Baltimore Unity Hall Announces New Board Members
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Baltimore Unity Hall Announces New Board of Directors
Baltimore, MD - March 18, 2026 — Baltimore Unity Hall announced today that it has added two new members to their Board of Directors. Haneef T. Hardy and Kimberly Canale will help lead the organization in its mission to provide community-centered space and support for artists, creatives, and nonprofits to collaborate, educate, and connect with the community.
Haneef Hardy is a Baltimore community builder, youth educator, and founder of Unlimited Potential Mentoring Organization. Through his work in youth and family empowerment, Hardy has developed programs that organize schools, universities, and other community partners to better serve youth through continued education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. His commitment to “building up the community from within through mindset, creativity, and intentional collaboration” has helped provide youth with access to technology, education, and mentorship.
“What I love about Unity Hall is that it is more than just a space, it’s a living, breathing hub for community, creativity, and connection. Unity Hall creates room for people to gather with intention, share ideas, and build something meaningful together, which aligns deeply with how I approach community work,” said Hardy. “What excites me most about serving on the board is the opportunity to help strengthen that vision and ensure Unity Hall continues to be accessible, welcoming, and impactful. I’m excited to contribute my experience in youth development, programming, and community partnerships while also learning from fellow board members and supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of the space.”
Kimberly Canale will also join Unity Hall’s Board of Directors. For six years, Canale has worked in creative operations and placemaking, leading community-focused projects that celebrate Baltimore’s creativity and cultivate connections in public space. Most recently, Canale worked with Midtown Baltimore to reimagine public spaces using public art, community engagement, and collaborative planning practices. From community-driven murals to large-scale master planning, Canale partners with neighbors to shape spaces that strengthen local identity and connection to place.
Canale is currently the Operations Manager for North Avenue Market’s redevelopment. She is helping transform the historic building into a community and creative hub by developing operational systems, coordinating projects, and fostering partnerships across sectors. Canale’s approach to creativity and placemaking centers on building belonging.
“From my work in placemaking and community projects, I’ve seen how powerful it is when a space is intentionally designed around connection, and Unity Hall does that well. It feels like a place where stories, ideas, and people intersect, and that’s rare. I’m especially interested in contributing to its long-term planning, partnerships, and strengthening its role as a community anchor,” said Canale. “I’m excited about supporting Unity Hall at a strategic level: helping expand its reach and ensure it remains a welcoming, well-run space for the community. I care deeply about Baltimore and about creating places where people feel connected, and board service feels like a meaningful way to put that commitment into action.”
Board President Nancy Hooff expressed gratitude to Hardy and Canale for their commitment to Baltimore Unity Hall.
"On behalf of the Board of the Baltimore Unity Hall, I wholeheartedly welcome two new members to our ranks: Haneef T. Hardy and Kimberly Canale,” said Hooff. “Both are prominent community leaders of the 21217 neighborhood. Their demonstrated commitment, advocacy, and experience in community collaboration, program development, and strategic outreach will significantly strengthen Unity Hall and its mission to support local arts, education, and workforce development in a collaborative and creative environment. We are so pleased to have them on board!"
Ashley “Ash” Esposito, Executive Director of Baltimore Unity Hall, shared that both Hardy and Canale have been a part of Unity Hall’s journey.
“Having Kimberly and Haneef on our board is incredibly exciting,” said Esposito. “Not only because of their skillsets and expertise, but because they both have a love for Baltimore Unity Hall. They know the spirit of what we’re trying to create here because they’ve been living and working beside us in this community. I’m grateful to have them both on our team.”
About Baltimore Unity Hall
Baltimore Unity Hall is a creative ecosystem that provides accessible artist studios, nonprofit office space, coworking services, and event space for community-focused programming. Baltimore Unity Hall operates a CARE Fund to ensure community members have access to space for memorials, repasts, and healing. Unity Hall fosters community through partnerships with artists, nonprofits, local businesses, and grassroots organizers to continue to be a home for Baltimore’s culture, creativity, and community leadership.