How It Began
Julia’s Gift Foundation was founded by Stephen Hubbard, whose personal journey from Baltimore’s inner city to a successful entrepreneur shaped his vision for the organization. Stephen first discovered the opportunities that vocational training provided during high school, which had a transformative impact on his life. This experience fostered his deep belief in the value of trade schools, not only as places to learn essential skills but as gateways to long-term careers and personal growth.
In 2011, Stephen became the President and owner of Reedbird Steel, where he distinguished himself as a leader committed to community engagement and employee empowerment. His success in the steel industry is rooted in the same principles that guide Julia’s Gift—providing people, regardless of their background, with the education, tools, and support needed to build fulfilling careers in the construction trades. Julia’s Gift reflects Stephen’s desire to give back to the community that once gave him hope, aiming to uplift and empower individuals through hands-on, practical education, just as his own life was transformed.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of Julia’s Gift Foundation is to empower youth and young adults, ages 17-26, in the greater Baltimore Area who are interested in pursuing a career in the construction trade industry with a promising career through educational learning and firsthand experience.
Our Vision Statement
The vision of Julia’s Gift Foundation is to secure the successful outcome of graduation while giving clients employment opportunities and allowing them to build long-term careers through hard work, determination, and connections to community support.
Committee Members
Stephen HubbardPresident
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Stephen HubbardPresident
Stephen Hubbard, as the President and Owner of Reedbird Steel, LLC since 2011, brings more than 30 years of experience in construction, specifically in project management, estimating, and field operations. He oversees the critical aspects of client management, contract procurement, and large-scale fabrication and erection projects. Beyond steel, he has diversified his business ventures with Reedbird Trucking & Transport and Reedbird Real Estate. His philanthropic efforts, driven by personal values, are channeled through his foundation, “Julia’s Gift Inc.,” which aims to provide career opportunities in the construction trades, giving back to the community that once inspired him.
Torone SamuelsVice President
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Torone SamuelsVice President
Born and raised in Baltimore City, Maryland, Torone attended public schools and received many perfect attendance awards. As a Junior in High School, Torone was selected for an internship with Baltimore Gas & Electric Company, where he was taught various trades. Shortly after high school, he enrolled in R.E.T.S, a local trade school where he studied HVAC/R. Torone’s first position, post-trade school, was with an independent company where he cleaned condenser coils on refrigeration equipment. That knowledge advanced him to a role at Taylor Equipment Distributors in 1989. Torone lives a full life with balancing work, enjoying family and friends, as well as a social life where he enjoys mentoring youths and adults. When asked, “Who is Torone Samuels?” The response: “I am someone who fears God and lives by the last words that my father told me before passing, which was, “Do the best you can in life.”
Cherish HarcumDirector of Marketing & Digital Strategy
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Cherish HarcumDirector of Marketing & Digital Strategy
Cherish holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Morgan State University and has built a career in engineering grounded in problem-solving, innovation, and continuous learning. During her time at Morgan State, she mentored high school students and has continued to mentor throughout her professional career. Alongside her engineering work, Cherish has a strong passion for general construction and enjoys working with her hands, blending technical knowledge with practical, hands-on skills. She is deeply committed to helping youth navigate their career paths, inspired by the support her mentors offered her, and remains dedicated to giving back to her community.
Sharlett Maple Fundraising & Events Coordinator
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Sharlett Maple Fundraising & Events Coordinator
Sharlett Maple is a seasoned healthcare professional, entrepreneur, and community advocate with over 33 years of experience in healthcare and hospitality. She is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) with Kaiser Permanente, where she has served patients with excellence and compassion for over a decade. Sharlett also holds certifications in CPR, phlebotomy, and venipuncture.
A lifelong learner, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Management and was inducted into the National Honor Society of Academic Leadership in 2025. Sharlett is the Founder and CEO of Traveling Wine Divas, a women-centered wine tour and excursion company focused on connection, empowerment, and elevated experiences.
With more than 15 years of hospitality experience, including her role as an Events and Banquet Coordinator with Marriott International, Sharlett brings strong operational and event-planning expertise. She proudly serves on the Board of Julia’s Gift Foundation as the Fundraising and Events Coordinator, where she supports youth empowerment and access to skilled trade pathways. Sharlett is passionate about service, leadership, and creating opportunities for communities to thrive.
Cynthia HowardSecretary
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Cynthia HowardSecretary
Cynthia Howard, the eldest daughter of Julia Hubbard, began her full-time work career while attending college full-time. Her work experience brought her to Maryland’s first non-profit, free-standing residential hospice, where she spent eight years as the Office Manager. Today, Cynthia has been employed for more than 24 years in the Finance/Accounting department of one of the nation’s largest Insurance General agencies in her current position as Insurance Accountant.
Growing up in Baltimore City, Cynthia attended Baltimore City Schools in the Gifted and Talented program, then went on to college, where she was accepted into a prestigious international honor society.
Cynthia firmly believes in empowering and growing our communities. By connecting and engaging students who reflect the mission of Julia’s Gift Foundation, we can serve our community so that everyone has the chance to reach his/her full potential and make a positive impact on where we all live and work.
Greg WashingtonChief Financial Officer (CFO)
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Greg WashingtonChief Financial Officer (CFO)
With over 20 years of experience in finance, Gregory Washington has built a distinguished career on Wall Street spanning wealth management and private equity. His work has focused on helping individuals and institutions preserve, grow, and strategically deploy capital through disciplined investment strategies and long-term planning. Known for a thoughtful, client-centered approach, he combines deep market insight with practical execution across multiple market cycles.
Beyond his professional career, Gregory is deeply committed to family life and is a proud father of two sons. He values the perspective gained through international travel, which has shaped his global outlook both personally and professionally. Whether advising clients or exploring new cultures, he brings curiosity, integrity, and a long-term mindset to everything he does.
Reach Out to Us Now!
Support young adults in achieving their career goals by contributing to educational programs and hands-on training opportunities in the construction trade. Contact us to learn more.