Latest news with #Baugh
Scottish Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
I'm the dictator of a micro empire in America's desert – we've declared war on Germany & we even get celeb state visits
Molossia's dicator Kevin Baugh told us all about his micro-nation TINY TYRANNY I'm the dictator of a micro empire in America's desert – we've declared war on Germany & we even get celeb state visits IN the sun-scorched high desert of Northern Nevada lies a tiny self-declared country with its very own dictator and armed forces. Welcome to Molossia - an 11-acre empire with its own timezone, cookie dough currency, banned catfish, lawless sports, and a kayak-based navy patrolling distant lakes. Advertisement 14 Bizarre micronation Molossia has its own currency, dictator and armed forces Credit: Supplied 14 The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton Credit: Supplied 14 It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government Credit: Supplied 14 And standing proudly over his micronation is Kevin Baugh, who declared himself the president, founder, dictator and creator of the Republic of Molossia. Molossia (not to be confused with any real-world state) has stood - albeit somewhat unofficially - since May 26, 1977. It is so small that it equals to a tenth of the size of Vatican City, the world's smallest country. Inspired by the satirical Cold War film The Mouse that Roared, teenage Kevin and his friend James created their own fictional country. Advertisement He told The Sun: 'Back then, Molossia was known as the Grand Republic of Vuldstein. 'King James was the king, and I was prime minister.' While James moved on, Kevin stayed on the course. In 1988, upon acquiring land in Nevada, Molossia found a physical home. Advertisement Since then, the desert realm has been steadily growing, one eccentric decree at a time. A sovereign state - with cookie dough currency Molossia has all the trappings of nationhood - a flag, passports, a national garden, and even a unique currency called the Valora, based on cookie dough. 'People kind of see this as a joke, but then they come here and see the customs station and cookie-dough money, and they start to go, 'Hey, this is kind of a real place,'' Baugh said. The nation has a total population of 38 - 37 humans and one dog - and citizenship is strictly limited to Baugh's family, whether by blood or marrying in. Advertisement Inside the world's Zone of Death - the 50 square mile area where people get away with murder thanks to legal loophole Molossia even has its own timezone, known as Molossian Standard Time, separate from the US and observed only within its tight borders. 'We like to be unique and unusual,' Baugh explained. And customs? Yes, there's even a checkpoint. 'There's a variety of things you can't bring into Molossia… like walruses or catfish,' the dictator said. Advertisement Why catfish? 'We got bumped from a magazine article in favor of one about noodling catfish with your bare hands. 'So I banned catfish. Easy to ban something you don't actually have.' Molossia welcomes daily visitors between April and October, and some famous faces have stopped by to check the tiny nation out. Advertisement Baugh revealed: "Jack Black visited in 2015 as a part of a micronation movie that he was planning to make at that time. He visited with a rather a large entourage, all related to the movie. "The movie was to be roughly based on Molossia, of which he had been aware for over 10 years prior. "It was a great visit, and he is a fun guy. It appears now that probably the movie won't be made but again it was wonderful having him visit Molossia." 14 President Baugh pictured with Hollywood star Jack Black Credit: Supplied Advertisement 14 The dictator rules the micronation from his government office Credit: Supplied 14 The country has its own post office and souvenir shop Credit: Supplied 14 It also has a constabulary and jail for unwelcome visitors Credit: Supplied Dryland regattas, broom ball, and burning the Guy Despite living under a dictatorship, residents of Molossia enjoy traditions that are more whimsical rather than oppressive. Advertisement Take the Misfit Regatta, a dry land boat race every two years where cardboard "boats" race across a dry lakeboard. Or broom ball, a lawless national sport featuring brooms, chaos ,a nd minimal structure. Baugh explained: 'It's a sport with no rules… sword fights with broomsticks if you want. 'Games last 10 minutes because it's so exhausting.' Advertisement And then there's Guy Fawkes Night, the British tradition of burning an effigy of the infamous rebel. Why celebrate it? Baugh explained: 'Well, because it's fun. 'Most Molossians are provided their own Guy… we have knockoff English food and burn the Guy in a bonfire.' There's also Moon Pie Day in September, a sugary twist on the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. Advertisement 'Instead of the moon festival, it's the moon pie festival – and we eat those,' said the Molossian leader. 'We have no problem culturally appropriating, especially if it involves food.' 14 MOLOSSIA DICTATOR, The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government. While not recognized by any UN member states, […] Credit: Supplied 14 MOLOSSIA DICTATOR, The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government. While not recognized by any UN member states, […] Credit: Supplied Advertisement At war with a country that no longer exists Molossia is, bizarrely, at war with East Germany. Yes, the country that hasn't officially existed since 1990. But Baugh insists the conflict is unresolved. 