Listen to the article
(BALTIMORE – April 15, 2025) – Don’t miss the next BMORENews business networking event: Black Wall Street TWENTY-FIFTH STREET, happening Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Terra Cafe Bmore (101 E. 25th Street, Baltimore).
Part of the ORIGINAL Black Wall Street SERIES, this gathering features the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, which honor Black entrepreneurs and professionals—as well as their allies of all backgrounds—who are making a positive impact.
The mission is simple but powerful: to promote and celebrate entrepreneurship, starting with the Black community.
RSVP today and be part of the movement! Go to BlackWallStreetTWENTYFIFTHSTREET.eventbrite.com.
Honorees include Chezia T. Cager.
Who is Chezia?
Chezia T. Cager has a long history of impactful work across multiple branches of government, driving policy change, empowering communities, and fostering civic engagement. Her commitment to public service spans federal, state, and local levels, where she has focused on strategic communications, equity, and community development.
At the federal level, Chezia played a vital role in coordinating crisis communications, key operational national security initiatives, and advising on health equity policies, particularly during a global pandemic. She worked closely with key agencies to ensure timely dissemination of critical health information, prioritizing healthcare access for marginalized communities. Chezia also led efforts to support public affairs during national emergencies and focused on increasing healthcare access for underserved populations.
On the state level, Chezia has led multiple initiatives that have promoted policy changes and increased public awareness. She serves as Chair of the 41st District Senate Scholarship Committee from 2018-2024 where she implemented an online application system, awarded over $500,000 to more than 400 students, and ensured that scholarships were distributed equitably across diverse communities. Her work with local schools on holiday food drives and community events exemplified her focus on strengthening the district and supporting families. As Chairwoman of the 2022 41st District Incumbents Slate, she led voter engagement and outreach efforts, ensuring the grassroots presence was robust and that legislative priorities benefited the district’s residents. Additionally, her efforts to coordinate with advocacy groups and build coalitions have advanced equitable policies in healthcare, education, criminal justice, and economic equity.
On the local level, Chezia worked tirelessly to improve government operations and enhance communication strategies within Baltimore. She led efforts to streamline processes within the city’s government, ensuring better resource allocation and more efficient service delivery. Chezia’s involvement in community outreach initiatives helped ensure that underrepresented groups had a seat at the table for important policy discussions. Her leadership in organizing the 2018 Greater Northwest Neighborhoods Festival and food drives further showcased her commitment to fostering community engagement and development. Additionally, Chezia’s focus on mentoring young women, especially in public service and leadership, underscores her dedication to supporting the next generation of community leaders. She has also advised small businesses, recognizing the importance of empowering local entrepreneurs to thrive.
Throughout her career, Chezia has demonstrated a deep commitment to bridging gaps, promoting inclusivity, and advancing policies that benefit marginalized communities. Whether through her work in crisis communications, developing issue-based campaigns, or providing mentorship, she has consistently worked to ensure all voices are heard and that policy solutions reflect the needs of the people. Through her diverse experience across federal, state, and municipal governments, Chezia has created meaningful change and remains dedicated to the advancement of equity and opportunity.
Chezia is also a dedicated member of several esteemed organizations, including The Links, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Association for Women in Communication, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History & Culture, where she served as a board member from 2015 to 2021, appointed by the Governor.
