Q: What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career?   

MG: The amount and quality of effort put into presenting a proposal or advancing legislation isn’t always comparable to the amount of movement or progress we can make when addressing an issue. We work so hard to move the needle, but that needle doesn’t always want to move. While working to pass laws that improve conditions for all Marylanders, I am reminded to celebrate even modest advances. As they say, “don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good,” especially while doing good work.  

Q: What’s been your biggest success?  

MG: In 2020 as a state and a country we were dealing with the pandemic and then reckoning with the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd just a few months later in May. During this tumultuous time Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson asked me to lead the Senate’s efforts on equity and inclusion. An eight-member, bipartisan work group was set up to really look at how to create a more equitable foundation for everyone in our state regardless of race, gender, or geography. What a privilege it was to work with that team! We produced a 47-page report that informed 19 pieces of legislation passed through both chambers that are now Maryland laws. The new laws focus on reducing health disparities and creating more opportunities to advance wealth equity and environmental justice.  

Q: Who have been the biggest mentors in your career?  

MG: My parents. They were amazing givers and lived a life of sacrificial service. They both served our country in the U.S. Air Force, where they met. While I was growing up, my mom and dad were always focused on our community and taught me to do the same. They developed a food pantry, worked with homeless at a local rescue mission, and were leaders in our church. They supported anyone who needed help. My dad would try to tip grocery store checkers; he always wanted to give everyone a hand.  

When my parents retired, they established a program called Vets Ride Free. On their own they took their retirement savings and supplied grant funds to the city transportation service so that military veterans could access free local bus rides. The veterans could go anywhere, like a doctor’s appointment or the grocery store. My mom and dad founded and funded the program. Veterans Ride Free was so successful that it continues to operate after over a decade.  

My parents taught through example: the question was not if, but how you were going to give back. The same principle was reinforced by many colleagues in elected office including President Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones who mentored me through example. They both focus on the value of personal and genuine relationships and true collaboration with others. This makes the work more rewarding and creates real partnerships.  

I also got my interest in health and community wellness from my family. After working to advance medical research, my mom was a medical technologist at our local hospital. She was always supporting others and looking for the best tools to do so.  

Q: What are your hopes for the state or your community this year?  

MG: With Governor Moore’s leadership, the consistent work of the Maryland General Assembly, and committed local leaders, Maryland is poised to make tremendous gains in economic development. Maryland’s leaders at every level understand that a robust economy better equips the state to proactively address the ongoing needs of our community including education, health care, our environment and transportation infrastructure to name a few. It is my hope that the state will continue to invest in attracting and creating jobs while developing the skilled work force that employers depend on. This will require that we be intentional, fiscally prudent, and socially responsible.  

Q: What do you do to unplug in your free time?  

MG: Quality time with family and friends is a top priority for my off hours. I enjoy and appreciate the arts. One of my favorite pastimes is taking part in musical jam sessions. My family is very musical. Everyone in my family plays an instrument and/or sings. Most of our family get togethers include instrumental and vocal music jam sessions. Eventually someone starts playing an instrument or singing and we all join in. When one song finishes someone starts another. With friends and family, like karaoke, everyone participates and is celebrated. Talent level is not a factor, fun and fellowship are what make it such a great time.  

 

Melony celebrates the holidays with Son  Cornelius (Cornell) Griffith, daughter-in-law Nishi Griffith, and son Lloyd F. Griffith