'I declared war on East Germany in the early 1980s when I was stationed in West Germany with the US Army. Got tired of being woken up for drills at 2 am,' he said. Years later, Baugh rediscovered the declaration in a box. Advertisement He explained: 'Turns out East Germany still exists… sort of. 'There's a tiny island off Cuba that was East German territory, never addressed during reunification. 'It's uninhabited – just marine iguanas – but technically, the war continues.' On Molossia's official website, you can even find war bonds to support the war against East Germany in the value of 10 valora. Advertisement But don't worry if you're short on cookie dough as the website accepts PayPal. The lake navy & space agency Molossia's military might lies not in an army, but in its unlikely Navy. 'We tried having an Army, but the US Olympic Committee used it against us. We tried having an Air Force, but the plane never flew, and anyway it was too small to fit anyone inside,' Baugh wrote on his website. Instead, the landlocked nation fields a naval force made up of five boats, primarily kayaks, tasked with exploring lakes and reservoirs across the western desert. Advertisement 'Our goal with the Molossian Navy is to explore those watery places that dot the western landscape like gems in the sand,' the official website states. Despite its desert location, Baugh insists the Navy is ready to defend Molossia 'whenever necessary, through the means of our valiant Naval Infantry.' Molossia also has its own air and space agency. Founded in 1999, it has launched several rockets from its Alphonse Simms Memorial Cosmodrome – also known as the national broomball field. Advertisement Its most notable innovation is Rocket Mail, a postal system using rockets to deliver letters across the micronation. In 2018, teams successfully launched the P-1 Postal Rocket four times. The agency also tested the Skylofter, a payload rocket used to study flight dynamics, ultimately launching the Molossian flag into the sky for the first time. 14 Molossia's fortified navy Credit: Supplied Advertisement 14 Molossia's ultra-advanced air and space agency has launched rockets and has its own rocket mail Credit: Supplied A Molossian one-man-show Despite calling himself a dictator, Baugh said he is quite benevolent. 'I don't really get involved in the day-to-day decisions of our citizens' lives,' he explained. 'They kind of just go along with what we're doing. And nobody really wants this job – it's a lot of work.' Advertisement Still, there may be "rigged elections" in Molossia's future. 'You either vote for me or… you vote for me,' he joked. 'Maybe 300 or 400 votes from a population of 38 – dictatorships are known for that.' Any real coups or uprisings? 'No. Again, nobody wants this job. It's just me answering emails, maintaining buildings in Red Square – that's our town square – and running the country.' Advertisement Baugh walks around his country draped in full military uniform, ready to show off his many medals while posing in front of Molossia's monuments. When asked where the condecorations come from, he said: "Some of the medals that I wear were awarded to me by me for doing great things for the nation. "This is in keeping with the look that most dictators have. "However, most of the medals that I wear, as well as as many, many more that I do not wear, were awarded to me by other nations for contributions to their nation or the micronational world in general." Advertisement 14 Molossia is bizarrely at war with East Germany, which ceased to exist in 1990 – but the conflict is unresolved Credit: Supplied 14 MOLOSSIA DICTATOR, The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government. While not recognized by any UN member states, […] Credit: Supplied Funding a nation on a shoestring Operating on a "third-world budget," Molossia does need to break away from the cookie dough and spend real world money to make the country run. The country only spends around $2,000 to $3,000 a year, mostly funded through tourism and merchandise. Advertisement 'We try to be imaginative instead of throwing money at things,' Baugh says. Their passports, for instance, are made from cardstock and pocket calendar sleeves – designed to look like 1930s documents so they aren't mistaken for real ones at airports. Future plans for the desert empire Molossia may be small, but its ambitions are… moderately bigger. There's talk of acquiring land across the road, which would double its territory, and dreams of building a tourist railroad. 'A small one, like the kind you see in parks. But that's a bit beyond our budget right now.' Advertisement Despite its quirky tone, Baugh insists Molossia is more than a parody. 'This is something I've put my blood, sweat, and tears into. It's a serious project with a sense of humor.' And for anyone wondering how the U.S. government feels about this tiny nation in its midst? 'Nothing official. We did get a Christmas card from President Barack Obama once – four months late, but who's counting.' Advertisement So whether it's banning catfish, waging eternal war against long-defunct nations, or ruling by cheerful decree, Molossia continues to thrive – one moon pie and broomstick sword fight at a time.
