Event Celebrates Generosity, Resilience, and the Future of Healthcare
Jack and Nancy Dwyer Workforce Development Center, Inc. (“Dwyer Workforce Development” or “DWD”), a national healthcare workforce development nonprofit, successfully hosted its inaugural Careforce Collective Leadership Giving Breakfast, presented by CFG Bank, on October 9, 2025 at The Penguin Room at Whitehall Mill in Baltimore. The sold-out event raised more than $300,000 for DWD’s mission and drew 175 attendees and 30 sponsors from across the country, including key business leaders, philanthropists, and community partners. The gathering celebrated DWD’s achievements and those who power its mission to support individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, address the national healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors and the community at large.
The program featured inspiring remarks from DWD CEO Barb Clapp and Board Chair Dan Baird, along with powerful personal stories from program participants, known as Dwyer Scholars, who have overcome significant barriers to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare. A highlight of the morning was the debut of DWD’s annual giving video, which spotlighted the journey of Briyona Franklin, a Dwyer Scholar, whose determination paired with DWD’s support–including childcare services–enabled her to start a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and advance further to be a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
“Our inaugural Careforce Collective Leadership Giving Breakfast was a morning celebrating hope, resilience, and the extraordinary things that happen when we come together to lift others up,” said Barb Clapp, DWD CEO. “The event reflected the incredible momentum and support behind our mission—empowering individuals to achieve stable, meaningful healthcare careers while addressing one of our nation’s most critical workforce challenges. Together, we’re building solutions that strengthen our communities and the future of healthcare.”
The Careforce Collective was formally introduced during the breakfast as a leadership giving circle of changemakers dedicated to advancing healthcare workforce development and economic mobility. Members of the Collective make sustained investments that directly fund Dwyer Scholars’ training, mentorship, and growth opportunities. The event set the stage for ongoing collaboration and growth, with many attendees pledging renewed or increased support for DWD’s mission.
“Every contribution from the Careforce Collective represents a ripple of change that supports the lives of so many and strengthens our healthcare system from the ground up,” said Michelle Boyle, DWD Director of Development. “We’re deeply grateful to CFG Bank and all who joined us for making this inaugural event a true success.”
Through the support of donors and partners, DWD provides Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) training and job placement support to underserved individuals and need-based wraparound services—including financial support for housing, childcare, and transportation—to eliminate barriers to success. Dwyer Scholars are paired with dedicated case managers who determine the wraparound services needed and offer ongoing mentorship, guiding them through both professional and personal challenges while helping them navigate a career path in healthcare. As Scholars achieve key milestones, they become eligible for continued training and educational opportunities, creating pathways to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and advance into additional roles in healthcare.
Since September 2022, DWD has proudly served over 9,000 Dwyer Scholars.
MULTIMEDIA ASSETS:
- Photo Gallery: click here
- Briyona Franklin Scholar Success Giving Video: click here
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About Dwyer Workforce Development (www.dwyerworkforcedev.org)
Dwyer Workforce Development is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviate a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors and the community at large. Dwyer Workforce Development provides program participants – Dwyer Scholars – Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, job placement support in healthcare facilities, need-based wraparound services, and person-centered case management to foster successful outcomes. Founded in 2021 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Jack Dwyer and his family, DWD is redefining what it means to give back—creating career pathways, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and improving patient outcomes. Under the leadership of CEO Barb Clapp, handpicked by Dwyer for her visionary leadership and commitment to equity, the organization has grown rapidly from its Baltimore, Maryland headquarters, expanding its national reach to include Maryland, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, New York, and Delaware. Learn more at www.dwyerworkforcedev.org, and follow DWD on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates.