MEDA’s Rhonda Ray Scholarship: Spring 2026 Honoree

MEDA is honored to name three recipients of the Rhonda Ray Scholarship for the Spring 2026 semester. We are pleased to recognize Daniel Mears as one of this year’s recipients.

Daniel Mears is a graduate student at the University of Maryland pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Policy. Originally from Charles County, Maryland, Daniel has a strong interest in how local government decisions shape economic opportunity and community outcomes. His academic focus includes transportation, natural resource management, and local economic development, with an emphasis on understanding how policy choices translate into real-world impacts for communities across the state.

Daniel’s coursework at the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, including Public Budgeting, Political Advocacy, and Managing Across Sectors, has deepened his understanding of how policies are designed, financed, and implemented across different levels of government. Through these classes, he is building the skills needed to evaluate investment decisions, infrastructure planning, and public policy strategies that support sustainable economic growth and effective governance.

“Being a Rhonda Ray Scholarship recipient is meaningful because it connects me to someone who exemplified the impact of thoughtful, persistent, and principled public service. Rhonda’s work in economic development showed how dedication and collaboration can shape positive outcomes for communities, and her commitment to integrity and mentorship set a standard I aspire to in my own career,” Daniel said. “Receiving this scholarship reminds me of the responsibility to approach public policy with both professionalism and care for the people and places affected by those decisions. It also honors her legacy by encouraging me to continue learning, growing, and contributing to the communities across the state I call home.”

MEDA established the Rhonda Ray Scholarship to honor the life and work of Rhonda Joy Ray, a dedicated economic development professional and valued MEDA member for over two decades. The scholarship continues her legacy by supporting students pursuing degrees and coursework in public policy, education, and economic development. Summer semester applications are due no later than March 31, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their scholarship status no later than May 9, 2026.