Maryland Makes Major Impact

from Archon Magazine - Summer 2021

Finer Women Always Weather

The Magnificent and Matchless State of Maryland

By Natasha Wedderburn

MD State Autism Awareness Coordinator

Autism awareness in the state of Maryland has grown over the years. The Maryland State Autism Awareness Coordinator, Natasha Wedderburn (Tau Eta Zeta Chapter) knew that she wanted to put the efforts and stories of her beloved autism chairwomen in the forefront, as many of them passionately serve as their chapter’s chair and have children and stepchildren on the autism spectrum.

The team got to work even before the sorority year started and wanted to work on branding, nurturing their relationship with their local autism agencies, and really using the power of storytelling to shed light on the fact that autism does impact the African American Community. In a few short months, the Autism Awareness team was able to agree that a T-shirt Wrap Around Fundraiser would be great for April Autism Awareness Month branding and created shirt designs for both Sorors and Amicae. With the support and leadership of the Maryland State Director Tamara D. Harris, the shirts were a hit in the state of Maryland and collected over $3,800 in Tshirt sales.

In addition to the T-shirt fundraiser, Soror Wedderburn was able to leverage her relationship with Autism Speaks to coordinate a live interview with WMAR. This interview highlighted Soror LaTonya Ward (Atlantic Region Autism Awareness Coordinator) and her son Miles along with her experience with autism. The interview also highlighted the work that Zeta does with Autism Awareness and the efforts of the state of Maryland to raise money for the Autism Speaks Walk.

In the past years, chapters across the state of Maryland have supported Autism Speaks. This year, the goal was to coordinate all efforts and make a big impact. The state raised $5,484.26 for the Baltimore Autism Speaks Walk, coming in at number 2 under the top companies and right under their national partner, Alpha Xi Delta women’s fraternity.

Fourteen Zeta chapters in Maryland participated in the fundraising efforts. Congratulations to Rho Eta Zeta and Tau Delta Zeta for raising well over $1,500, and to Rho Eta Zeta’s auxiliaries for raising $125. Congratulations to Soror LaTonya Ward for raising $1,158. On Saturday, October 31, 2020, sorors from across the state of Maryland participated in the Virtual Baltimore Speaks Walk by walking 1.54 miles.

The state of Maryland is looking forward to continuing the work as they plan for their robust social media campaign and webinar series for Autism Awareness Month in April 2021.