February 26, 2026
Each February, Black History Month invites us to reflect, honor, and celebrate the enduring contributions of Black Americans to our nation’s history, culture, and economy. What began as Negro History Week in 1926, founded by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson, has grown into a national observance recognizing the profound impact of Black excellence across every sector of society.
In Montgomery County, Black residents represent over 19% of the population, contributing significantly to our workforce, business community, public service, education systems, and local economy. From entrepreneurship and nonprofit leadership to public service and workforce development, Black leaders continue to shape opportunity, innovation, and economic mobility throughout our region.
At WSM, we recognize that Black history is workforce history. The economic strength of our county and our nation has been built, in large part, through generations of Black labor, leadership, and resilience. Today, that legacy continues through business owners, community advocates, educators, technologists, and public servants who are building pathways to opportunity for future generations.
In honor of Black History Month, WSM is proud to spotlight three exceptional Montgomery County leaders whose work embodies leadership, service, and community impact: Taija (Taj) Thomas, Erica M. Roberts, and Shantá Johnson.
Taija (Taj) Thomas, President and Principal of Lion Solutions and Community Workforce Network (CWN) Partner
About: Since its inception in January 2016, Lion Solutions, a certified minority-disadvantaged small business headquartered in Montgomery County, Maryland, has been at the forefront of delivering comprehensive Enterprise IT Services and Solutions. Their experienced leadership team, boasting over 25 years of expertise, excels in providing cutting-edge IT services to federal civilian government agencies. They are dedicated to driving digital transformation efforts, enhancing customer missions through our collaborative approach, and paving the way for future advancements. Taj Thomas presently resides as the Vice Chair for the Montgomery County Black Collective, sits on the WorkSource Montgomery Re-Entry Advisory Committee as he commits to economic and social mobility in Montgomery County, and proud partner of the Community Workforce Network (CWN).
Click here to read Taj’s Black History Month Leadership, Workforce Trends & Community Impact Q&A.
Erica M. Roberts, Founder & Executive Director of Pathways To Excellence, Inc., Founder & CEO of X Is Possible, LLC, Â and Community Workforce Network (CWN) Partner
About: Erica M. Roberts is a workforce strategist, organizational effectiveness consultant, and nonprofit leader dedicated to expanding economic mobility. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Pathways To Excellence, Inc., a Maryland-based nonprofit focused on workforce development, entrepreneurship support, and leadership pathways for under-resourced individuals. She is also the Founder and CEO of X Is Possible, LLC, a Maryland-based organizational effectiveness and professional development firm celebrating 10 years of impact in 2026, serving federal, state, and local agencies, including current projects with Maryland State Police and Maryland Department of Labor. Erica is a co-founder of the Greater Maryland Chapter of the National Black MBA Association, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and alumna of Florida A&M University. She is a proud partner of the Community Workforce Network (CWN).
Shantá Johnson, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Community Action Agency, Office of Community Affairs, DHHS and Montgomery County Workforce Development Board Member
About: With more than 15 years of experience in organizational leadership, education, and community development, Shantá Johnson leads Montgomery County’s Community Action Agency in advancing anti-poverty initiatives and people-centered solutions. Her work bridges systemic gaps to support families, youth, and marginalized communities while strengthening the county’s workforce ecosystem. She has served on the Montgomery County Workforce Development Board for two years, helping strengthen workforce strategies through innovation and alignment across employment, training, and education programs.
Through their leadership, innovation, and service, these changemakers exemplify the power of community-centered workforce development.