Born in Baltimore as the fifth of seven children.
“I learned at an early age that to be good in a big family was basically keep your mouth shut and not to have a lot of needs.”
Moving on Up: Amanda Zinn ’80
TU has sparked countless innovators. These are their stories.
As the leader of Leadership Baltimore County, Amanda Zinn plays the key role in the organization’s mission to bring high achievers with diverse perspectives together to educate them about the challenges and opportunities in Baltimore County. After graduating from the organization's 10-month course on leadership, alumni are inspired to use their talents to improve the county.
Among the more than 1,300 graduates are politicians like Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. and Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Adrienne Jones.
“What I love about this organization is getting to know amazing leaders,” Zinn says. “The people that go through our program are curious, brilliant and dedicated to improving the quality of life for all. They genuinely care about the people of our community.”
Though she would never say it herself, the same sentiment describes Amanda Zinn.
DID YOU KNOW? TU offers leadership programming though the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute? Learn more.
Timeline
Graduated from the now defunct Baltimore Experimental High School.
“It was a high school that empowered the students to make all the decisions along with the teachers. I was highly engaged in the decision-making, so the experience really helped me find my own voice.”
Earned a bachelor’s degree in English from TU.
“I loved my English courses at Towson. The major gave me the ability to be successful in my career in terms of my writing abilities, particularly writing grants.”
Got a job at Harborplace Flower Market.
“It was only supposed to be a summer job, but I ended up getting promoted three or four times. I started out as a clerk, and then I became a plant manager, the store manager and eventually the buyer for three of the owner’s flower markets. I love flowers, and I love plants.”
Landed a job at the nonprofit Maryland Business Advisory Center teaching people how to start a business or strengthen their existing one.
Purchased HarborPlace Flower Market.
Started her own small business consulting firm.
Began work at Women Entrepreneurs of Baltimore (WEB), a nonprofit where she was the president and CEO until 2005.
“Under my leadership, WEB grew from two employees serving women in Baltimore City to more than 20 employees serving women across the globe. I loved the process of watching the people in the program grow, gain self-confidence and become empowered over their lives.
Married her husband, Harlan.
Started E-Cubed, her own consulting business helping nonprofits with strategic planning and capacity building, and individuals start or expand small businesses.
In June, presided over the commencement ceremony for the 55 people from major corporations, small businesses, federal, state and local government entities and nonprofits who went through Leadership Baltimore County’s 10-month program.
“I have the immense honor and pleasure of getting to know the region’s strongest leaders through the program. They’re incredibly talented people.”
Son Ian graduated from TU with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He now works at Morgan Stanley.
Joined Leadership Baltimore County (LBC).
“LBC is an important organization because we help improve the quality of life in our county and the region. Through our program our alumni learn about the challenges and opportunities in our community and then get engaged to effect positive change.”