphia Street Garage (25 W. Philadelphia St.) • King Street Garage (15 W. King St.) • Central Market Parking Deck (W. Philadelphia & N. Beaver St.) PARKING METERS Metered, on-street parking is available. Enforcement hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am - 5 pm (Free on Sundays and holidays observed by the City of York), and Saturday from 9am - 3pm for parking meters located in the "Retail Zone." Meters are marked with the hours of operation and enforcement. SMART METERS Park with one easy swipe: SmartMeters in the City of York. Over 200 SmartMeters in the Retail Zone/Core of downtown York allow for payment with both credit cards and coins. FOR MORE INFORMATION Please direct all parking questions, concerns and comments to: YORK CITY PARKING BUREAU: 717.815.0517
05 • WINTER 2023 • Getting Here & Parking
C R E D IT S
PRIMARY OFFICE:
DOWNTOWN OFFICE:
144 Roosevelt Ave. Suite 100 York, PA 17401 717.848.4000 YCEApa.org
2 West Market Street 5th Floor York, PA 17401 info@downtownyorkpa.com DowntownYorkPa.com
@YCEAPA
@DowntownYorkPa ADVERTISING:
Proudly produced in YoCo
Casey Nixon: cnixon@yceapa.org
View a digital version online at Issuu.com/YoCoConnect or Issuu.com/DowntownYorkPA. The opinions expressed in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Copyright © 2023 York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the specific written permission.
yorkpa.org SM
06 • YoCo Connect & Downtown York • Credits
THE CHANGEMAKERS The York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc are thrilled to announce the third year of Changemakers, a program that highlights individuals who positively impact York County and beyond. Since its inception in 2021, we have featured the stories of 21 people who are making a difference through their efforts in entrepreneurship, the arts, education, healthcare, and other industries. Each of their stories is as unique and creative as the tapestry of our York community. This publication is a celebration of YOU: talented, driven, and passionate individuals who lead their respective fields to transform York County every day. To view previous Changemaker publications, visit issuu.com/YoCoConnect RIGHT: The 2021 Changemakers (starting third from L, to R): Patricia Jackson, Deborah Hioutis, LaQuinn Thompson, Lisa Kennedy, and Mark Rhodes. Not pictured: Wayne Sweeney and Dolka Lugo.
ABOVE: The 2022 Changemakers (from L to R): Joshua Santiago, Brittany Dorm, Dr. LaJuan Mountain, Dr. Joseph Mountain, Ned Duke, Chayanee Propst, Darlene Leonard, and Henry Boulding II.
07 • WINTER 2023 • The Changemakers
CHANGEMAKERS
SUPPORTERS
There are many in York County who are supporters of individuals making change for the betterment of our community; however, there are two who have been leading the recognition of the 2023 Changemakers: Buchart Horn, Inc. and UPMC. BUCHART HORN is an international engineering and architectural services firm headquartered in Downtown York. At Buchart Horn, they focus on the built environment that makes our world work. Whether it’s providing clean water, developing a bridge or roadway system, or designing the buildings where we live, work, and play, their engineers and architects are committed to designing practical solutions that strengthen our communities. bucharthorn.com
UPMC in Central Pa., part of the UPMC global integrated health network, is the mid-state's premier health care provider serving the 11-county region. Its more than 13,400 employees provide health care to area residents at seven acute care hospitals and more than 200 outpatient locations including primary and specialty care offices. UPMC is also a major driver for the local economy, which helps to strengthen the places we call home. upmc.com
We talked with Brian Funkhouser, CEO of Buchart-Horn and Tina L. Nixon, MHA, CDE who is Vice President Mission Effectiveness, Diversity Equity & Inclusion at UPMC, to learn more about why Changemakers mean so much to their organizations.
Q: Why are recognizing Changemakers in our community important to your mission/work? Brian: Buchart Horn’s Corporate Purpose is “Strengthening our Communities through Architectural and Engineering Excellence”. Changemaker aligns with our mission in that it celebrates individuals who are making positive things happen for all of us, improving and strengthening the York community in the process. Tina: In addition to providing outstanding care, we also aim to shape tomorrow’s health care and improve health outcomes in all communities. One way we do this is through our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA). Each of UPMC’s licensed hospitals completed a CHNA in Fiscal Year 2022. Building on the CHNAs conducted in earlier years, we re-engaged with community stakeholders in a rigorous, structured process guided by public health experts. These assessments identify important local health issues and support a coordinated, system-wide community health strategy that extends across the regions UPMC serves.
