The Southwest Partnership staff work with the neighborhood associations, Southwest Partnership Committees, and anchor institutions to implement the Vision Plan. The staff can be reached at staff@swpbal.org or by phone at 667-210-2105.
We are hiring. For more information and details on how to apply: Executive Director Position Description
Elizabeth Weber, Acting Executive Director/Program Director
Elizabeth joined the SWP in 2015. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Maryland Baltimore, with a concentration in Community Action and Social Policy, where she interned with the SWP in the development of the Vision Plan. Before coming to the SWP Elizabeth served as an Americorps VISTA with the Youth Dreamers and Shepherd’s Clinic in Baltimore, developing programs and managing volunteers for two small volunteer-led nonprofits. She lives in Barclay with her husband, son, cat, and (probably) too many books. Elizabeth loves cities and neighborhoods and is excited by the SWP’s unique, community-led structure and holistic approach to community development. She manages all of the SWP’s non-physical (building) development projects--education, workforce development, and public space--and supports the Education, Public Safety, Vibrant Streets, and Workforce Development Committees. Please reach out to Elizabeth if you would like to discuss the SWP’s work investing in our people, schools, streets, public safety, and greenspace.
Contact Elizabeth
elizabeth@swpbal.org
Carrie Baniszewski, Director of Housing Initiatives
Carrie joined the SWP in February 2021. She has a BS in Business Management and a BS in Marketing from Eastern University. Prior to moving to Baltimore in 2015, Carrie worked in Indianapolis in various community development roles in both local government and non-profit organizations. Carrie ran the Land Bank for the City of Indianapolis for three years after that she worked for several Community Development Corporations, managing their neighborhood revitalization housing projects. After moving to Baltimore, Carrie spent 3 years as the Business Relationship Manager at Live Baltimore where she had the opportunity to learn, interact, and fall in love with Baltimore City neighborhoods. Carrie lives in the Mount Clare neighborhood with her son, dog, and cat. She has a passion for community development and is a fierce advocate for the underdog, whether a sports team, a city, neighborhood, or building. She supports the committees pertaining to physical development (buildings); Housing, Commercial Development and Historic Preservation and implements projects identified by the committees. Carrie loves working for SWP because she is able to live her passion while impacting her community and neighbors. Please reach out to Carrie if you would like to discuss SWP’s physical development work or current projects.
Contact Carrie
carrie@swpbal.org
David Pope, Communications Manager
David Pope, a Baltimore native, joined the organization in April 2023, David is dedicated to promoting the mission and initiatives of Southwest Partnership through effective communication strategies. He holds a degree in Digital Communications from the University of Baltimore.
Prior to joining Southwest Partnership, David worked with the City of Baltimore as a Digital Content Strategist, where he honed his skills in crafting compelling narratives and engaging online content to amplify community initiatives.
Beyond his professional role, David is a talented freelance videographer. It was during a freelance project focused on saving the Sarah Ann Street houses that David first connected with Southwest Partnership. Witnessing the organization's dedication to community revitalization and social impact, he was inspired to become an integral part of the team.
With his expertise in digital communications, creative storytelling, and community engagement, David Pope plays a vital role in enhancing Southwest Partnership's visibility, reaching diverse audiences, and fostering meaningful connections within the community.
Contact David
david@swpbal.org
Chris Bowling, Operations Manager
Chris joined the SWP February 2020. He has a bachelor’s degree in Art Education and taught in Aberdeen, MD. Before joining the SWP, he worked in other office administrative and bookkeeping jobs and started his own business selling his artwork. Chris manages the day-to-day operations in the office, bookkeeping and financials, and administrative tasks. He assists the Executive Director and supports all other staff members, does daily bookkeeping, monthly financials, and audit preparation, maintains the office including repairs and upkeep, provides record-keeping and document organization, and helps with IT issues. Chris started selling his artwork at the annual Pigtown and SoWeBo Festivals, where he first discovered the culture and charisma of the SWP neighborhoods and learned of the efforts of the Southwest Partnership. Chris moved to Baltimore City in 2020, and now resides in the Hamilton area with his partner and dog.
Contact Chris
chris@swpbal.org
Southwest Works
Rachel Goodrich LMSW, Workforce Development Program Manager (Part-Time)
Rachel joined SWP in 2017 as a collaborative employee under the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. As part-time Workforce Development Program Manager for SWP, she focuses on workforce reporting and client management. However, she still supports local institutions' workforce programs that are helping local residents and employers meet the employment demands for SW Baltimore. She is a licensed social worker with ten years of experience in for-profit and non profit arenas. She has a background working with the Spanish speaking population in Baltimore and is available for bilingual services. Rachel resides in Union Square with her family and dog.
Contact Rachel
rachel@swpbal.org
Community School Coordinator
Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary
Brenda Rodriguez
Born and raised in Baltimore City, Brenda joined the SWP in January 2020. She has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a concentration in Animal Wellness and Behavior. Prior to joining SWP, she worked extensively with the Maryland 4-H Youth Development as their International Program’s Coordinator, where she organized inbound 4-H Japanese delegate homestays to Maryland, and Outbound Maryland 4-H delegate homestays to countries such as Japan, Tanzania, and Finland. Brenda decided to work for SWP because it allows her to combine all the knowledge and experience, she’s garnered from her time working in different spaces, to create fun and educational events for students, parents and community members of her hometown. As the Community School Coordinator for Charles Carroll Barrister Elementary, she acts as the community liaison for the school, and aids in fostering partnerships, developing community activities and events, and providing much needed resources for her school’s families. Please reach out to Brenda if you would like to discuss partnering with CCB.
Contact Brenda
brenda@swpbal.org
