Our Staff

Executive Director

As executive director of the Baltimore Collegetown Network, Kirsten Brinlee oversees initiatives and programs to attract, engage, and retain outstanding students to Baltimore. Kirsten joined the organization in 2014 to lead and manage civic leadership programs. Under her strategic leadership, she added new program components for Collegetown LeaderShape and created Collegetown Underground, programs which cultivate the next generation of civic leaders in Baltimore. Kirsten also oversees the vision for the organization, numerous engagement programs including the nationally-recognized Collegetown Shuttle, and a $1 million budget.

Prior to joining Collegetown, she worked as the assistant director at Johns Hopkins University's Center for Social Concern. At JHU, she managed alternative break programs, large days of service, and advised the student advocacy board and service student organizations. She relocated from Texas to Baltimore in 2012, and while in Texas worked at the University of North Texas's Center for Leadership and Service.

Kirsten was named "20 in their Twenties" in 2016 by The Daily Record and she graduated from the Business Volunteers Maryland's GIVE Fellowship in 2015. She earned her master's in public administration from the University of North Texas and bachelor's in psychology from the University of Oklahoma. An active member of the nonprofit community, Kirsten has served as a board member for Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) Baltimore and GIVE Advisory, is an ambassador for the Baltimore Community Toolbank, SparkVIsion's High Achieving Millennial Research Project, and an Impressionist with Art with a Heart.

Some of her favorite things about Baltimore are experiencing four distinct seasons – something she did not have growing up in Texas, wandering through the contemporary wing at the Baltimore Museum of Art, swimming in the dive tank at the pool in Druid Hill Park, hiking with her dog Willie through Baltimore's neighborhoods and parks, and meeting the creative, innovative people who invest in making Baltimore such a charming city.

Call: 410-532-3038

Program Director

Molly Hayeslip is the Program Director for Baltimore Collegetown Network. Molly is responsible for managing the Collegetown Shuttle, one of the organization's principal programs that transports 85,000 riders each year between six colleges and area destinations.

Prior to joining Collegetown, Molly worked for five years as the assistant director of guest experience in Stevenson University's admissions office. Her background is in logistical planning, project management and customer service. She earned her master's degree in contemporary communication from Notre Dame of Maryland University and her bachelor's degree in theatre production and English from the University of Delaware.

Molly is a native of Maryland and has been living in Baltimore City for the last six years. She loves life in Canton and some of her favorite things to do are giving food tours in the city, spending time in Patterson Park, going for runs around the Inner Harbor and trying out all of the amazing restaurants Baltimore has to offer. She loves meeting new people and enjoys the fun and quirkiness personality that Baltimore has!

Call: 410-532-3036

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Communications Manager

Tara Howell is the Communications Manager for Baltimore Collegetown Network. She is responsible for communication and marketing for the organization. Tara was a member of Baltimore Collegetown Network’s LeaderShape Class Seven and served on the Collegetown Leadershape Alumni Board, and she is excited to be working for an organization she knows and loves.

Tara has a background in communication and digital media, with most of her experience in the broadcast industry. She worked at WLOY Loyola radio for six years, four of which she was the student general manager. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communication specializing in digital media and public relations from Loyola University Maryland.

Tara is a Maryland native and currently lives in Catonsville. She loves exploring the parks and trails around Catonsville and restaurants and museums in Baltimore. Some of her favorite things include Umi Sushi, R. House, The Visionary Art Museum, and taking a walk in Fells Point. She loves to spend time outside and enjoys all of the beauty that the Baltimore area has to offer.

Call: 410-532-3037

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Project Coordinator

Sonyae Williams is the Project Coordinator for Collegetown Network. She is responsible for monitoring and managing the Collegetown Shuttle, one of the organization's most prominent programs that transports thousands of riders each year between multiple colleges and area destinations. Sonyae also oversees many of BCN’s Communities of Practice including, but not limited to: Baltimore Colleges and Universities for a Sustainable Environment (B’CaUSE), Baltimore Student Exchange Program (BSEP), and Emergency Management for participating campuses.

Before joining the Collegetown Network, Sonyae was an Operations and Outreach Associate in the Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department of Baltimore Corps’ Kiva Program and also was a member of Baltimore Corps’ Public Ally Apprenticeship. She has a background in science and biology, bringing together all of her character strengths like creating systems, solving logistical problems, data and analytical knowledge, and managing projects. 

Sonyae is originally from New Jersey but has been a resident of Baltimore for almost 10 years now! She loves all things nature including, but not limited to: Parks, Waterfronts, and Zoos. Sonyae is also very fond of Baltimore’s art scene. Some of her favorite activities include Art museums, sitting by the water, going for walks, and having picnics on sunny days. She loves meeting new people and sharing her contagious vibrant spirit!

Call: 410-532-3037

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