Making History: Four MCPS Standouts Earn 2026 County Leadership Honors

Three MCPS students and one teacher have been named recipients of the 2026 Women Making History Award, an honor presented by the Montgomery County Commission for Women in partnership with Montgomery Women. This annual award recognizes exceptional women who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities while advocating for a more equitable future.

Nominated by their peers, these four MCPS trailblazers embody the leadership and service celebrated during Women’s History Month.

Sheryl Freedman, Walt Whitman High School

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As the lead teacher for the Leadership Academy for Social Justice, Ms. Freedman is a driving force for inclusion at Walt Whitman. She teaches specialized courses in LGBTQ+ Studies and AP African American Studies while coordinating the schoolwide OneWhitman program, which trains students to lead discussions on diversity and community. Her work as a co-sponsor of the Pride Alliance ensures a supportive environment where student voices are at the forefront of social change.

Anna Jhon, Walter Johnson High School

A first-generation immigrant and youth advocate, Anna serves as the VP of Communications for OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates of Greater Washington DC (OCA-DC). She has been instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of Asian American history in Maryland’s curriculum and has led workshops on AAPI history and bystander intervention for more than 400 MCPS students. Her commitment to civic engagement includes mentoring peers through debate and supporting food security initiatives.

Oorja Munot, Richard Montgomery High School

Oorja is a national leader in the movement for menstrual equity and education. As a member of the PERIOD Youth Advisory Council, she has helped mobilize global campaigns to end period poverty, supporting the collection of over one million menstrual products. Additionally, she founded “Equality Through Education,” an international nonprofit with chapters in seven countries that has reached over 25,000 students.

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Chelsea Zhu, Richard Montgomery High School

Chelsea, the 2025 Maryland Youth Poet Laureate, uses the power of storytelling to bridge cultural divides. She co-founded “The Empathy Collective,” a digital archive showcasing heritage from over 40 countries to address social isolation. As president of her school’s student equity committee, she organizes town halls and voter registration drives, all while advocating for climate sustainability and refugee rights through her award-winning poetry.

These recipients will be featured on the County’s social media platforms throughout March and recognized at a formal reception and panel discussion. Read more.