(BALTIMORE – July 2, 2026) — Some people work in economic development.
Charlyn Nater lives it.
A tireless advocate for entrepreneurs, neighborhood revitalization, and community empowerment, Nater will be honored with the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award during the Black Wall Street Summit: National Black Business Month Edition, Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the PS 103 Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center in Baltimore.
Presented by BMORENews and BlackUSA.News, the Summit brings together leaders from government, business, media, education, real estate, and the nonprofit community to answer one important question:
How do we create and sustain lasting progress?
For me, Charlyn Nater has been part of that answer for years.
A New Yorker with Puerto Rican roots and raised in the Bronx, Charlyn brought an entrepreneurial spirit to Baltimore that has benefited countless small businesses. Before stepping into public service, she was an entrepreneur herself, giving her firsthand knowledge of the challenges business owners face every day.
That perspective made all the difference.
During her tenure leading Baltimore Main Streets in the Mayor’s Office, Charlyn became one of the city’s strongest champions for neighborhood commercial districts and locally owned businesses. She spoke life into Baltimore’s entrepreneurs, especially during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, when many businesses across America struggled simply to survive.
Belair Road. Park Heights. Federal Hill. Pennsylvania Avenue. Anywhere and everywhere. She was often the encouragement business owners needed to keep going.
I’ve watched her work tirelessly behind the scenes helping businesses that many people overlook. She understands that economic development isn’t only about attracting large corporations. It’s about supporting the neighborhood retailer, the family-owned restaurant, the startup entrepreneur, and the storefront owner trying to keep the lights on.
That work matters.
One of the things I admire most about Charlyn is her determination.
After surviving a devastating automobile accident, she could have chosen to slow down.
She didn’t.
She recovered, returned to work, and came back stronger than ever—continuing to serve Baltimore with the same energy, optimism, and commitment that have become her trademark.
A published author, speaker, purpose coach, and community leader, Charlyn has spent more than 25 years working in community development with what she calls a true “boots on the ground” approach.
Today, she serves as Vice President, Community Manager for JPMorgan Chase, where she continues building partnerships and expanding opportunities throughout the region.
Her leadership has earned well-deserved recognition, including being named ICARRE Woman of the Year for 2025 and receiving a nomination for Director of the Year during her service with the Mayor’s Office.
But her résumé tells only part of the story.
Education has always been central to her family’s values, and she continues investing in the next generation. Each week, she mentors young girls throughout Greater Baltimore, helping prepare them with the confidence, leadership skills, and life lessons they’ll need to succeed.
As a bilingual leader fluent in English and Spanish, Charlyn also represents the growing diversity of Baltimore. Her ability to connect across cultures has strengthened relationships and expanded opportunities in a city whose Latino population continues to grow.
She brings professionalism into every room she enters.
She brings hope into every neighborhood she serves.
And she brings purpose into every project she leads.
“Charlyn understands that thriving neighborhoods begin with thriving small businesses,” said Doni Glover, founder of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards. “She has spent her career lifting people up, creating opportunities, and reminding entrepreneurs that somebody believes in them. Baltimore is stronger because of her leadership.”
The Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards recognize leaders whose work strengthens communities through entrepreneurship, public service, education, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.
Charlyn Nater exemplifies each of those values.
She joins an outstanding class of honorees who continue the Black Wall Street tradition of creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and investing in people.
Event Information
Black Wall Street Summit: National Black Business Month Edition
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
PS 103 Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Presented by BMORENews and BlackUSA.News
RSVP: BlackWallStreetSummit26.eventbrite.com
When Baltimore’s small business story is written, Charlyn Nater will deserve a chapter of her own—not because she sought the spotlight, but because she spent her career helping others shine.
That is the spirit of Black Wall Street.
And that is why Charlyn Nater is a Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award honoree.
