Cherie McCord

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What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

Quitting my job and deciding to start a business was a significant challenging for me. I worked for a local agency supporting individuals with disabilities for 8 years. I am a person that thrives on opportunity to grow and improve and for 8 years that is what my employer provided for me, I was able to advance within the company, they provided tuition reimbursement benefits and a flexible schedule.

While at my previous employer I enrolled in school to get my Masters. As graduation approached I started thinking about what was next for me, then Covid happened. During COVID the pressure of having to now work from home and teach my son who was in Kindergarten how to read and write was weighing on me heavy. Next, came the black lives matter movement, the great resignation and my degree. I started exploring my employment options, searched 100s of employers throughout Maryland reading and reviewing each employers policy on diversity and inclusion wondering if that was the next step for me.

For so long I worked for an employer that I was afraid to wear colorful hair, every time I wore braids I had to explain how long it took for me to get my hair done, or show up to a persons house for them to call my employer as soon as I left to request a new case manager, to not feel heard, to have people surprise to know that I like Beyonce and Rihanna because they didn’t think I was "that kind of person." I knew that my next step had to be with an employer that understood ME.

I was presented an opportunity to use my skills to support a local black-owned small business with their growth but a benefit of the position was the ability to start and grow my own business. While they could not match my current salary they offered me opportunity, diversity and inclusion. I got to work for someone that let me be ME. I could wear what I want. I could wear my hair how I want. I could listen to Beyonce and those around me also enjoy my taste in music. To not feel judged for being me. All I had to do was help them grow and they were going to help me. From there my business, Blooms Alley was created and developed.

Blooms Alley is a retail incubator, inspired by the Black community of Blooms Alley that was torn down in Hagerstown, MD. Where families worked together to support one another. I hope to carry on the legacy of small business here at Blooms Alley giving others the opportunity to be themselves in business, collaborate and grow together.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

To quit my job I had to make some big decisions that would affect my family. I had to think about my son and how that would impact him before I quit I thought about all the things that could go wrong. But the thought of the Freedom the opportunity afforded me I jumped right in and immediately it was great!

It gave me the opportunity to have even more flexibility in my job. My son also was able to see me working for an employer that looked like us. My son became intrigued in my employers business as well as mine. He is now able to look at a man, a black man that looks like him be successful in his business and think well that will be me one day. My sons dreams for the future have expanded. He now sees possibility in himself on a large scale. Had my son told me these same dreams a year or 2 ago I might of discouraged him, me his mother, might of thought it was out of reach. When now I tell him everyday you can do anything you set your mind to.

Choosing yourself and chasing your dreams is contagious. My friends, my family and local community, started to become interested in starting their own business and growing together.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I used this challenge to be representation for my community. They can look at someone that looks like them, that grew up in the same place they did, that suffered the same challenges and they can look at me and say well I am like her, I can do that too.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Barriers are created and torn down by you. You hold the power.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My Grandmothers are my inspiration. My Grandma Charlene taught me to know and trust God. For that I am grateful. Our favorite song to sing was “this little light of mine” and whenever I start to not feel capable, I remember to keep letting my light shine.

My Grandmother Sandy is fearless. A black women who came from the poor neighboorhood of Blooms Alley who never let anything or anyone stand in her way. Despite her circumstances she continued to put one foot in front of the other because she knows that the only thing that could ever stand in her way is herself because she is FEARLESS.

My Grandmother Geraldine taught me about family. Need a friend? Need a meal? A shoulder to cry on? A drink? A laugh? A vacation buddy? Help? A roof over your head? As long as you got family you will never go without.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

I have enjoyed life, raising and homeschooling my four boys with my husband. When they started going off to college, I had a major shift in my life. I had to focus on me and let them do their own thing. It was challenging for me because I was very involved in their education, I volunteered on the community boards in what my sons were involved in ie Valley Little League, Hagerstown Youth Soccer, Ice Rink and our homeschooling group. As the boys went off to college our families focused shifted from community to college. I had to rearrange my goals. I struggled the first year trying to figure out how to focus on me and live my own life. I always have been a mentor. Life coaching appealed to me on so many different levels. I started reading everything I could find about life coaching. I took a course to become certified. Then I started my business, Women in Transition. It was a good fit. I work with women going through their own changes, whether it be a career change, family changes, launching their own business, relationships or just adjusting their point of view, I am there to walk beside them during their transition. I still volunteer in the community, but my focus is on women and their needs.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

