Community, Confidence, Change: Somerville Named Among 2026 Honorees For Woman Of The Year By St. Mary’s County Commission For Women

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Adrienne Somerville’s work across St. Mary’s County has long been rooted in service, mentorship and opportunity, and now, that impact is being recognized as she has been named a 2026 Woman of the Year by the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women.

Somerville, founder and president of the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation, has led a range of initiatives designed to expand access and opportunity for young people while strengthening families and communities throughout the county. Her programs bring together volunteers, educators, business leaders and community partners to create pathways for success through mentorship, education and hands-on experiences.

“I am truly honored and grateful to the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women for this recognition as a 2026 Woman of the Year,” Somerville said in the St. Mary’s County Commission for Women Facebook post. “Thank you for seeing the work, the heart, and the love behind every effort to serve the community.”

Among her signature initiatives is “Sister to Sister,” a series of events focused on mentorship, professional development and life skills for young women. The program features panels on topics such as workplace leadership, financial literacy and women’s health, equipping participants with practical knowledge and confidence to navigate both personal and professional challenges.

In 2025, Somerville launched “Pitch for Your Pocket,” a Shark Tank-style entrepreneurship competition for students at Great Mills High School. The initiative provided real-world experience in business planning, presentation and financial literacy, culminating in $5,000 awarded to support student-led, STEM-driven ideas.

That same school year, she introduced “Nest Network and Nibble,” a monthly mentoring program that creates a consistent space for students to engage in leadership development and meaningful conversation. By providing lunch and a welcoming environment, the program removes barriers to participation and encourages connection and growth.

Through the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation, Somerville has also supported programs focused on career and college readiness, self-empowerment workshops and health and wellness education. Her efforts have extended to initiatives like Project Cinderella, which provides formal attire to ensure students can participate in milestone events regardless of financial circumstances, as well as organizing educational trips to destinations including Annapolis, Howard University, the Kennedy Center and Prince George’s Publick Playhouse.

Beyond youth-focused programming, Somerville has worked to support families transitioning from being unhoused. She has coordinated the collection and delivery of beds and furniture, personally helping to transform apartments into safe, comfortable homes for children and their families. Her efforts have also included distributing nearly 100 new coats to women and children and partnering with local organizations to provide blankets and other essential resources to underserved community members.

Nominator Lanetta Daniels praised Somerville’s leadership, noting her ability to “build platforms that invite others to serve” and create initiatives that can be expanded and replicated. Daniels added that Somerville “does not wait for momentum, she creates it,” highlighting her role in fostering a culture of mentorship and opportunity throughout the county.

Somerville said the recognition reflects the collective effort behind her work.

“None of this happens alone,” she said. “I share this moment with every student, family, volunteer, educator, sponsor and partner who continues to show up and believe in what is possible. Together, we are creating pathways, building confidence, and changing lives.”

As her programs continue to grow, Somerville’s impact remains focused on empowering the next generation while strengthening the community she serves, one initiative and one life at a time.

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