Nominated by: Anne Arundel Women Giving Together

There’s an old saying to leave things better than the way that you find them. As a longtime volunteer of organizations and communities throughout Anne Arundel County, Margaret Davis has done just that. Her job is not to just fill a volunteer role; instead, she aids leaders, implements new processes and procedures for communication and fundraising initiatives, and sets organizations up for sustainable growth while inspiring new generations of volunteers. For Margaret Davis, volunteering is a way of life as opposed to individual charitable acts.

When other organizations and businesses across the country were faltering at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Margaret’s dedication as a volunteer advisor to the Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum transformed the organization. She mentored the Executive Director on fundraising, board engagement, and organizational growth, pushing the organization into a new era by helping to expand philanthropic support, visibility, and free educational programming highlighting Maryland's African American history and culture.

“Beyond what she does, it is who she is that makes Margaret so deserving of this recognition. She is humble about her contributions, steadfast in her commitment, and genuinely joyful in service. She believes deeply in our mission, to preserve, share, and celebrate African American history, art, and culture in Maryland, and to empower people of all backgrounds to be agents of positive change,” said Chanel C. Johnson, Executive Director of the Maryland Commission on African American History & Culture Banneker-Douglass-Tubman Museum.

In just the past five years alone, Margaret has held various leadership roles through her volunteer service with Anne Arundel Women Giving Together (AAWGT). She has served as President, Past President, Vice President, Chair of the Marketing and Communications Committee, Chair and Assistant Chair of the Leadership, Governance, and Nominating Committee, a member of the Steering Committee, and an active member of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) Committee, Membership Committee, Grants Committee, and Racial Equity Task Force. Taking the idea of using her voice to a new level, she has improved communication strategies for its 440 members, which helped attract new resources for grants benefiting women, children, and families. She also led communications for AAWGT's 20th Anniversary, reimagined other signature events, and helped establish the organization's first DEIAB committee and survey.

At Historic Annapolis, Margaret strengthened the organization's fundraising efforts, helping it consistently meet ambitious fundraising goals. She created the organization’s Cornerstone Society, a leadership giving program that now generates funds annually to support preservation, education, and public engagement.

Margaret also volunteered as the pro bono strategic planning facilitator for the Annapolis Dragon Boat Club. There, she led board members through the development of a strategic plan that focused on the organization’s long-term growth.

Margaret Davis has committed her life to service. Organizations seek her expertise because of her unparalleled track record and selfless nature to make everything and everyone she encounters thrive. While many treat volunteering as an obligation, Margaret views it as an honor, and it’s clear in how she takes each volunteer opportunity to make real change and lasting impact. More than a volunteer, Margaret embodies what it means to be a true humanitarian.

Join us in celebrating the Margaret and all of the honorees at the 2026 Celebration of Philanthropy Awards on November 12, 2026 at Live! Casino & Hotel.

Volunteer of the Year

This award is presented to an individual or a team of volunteers, (formal or informal) with a long history of volunteering and leadership, who has made a significant impact on community organizations. This person or team, through the donations of time and talent, improves the lives of others and meets community needs through their exceptional efforts, including mobilizing resources for public benefit, leading by example, serving when they are called, advocating, and volunteering for those in our community who need help. Having played a key leadership role in helping local nonprofit organizations provide services to the community, their efforts make a direct, tangible difference in our community.