About Prathertown Community Development Corporation

As Chief Disability Officer, (CDO), Carl A. Prather, Sr. grew up in Prathertown, Maryland in the 1950s as has returned to help build a bright future to those who live in isolation. After pursuing a career in business and information technology, he became a non-profit leader by giving community members free information technology career training and employment. In 2012, he was nominated by Former Montgomery County, Maryland Executive Isiah Leggett as a Commissioner for People With Disability where he served for 10 years. During his leadership he advocated for accessible transportation, safe and accessible playgrounds and affordable housing. In addition, he served as a Government Relations advocate for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, taste testing coffee and chocolate and spending time with his family. He also enjoys beta testing hardware and software and recommending modifications for facilities to best accommodate wheelchair users.

Saundra D. Prather is an entrepreneur, realtor, ordained minister, information technologist, foodie, philanthropist, landlord, disability advocate, community builder, Pastor, lacrosse and volleyball mom and workplace transformer. Saundra’s career began when she became a social justice activist in the 90s. She worked closely with Indigenous communities to shed light on historical injustices and misrepresentation. Her work as Founder and Executive Director of a nonprofit outreach ministry focuses on education, employment, career and life skill training, financial literacy, affordable housing, economic development, entrepreneurship and initiatives that promote self sufficiency. Her work has opened doors for people from underrepresented groups and positioned herself as a model of what next-generation leadership should reflect. She brings over 30 years of experience developing practical tools to build managerial effectiveness and making structural and sustainable organizational, economic and community change.

Kaela Hawkins is a recent Summa Cum Laude graduate of Spelman College with a BA in International Studies and a minor in Anthropology. In her role as Archivist, Kaela documents and preserves the history of Prathertown, Her work includes event and exhibit planning, capturing oral histories, research, and grant writing. She is especially excited to work on her project documenting the history of Prathertown's historic homes and structures.

Rose Slade is a Maintenance Technician who does hands on work to support the residents of Prathertown and the wider community. She works to preserve and maintain the historical buildings and landmarks, and take care of the grounds and gardens with environmental stewardship in mind. She also supports residents' safety and wellbeing by keeping their homes, water, and air up to safety codes, doing small home repairs, changing light bulbs, clutter management, assisting with energy audits, providing durable medical equipment, educational offerings, tech support, and promoting aging in place and social connection. Rose values connection and respect as she works to make sure that the physical needs of the community are met.

Austin is a Digital Marketing Specialist and Project Manager with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a master’s degree in marketing analytics. In his role at Prathertown, Austin organizes marketing strategies and community events, strengthens the organization’s brand and messaging, and leads projects including the development of a new website and community signage. He is passionate about using creativity, storytelling, and marketing to make Prathertown’s history and mission more accessible and engaging to the community.