Ellen Shiery, Emerging Philanthropist of the Year

The Emerging Philanthropist Award is presented to an individual, regardless of age, who demonstrates exemplary leadership in advancing philanthropy, engagement beyond a single organization, creativity in a philanthropic endeavor/project, or significant accomplishment in a short period of time.

“Understanding the monumental  impact of charitable giving in making life changing programs and services possible for  nonprofits throughout Anne Arundel County, Ellen makes it a personal mission to spread the message of each organization she supports, encouraging her friends, neighbors, and colleagues to make donations of all sizes to these important causes.”
—Jan Wood, Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation

Ellen Shiery’s reach extends far and wide throughout Anne Arundel County. As a community leader, volunteer, and donor, she has made an impact in many areas and on many lives. 

Ellen currently serves on Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) Foundation's Building Traditions Society Leadership Advisory Council and for the past two years, has personally donated dollars to support AAMC’s Lighting the Way to Healthy Minds Campaign to support mental health care. She also contributes funds to the Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute and cardiac care programs at AAMC. Ellen maximizes the impact of her personal charitable giving through her employer match program and works in partnership with local businesses to facilitate donations. She does all of this with concern and compassion for others, said nominator Jan Wood, President of Anne Arundel Medical Center Foundation.

Her empathy for others is evident in the way she advocated tirelessly on a baby girl’s behalf until she was given the gift of a loving forever home with parents who dote on her, said Rebecca Tingle, Executive Director of Anne Arundel County Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. (AACCASA).

As her CASA case was ending, Ellen joined CASA’s board of directors and brought much needed awareness and support to the organization, recruiting new supporters, and bringing in new sources of funding. “Ellen listens, provides guidance, and always lends her support,” said Tingle. “She lives her life making the world a better place for everyone and demonstrates compassion, professionalism, kindness, strength, selflessness, and an overwhelming spirit of giving.”

Ellen touches the lives of hundreds of underserved youth and adults through her dedicated volunteer service and philanthropic support of many Anne Arundel County nonprofits including AAMC, AACCASA, The Blue Ribbon Project, Junior League of Annapolis, Gigi’s Playhouse, Anne Arundel Community College, Anne Arundel Women Giving Together, Impact 100 Greater Chesapeake, the Light House, and more. 

“Understanding the monumental impact of charitable giving in making life changing programs and services possible for non-profits throughout Anne Arundel County, Ellen makes it a personal mission to spread the message of each organization she supports, encouraging her friends, neighbors, and colleagues to make donations of all sizes to these important causes,” said Wood.

In response to COVID-19 in our community and the increased need for lifesaving units of blood, Ellen coordinated numerous Mobile Blood Drives to meet the urgent demand. She also came through once again for foster youth who are experiencing even greater need for support as school systems, court systems, and community programs suspended operations during the pandemic.

Ellen’s engagement as a community leader through volunteer leadership, mentorship, and charitable giving makes her an exemplary role model for the next generation philanthropists in our community.

Watch the full video below.