When you think of Baltimore City leadership — the press conferences, the policy announcements, the viral “Mask up, shorty” moments — Brandon Scott often comes to mind.
But leadership does not only live at a podium.
Sometimes it lives in the steady presence behind the scenes — in the strategist, the partner, the mother, the entrepreneur who helps hold the foundation in place.
That is where you will find Hana Scott.
In a candid conversation on Be More Positive, Baltimore’s First Lady shared reflections on her upbringing, her career pivot from science to entrepreneurship, her postpartum journey, and her unwavering love for the city that raised her.
A Baltimore Girl, Through and Through
Scott describes herself as “a regular, degular girl,” but her story reflects discipline, resilience and purpose.
Raised in the Northwood neighborhood of Northeast Baltimore near Morgan State University, she attended Baltimore City Public Schools before graduating from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Education, she explains, was not just expected — it was transformative.
Raised by a single father alongside her brother, Scott shared a bedroom with her family until she left for college. She later earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, graduating debt-free with a degree in biology.
“I understood that graduating without student loans would give me a leg up,” she said.
At a time when HBCUs did not receive the national recognition they do today, Scott chose UMES not for prestige, but for alignment — financial, cultural and long-term.
From the Lab to Leadership
Before becoming First Lady, Scott worked in vaccine research, contributing to studies focused on malaria and HIV. The work was complex and impactful. It was also isolating.
“It sounds impressive,” she said. “But I was miserable.”
Recognizing that fulfillment matters as much as achievement, Scott pivoted. In 2017, she launched her own operations and project management firm, supporting mission-driven organizations, particularly Black women-led teams and nonprofits.
Over time, she refined her client base to reflect her values.
“I signed contracts with anyone who would pay me money at first,” she said. “Now I’m intentional.”
When national funding shifts affected many minority-led organizations, Scott resisted the urge to pivot away from her community. Instead, she leaned into programs like Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women initiative and strengthened her network of fellow entrepreneurs.
“Community reminded me not to change what I was building.”
Motherhood, Transparency and Grace
Scott speaks most passionately about motherhood. She and the Mayor share three children — Sarone, Charm and Camden — and she describes parenting as an opportunity for growth and healing.
“Parenting is healing your inner child,” she reflected.
She also spoke candidly about experiencing postpartum depression following the birth of her youngest child. Feelings of isolation, persistent sadness and difficulty finding joy prompted her to seek support from medical professionals and lean on her family and village.
“I didn’t sound like myself,” she said. “And I wasn’t.”
Her willingness to share that journey publicly offers reassurance to other mothers navigating similar experiences.
“I have to remind myself — I’m still postpartum.”
Her message is clear: seeking help is strength.
Balancing Visibility and Peace
As the spouse of a public servant, Scott acknowledges that visibility comes with scrutiny.
“Reading negative things about yourself every day for years is not a normal human experience,” she said.
While criticism is part of public life, Scott emphasizes discernment — choosing when to engage and when to protect peace.
“If I responded to every lie, I wouldn’t have time to do anything else.”
It is a reminder that strength can be quiet and boundaries can be powerful.
Be More Baltimore
When asked what people misunderstand about Baltimore, Scott does not hesitate.
“It’s easy to punch down on Baltimore,” she said. “But this city is charming, resilient, gritty and witty.”
From waterfront views at the Peninsula to community gatherings at Druid Hill Park and AFRAM, she sees a city defined not by headlines, but by its people and potential.
Her pride is personal. She and the Mayor even named their children Charm and Camden — a reflection of just how deeply Baltimore is woven into their family’s story.
What Positivity Means
For Scott, positivity is not about ignoring challenges. It is about highlighting solutions and elevating the people doing the work.
“There’s a lot of criticism without solutions,” she said. “But there are organizations and leaders on the ground making change.”
As Baltimore continues to evolve, Hana Scott represents a form of leadership rooted in intention, warmth and quiet strength — leading not always from the front, but often from the foundation.
To hear the full conversation with Hana Scott, listen to Be More Positive wherever you get your podcasts and experience the complete interview in her own words.
For more than 40 years, The Baltimore Times has brought readers positive stories about positive people.
Hana Scott’s story is one of them.