The adjustment was easy for my family, they were very supportive. The boys thrived at college and as they graduated and started their careers, I moved forward with my own new career.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I encourage women all the time to reach for their goals, it is never to let in your life to switch gears and do your thing. I volunteer in the community using the skillset I developed while raising my family; organizing and hosting events is my favorite. I enjoy gathering women to learn off of each other. We all have so much wisdom and experience to share.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Read all you can about your new interest, talk with people that have gone through your same struggle, it is great to share. You are never alone, reach out when it becomes overwhelming. Walk through life with an open mind and an open heart.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My family is my inspiration. I try to mentor good behavior and kindness. I want the best for my family, I love them very much. I choose to model loving kindness.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

There have been a lot of significant challenges in my life. I believe things kept happening to challenge me to do some healing so I could effectively communicate even while in pain. About 8 years ago a man exposed himself to my daughter and other little girls. The challenge was following through to make sure he was charged and held accountable. I had been so used to protecting my daughters by fighting with my hands that I had to learn to fight with my whole heart.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

My daughters told me if the community center wasn’t safe for them then it shouldn’t be safe for no kids. I started volunteering in the very place I had told them to stay away from. I became a community advocate and didn’t mean to, I needed the children in the community to be safe so I started showing up every day.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I didn’t realized I was inspiring others until years later. My intention was to serve, that alone was inspiration I believe. I also became a mediator and learned how to be present in conflict to hear and understand others. It’s not just about doing restorative practices it’s about being a restorative person.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Challenges is the adversity that must exist. The friction and the uncomfortableness is on purpose. Pain produces. You have to understand that you are gonna go through things and there will be lots of challenges, it’s what shapes character and prepares us for our purpose.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My children and grandchildren are my inspiration.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

The life challenges that led me to the work I'm doing now are honestly too personal and raw to publicize. In general, I have experienced deep betrayal and as a result, serious and traumatic financial struggles.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

Our family's financial need made me seek a new career for myself. As I thought about what career I could begin, I knew that I had a lot of knowledge around natural childbirth, breastfeeding and child raising. I learned about working as a doula-a person that provides professional education and support for birthing families. This work fit me perfectly and after training, I began working primarily with families birthing in a hospital setting. In this work, I witnessed our traditional, institutional childbirth practices. These practices were leaving my clients stripped of autonomy, dignity and often created physical danger to them. After a short time of working as a doula, I began training to be a Certified Professional Midwife. As a midwife, I provide the full spectrum of prenatal, home birth and postpartum care as a primary medical provider in an intimate environment. The work that I do allows families to have complete control over their healthcare. I provide a lot of information and education regarding their choices in health care. I work with families one on one to provide continuity of care and the best maternal care possible.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I have a great passion for inspiring women to take charge of their own wellness. I put an emphasis on nutrition, physical well being, mental health and spiritual nourishment in order to inspire families to be and feel their best.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Always challenge the norm and try to think differently. Always ask questions and wonder how you can change things. For instance, instead of wasting energy trying to change a broken system, create a new one!

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

There are definitely many challenges that each person lives through and chooses to overcome. When we moved to Maryland we had everything lined up ahead of time. Jobs, housing, family and support to get us to Maryland and make it a great place for us to live. Just before we arrived in Maryland I ended up in pre-term labor at 18 weeks and was given doctors orders to remain on complete bed rest until I was 36 weeks pregnant. The job that my husband was supposed to start fell through the day after we moved here. He immediately started job hunting and eventually found a great paying job with benefits. This wasn’t before our car was repossessed because I paid the wrong bill while juggling keeping up on all of our other payments. We made a slim grocery and shopping budget until we got back on our feet. We then decided to open our first business two weeks before Maryland shutdown. We ended up closing this business 7 months after it opened due to a changing economy and then we opened our second business and 6 months later opened our third. We never guessed that we would be completely broke after being such thoughtful planners and then eventually be able to keep two businesses open and learn a lot along the way.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

It definitely added a lot of stress to every person above the age of 13 in our circle. I am so blessed that our little guys just loved the fact that we ate a lot of cereal, hot dogs, and noodles.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

