Christine Bergmark

Connector

Principle occupation: Consultant, Facilitator, Educator, Connector, Networker, Mediator, Mother, Chamber President, TExGreatMills Lead As a society, we have become polarized around many issues, and I am committed to helping communities find common ground and understanding. Many times this entails breaking down silos, and in my work as a facilitator and mediator, I have enjoyed working across all of these sectors by bringing people and organizations together in innovative ways. I am currently involved in organizing and facilitating community conversations about racism. I believe that every person deserves the right to pursue their dreams. This means having access to nourishing foods, a good education and a healthy environment. Throughout my life, I have worked to enable and empower communities through economic and social development coupled with environmental stewardship and respect for all citizens. Much of my career has been devoted to making existing systems more robust, fair, and productive, whether they be international, regional or local. Accomplishments: My work in the Peace Corps and my master’s research focused on improving the livelihoods of low-income black farmers in Burkina Faso and in rural North Carolina. My position with the United States Agency of International Development focused on the application of science to real world problems and more recently, in Maryland, I worked to help communities steeped in a tradition of tobacco evolve to a more diverse and resilient economy. I believe that “all children should be able to receive a quality education” and to this end, I co-founded and chaired our region’s only public charter school; arts integration, world cultures, environmental science and healthy foods are among the core tenants. Official bio: Christine L. Bergmark, Ph.D. Current: CEO/President, St. May's County Chamber of Commerce; Founder and CEO, clb advising, llc. Washington DC metro area, Maryland Previous: Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission, US Agency for International Development, Peace Corps Education North Carolina State University, Michigan State University Dr. Christine Bergmark has 25+ years of experience working in research, education, and development, both nationally and internationally. She is a strong entrepreneurial professional, skilled in Economic Development and Strategic Planning. She possesses impressive Leadership abilities, and has a rich background in Economic and Community Development, Creative Development, Marketing and Public Policy. She has managed programs with a $5-12 million annual budget. She is a broad thinker and currently consults on food policy, food systems, agriculture and tourism programs. She is also a new community mediator, and can be found mediating for the community, at the local detention center and in the local courthouse - helping to transform conflict into understanding. Christine loves making connections and connecting the dots, whether they be ideas, people or projects. She has travelled extensively throughout the world, and believes in having big dreams and big ideas, and working hard to make things happen. And, no matter where she is or what she does, she strives to leave this world a better place. Expression she lives by: “Anyone who has ever taken a shower has had a great idea. It’s those who dry off and go out and do something about it that make a difference”. Christine@evenstarfarm.org

Whether it be developing a program connecting arts and the community, helping create a vision for cultural tourism or economic development, or introducing a new model for school education, I am most excited when connecting innovative ideas and people to bring about positive change. Chief among my passions are health, community development, education, the arts, the environment, and sustaining diplomatic relations, be they local or international. I also love to cook, eat, try new beverages with family and friends! And - I am a life-long learner!

We can all change the world for good, in big and small ways.

Facilitation, Food and Nutrition, Leadership, Mediation, Strategic planning

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the TED talks. I have listened to them for years, and listen to the TED Radio hour podcast. They are inspiring and thought-provoking, and I hope each of our speakers do the same! I am currently using TED talks as jumping off points for community conversation about racism with our regional libraries and local cafes (e.g.: Titus Kaphar 2020 TED, Nita Mosby Tyler 2020 TEDxMileHigh, Jennifer L. Eberhardt 2020 TED,  Daryl Davis 2017 TEDxCharlottesville (and later talks), Bryan Stevenson 2012 TED, Baratunde Thurston 2019). I was fortunate enough to attend the TEDFEST in NYC in 2018 and was inspired by all the ways that a TED live event tickles and provokes thought as well as entertainment. With my team, we have now hosted 7 TEDxGreatMills events. And, I was honored to be a TEDxLeonardtown speaker in 2017. Listening to the 2020 TEDx series this past spring on how to hold a virtual event was likewise inspiring and reinvigorating. During these dark and isolating times, TED and TEDx, continue to provide light, hope and connection. I am honored to be among this community. As always, our goal with TEDxGreatMills is to provide an educational, entertaining day of thought-provoking ideas and sparking stimulating conversations that continue long after the day of the event. Thank you, TED, for all that you do!

working machines!