Col. Shannon Brown

Occupation: Maryland National Guardsman

Home: Arlington, Va.

Achievement: Brown was promoted recently to the rank of colonel with the Maryland Army National Guard. She was promoted by Brig. Gen. Alberto Jiminez, commander of the Maryland Army National Guard. Brown is commander of the Maryland Guard’s Aviation Depot Maintenance Unit, based at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford. She began her military career in 1989 as an active duty Army aviation officer and joined the Maryland Guard in 2001. During her career, Brown has been a platoon leader, instructor and test pilot. She has degrees from Northern Arizona University, Troy State University and the Combined Arms Staff School. She is attending the U.S. Army War College. During her 19-year career, Brown has earned the Senior Army Aviator Badge, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal and Army Superior Unit Award. Brown’s day job is at the U.S. Department of Justice as the agency’s chief information officer for the Federal Detention Trustee center.

“I’m humbled every day by the dedication and patriotism of our citizen-soldiers and their families. This promotion is merely a reflection of them. It’s my honor to serve.”

Da’Janel Roberts

Occupation: Engineer at Baltimore Gas and Electric

Home: Ellicott City

Achievement: Roberts recently was named one of this year’s Rising Stars of Technology by the National Women of Color Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Conference in Dallas. Roberts, who has worked for BGE since 2005, is the power company’s senior engineer. She has been credited for working on electrical issues of local municipalities and developing the design for BGE’s electric systems. She is also a mentor at Bentalou Elementary School in Baltimore. The award is given to women of color early in their careers who have made an impact in science and technology, and help promote STEM research. Roberts has degrees from Xavier University in Louisiana and Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as a graduate certificate from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.