A “Warm Light” In The Community: Tammy Gladstone Honored For Service, Inclusion And Impact In St. Mary’s County

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — In a county where community roots run deep, one woman’s commitment to service continues to ripple across countless lives.

The St. Mary’s County Commission for Women recently recognized Tammy Gladstone for her ongoing dedication to both advocacy and volunteerism, highlighting not only her work as a small business owner, but her far-reaching impact through organizations that support inclusivity, stability and opportunity throughout the region.

“Not only is Tammy a small business owner here in the County, but she makes time to contribute to numerous volunteer efforts that make St. Mary’s County a better place,” the Commission shared in a public post celebrating her achievements.

For Gladstone, the recognition came as both a surprise and a deeply meaningful moment.

“I was surprised and felt very honored to be recognized publicly for the work that I do through Pride SoMD and various other volunteer activities in Southern Maryland,” she said. “It means a great deal to me to be recognized for giving back to the community that has given me so much.”

A Life Rooted In Service

Gladstone’s drive to serve others didn’t happen overnight — it was shaped early on.

“Growing up in a small rural community, my grandparents instilled in me a sense of responsibility and duty to help others,” she said in an interview with The BayNet. “I have gone through hard times myself, and now that I have the ability to help others, I feel called to do anything I can to lighten other’s loads and put smiles on people’s faces.”

That sense of purpose has translated into years of hands-on involvement across St. Mary’s County. From volunteering with the Southern Maryland Food Bank for six years to supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity, United Way, Christmas in April and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Gladstone has made it her mission to meet needs wherever they arise.

She has also played a key role in launching and supporting My Sister’s Closet, a newer nonprofit providing free professional clothing to women in need, which is helping hundreds gain access to resources that can change the trajectory of their lives.

“Where there is a need unmet in our community, you can always find Tammy ready and willing to serve,” the Commission noted.

Building Belonging Through Pride SoMD

While her volunteer work spans many causes, Gladstone’s leadership in LGBTQIA+ advocacy has left a particularly lasting mark.

Since 2019, she has served with PFLAG Southern Maryland and as chair of Pride Southern Maryland — roles that grew out of a single invitation.

“When a friend invited me and my husband to attend a planning committee meeting for an upcoming Pride event, I had to go,” she said. “Having a Pride event in Southern Maryland was something I never thought I’d ever see.”

By the end of that first season, she had taken the reins, and what followed has been nearly a decade of growth, connection and visibility.

“Pride SoMD is the heart and soul of the LGBTQ+ community in Southern Maryland,” Gladstone said.

The impact is evident in the numbers alone. What began with just 50 attendees has grown into an annual event drawing more than 1,500 people — a sign, she said, of a growing need for connection and acceptance.

But for Gladstone, the true reward is found in the moments.

“When the attendees show up and we see the joy and elation in their faces … it lifts me up and fills me with happiness,” she said. “The smiles, joy, relief for being seen and accepted and gratitude from them is medicine for my soul.”

A Call For Unity And Understanding

Through her work, Gladstone has seen both the strengths and challenges within the community she calls home.

“St. Mary’s County is a wonderful community, and I’m proud to call it home,” she said. “I would like to see less judgement and division … we need to foster a willingness to learn, grow, accept and even celebrate each other for our differences and diversity.”

In rural areas especially, she emphasized, events like Pride SoMD serve a dual purpose, not only as celebrations, but as vital resources connecting people to support systems they may not otherwise find.

“We are all looking for the same things: acceptance, inclusion, to matter and be counted,” she said.

Balancing Business And Purpose

In addition to her volunteer work, Gladstone is also a small business owner juggling professional responsibilities alongside her commitment to service.

“It’s not always easy,” she said. “I have a hard-working and dedicated team that I rely on … I have good people beside me in my business, personal, and volunteer lives.”

That support system has allowed her to continue showing up — again and again — for the community.

Kindness As A Guiding Principle

Perhaps what stands out most about Gladstone, according to those who nominated her, is the way she connects with others.

“What stands out most about Tammy is her kindness,” wrote nominator Taylor Spencer Davis. “She makes people feel loved and accepted for who they are, no matter where they are in their journey. She is a warm light to everyone around her.”

Gladstone credits decades of working with people from all walks of life for shaping that approach.

“I try to listen to people, understand them, and meet them where they are,” she said.

Inspiring Others To Step Forward

As the Commission for Women continues to highlight impactful women across the county, Gladstone hopes her story encourages others to get involved.

“My advice would be for them to figure out what they’re passionate about and start there,” she said. “Everyone needs volunteers, so don’t be shy … getting involved and volunteering comes back to you threefold and gives you a feeling that is indescribable.”

For St. Mary’s County, that message reflects the very spirit Gladstone embodies — one rooted in compassion, connection and a belief that even small acts of service can make a lasting difference.

And for those who know her best, it’s clear: her light continues to shine far beyond any single recognition.

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