The Baltimore non-profit will bring together mental health experts, advocates, and allies throughout the city at its flagship LOUDER event to honor Alicia Wilson, CFG Bank and Carroll Community College.

Baltimore, MD—NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s fifth annual mental health awareness event, LOUDER, will be held on April 23rd, at 5:30 p.m. at The Winslow. This annual award event and celebration gathers individuals and companies committed to ending the stigma around mental health in Baltimore through NAMI Metro’s #IWillListen Campaign and StigmaFree Workplace initiatives. 

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Mental health experts, advocates, and allies from across the Greater Baltimore region will unite to celebrate this year’s recipients. This year’s event will honor Alicia Wilson, Vice President of Civic Engagement and Opportunity at Johns Hopkins University and CFG Bank. Erik Howard, President and Chief Operating Officer of Capital Funding Bancorp, Inc. and President of CFG Bank, will accept the award on behalf of CFG Bank.

Carroll Community College is also being recognized with the #IWillListen Student Impact Award for its genuine commitment to creating safe, stigma-free spaces where students feel heard and supported. In 2025, NAMI Metro adopted NAMI Carroll County, deepening its commitment to providing accessible mental health support and resources to the region. In its first year participating, the college’s counselors led thoughtful, engaging efforts that encouraged students to open up, connect, and take their mental health seriously.

“Across Baltimore and Maryland, we’re seeing a generation of young people struggling with depression, anxiety about the future, and isolation. When about one-third of students report feeling persistently sad or hopeless, it tells us our community must act now,” states Kerry Graves, Executive Director of NAMI Metro Baltimore. “That’s why we’ve developed programs and are working closely with educators to equip our future leaders with the tools they need to talk about their feelings and seek support without fear of stigma. All of this depends on strong community support to continue reaching those who need it most.”

Funds raised from the LOUDER event will fuel NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore’s ongoing efforts to enhance the lives of local individuals, families, and communities affected by mental health conditions. Donations will enable the organization to continue to expand vital free support groups, educational programs, and mental health services offered at no cost to the Baltimore community.

“NAMI Metro Baltimore is a lifeline. It is a reminder that healing begins with compassion, community, and courage. In a world where so many suffer in silence, NAMI’s work wraps individuals and families in understanding, hope, and dignity. It is critical to me that in moments when people could feel isolated, NAMI creates a space for them to feel seen, supported, and deeply valued. I am grateful to NAMI for being a light in our community and for changing lives every single day,” says Wilson. 

Alicia Wilson is being honored at the LOUDER event for her transformative leadership in advancing civic engagement, economic opportunity, and community partnerships that strengthen the well-being of Baltimore residents. Through her cross-sector work in philanthropy, development, and public impact, she has helped elevate conversations around equity and community health, creating conditions that support more open, supportive approaches to mental health in workplaces and communities.

CFG Bank is being recognized with the LOUDER Achievement Award for its efforts to speak out about stigma and create places for conversation in the workplace. NAMI Metro is proud to have CFG Bank as LOUDER’s Presenting Sponsor. For more information about NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, the LOUDER event, opportunities to sponsor or to purchase tickets, please visit our website.

About NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore: NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore, a NAMI affiliate serving Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Carroll County, is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with mental health conditions, their families, and communities through education, support, and advocacy. With a legacy of over 40 years, NAMI Metropolitan Baltimore remains committed to providing support for over 18,000 individuals and family members annually.