St. Mary’s Commission For Women Names Mia Bowers 2026 Woman Of The Year

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Commission for Women has named local community leader Mia Bowers as its first Woman of the Year in recognition of Women’s History Month 2026, honoring nearly two decades of service and leadership across St. Mary’s County.

For close to 20 years, Bowers has been deeply involved in initiatives that support youth development, community engagement and local leadership. Her work spans schools, civic organizations and nonprofit programs aimed at strengthening opportunities for residents throughout the county.

Bowers has played an active role in local schools through the Parent-Teacher Association, serving in several positions including PTA president. She also mentored students as a youth advisor for the Kiwanis Club Builder’s Club program for middle and elementary school students, while helping spark curiosity in science by creating and leading science clubs at Lexington Park Elementary School and Park Hall Elementary School.

Her commitment to conflict resolution and community support led her to Community Mediation of St. Mary’s, where she first volunteered as a mediator in 2015. She later stepped into leadership and has served as the organization’s director since 2019, helping guide mediation services that promote communication and understanding across the community.

Bowers has also spent more than a decade working to advance civil rights and leadership development through the St. Mary’s County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). A member since 2010 and a leader since 2012, she currently serves as the organization’s president. In that role, she founded the NAACP Leadership Academy, designed to cultivate future community leaders and advocates.

Her civic involvement extends to multiple local coalitions and advisory boards, including the Behavioral Health Advisory Council and the Early Childhood Advisory Council. She previously served on the board of the League of Women Voters and remains an active member.

Among her many contributions, Bowers is also credited with launching the early campaign advocating for a community and youth center in St. Mary’s County, an effort that helped lay the groundwork for bringing a local YMCA facility to the area.

In addition to her community work, Bowers graduated from the executive program through Leadership Southern Maryland in 2022 and has continued to volunteer with the organization in various roles and committees.

Her impact has not gone unnoticed by those who work alongside her.

“Mia is an all-around stand-out person,” wrote nominator Taylor Spencer Davis in a statement announcing the recognition in a recent Facebook post. “Despite having so many accolades under her belt, she always remains friendly, humble and down-to-earth. She consistently lifts up other volunteers and professionals in the community and is constantly working toward a better St. Mary’s County for everyone in our community. Her leadership and selflessness are an inspiration to all who have the privilege to meet her.”

The Commission for Women congratulated Bowers and thanked her for her continued dedication to improving life for residents across the county.

As St. Mary’s County celebrates Women’s History Month, Bowers’ recognition highlights the lasting impact of local leadership and service within the community.

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