Q: How do you define "Changemaker”? Brian: Driving and managing change is a key facet of our organizational success. A Changemaker at BH is an individual or team that drives positive transformation, innovation, or progress within our organization, the built environment, and the communities we serve. As an engineering and architectural design firm, we recognize that the technology related to design, construction, and materials is constantly evolving and improving. A culture that embraces positive change is critical for us to leverage these improvements to best serve our clients. Tina: Changemakers are everywhere at UPMC. The dictionary will define a changemaker as a person who proactively works to improve the environment around them. Changemakers can be leaders, activists, innovators, or any person who makes positive changes in their communities. At UPMC, we define all of that!
Q: What is one thing you want readers to remember about your role in supporting the Changemakers? Brian: We understand our social responsibility to the communities where we operate and we aspire to leave a positive legacy through our work. Embracing change helps to foster innovation and allows us to deliver projects that have a direct positive impact on people's lives. Tina: UPMC gives back to our neighbors. Each year, UPMC gives back more than $1 billion to our communities.
TH E 2 02 3 C H AN G E M AKE R S
Celebrating Individuals Who Make Things Happen In Our Community Join the York County Economic Alliance and Downtown Inc in Honoring: WAYNE MARTIN - The Motivator Utilizing innovative solutions to others in order to be collaborative and forward-thinking SAMANTHA DORM - The Historian Inspiring the community to lead positive lives through connecting to past generations CLAUDIA SALAZAR - The Artisan Being an inspiration for creating beauty and healing through artistic expressions ASHANA TAYLOR - The Entrepreneur Fostering connection and resilience through more than just health and wellness
JAZMIN B. SIMPSON - The Mentor Aiding the community’s future through leadership and guiding the next generation EDOUARDO THIBAULT - The Advocate Being a resource of support to better the lives of individuals in York and beyond JEFF BEARD - The Influencer Providing impactful opportunities to all in order to lead better lives
09 • WINTER 2023 • The 2023 Changemakers
Presented by
ASHANA TAYLOR THE ENTREPRENEUR BY BRONLEY MARTIN | URBAN REVITALIZATION MANAGER
While Ashana Taylor has called many places home in her life, she is quickly becoming a central part of the yoga community in York County. A native of Queens, NYC, Ashana spent her formative years in Ellicott City, MD, and received her undergraduate education at the University of Delaware in Newark, DE. She then taught middle school English language arts in Howard County, MD, before meeting her husband Justin, a York native, and moved here in 2014 and continuing her education with an MBA from Messiah University. If that sounds like a whirlwind journey, it doesn’t begin to describe the spiritual journey that brought her to opening her own Bikram yoga studio in West York.
10 • YoCo Connect & Downtown York • Ashana Taylor
From the beginning, Ashana has wanted to make her studio welcoming and inclusive. Yoga may sometimes have the reputation of being the domain of a certain demographic of practitioners, but Ashana never saw it this way. “You have to remember that yoga comes from India and has always been a diverse and welcoming practice,” she shares. For Ashana, yoga isn't just about physical postures; it's a way to foster community and personal resilience. She strongly believes that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age, sex, background, or fitness level. Her studio offers a welcoming and supportive environment where students of all backgrounds can see themselves and make connections.
“THE ADVICE I WOULD GIVE IS TO BET ON YOURSELF. WHILE I BELIEVE IT TAKES A VILLAGE AND ACCESS TO RESOURCES TO BRING YOUR BUSINESS TO FRUITION, IT REALLY DOES BEGIN WITH BELIEVING IN YOURSELF.” ~ Ashana Taylor
One of the key factors in Ashana's success was her ability to tap into the resources her community had to offer. While she had learned the theoretical basis of running a business while getting her MBA, Ashana was able to work with the BLOOM Business Empowerment Center to connect with local resources to allow her business to succeed. Ashana leveraged these connections to secure funding through the BLOOM Business Grants program, as well as M&T Bank, and sound business advice from local accountant Michael Doweary, all of which helped her feel empowered to focus on her real goals of bringing peace, clarity, and inner confidence to yoga practitioners in York. “The advice I would give is to bet on yourself. While I believe it takes a village and access to resources to bring your business to fruition, it really does begin with believing in yourself.”
