Description
In 2007, Adkins Arboretum in Ridgely, MD began exploring the intersection of nature and history with the development of their Underground Railroad programming. The result of their work is Rooted Wisdom: Nature’s Role in the Story of the Underground Railroad, an ongoing project and series of programs that delve into how freedom seekers used their knowledge of the natural landscape to forge a path to freedom. Join Adkins Arboretum trustee Damika Baker-Wilson as she discusses what inspired her to conceptualize this programming and why it’s important to amplify these little-known stories.
About Damika
Damika Baker-Wilson, CFRE is the Director of Development at the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County. Prior to joining CFAAC, Damika was the Director of Development at HumanitiesDC in Washington, DC, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Preceding this position, Damika was a member of the senior leadership team at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore as the Director of Engagement and Strategic Initiatives where she led the education and visitor services team in developing engaging experiences for museum audiences. As the Director of Development for the Academy Art Museum, Damika managed development operations and the museum’s $8.5M capital campaign. In 2018, Damika was selected as one of 36 museum professionals from around the world to participate in the Getty Leadership Institute’s NextGen executive education program, a blended-learning experience for the museum field’s emerging top talent.
Damika currently serves on the board of Adkins Arboretum and is a member of the Association of African American Museums, Association of Fundraising Professionals, African American Development Officers, Women of Color in Philanthropy, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She is also a former commissioner for the Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Damika holds an undergraduate degree in Afro-American Studies from the University of Maryland-College Park. She currently resides in Easton, MD with her husband and two kids.