Dinner & Dialogue Hopkins Series: Navigating Career & Life Transitions with Patricia Browne, Bus '07 (Cert), Bus ’10 (MBA) and Cornell Conaway, Bus ’05 (MS)

Patricia Browne is a visionary leader and expert in organizational development, widely recognized for her transformative impact on the nonprofit sector. As the Immediate Past President and CEO of the National Children’s Center (NCC), one of the Washington Metropolitan Area’s largest providers for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, she led with a focus on innovation, financial sustainability, and service excellence. Under her leadership, NCC implemented cutting-edge programs and earned top industry designations, all while maintaining a relentless commitment to high-quality care.

A respected authority in change management and leadership development, Patricia is known for guiding organizations through complex transformations and building cultures rooted in innovation and high performance. Beyond NCC, her influence extends across the nonprofit and business communities through her involvement with organizations such as the Johns Hopkins Alumni Council, and Maryland Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. Her accolades—including The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women and ANCOR Foundation’s Legacy Leader Hall of Fame—reflect a career devoted to social impact, advocacy, and empowering underserved communities.

A proud native Washingtonian, Patricia holds degrees from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her legacy is defined by purpose-driven leadership, a deep commitment to equity, and lasting contributions to the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Cornell Conaway is the founder and CEO of Gainz Sportsgear, a premium collegiate apparel brand blending bold design with school pride. With a Master of Science in Marketing from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, and a background in pharmaceutical sales since 2007, Conaway leveraged his corporate success to build a business of his own. Gainz Sportsgear was born out of a desire to elevate spirit wear with quality and creativity, and now features officially licensed apparel for institutions like Johns Hopkins University.

Driven by both data and design, Conaway finds his greatest motivation in seeing alumni proudly wear his products and in creating pieces that bring something new to the collegiate market. Despite challenges—such as navigating overseas tariffs and supply chain hurdles—he continues to scale the business with a focus on innovation, excellence, and authenticity. His time at Bowie State University and Carey laid the foundation for his strategic thinking, particularly in connecting his deep passion for HBCUs to marketing plans that has led to financial outcomes.

Outside of business, Cornell is known for his approachable, light-hearted nature. He is also a proud family man, change agent, and mentor. Cornell brings energy, creativity, and school pride to everything he does from his journey in sales, designs, and entrepreneurship.