One thing that kept me going during this time was being able to buy clothing at a local thrift store for $1. It might sound silly but we were able to clothe ourselves and our three growing boys for a few dollars here and there. Since then we have opened a store where the majority of our clothing is only $1. We have also been able to volunteer and give back to our community and others because of this.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

If you ever feel like you are drowning find the bottom with your toes and push up as hard as you can. Keep pushing until you are able to breathe again. Ask for help. Ask for a hand. Ask for air. But you keep pushing as hard as you can.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

I am so blessed with the inspiration that I am surrounded with. My Grandfather who raised me and passed when I was 16 always told me to work hard and be kind. Everyday I can hear his words and they keep me moving. He was tough with a soft lap and was always ready to say what I needed to hear not what I wanted to hear.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

One of the more significant challenges I have faced in my life thus far was choosing the high school I would attend. In eighth grade, I faced two options on where I would go to high school which made things definitely more challenging for me. My sister had already started the International Baccalaureate Program at North High so there were benefits there in terms of having her and the IB Program there. However, I had been at Boonsboro for the past few years for middle school, so at Boonsboro High I would be with friends and not much change was necessary. It was surprisingly difficult for me to decide which path I wanted to take! It felt like a major decision at the time and so I felt really pressured to make the best decision I could. But, I ended up at North and it was definitely the best decision for me and I’m glad I made it.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

The main impacts that came along with this decision were in terms of my family and friends. My family was happy that I was with my sister so I could always have a friend and someone to talk to, especially going in as a freshman at a new school. In terms of my friends, it was hard for me to leave the friends I had made in Boonsboro. I thought that I was not going to be able to talk to them anymore, and that I was going to be all alone (an over-exaggeration yes, but I was definitely worried going into freshman year). However, though it is not as often, I do keep in touch with them and still get to hang out with them! In the end, though things changed, it was definitely for the better!

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

Because I know a lot of other kids in Washington County face the same decision I had to make, I try to help in any way I can with their decision making process. I know that everyone has their own path and I just try to do my part in letting them know that there is always time to change and to be the figure to lean on that my sister was for me! There are amazing options for everyone in Washington County and I want to make sure everyone knows all of their options before making their final decision.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone! Even though I left the school zone I was most comfortable in, I made new great friends at North that I probably would have never met if I stayed. I would also say don’t be afraid to reach out and get involved with your school and local community; the clubs and extracurricular activities I am a part of made me appreciate Hagerstown and inspired me to contribute to making everyone feel proud of it!

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

I would definitely say my parents are my inspiration; they are always there to celebrate my wins and always provide me with copious amounts of love and support. They motivate me to keep going, reaching bigger and better things that I never could do on my own. They shaped me into the person I am today and I couldn’t be happier to have them in my life.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

I had been fostering a child for one year and 1/2 from an infant- his biological mother did not return him to me after her visitation. After much research I put on my detective hat, working alongside the Washington County Sherrif's office we were able to locate the child who was taken to Michigan to family members who knew nothing of the mother's mental illness and drug addiction. 

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

I have never known that kind of grief, anxiety and fear in my life as that.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I have been a champion for single mothers, mental illness and have advocated for my students that are struggling with these issues. It seems that I have always had an intuitive nature - I can spot their issues very quickly during a conversation.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Reach out to people that you can trust, communicate with them and know that you are not alone in the situation. There are resources to assist- don't ever feel that your alone.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My inspiration has always been my mother and maternal grandmother. They were always my cheerleaders. I come from a very dysfunctional background my mother's family were always there for us. My mom and grandmother were both single mothers. I have also had wonderful mentors in my life who have seen something in me and have taught me to grow my talents to grow my successes.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

My husband and I had been married for 7 years and we very much wanted to have a child.  I was managing a pediatric practice for three doctors and each day I saw many infants and children in our office, but after several years we still had not been blessed with a child. Then, I became pregnant!  As the months went by, I was gaining weight fast and numerous mothers asked me if I was having twins.  My answer was always "No".  Then 6 weeks before my due date I asked my doctor to order a sonogram.  And low and behold, I was going to have twins!  That was on a Wednesday.  My last day of work was Friday and 5 days later I delivered twin boys.  Talk about a surprise! My challenge was going from no children to having two. The boys were under normal birth weight but otherwise healthy.  One son was transferred to a hospital in Baltimore and the other stayed in the Hagerstown hospital.  By the time they were 10 days old, both were at home!  The first 6 months of their lives was a blur for me, but the boys were a true gift to me and my husband.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