To learn more about Fire Life Yoga, visit firelifeyoga.com
THE ENTREPRENEUR
After going through struggles in her personal life and feeling a calling to a new purpose, Ashana turned to yoga, specifically Bikram yoga, as a way to find peace and clarity. Bikram yoga is a specific type of yoga that is practiced in a room kept at 105⁰F with around 40% humidity and focuses on slow, deliberate body movements as well as breathing, flexibility, and mindfulness. Ashana took part in a 9-week intensive and immersive Bikram yoga training in California and returned with a new calling in life.
Presented by
JEFF BEARD THE INFLUENCER BY BRENDAN SALYARDS I MANAGER, ECONOMIC INITIATIVES
THE INFLUENCER
Jeff Beard currently serves as the Community Center Director for the York Corps of The Salvation Army. Foremost a church, The Salvation Army is a Protestant denomination distinctive for its use of a military- style organizational structure and for the monumental scale of its charitable operations. In 2022, the Salvation Army was the fourth-largest charitable organization in the United States. A York native, Jeff graduated from York High School in 1981. Jeff attended Shippensburg University studying early childhood development before joining the United States Army. His military service took him overseas and Jeff returned to York, working for Crispus Attucks for a year, before taking a position with The Salvation Army in 2013. For the past ten years, Jeff Beard has been shaping York’s next generation by providing a fun, safe, and engaging place for students to complete their homework, socialize with friends, and develop skills to become good citizens in the community. Children and families are not required to be congregants at the Salvation Army, but they are offered an opportunity to learn more at weekly bible studies.
“IT IS BECAUSE OF MR. BEARD AND HIS YOUTH THAT CAMPUS PARKS CONTINUES TO BE AN INTRICATE PART OF THE OUTDOOR LIVES OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD AS WELL AS THE STUDENTS HE SERVES THROUGH HIS PROGRAMMING.” ~ Diaz Woodard
Jeff oversees an afterschool program that, when fully staffed, serves up to 80 kids ages six to seventeen, primarily from the surrounding neighborhood. The program provides a structured environment to complete their homework, a hot meal, and the opportunity to engage with a variety of recreational and educational programming. Jeff partners with the Penn State Extension to bring in their Master Gardeners Program and with Parliament Arts Organization to provide art classes. “We have been fortunate to partner with The Salvation Army to offer free art classes for their after-school program,” said Delia Pabon, Executive Director of the Parliament Arts Organization. “This allows Mica Wallace, an artist in residence at The Parliament, the opportunity to educate and inspire through the arts. From affirmation classes to traditional art activities, we have been able to expose this group of children to the arts in creative and inspirational ways.”
The students also have opportunities to give back to the community including via monthly clean-ups at Campus Park. “Mr. Beard takes pride in the park and on several occasions, his youth and himself have assisted with maintaining its cleanliness,” said Diaz Woodard, Recreation Specialist with the City of York Parks & Recreation Department. “It is because of Mr. Beard and his youth that Campus Parks continues to be an intricate part of the outdoor lives of the neighborhood as well as the students he serves through his programming.” In addition to the after-school program, Jeff runs the Salvation Army’s summer camp program each year in June and July. The summer program provides a variety of recreational opportunities and field trips. Older students have the opportunity to work as junior counselors to gain experience and explore careers in youth education and development. The children in Jeff’s program have the opportunities to explore their passions, build a strong character, and develop spiritually within the program. Jeff Beard is truly embracing the definition of a Changemaker by helping the next generation to learn, grow, and thrive.