The Irish Sun
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
I'm the dictator of a micro empire in America's desert – we've declared war on Germany & we even get celeb state visits
IN the sun-scorched high desert of Northern Nevada lies a tiny self-declared country with its very own dictator and armed forces. Welcome to Molossia - an 11-acre empire with its own timezone, cookie dough currency, banned catfish, lawless sports, and a kayak-based navy patrolling distant lakes. 14 Bizarre micronation Molossia has its own currency, dictator and armed forces Credit: Supplied 14 The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton Credit: Supplied 14 It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government Credit: Supplied 14 And standing proudly over his micronation is Kevin Baugh, who declared himself the president, founder, dictator and creator of the Republic of Molossia. Molossia (not to be confused with any real-world state) has stood - albeit somewhat unofficially - since May 26, 1977. It is so small that it equals to a tenth of the size of Vatican City, the world's smallest country. Inspired by the satirical Cold War film The Mouse that Roared, teenage Kevin and his friend James created their own fictional country. READ MORE ON WORLD NEWS He told The Sun: 'Back then, Molossia was known as the Grand Republic of Vuldstein. 'King James was the king, and I was prime minister.' While James moved on, Kevin stayed on the course. In 1988, upon acquiring land in Nevada, Molossia found a physical home. Most read in The US Sun Since then, the desert realm has been steadily growing, one eccentric decree at a time. A sovereign state - with cookie dough currency Molossia has all the trappings of nationhood - a flag, passports, a national garden, and even a unique currency called the Valora, based on cookie dough. 'People kind of see this as a joke, but then they come here and see the customs station and cookie-dough money, and they start to go, 'Hey, this is kind of a real place,'' Baugh said. The nation has a total population of 38 - 37 humans and one dog - and citizenship is strictly limited to Baugh's family, whether by blood or marrying in. Inside the world's Zone of Death - the 50 square mile area where people get away with murder thanks to legal loophole Molossia even has its own timezone, known as Molossian Standard Time, separate from the US and observed only within its tight borders. 'We like to be unique and unusual,' Baugh explained. And customs? Yes, there's even a checkpoint. 'There's a variety of things you can't bring into Molossia… like walruses or catfish,' the dictator said. Why catfish? 'We got bumped from a magazine article in favor of one about noodling catfish with your bare hands. 'So I banned catfish. Easy to ban something you don't actually have.' Molossia welcomes daily visitors between April and October, and some famous faces have stopped by to check the tiny nation out. Baugh revealed: "Jack Black visited in 2015 as a part of a micronation movie that he was planning to make at that time. He visited with a rather a large entourage, all related to the movie. "The movie was to be roughly based on Molossia, of which he had been aware for over 10 years prior. "It was a great visit, and he is a fun guy. It appears now that probably the movie won't be made but again it was wonderful having him visit Molossia." 14 President Baugh pictured with Hollywood star Jack Black Credit: Supplied 14 The dictator rules the micronation from his government office Credit: Supplied 14 The country has its own post office and souvenir shop Credit: Supplied 14 It also has a constabulary and jail for unwelcome visitors Credit: Supplied Dryland regattas, broom ball, and burning the Guy Despite living under a dictatorship, residents of Molossia enjoy traditions that are more whimsical rather than oppressive. Take the Misfit Regatta, a dry land boat race every two years where cardboard "boats" race across a dry lakeboard. Or broom ball, a lawless national sport featuring brooms, chaos ,a nd minimal structure. Baugh explained: 'It's a sport with no rules… sword fights with broomsticks if you want. 'Games last 10 minutes because it's so exhausting.' And then there's Guy Fawkes Night, the British tradition of burning an effigy of the infamous rebel. Why celebrate it? Baugh explained: 'Well, because it's fun. 'Most Molossians are provided their own Guy… we have knockoff English food and burn the Guy in a bonfire.' There's also Moon Pie Day in September, a sugary twist on the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival. 'Instead of the moon festival, it's the moon pie festival – and we eat those,' said the Molossian leader. 'We have no problem culturally appropriating, especially if it involves food.' 14 MOLOSSIA DICTATOR, The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government. While not recognized by any UN member states, […] Credit: Supplied 14 MOLOSSIA DICTATOR, The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government. While not recognized by any UN member states, […] Credit: Supplied At war with a country that no longer exists Molossia is, bizarrely, at war with East Germany. Yes, the country that hasn't officially existed since 1990. But Baugh insists the conflict is unresolved. 'I declared war on East Germany in the early 1980s when I was stationed in West Germany with the US Army. Got tired of being woken up for drills at 2 am,' he said. Years later, Baugh rediscovered the declaration in a box. He explained: 'Turns out East Germany still exists… sort of. 'There's a tiny island off Cuba that was East German territory, never addressed during reunification. 