BRIDGE AWARD
The Bridge award recognizes the contributions of those who help advance the understanding and practice of social inclusion, specifically within the hospitality and tourism industry in Baltimore.
Paris Brown, Publisher of The Baltimore Times
As publisher of The Baltimore Times, Paris focuses on community first, forging partnerships, uplifting local voices and ensuring that information is accessible across multiple platforms. Her vision has led to groundbreaking initiatives including Creatively Black Baltimore in the Harborplace Light Street Pavillion. The region’ s largest pop-up exhibition of Black art creates pathways for local artists to display and sell their works while also breathing new life into a previously empty space. Paris also champions the health of the Baltimore community by establishing events like a Diabetes Restaurant Week, which raises awareness and encourages healthy dining options citywide. Through diverse, community-based storytelling, Paris has connected readers to major events such as the CIAA Men’ s and Women’ s Basketball Tournament and the Maryland Cycling Classic, helping to underscore the positive impact of tourism. Paris was recently recognized as an Innovator of the Year by Local Media Association for the many ways in which she embraces the use of artificial intelligence in the news business.
CHARM CITY CHAMPION AWARD
This special award is given to a well-respected leader in the region whose work touches many aspects of tourism and the community and whose passion for Baltimore shines through in all that they do.
Dr. Aminta Breaux, President of Bowie State University
As the president of Bowie State University and the immediate past chair of the CIAA Board of Directors, Dr. Aminta Breaux has served as one of Baltimore’ s biggest cheerleaders while the city hosts and evolves the CIAA Men’ s and Women’ s Basketball Tournament. Her passion for Baltimore shines in every interview, press conference, meeting and gathering— both on and off the court. Throughout her career, Dr. Breaux has made remarkable strides for the advancement of HBCUs, championing entrepreneurship as a cornerstone of the higher education experience by expanding innovation hubs, business partnerships and hands-on opportunities for students to launch their own ventures. Beyond the campus, she champions the health and well-being of her community through her service on numerous boards, advocating for equitable access to healthcare, education and economic mobility. She has been particularly instrumental in securing the CIAA Tournament’ s home in Baltimore through 2029, ensuring its continued growth, visibility and positive impact on the city and student athletes.
TOURISM AWARDS 35