13 • WINTER 2023 • Jeff Beard
Presented by
CLAUDIA SALAZAR THE ARTISAN BY KATIE MAHONEY I CHIEF MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
THE ARTISAN
“ART WAS ALWAYS WITH ME. ART HAS BEEN MY HEALING AND SELF-THERAPY.” ~ Claudia Salazar
“I’ve been an introvert all my life,” shares Claudia Salazar. “I’ve just opened up the past couple of years.” Viewing her vibrant and bright artwork, you’d never know that Claudia was once a shy, isolated person, coping with past trauma. A self-taught artist, Claudia’s family is from Lima, Peru, where she lived until age two. Her middle school and high school art classes sparked her love of art, but she was always creative as a child. “Art was always with me,” she shares, even though she put it on pause when she became a mother at age 18 and dedicated her time to her son and two daughters, whom she raised as a single mother, gaining strength from her own single mother. “Art has been my healing and self-therapy,” she adds.
Claudia used art to heal as a survivor of child sexual abuse, and domestic abuse, both of which she advocates heavily for now. “Creating something beautiful, from trauma, is my inspiration. My art is very vibrant, very colorful, like an urban pop art. People wouldn’t even know what I went through in life. You can convert pain into beautiful things.” Claudia’s resiliency led her to open her first art shop in Downtown York at DesignBots in 2019, which thrived until the pandemic paused success. “That whole year, I received so much support from the community. On First Friday, so many people would walk in. I was overwhelmed by love and support,” she shares. Being present at events, Claudia’s goal is to be part of Art Basel, the largest art show on the East Coast. She and her team were accepted into Wynwood, a runner-up to Art Basel, in 2022.
15 • WINTER 2023 • Claudia Salazar
Earlier this year, Claudia was invited to the Governor’s Residence for Hispanic Heritage Month and to display her work at the Capitol Rotunda during the Pennsylvania Latino Convention. It's not just the local community that recognizes Claudia’s talent. Her recent sneaker design went viral on TikTok, with almost 400 views, spurring 200 orders almost immediately. Each order takes three days to create and is a hand-painted original. In a male-dominated industry, Claudia’s apparel has been worn by local musicians including Kwame Katana, as well as a Grammy-nominated rap artist. As for her future goals, Art Basel 2023 is top of the list, along with opening her own studio in the future. “For the community that has supported me from day 1, I want to give back,” she shares. And she means it – having taught a Mural Camp last Summer at DreamWrights. She pauses when asked what it takes to be a Change Maker, “That is a tough question! I hope I have inspired other creators so that you can create sustainable income with your business, doing what you love. Art is what I love and I took a leap of faith. I quieted my own fears,” she states.
To learn more about Claudia’s Artistry LLC, visit claudiasartistry.com
16 • YoCo Connect & Downtown York • Claudia Salazar
Presented by
EDOUARDO THIBAULT THE ADVOCATE BY JJ SHEFFER
Edouardo Thibault is celebrating his twentieth year with Fulton Bank. During that time, he has seen the banking industry become more intentional in providing services to people of color, women, veterans, and other historically underserved groups. “Fulton went out of their way to make that a part of our mission, what we call Fulton Forward,” he says. “We are actually developing certain products and engagements just for those communities. I’ve been in banking since 1992, and that’s something I had never seen prior to coming to work here.” Thibault, in the role of VP, Commercial Banking Relationship Manager, helps small business clients understand the math problem of cash flow as they start out and expand their business. He is the first point of contact to help them find the solutions they need.
18 • YoCo Connect & Downtown York • Edouardo Thibault
THE ADVOCATE He fell into banking as a part-time teller when he needed a job that fit his school schedule. After graduation, he shifted to full-time to save up some money after being a student for so long. One year became two, and as the promotions piled up, he realized he was building a career. “I realized this was my career, and I should just focus on making myself better so I can serve my customers better,” he says. Thirty-one years later, he says he wouldn’t give it up for anything. “I have always been in customer-facing jobs,” he says. “I never went, nor did I have the desire, to go in the back office. I always wanted to have that customer contact, that face-to-face.” That face time makes his work rewarding. He has seen clients start out and witnessed their trajectory as their business grew and they experienced success.
He remains connected to the organization, continuing to serve on its finance committee. He has served on other boards and committees, most recently getting involved with Habitat for Humanity when they had a candidate from Haiti who needed help with Creole translation. He agreed to help translate, then mentored her through the process, and eventually got to see her move with her six children into their new home a few months ago.
