A Leader Making a Difference in Howard County

Leadership Howard County recently celebrated Jinal Contractor as the 2024 Emerging Leader Award winner—a well-deserved recognition for someone who has gone above and beyond to make Howard County a better place. This special award, nominated by her peers in the Premier program, honors someone who lives out Leadership Howard County’s values and makes a true impact on the community.

Jinal is a part of the Business Development team at HCEDA, responsible for Business Retention and Expansion (BRE). With over eight years of experience as an architect, designer, and consultant—and her background as a small business owner in Howard County—Jinal brings a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership and strategic insight to her role. Certified as IEDC BRE and LEED AP by USGBC Maryland, she uses technical assistance, coaching, education and strategic connections to support local business growth.

Connecting People and Building Community

What makes Jinal stand out is her ability to connect people and inspire them to get involved. As one of her peers put it:

“Jinal is a connector. She introduced me to people who enriched my understanding of our community’s values, and she encouraged me to share my own.”

This ability to bring people together is at the heart of Jinal’s leadership. She doesn’t just participate in community events—she helps others see the value of being involved, creating a ripple effect of positivity and connection.

A Leader Who Leads with Heart

It’s clear that Jinal’s leadership comes from a place of genuine care for others. Her peers highlighted that while many people contribute to Howard County’s growth, Jinal stands out because of her heart. She inspires those around her to care deeply about their community and to take action to make it better.

During the award ceremony, this was beautifully summed up:

“Jinal, tonight we celebrate your leadership, your heart and the impact you make every day. Thank you for your dedication, for being a connector and for setting a powerful example of what it means to lead with purpose.”

About Leadership Howard County

Leadership Howard County is all about empowering people to make a difference. Through programs like the Premier program, the organization helps individuals gain the knowledge, tools and connections they need to create lasting change in the community.

Jinal’s involvement in Leadership Howard County shows just how impactful these programs can be. Her peers’ nomination for the Emerging Leader Award reflects the organization’s mission to cultivate leaders who care deeply about Howard County and its future.

To learn more about Leadership Howard County and its programs, visit LeadershipHC.org.

Why This Award Matters

The Emerging Leader Award isn’t just about recognizing someone’s accomplishments—it’s about celebrating the way they lead. By honoring Jinal, Leadership Howard County shines a light on how powerful it is to care, connect and contribute.

Jinal’s work is a reminder that leadership isn’t just about doing your job; it’s about going the extra mile to make a difference. She’s an example of what it means to lead with purpose and passion, and her recognition is a testament to the impact one person can have on their community.

Congratulations, Jinal!

Jinal Contractor’s dedication to Howard County is truly inspiring. Whether she’s supporting local businesses, celebrating milestones or helping her peers feel connected, she’s making a real difference every day.

Congratulations, Jinal, on being named the 2024 Emerging Leader Honoree! Your leadership, kindness and passion make Howard County stronger—and make all of us proud to call you a part of this community.