Mission Statement
As set forth by county statute in 1980, the Howard County Commission for Women (CFW) promotes the economic, social and political equality of women.
Vision Statement
Howard County is a supportive community where every woman, of every background, identity, age, ability and income level, can fully participate with dignity and thrives without barriers.
Values
The Howard County Commission for Women is guided by values that ensure their work creates measurable impact, sustains meaningful progress and strengthens connections among women throughout our community, through:
- Data-driven Impact – to pursue initiatives grounded in data and community-identified needs to measurably advance equity, opportunity and engagement.
- Enduring Empowerment – to build lasting resources and systems for action that ensure women's perspectives shape the county's future and women's advancements are visible and enduring for generations to come.
- Fostering Connections – to strengthen our community by fostering trust, partnerships and shared purpose among women and organizations across Howard County through open dialogue, inclusivity and mutual support.
Thriving Through Midlife
The Howard County Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) and the Howard County Commission for Women (CFW) will host Thriving Through Midlife, a panel discussion for women experiencing peri-menopause, menopause or post-menopause challenges. The event will be held on October 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church in Columbia.
Co-hosted by the Women’s Giving Circle of Howard County, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, and St John Baptist Church, the event aims to dismantle midlife health taboos and empower attendees through straightforward, evidence-based guidance and peer support.
Archived Commission for Women 2025 Annual Report
This annual report provides an overview of the Howard County Commission for Women activities, achievements and strategic priorities for the year 2025, and highlights the Commission’s ongoing commitment to promote the economic, social and political equality of women in Howard County.
Commission Information
Regular Meetings of the Howard County Commission for Women:
Occurs from 7 to 9 p.m., Eastern Time (US & Canada), the third Wednesday of each month, except in July, August and September when regular meetings will not be held.
Link to join the meeting (opens in a new window)
Meeting number: 2316 041 1569
Password: FRamDkPD748
Join by phone:
1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
Access code: 231 604 11569
The Commission is comprised of twelve members, including one high school student, who are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. Current members are:
- Stephanie Al-Adhami
- Diana Awed, Chair
- Homayara Aziz, MD
- Saundra Barrett
- Jenna Campbell, Student
- Ashley Easley, PhD
- Dana Edwards, DOL
- Kristen Layman Mahoney, Vice Chair
- Elizabeth Leiba
- Rebecca Fields
- Bronzwyn Palmer
- Shannon Beasley Taitt, Recording Secretary
Staff
- Executive Secretary: Michelle Henry (Acting)
Meeting Agendas & Minutes
June 17
- June 17, 2026 CFW Meeting Agenda
- June 17, 2026 CFW Meeting Minutes
May 20 (Virtual)
April 22
February 18
(Archived) Special Meeting, February 9, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. (Room 338, 9830 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, 21046)
(Archived) Special Meeting, January 12, 6:00 - 6:30 p.m.
December 17
Special Meeting November 4
October 15
August 20
June 18
April 16 Meeting Cancelled
March
February 23 Special Meeting
February
January
- Agenda
- Minutes (No meeting held as a quorum was not reached)
December 2024
November 2024
October 2024
September 2024
April 2024
- Agenda
- Meeting Minutes
March 2024
February 2024
January 2024