“If you need it, I’m your advocate. I’m going to go to bat for you.” ~ Edouardo Thibault
“That’s what makes me get up in the mornings. The next challenge is trying to help someone else.” He also finds fulfillment in community service. He served on the board of the Red Cross, assisting with the annual Heroes Breakfast, and as treasurer for the York County Literacy Council, an organization that facilitates adult literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. “I was born in Haiti and came to the U.S. when I was 16,” he says. “I had to take English as a Second Language classes in high school when I got here, so it made sense for me to be part of that mission.”
Thibault appreciates these opportunities – both professionally and with his community involvement – to do work and see the results firsthand. Though he says there will always be a few people who dismiss you based on your skin color or national origin, he doesn’t worry about the few that still carry prejudice. “York’s been good to me and my family,” he says. “This is a great place to raise your kids. It’s been very inviting…the community I live in is wonderful.”
JAZMIN B. SIMPSON THE MENTOR BY MEGAN KREISER I ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTS
Presented by
Honored. Shocked. Appreciative. Three words that Jazmin B. Simpson, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) – York, used repeatedly as we discussed her role in the York community as an educator, and the impact the community has had on her life. Born and raised in York City, Jazmin attended York City School District schools where she got her start with leadership opportunities. It was playing volleyball and basketball, as well as participating in the Leadership York youth group, peer mentor program, concert band, and SGA that helped influence her journey. As a high school freshman, she was offered a full-ride college scholarship as part of the York College Community Opportunity Scholarship Program (YCCOSP). The program was instrumental in her life and served as her motivator to continue doing her best academically. Jazmin was honored and appreciative of the opportunity to be recognized as a young high schooler to continue to grow. But York College wasn’t her plan at first.
“THE PEOPLE YOU MEET IN SCHOOL ARE REALLY INFLUENCING YOUR LIFE, SERVING AS THE STEPPING STONES TO THE PERSON YOU BECOME. MENTORS AND LEADERS IN COLLEGE, AND IN LIFE, CONTINUALLY REMINDED ME THAT WE SET OURSELVES UP FOR SUCCESS, AND EVERYONE INSTILLS SOME PIECE OF KNOWLEDGE THAT CAN OVERALL DIRECT AND INFLUENCE YOUR LIFE.” ~ Jazmin B. Simpson
“I really thought I was going to Penn State University to follow in my sister’s footsteps, but after orientation, I knew a smaller, community- based atmosphere was where I needed to be.” So, Jazmin returned to her hometown and utilized YCCOSP to get her degree in elementary education. Through her time at YCP, Jazmin participated in a work-study program, served as a student ambassador, was part of the Black Student Union, and stayed involved in sports, playing intramural basketball and collegiate volleyball. Jazmin spoke about her time at YCP: “The people you meet in school are really influencing your life, serving as the stepping stones to the person you become. Mentors and leaders in college, and in life, continually reminded me that we set ourselves up for success, and everyone instills some piece of knowledge that can overall direct and influence your life.” That success for Simpson shows, as she graduated with honors and quickly secured a role within the college.
21 • WINTER 2023 • Jazmin B. Simpson
THE MENTOR One of her YCCOSP advisors suggested Jazmin for an open role in the Admissions Office, serving as an Admission Counselor to incoming high schoolers. Again, Simpson was honored, shocked, and appreciative that this mentor saw her leadership skills to recommend. While working at YCP, she was promoted to become a YCCOSP Coordinator and Assistant Director of the Multicultural Affairs office to help guide and motivate students who were once in her position. While working full-time, Simpson earned her master’s degree in educational leadership which propelled her to future roles. Shortly after graduating with her master’s, Jazmin began working full-time for HACC – Virtual Learning Campus as a Student Life Coordinator. Over the last 15 years at HACC, Jazmin has continued to grow in the world of higher education serving in multiple positions including Interim Dean of Virtual Learning. Again, Simpson says she’s honored, shocked, and appreciative that others can see her leadership and want her to grow in these positions. Further, she feels humbled to share her knowledge and experience with students and faculty as Associate Dean in the Academic Affairs office. As an advisor, she guides students to create and better their pathway
through life – whether they are fresh out of high school, returning to change their career path, or someone just wanting to better their life with a degree. She also focuses on supporting faculty with building class schedules, managing their service to the college, and helping them grow as educational leaders. Jazmin is directly tied to and impacted by the York community in many ways. First, she has served as a Board Member for York City Dollar for Scholars and feels it’s instrumental to give back to the community that supported her. She also enjoys maintaining a connection with youth and learning how to better support them academically and financially. Jazmin also mentions that she loves that York is much like the TV sitcom, “Cheers,” where “everybody knows your name” and that’s a huge reason she wants to continue to support the community. Jazmin still lives in the York area with her husband, four-year-old daughter, and twenty-yearold stepson. Her large extended family is still in the area, too. When asked what receiving this recognition means to her, Jazmin shares, “This motivates me to continue to make an impact and make our community better. I’m glad to be recognized by a community that I love – I feel loved in return.”
