Skip to main content

BUILDING UP BALTIMORE

ABOUT BUILDING UP BALTIMORE

Building More Than Buildings

Building Up Baltimore exists to ensure the next generation sees themselves not just living in Baltimore, but leading, building, and shaping its future. 

Our Story

From Caring for People to Building Communities

Building Up Baltimore began with one belief: when we invest in people, we build stronger communities.

Stacey Womble didn't begin her career in real estate or workforce development. She came to Baltimore as a registered nurse, caring for individuals and families during some of life's most challenging moments. That experience taught her that lasting change isn't created by solving one problem at a time—it's created by strengthening the communities where people live, work, and grow.

As she became more involved in neighborhood redevelopment through New Ground Development, Stacey saw another opportunity. Revitalizing buildings was important, but she realized...

The greatest investment wasn't in bricks and mortar—it was in the people who would one day shape Baltimore's future.

Inspired by the lessons her grandfather taught her about construction, craftsmanship, and taking pride in building something that lasts, Stacey began to imagine a different kind of investment—one that prepared young people to become the architects, builders, engineers, developers, and leaders of tomorrow.

That vision became Building Up Baltimore.

Today, Building Up Baltimore connects young people to the industries shaping their city—creating pathways to careers, confidence, and community leadership.

01jp0096

From the TEDx Logan Circle Stage

Born Into Blight: Reclaiming Power One Lot at a Time

"When we invest in young people and the places they call home, we build more than buildings—we build futures."

tedx logan circle logo white cmyk image3

In her TEDxLogan Circle talk, Stacey Womble shares a vision for transforming neighborhoods and the lives of the next generation, one blueprint at a time. Drawing from her experience in healthcare, development, and community leadership, she explores how investing in young people and the places they call home can create lasting opportunity, belonging, and change.

Our Purpose

The Work We're Doing Today and The Future We're Building

Every decision we make is guided by a simple mission and a bold vision for Baltimore's future.

Mission

To connect Baltimore's next generation with the people, skills, and opportunities that prepare them to build stronger communities.

Vision

A Baltimore where every young person sees themselves as a builder of their community's future.

01jp0531

The Opportunity

Building Baltimore's Future Starts With Its People.

Vacant properties don't define Baltimore. The people who will transform them do. Building Up Baltimore equips the next generation with the skills, relationships, and opportunities to become the architects, builders, engineers, developers, and leaders shaping what's next.

How We Create Opportunity

Three Ways We Invest in Baltimore's Future

Investing in people means creating pathways that prepare young people to lead, build, and strengthen their communities

Career Pathways

Connecting students with the industries shaping Baltimore through career exploration, workforce readiness, and real-world experiences.

Mentorship & Leadership

Building confidence through relationships, guidance, and hands-on opportunities that help young people discover what's possible.

Community Impact

Empowering the next generation to strengthen the neighborhoods they call home and become leaders in Baltimore's future.

Build With Us 

Every great city is built by people who believe in its future.