Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives

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The Maryland Governor's Office of Community Initiatives ( , ) is Governor 's community outreach arm to connect all Marylanders with resources and opportunities available in the state to thrive and empower themselves. Each year, GOCI joins over 700 events through more than 120 partners, and interacts with more than 70,000 Marylanders in person; coordinat

es with and advises the executive branch of Maryland government for improved community affairs; and oversees the governor’s seven ethnic and cultural commissions, an interfaith office, outreach office, as well as the Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism (GOSV, ), Volunteer Maryland (VM, ), and the Banneker-Douglass Museum (BDM, ).

Today, we recognize Dr. Leroy Alicea, an accomplished educational leader from Puerto Rico and the Founding Principal of ...
06/17/2026

Today, we recognize Dr. Leroy Alicea, an accomplished educational leader from Puerto Rico and the Founding Principal of Sonia Sotomayor Middle School in Prince George’s County Public Schools. Throughout his career, he has championed bilingual education, educational equity, and student success through data-driven instruction and restorative practices.

With extensive experience in ESOL, curriculum design, and biliteracy, Dr. Alicea continues to empower students, support educators, and strengthen communities across Maryland.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting remarkable Marylanders throughout the month.

Looking for ways to celebrate Pride Month in Maryland? Check out these upcoming Pride events happening across the state!...
06/15/2026

Looking for ways to celebrate Pride Month in Maryland? Check out these upcoming Pride events happening across the state!

June 26 – Frederick Pride Parade
June 27 – Frederick Pride
June 27 – Ocean City Pride
June 28 – Montgomery County Pride in the Plaza

Whether you're attending a parade, festival, or community gathering, we encourage Marylanders to support and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community throughout Pride Month.

Today, we recognize Dr. Patricia Peynado-Boyce, a proud Jamaican, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and owner of APAW Veter...
06/15/2026

Today, we recognize Dr. Patricia Peynado-Boyce, a proud Jamaican, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and owner of APAW Veterinary Hospital in Prince George’s County. A graduate of Howard University and Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, she has spent more than 35 years advancing companion animal healthcare while building trusted relationships with pet owners.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Peynado-Boyce mentors aspiring veterinarians, supports veterinary education, and promotes animal health awareness throughout the community.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting remarkable Marylanders throughout the month.

Throughout Caribbean Heritage Month, we're spotlighting Marylanders who are making a difference in their communities and...
06/12/2026

Throughout Caribbean Heritage Month, we're spotlighting Marylanders who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.

Today, we recognize Dave Woodbine, a native of Westmoreland, Jamaica, and Lieutenant with the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. Since immigrating to the United States in 2001, Dave has dedicated his career to serving others through emergency response, healthcare, and medical missions to Jamaica.

His commitment to leadership, service, and community continues to make a lasting impact across Maryland and beyond.

On June 7, Administrative Director Christina Poy delivered closing remarks and joined community members at HeartFest 202...
06/11/2026

On June 7, Administrative Director Christina Poy delivered closing remarks and joined community members at HeartFest 2026's celebration of the International Day of Yoga in Rockville. The event brought people together to promote wellness, mindfulness, and unity through the practice of yoga.

06/11/2026

UPDATE: Baltimore City has a Code Red Extreme Heat Alert on June 11-12, 2026. A heat advisory has also been issued for Cecil, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, Charles, St. Mary's, Calvert, and Harford counties on June 11, 2026.

Dangerous heat and humidity is expected today and tomorrow for much of Maryland with heat indexes near 100°. Check on older relatives and neighbors to ensure they have working AC. If not, help them get to a local cooling center. Access cooling centers: bit.ly/MarylandCoolingCenters.

Last week, Dr. Lora Hargrove director of the GOCI Office of Faith Outreach was honored to visit the greenhouse at Morgan...
06/10/2026

Last week, Dr. Lora Hargrove director of the GOCI Office of Faith Outreach was honored to visit the greenhouse at Morgan State University and meet with Mr. William Belks and student Caitlyn Adams.

It was inspiring to learn about the impactful work taking place and the opportunities for education, sustainability, and community engagement. We look forward to exploring ways to collaborate and support these efforts in the future.

Together, we can cultivate partnerships that strengthen our communities and create meaningful opportunities for growth.

Throughout Caribbean Heritage Month, we're proud to spotlight Marylanders who are making a difference in their communiti...
06/09/2026

Throughout Caribbean Heritage Month, we're proud to spotlight Marylanders who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.

Today, we recognize Alyscia Cunningham, an award-winning filmmaker, photographer, author, and founder of Her House Media.

A first-generation Trinidadian American, Alyscia uses storytelling to explore identity, women's health, beauty standards, and generational healing. Through impactful projects such as, I Am More Than My Hair, she is preserving cultural narratives and amplifying underrepresented voices.

From being named a Forbes Next 1000 honoree to serving as a TEDx speaker and community leader, Alyscia continues to inspire through her creativity, advocacy, and commitment to authentic storytelling.

Stay tuned as we continue highlighting remarkable Marylanders throughout Caribbean Heritage Month.

06/09/2026

In partnership with the City of Annapolis and Marshall Hope Corporation, we brought together more than 20 organizations and service providers to connect community members with essential health, wellness, and family support resources.

Attendees had access to mental health resources, HIV testing, information on Medicaid, SNAP, and TCA, life skills training, health care access support, food distribution, and much more.

Stay tuned! We’ll be sharing a complete list of participating organizations and resources so community members can continue accessing these valuable services year-round.

En colaboración con la Ciudad de Annapolis y Marshall Hope Corporation, reunimos a más de 20 organizaciones y proveedores de recursos para conectar a nuestra comunidad con servicios esenciales de salud, bienestar y apoyo familiar.

Durante el evento, los asistentes tuvieron acceso a recursos de salud mental, pruebas de VIH, información sobre Medicaid, SNAP y TCA, capacitación en habilidades para la vida, apoyo para el acceso a servicios de salud, distribución de alimentos y mucho más.
¡Manténganse atentos! Pronto compartiremos una lista completa de las organizaciones y recursos participantes para que la comunidad pueda seguir accediendo a estos valiosos servicios durante todo el año. RecursosComunitarios

Sonia Lin, of the Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs represented GOCI and the Maryland Commision on LGBTQIA+ Commiss...
06/08/2026

Sonia Lin, of the Governor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs represented GOCI and the Maryland Commision on LGBTQIA+ Commission at Takoma Park Pride, joining Mayor Seracy and community members in celebrating inclusion, visibility, and belonging.

During the event, she presented a formal citation to Council Member Amy Wesolek recognizing Main Street Tacoma continued commitment to uplifting and supporting its LGBTQIA+ community.

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