22 • YoCo Connect & Downtown York • Jazmin B. Simpson
Presented by
SAMANTHA DORM THE HISTORIAN BY JONATHAN DESMARAIS
“Learning about my family and other members of York's black community has given me a greater sense of self. Their accomplishments motivate me to be a better person, and to stay focused on continuing their legacies.” ~ Samantha Dorm
Descending from a long line of changemakers and prominent Yorkers, Samantha Dorm frequently draws upon her family history for inspiration and for the continual uncovering of York’s African-American past. As she explains, “Learning about my family and other members of York's black community has given me a greater sense of self. Their accomplishments motivate me to be a better person, and to stay focused on continuing their legacies.” Those who know Samantha (and most of York does), know that she fights tirelessly for the celebration of Black greatness in York’s past and present, and is so incredibly deserving to be named a York County Changemaker. Samantha expresses her gratitude and reverence for this recognition, saying, “Changemaker conveys a sense of being able to make a difference. Whereas the recognition in my case is centered around efforts to preserve and protect the legacy of my ancestors, I take great pride in this selection from the York community.”
Despite this recognition, she’s not even the first member of her family to be selected for this honor. Just last year, her niece Brittany Nicole Dorm was honored with the recognition. Go a little further back in time, and you’ll encounter her cousin, Lee Smallwood, who was instrumental in thecreation of the Goodridge Freedom Center and Underground Railroad Museum.
The organization originated in May of 2019 as an informal cemetery maintenance crew one month after Samantha’s great aunt, Marilee Keenheel Jones, an educator, was laid to rest at Lebanon Cemetery. By the Fall of that year, Samantha, alongside Tina Charles and Jenny DeJesus Marshall, formalized the nonprofit, The Friends of Lebanon Cemetery.
But, to dig back further into Samantha’s family history, is to uncover York’s greatness. On the Hawkins-Smallwood side of her family, her great-grandmother, Serena Smallwood Jenkins owned the well-known Smallwood Restaurant in York City in the 1940s, while four of her uncles (Samuel Green, George Smith, Wilbur Spells, and Billy Smallwood) were some of the first Black police officers in York’s history.
As a mother to a special needs son, most of her work for the organization is done from her home office, but when she does visit Lebanon Cemetery, it provides her a chance to connect with her ancestors and receive inspiration. “I would not have the opportunities afforded to me today without the combined efforts of those who came before me,” she explains. “When I visit the cemetery, I often touch the headstones of various family members to connect... momentarily. They give me the strength to weather the storms. I stand firmly in the light of their spirits.”
Greatness continues on the other side of her family, the Dorm-Sexton-Fells cohort. Samantha’s father, Russell Dorm III, ran the City’s recreational volleyball league for 30 years while serving as the City’s Health Inspector. The sand courts at Hoffman Stadium are even named in his honor. More recently, her first cousin Melvin “Jerry” Carter was promoted to Brigadier General in 2019.
THE HISTORIAN
Much of Samantha’s curiosity surrounding her family was sparked by her initial work with the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery, the organization committed to honoring early African-American community members of York County, remembering their legacies, and sharing their stories. Using her 20+ years of experience working with government agencies including her skills in marketing and grant writing, Samantha serves the organization in an advisory role, building relationships, connecting resources, and telling the stories of the people who laid to rest there.