I became active in the parent groups beginning when my sons were in nursery school.  That involvement continued and grew as they continued through public school.  I learned through my involvement in the schools, how important it is for a parent, or any adult, to be active in the lives of our future generations.  This involvement and dedication to education, drove me to run first for the elected Board of Education in Washington County, where I served for 8 years and then to run for Washington County Commissioner, where I served for 4 years.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I have tried to encourage more women to run for public office so they can impact future  generations and current policymakers.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Talk to women who are dedicated to making our community better for future generations.  I believe, experience in the best teacher, so speak to those women in your community who have been in leadership roles.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

When I was first elected to the Board of Education, one of my fellow board members was Jan Cirincione.  She taught me more about the responsibilities of serving in a public role than I could have learned from a book.  She served by example!  She is a person of honesty and moral ethics.  I believe, a person in a leadership role must help to forge the way for those who come after.  Jan did that for me.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

My story is about having clarity and making a plan at an early age and being driven to stick to it... I decided when I was in 10th grade that I wanted to be a graphic designer and one day own my own business that I could operate from a home office so I could be a stay at home mom with my future kids. I went to Washington County Technical High School for Graphic Design and then Shepherd College for Graphic Design. I got married young (20 years old) but waited to have kids so I would be established enough in my career to be able to start my own business when I had kids. At age 25, when I was pregnant with my first son, I quit my national marketing/graphic design job and started my own business (Over 15 years ago in 2007). Since then I have worked hard to grow my business and we had 2 more kids. 3 boys total. It was tiring but I kept at it. When our kids were very young I would get only a few hours of sleep at night because I would get up with them when they woke up in the morning, do the stay at home mom thing with them all day, going to activities and play dates, reading, playing, cooking, etc. and then once they went to bed I would work from 7pm until 1 or 2 am, sometimes 3 or 4 am if I had a tight deadline to meet. It was hard work, but worth it. Now that my kids are older and in school I can work during the day and it is a lot easier. My business has grown over the years and I am happy I have met my goals that I made in 10th grade.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

I have a home office. I have three boys that I have raised while also growing my business. Finding the time was my biggest challenge. Sleep would usually be what was sacrificed. When they were little I would work in the evenings after they went to bed into the early morning hours sometimes only getting a few hours of sleep before they woke up early in the morning. I made sure this didn't impact anyone but myself. I was there for my kids as a stay at home mom doing activities and outings with them during the days and working in the evenings.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

Others can see it is possible to work from home. 

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Make a list of what is most important to you in your life and make a plan for how you can make it happen. It won't be easy. Nothing worthwhile is easy. It will be hard work. But stick with it. Small steps everyday add up.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

I didn't have an inspiration. I just had a drive and desire to meet my goals.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

The most significant professional challenge I have ever experienced was becoming a certified Woman-Owned Small Business in a male-dominated industry. Being a woman owner of a precision metal manufacturing facility comes with many challenges. Proving that I was worthy of the title to my male employees and customers did not come quickly. I was forced to earn the respect of my male counterparts through experience over time, learning the different trades from the experts themselves, and showing that I was part of the team, not just the leader. We have an average of 50 male employees and our customers are prime subcontractors for the DOD; predominately male-managed. After 11 years in the industry, I feel respected and appreciated.

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

This challenge motivated me to become a strong leader and prove that I could be an integral part of the team. My dad started this business in 1994 and I bought it in 2016, so the family was extremely proud that I was able to reorganize the business to help it run more effectively. We have been able to provide jobs in our community for the trades such as welding, CNC machining, painting, etc.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I have used this challenge to inspire other women and girls to push the envelope, per se. I have spoken in schools and colleges about my story. I have also spoken with HCC about partnering for training in specific trades we offer.

