10-24-2021 Women to Watch - Flipbook - Page 17
CPL. BETTY COVINGTON
56, Baltimore City Schools police officer,
and founder and president of GEMS,
Girls Expecting More Success
As a Baltimore City Schools police officer, Cpl. Betty Covington knew something
had to change. “I found myself arresting kids
and I thought this is not the solution,” said
Covington, who has worked for 23 years in
city schools. In 2007, she sought the most
troubled girls at Digital Harbor High where
she worked, and began mentoring them,
working with their teachers, social workers
and caregivers. Of the 30 she started with, 90
percent graduated, Covington said.
In 2015, GEMS became a nonprofit and
expanded to a summer program for younger
girls. Covington said she should be getting
ready to retire, but instead she wants to expand the program in other cities. “I’m just
passionate about what I do for children,” she
said.
— Jessica Anderson
PHOTO BY KIM HAIRSTON
TONIA NIEDZIALKOWSKI
53, president, Point Breeze Credit Union
Tonia Niedzialkowski started her career at
Point Breeze Credit Union more than two decades ago as an accounting assistant. Named the
company’s president this past February, Niedzialkowski now leads all aspects of the operation.
She has never felt compelled to work elsewhere, she said, believing deeply in Point
Breeze’s mission as a community anchor. “We’re
all focused on our members, and you’re really
accomplishing something when you can give
members a good experience or better rates on
loans,” she said. “It’s not just about pushing
some paper. You’re making a difference.”
— Hallie Miller
PHOTO BY LLOYD FOX
2021
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