BALTIMORE, MD (December 23, 2025) — The Baltimore Ravens have named Joni Holifield, founder of HeartSmiles, as their 2025 Inspire Change Changemaker, recognizing her decade-long commitment to empowering Baltimore’s youth and driving transformative community impact.
The Inspire Change Changemaker honor is part of the NFL’s broader Inspire Change initiative, which uplifts leaders advancing meaningful, measurable progress across four key pillars: education, economic advancement, police–community relations, and criminal justice reform. Holifield’s selection reflects the far-reaching influence of HeartSmiles, a youth-centered organization that has grown from a grassroots effort into a citywide movement focused on leadership development, civic engagement, and access to opportunity.
“For 10 years now, HeartSmiles has been pouring love and hope into the darkest spaces of our underserved communities in Baltimore, and our effort has led to a movement bigger than any one person,” Holifield said. “What began as a one-woman effort has grown into a movement of thousands of young people across our city—placing youth from often-overlooked neighborhoods directly at the intersection of access and opportunity, and showing the world what youth leadership truly looks like.”
At the heart of HeartSmiles’ work are its young participants, known as “Heartbeats,” who are supported to become leaders in their schools, neighborhoods, and beyond. Through mentorship, leadership training, and community-based programming, the organization actively challenges deficit-based narratives about Baltimore youth.
“Our Heartbeats are actively changing the narrative in Baltimore,” Holifield added. “The support from the Baltimore Ravens has been invaluable in showing the world that young people—regardless of where they come from—deserve a real chance to create their own versions of success.”
In addition to her work with HeartSmiles, Holifield is the founder and leadership coach of Leading for Longevity, where she provides leadership development and training services to businesses and organizations across multiple industries. Her commitment to youth voice and public health has also included service in a leadership role with the Youth Advisory Board at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Center for Adolescent Health.
Holifield was officially recognized during the Ravens’ Inspire Change game against the New England Patriots on December 21st, where her work and impact were highlighted in front of fans, community leaders, and partners. The recognition places her among a select group of changemakers whose efforts exemplify how sports organizations can amplify community-driven solutions and local leadership.
As the Ravens continue to invest in Baltimore through Inspire Change, Holifield’s recognition underscores the power of sustained, youth-led work—and the role of community partnerships in building pathways to opportunity across the city.