Since Bess (née Freedlander), graduated from Severn, she’s received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, served as the executive director of the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, and started her own consulting business in Annapolis. She got married in 2008, had two children and set down roots with her husband Eric in West Annapolis. In five years, Bess and her business partner have created a thriving management consulting firm, Due East Partners, serving organizations across the social sector with strategic and business planning, resource development and major cross-sector collaboratives. Bess also supports myriad charities focusing on organizations that help low-income women and girls build confidence and shape their environments and futures. Bess cherishes her time at Severn and is fortunate that among her best friends are fellow class of ’97 graduates.