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Dive into your industry to gain knowledge and experience so that you can show those who doubt you that you deserve your place.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My Dad is my inspiration. He has been in this industry since the 1960's and his knowledge of all facets of the industry is overwhelming. I have learned so much from him from properties of raw metal, reading blueprints, production of parts, finishing procedures, ISO certification, running a business, etc. He is still in the industry, but works for me now! I admire his dedication to something he values so dearly.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt's Leukemia when I was almost 3 years old. The cancer was very aggressive and the doctors caught it just in time. During my chemotherapy treatment, I contracted bacterial meningitis. I had just finished a round of chemo, so I had no immune system to fight off the infection. My brain started to swell and the doctors had to relieve pressure by drilling a hole in my skull at bedside. By that time, it was decided to place me in an induced coma until the doctors could figure out how to fight the infection. As my immune system started to recover, my neurosurgeon placed a VP shunt in my brain due to hydrocephalus. When the doctors awoke me from my induced coma, I was blind and paraplegic. Some said I would never walk again. After months of intensive outpatient rehabilitation, I was able to walk with a slight drag of the foot and my vision slowly came back. I eventually was declared cancer-free, but the meningitis had long-lasting effects. I have a neurogenic bowel and bladder and neuropathy from the waist down. I had an extensive reconstructive surgery on my bladder and kidney several years ago. I am left with physical disabilities, but embrace my story!

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

The community came together and held many fundraisers to raise money for my medical bills and lodgings for my parents when I was inpatient. Family, friends, and strangers held up signs and wore "All for Alli" shirts to show support.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

I share my story with friends in my school. Some kids ask questions about why I walk with a limp, so I share my story in hopes that they will think twice about bullying someone because they are different. My mom tells me that I was an inspiration to so many people in our community because my story was not supposed to have a happy ending. I'm glad it did!

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Be strong. You never realize how strong you truly are until you are fighting something that you think you cannot beat.

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My older sister, Ana, is my inspiration. She has always been supportive during all of my medical issues. She encourages me to keep pushing forward, even though I am physically different. She even talked me into joining the basketball team! I love my sister.

What is the most significant challenge you have experienced?

My most significant challenge was becoming a mom at 16. When you live in a small town where everyone knows you and you are a first generation at everything... the pressure was high! I was destined to become another statistic, and I chose to become a positive one. I stayed in school and finished high school with flying colors. I chose to go into the workforce and two years later enrolled in college. Education has always been a passion of mine, therefore I studied Elementary English Education and then later completed a Master’s Degree in Special Education.

In 2009, I was chosen for an exchange program for adults and visited Hagerstown, Maryland, where I currently live. I knew nobody here but wanted to relocate to the states, so that my children could become bilingual. What a whirlwind! I became very homesick during my first year here, and after the invitation from a fellow teacher, I joined the YMCA, fell in love with Zumba Fitness, and began to build my community there.

Fast forward thirteen years, I have become an active community leader who advocates for non-English speaking students and their families. I am an educational leader who in addition to school-aged students, have taught county staff enrolled in my course, “Spanish for Educators”. I have been recognized for advocating for culturally diverse students, nominated for Teacher of the Year multiple times, and my family engagement initiatives have been showcased by the Maryland English Language Learners Family Involvement Network under Promising Practices in Hispanic Family Involvement Strategies.

I am a recent graduate of Leadership Washington County Class 35 and as an entrepreneur, I collaborate with local non-profit organizations, as well as private businesses by providing translation and interpretation services through my small business, Spanish 4 ALL.

I refused to let my circumstances define my future and now, as an entrepreneur and an educational leader, I want to empower students as well as their families to become actively involved in our schools and their education. My goal is to be their voice and also to give them the tools necessary to grow, thrive, and achieve academic excellence! By encouraging all those you encounter to become risk-takers, goal-setters, and decision-makers, they are empowered and encouraged to embrace their diversity and uniqueness while taking pride in their life-learning journey and creating their OWN admirable story!

How did this impact you, your family, your friends, and community?

I was a child having to become responsible for another child. I had huge dreams and aspirations that needed immediate shifting in accordance to what would be my new future. This was also my new "WHY". I refused to be a burden for anyone, not my family nor my friends. I want to serve as a productive member of my community, wherever that would be.

How have you used this challenge to inspire others or make an impact in our local community?

By sharing my story, I give little Latina girls who have had similar challenges, HOPE. They can see that even if their challenge might seem as an obstacle, they can chose to overcome it and succeed. I want them to see someone who looks like them in a position of leadership and be inspired to keep on moving forward, no matter what!

What advice would you give to a woman or girl who is facing the same challenge?

Keep on going and do not let your circumstances define you. Never give up!

Who is your inspiration and how do they encourage you to continue moving forward?

My children and my grandchildren... they are my driving force! I want them to be proud and see that with strong faith, a kind heart, and relentless determination, they can make anything and everything happen!