On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Maryland Public Health Association hosted its 2025 Annual Event, Community Voices, Collective Action: Advancing Health Equity Together, at Bowie State University. The evening featured a dynamic conversation with Dr. Georges C. Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association, and Dr. Anita Mwalui, Founder and CEO of Community Engagement & Consultation Group Inc.

Dr. Benjamin shared insights drawn from decades of national public health leadership, reflecting on the role of policy, infrastructure, and leadership in advancing population health. As Executive Director of APHA and former Maryland Secretary of Health, Dr. Benjamin brings extensive expertise in health policy and systems strengthening. He is board-certified in internal medicine, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, and serves on numerous nonprofit boards focused on advancing public health and infrastructure security nationwide.

Dr. Mwalui offered a community-centered perspective on advancing health equity through research, practice, and culturally responsive engagement. With over 15 years of experience in public health, she has led initiatives addressing social determinants of health, chronic disease prevention, maternal and child health, and mental and behavioral health. Dr. Mwalui holds a Doctoral Degree in Public Health Research, along with advanced training in applied behavior analysis, epidemiology, and health systems management. As CEO and Executive Director of Community Engagement & Consultation Group Inc., she emphasizes evidence-based, participatory approaches that elevate community voices while aligning research, policy, and sustainable practice.

Together, the speakers highlighted the importance of collective action, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration in addressing persistent health disparities and building healthier, more equitable communities. The event provided meaningful opportunities for dialogue, networking, and shared learning among public health professionals, students, and community leaders committed to advancing health equity across Maryland and beyond.

Missed the event? Want to see more photos? Click here to access the full 2025 Annual Event Photo Folder.

Guest Speaker Lawrence M. Richardson Jr.:

Lawrence serves as the Deputy Director of Health and Human Services (HHS) in Baltimore County, MD.As the third largest County in Maryland, HHS has a staff of over 1,400 employees and a total budget of over $350 million. As Deputy Director Lawrence oversees Finance, Human Resources, Communications, and Operations for the departments of Health, Social Services, and directs the Local Management Board for Children, Youth, and Families. He also serves on several non-profit boards in the Baltimore metro area. He is President of the Board for Project PLASE which addresses homelessness by providing shelter and employment services, he also serves on the Board of Peake Federal Credit Union, and is the President of the Maryland Chapter of NFBPA.

Prior to becoming the Deputy Director for HHS he spent twelve years in Baltimore County’s Office of Budget and Finance where he was a Senior Analyst leading the County’s performance management efforts. During his tenure with the Budget Office, he handled both operating and capital budgets for K-12 Education, Community Colleges, Public Safety, Recreation, Administration, Human Resources, and the County Executive’s Office. Before joining Baltimore County Lawrence worked as a Business Operations Analyst for DC Water, and as Grants Technician for the National Institutes Health.

In his spare time, he serves on several non-profit boards in the Baltimore metro area. He is President of the Board for Project PLASE which addresses homelessness by providing shelter and employment services, he is the Supervisory Committee Chair for Peake Federal Credit Union, President of the Maryland Chapter of NFBPA, and on the MPA Advisory Board for the University of Baltimore School of Public Affairs. He is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. where has served as an area director and chapter president. Lawrence received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Morgan State University and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore. He also has a certification in Innovative Public Management from Georgetown University, and Public Performance Measurement from Rutgers University. A father of three, Lawrence is originally from Long Branch, NJ and currently lives in Baltimore County.