Make 2026 the Year of Generosity and Impact
Story by Niki Miller, PMP, GISP, Senior Client Engagement Director for JMT Technology Group (pictured above)
The start of a new year is a time for thinking about where we’ve been and where we’re headed. As I’ve reflected on the people and experiences that have shaped the past year, what has stood out the most are the connections I’ve made through charitable giving. As the lead for JMT’s Volunteer Subcommittee, I meet monthly with employees across our footprint (which includes over 50 offices in 17 states!) and learn about the ways these charitable champions are giving back in their communities. This includes organizing volunteer activities, collecting food and supplies for those in need, and fundraising for a variety of nonprofit organizations. By participating in the Volunteer Subcommittee and in local charitable giving activities, I’ve formed new relationships and felt more connected to my community. My colleagues in other offices have shared similar feelings. Giving back, whether with our time, expertise, or resources, creates ripples of positivity that extend far beyond us as individuals.
I wasn’t always so engaged in giving back. My path to becoming a charitable champion began in 2018, when I participated in Leadership Essentials, a leadership program offered by Loyola University Maryland. Through that program, I met Lynne Kahn, the director of the Baltimore Hunger Project, and worked on a service project to benefit her organization. The project opened my eyes to the number of people in our community who experience hunger. No one should have to worry about where their next meal will come from, especially kids. While many children receive free breakfast and lunch at school, they may lack sufficient food to eat over the weekend. By providing weekend food bags to elementary school children in Baltimore County and Baltimore City, the Baltimore Hunger Project is trying to eliminate the weekend food gap. The impact that this all-volunteer organization has on the schools involved in the program, along with Lynne’s passion and energy, inspired me to get involved. I volunteered with the Baltimore Hunger Project and was invited to join the board of directors in 2019. In 2020, I requested to join JMT’s Charitable Giving Committee, and I began co-leading the Volunteer Subcommittee. Serving on these committees has made me more aware of the number of JMT employees who are actively involved in their communities and has given me real appreciation for JMT’s commitment to community giving and support.
With competing priorities in life, it can be difficult to commit to giving back. My recommendation for getting involved is to start small. Set a goal for 2026 to participate in one volunteer activity or support a cause you care about.
Below are some of the nonprofit organizations in which my JMT colleagues and I are involved to help you get started on your giving goals. Click on any of the links to be directed to that organization's website for ways to start giving today.
The Baltimore Hunger Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers to learning by providing food and resources to children facing food insecurity. Niki Miller serves on the Baltimore Hunger Project board and organizes food drives and volunteer activities for employees in JMT’s Hunt Valley office, which benefit local schoolchildren.
Building STEPS is a Baltimore-based nonprofit that supports underserved high school students in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). JMT hosts Building STEPS each year to educate students on what it’s like to work in a STEM field. Joseph Abujana, Maria Gruzynski Martin, Katrin Ilieva, and Jason Ramsey support these visits with hands-on activities like coding robots and participating in speed networking events.
The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper employs a variety of strategies to protect and preserve Georgia’s Chattahoochee River, its lakes and watershed. Scott Sugar volunteers with the organization to remove litter from the banks and waterways in the northern sections of the river. He also educates anglers on smart fly-fishing practices, encouraging them to use proper gear cleaning techniques and employ responsible methods to prevent the introduction of invasive species and protect the river's ecosystem.
The Frankfort Audubon Society is a chapter of the National Audubon Society and is dedicated to connecting people with nature through birding education and conservation in and around Frankfort, KY. Nour Salam is an active member of the Frankfort Audubon Society and served as the president for one year.
The Mid-Ohio Food Collective provides a no-cost grocery store where shoppers can select fresh foods and shop on weekends and evenings. Maia Beard and Jim Bibbo from our Columbus office volunteer with the organization, welcoming shoppers, stocking shelves, and helping individuals find what they need.
March of Dimes, Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition, and Eastwick United CDC
The PHL 5K is an annual 5K running race that raises money for the March of Dimes and neighborhood organizations that border the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) including the Eastwick Friends & Neighbors Coalition (EFNC) and Eastwick United CDC. JMT is a perennial corporate sponsor of the 5K, and Nick DiPaolo has helped with this event for several years. This year, he and other JMT volunteers set up the event, served as pace runners, distributed food and water to participants, and helped with the post-event breakdown.
Ronald McDonald House Charities - Richmond
The Ronald McDonald House is dedicated to keeping families with sick children close to the medical care they need. Jenni Ellsworth and other volunteers from JMT’s Richmond office have held food and supply drives to benefit Ronald McDonald House families and prepared meals at the Ronald McDonald House on Monument Avenue in Richmond.
The Marine Corps Toys for Tots program collects and distributes toys and books to economically disadvantaged children during the Christmas season. Former Marines, David Brooks and Joe Cole, help organize JMT’s corporate-wide Toys for Tots campaign each November.
Let’s work together to make 2026 a year defined by generosity and impact. Not only will the organizations and individuals that you support benefit, but you will also experience the joy that comes with giving.
About Niki Miller, PMP, GISP, Senior Director of Client Engagement at JMT Technology Group:
Ms. Miller is a Senior Director of Client Engagement with JMT Technology Group. She assists clients and JMT project teams in identifying and implementing technology solutions to solve complex business challenges. Ms. Miller is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and GIS Professional (GISP). She collaborates with clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast on software development, GIS, document management, and asset management projects. Ms. Miller cares deeply about giving back to her community. She is a member of JMT's Charitable Giving Committee and leads JMT's Volunteer Subcommittee.
Click here to connect with Niki on LinkedIn.
Click here to learn even more about Niki by reading her Employee Spotlight.