Kadmiel Van Der Puije Joins Urban Health Institute’s BNLP Program as Instructor, Supports 25th Anniversary Planning
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Kadmiel Van Der Puije, a distinguished serial entrepreneur, author, philanthropist, and World Bank Youth Delegate, has been appointed as an instructor for the Baltimore Neighborhood Leadership Program (BNLP) under the Urban Health Institute (UHI) at Johns Hopkins University. In addition, he will serve as a key member of the 25th Anniversary Planning Committee, helping to shape and execute the yearlong celebration of UHI’s impact in Baltimore and beyond.
The Baltimore Neighborhood Leadership Program (BNLP) is a community-driven initiative designed to develop the next generation of leaders by equipping participants with skills in health equity, community engagement, and systems change. As an instructor, Kadmiel brings his extensive experience as CEO of The Voice of Africa (TVOA), founder of Dervan Solutions, and philanthropist, mentoring BNLP fellows on strategic leadership, community impact, and cross-sector collaboration.
The 25th Anniversary Planning Committee brings together representatives from the community, Johns Hopkins University, and UHI staff to plan a comprehensive series of events over the 2025–2026 academic year. The committee focuses on transforming ideas into actionable celebrations, emphasizing health, community, trust, and legacy. Members contribute to planning, promoting, and executing events that highlight UHI’s history, celebrate leadership, and engage the broader Baltimore community.
Kadmiel’s role on the committee includes:
- Refining and advancing ideas from the anniversary kickoff.
- Planning and promoting events that honor UHI’s legacy and community impact.
- Taking on specific execution tasks, from outreach to logistics.
- Mentoring youth, community members, and BNLP fellows through workshops and leadership sessions.
The 25th Anniversary will feature signature celebrations, community festivals, neighborhood pop-ups, and storytelling campaigns such as “I Am UHI” and “25 Voices for 25 Years”, which highlight the contributions of fellows, grantees, and community leaders. Kadmiel’s expertise in media, storytelling, and community engagement is poised to elevate these initiatives, ensuring that UHI’s contributions are celebrated authentically and inclusively.
As an instructor and planning committee member, Kadmiel is committed to fostering equity, leadership, and meaningful collaboration. His involvement underscores his broader mission to connect communities, amplify African and Baltimore voices, and empower leaders who are shaping a healthier, more equitable future.
By integrating his skills in leadership development, storytelling, and strategic planning, Kadmiel will help the BNLP program and UHI’s 25th Anniversary celebrations inspire new pathways for community impact and sustainable change across Baltimore.