Samantha remains committed to telling the greatness of York’s African-American past because she knows that it will inspire future generations; just like it did for herself.
To learn more about the Friends of Lebanon Cemetery and voluntary opportunities, visit friendsoflebanoncemetery.com.
25 • WINTER 2023 • Samantha Dorm
WAYNE MARTIN THE MOTIVATOR BY CASEY NIXON | DIRECTOR, MEMBERSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT One hard-working mother, plus a few teachers to provide guidance, multiplied by life lessons to develop grit and determination, equals Wayne Martin, President and Director of Engineering for Martin Data Solutions. Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, Wayne reminisces back to his elementary school and middle school years when he realized he excelled in math. “I would challenge the kids in my class and then started challenging my teachers to math contests. Who would complete the most math problems the fastest? I beat my teachers.”
Presented by
THE MOTIVATOR
“The world is changing, and we need to adapt and modify our ways of design with more innovative and collaborative practices. My mission is to do better and stop the stigma of DBE teams not being good enough. I call it being a conduit. Trying to be a conduit between my connections to bring these communities together.” ~ Wayne Martin
With the support of his teachers early in Wayne’s education, he applied and was accepted to Eastern Tech High School where he got serious about his football career. Wayne always felt that sports, football specifically, would be the vehicle to get him to college. However, after committing to Morgan State University, he was faced with a tough decision: play football at a Division I-AA college which would mean dedicating the majority of his time to training and traveling for games, or shift his focus to a longer-term goal: his career. Wayne has met people at different stages of his life who would influence the man he has become today. But it wasn’t until college that he understood who was the most influential over his future: himself. After leaving the football field to focus on his career, Wayne found himself reading a letter notifying him that if his grades didn’t improve, he’d be forced to drop out of college. That’s when it hit him. He couldn’t keep doing what he did in high school to succeed. This realization of altering the way of working to create a better outcome serves as a leading theme for Wayne’s company, Martin Data Solutions (MDS). Wayne launched into entrepreneurship in June of 2021, with MDS providing
engineering and design services. Having worked on projects exceeding $1 Billion and beyond in construction cost scale throughout his career, Wayne brings extensive knowledge and expertise to his new venture. “The world is changing, and we need to adapt and modify our ways of design with more innovative and collaborative practices,” Wayne says. MDS rivals some of the leading companies in the industry all while securing contracts that require a certain percentage of Disadvantages Business Enterprises (DBE) involvement. “My mission is to do better and stop the stigma of DBE teams not being good enough. I call it being a conduit. Trying to be a conduit between my connections to bring these communities together.” Leading by example and achieving success outside of sports has given Wayne his passion for showing underserved youth about the opportunities that are available to them. With a focus on STEAM / STEM programs, Wayne understands the value of showing young minds that they can succeed through intellect and finding ways to apply themselves.
28 • YoCo Connect & Downtown York • Wayne Martin
“Many young athletes think the only way to get to college is through sports,” Wayne says. He wants kids to know that’s not the only way. “While athletics are helpful in teaching kids life lessons and leadership skills, they need to know they can get to college by using their minds. You don’t have to play a sport to be successful in life. Use your God-given skills and your mind to be successful.” Wayne and his wife recently chose York to call home where they’re raising their two boys and running a business. Seeing York as a place that would provide their family with a better way of life and cost of living, Wayne says he feels the community has embraced him.
For more information about Martin Data Solutions, visit martindatasolutions.com.
E V E N T S
For details, visit YCEAPA.org Tuesday, January 9 WBCO Luncheon presented by UPMC Heritage Hills Resort, 11:30 am – 1 pm Wednesday, January 31 Economics Club Event presented by Glatfelter Insurance Group Wyndham Garden York, 7:30 - 8:30 am
For details, visit DowntownYorkPA.com Friday, January 5 First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm Friday, February 2 First Friday presented by WellSpan Health Downtown York, 5-9 pm
04.04.24 SHOWCASING YOCO: THE YCEA KEYNOTE EVENT Presented by WellSpan Health, join members of the YoCo community in celebrating individuals who have gone above and beyond in business, community, and philanthropic endeavors. Learn more at YCEApa.org.
144 Roosevelt Avenue York, PA 17401
