Trustee Profile: Terri Lee Freeman

Terri Lee Freeman

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois.

Personal: I’m married with three children and live in Columbia, Maryland. My passion is health, fitness and wellness. And my “other” job is as the “first lady” of the New St. Mark Baptist Church in Baltimore, where my husband, Bowyer, serves as the pastor.

Alma Mater: University of Dayton ’81 (A Marianist university!)

Major: Journalism/communication arts.

Graduate Study: Master of arts, organizational communication management, Howard University ’83.

Employment: President, The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region.

Accomplishment of which you are most proud: There actually are two, one personal and one professional. Personally, I am so proud of my three daughters. Having always been a working mom at the executive level has been a real challenge to do the balance thing. But to have two daughters in college and one young lady blossoming in middle school I feel as though my husband and I have provided them with a sound foundation and have instilled good, basic values in our girls. Professionally, the work The Community Foundation did around the survivors of the attack on the Pentagon on September 11 will always be a highlight. That very sobering tragedy brought out the best in the foundation, in the staff and in me as a manager. Much of what we accomplished through the Survivors’ Fund was created as we did it. There was no manual, but we documented our work and created a manual and it has been useful to communities throughout the United States in times of community crisis.

Most memorable Trinity moment: Being asked to join this esteemed board by President Pat McGuire. She is such an incredible leader and mentor.

Last book read: Chinua Achebe’s, No Longer At Ease.

My idea of a perfect vacation: Cruising the Caribbean with family and friends.

If I were stranded on a deserted island I would have to have: Books, magazines, my iPod and lotion (dry, ashy skin is a drag!).

The three people I would most like to have dinner with: President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama (can they count as one since I’d want dinner with both at the same time?); William P. Young, author of the book The Shack (I have so many questions after reading the book!); and Denzel Washington!

Why I am a Trinity trustee: I believe in the mission of the school, the young women who attend and the school’s leadership. I’ve served on many boards, but this one is by far the most enjoyable. Thank you for allowing me to serve.