'It's uninhabited – just marine iguanas – but technically, the war continues.' On Molossia's official website, you can even find war bonds to support the war against East Germany in the value of 10 valora. But don't worry if you're short on cookie dough as the website accepts PayPal. The lake navy & space agency Molossia's military might lies not in an army, but in its unlikely Navy. 'We tried having an Army, but the US Olympic Committee used it against us. We tried having an Air Force, but the plane never flew, and anyway it was too small to fit anyone inside,' Baugh wrote on his website. Instead, the landlocked nation fields a naval force made up of five boats, primarily kayaks, tasked with exploring lakes and reservoirs across the western desert. 'Our goal with the Molossian Navy is to explore those watery places that dot the western landscape like gems in the sand,' the official website states. Despite its desert location, Baugh insists the Navy is ready to defend Molossia 'whenever necessary, through the means of our valiant Naval Infantry.' Molossia also has its own air and space agency. Founded in 1999, it has launched several rockets from its Alphonse Simms Memorial Cosmodrome – also known as the national broomball field. Its most notable innovation is Rocket Mail, a postal system using rockets to deliver letters across the micronation. In 2018, teams successfully launched the P-1 Postal Rocket four times. The agency also tested the Skylofter, a payload rocket used to study flight dynamics, ultimately launching the Molossian flag into the sky for the first time. 14 Molossia's fortified navy Credit: Supplied 14 Molossia's ultra-advanced air and space agency has launched rockets and has its own rocket mail Credit: Supplied A Molossian one-man-show Despite calling himself a dictator, Baugh said he is quite benevolent. 'I don't really get involved in the day-to-day decisions of our citizens' lives,' he explained. 'They kind of just go along with what we're doing. And nobody really wants this job – it's a lot of work.' Still, there may be "rigged elections" in Molossia's future. 'You either vote for me or… you vote for me,' he joked. 'Maybe 300 or 400 votes from a population of 38 – dictatorships are known for that.' Any real coups or uprisings? 'No. Again, nobody wants this job. It's just me answering emails, maintaining buildings in Red Square – that's our town square – and running the country.' Baugh walks around his country draped in full military uniform, ready to show off his many medals while posing in front of Molossia's monuments. When asked where the condecorations come from, he said: "Some of the medals that I wear were awarded to me by me for doing great things for the nation. "This is in keeping with the look that most dictators have. "However, most of the medals that I wear, as well as as many, many more that I do not wear, were awarded to me by other nations for contributions to their nation or the micronational world in general." 14 Molossia is bizarrely at war with East Germany, which ceased to exist in 1990 – but the conflict is unresolved Credit: Supplied 14 MOLOSSIA DICTATOR, The Republic of Molossia is a micronation located in Nevada, USA, claiming sovereignty over a small plot of land near Dayton. It was founded by Kevin Baugh in 1977 and functions as a hobby turned territorial entity, complete with its own currency, laws, and government. While not recognized by any UN member states, […] Credit: Supplied Funding a nation on a shoestring Operating on a "third-world budget," Molossia does need to break away from the cookie dough and spend real world money to make the country run. The country only spends around $2,000 to $3,000 a year, mostly funded through tourism and merchandise. 'We try to be imaginative instead of throwing money at things,' Baugh says. Their passports, for instance, are made from cardstock and pocket calendar sleeves – designed to look like 1930s documents so they aren't mistaken for real ones at airports. Future plans for the desert empire Molossia may be small, but its ambitions are… moderately bigger. There's talk of acquiring land across the road, which would double its territory, and dreams of building a tourist railroad. 'A small one, like the kind you see in parks. But that's a bit beyond our budget right now.' Despite its quirky tone, Baugh insists Molossia is more than a parody. 'This is something I've put my blood, sweat, and tears into. It's a serious project with a sense of humor.' And for anyone wondering how the U.S. government feels about this tiny nation in its midst? 'Nothing official. We did get a Christmas card from President Barack Obama once – four months late, but who's counting.' So whether it's banning catfish, waging eternal war against long-defunct nations, or ruling by cheerful decree, Molossia continues to thrive – one moon pie and broomstick sword fight at a time. Can you start your own country? DECLARING your own country is easier than it sounds - but getting the world to take it seriously is another matter. Under international law, a state must meet four key criteria, as outlined in the 1933 Montevideo Convention: a defined territory, a permanent population, a functioning government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Many so-called micronations, like Molossia, meet some of these requirements — often with a set of self-made laws, borders, and even currencies — but fall short of gaining any official recognition. Recognition is the critical hurdle. Without it, a self-declared nation cannot join the United Nations, sign treaties, or maintain diplomatic relations. Most governments simply ignore micronations, especially if they pose no legal or territorial threat. In short: you can declare your backyard a republic, draft a constitution, and crown yourself president — but legally speaking, you're more novelty than nation.
Leader Live
12-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Estyn inspection for Ysgol Deiniol in Marchwiel, Wrexham
Estyn inspectors visited Ysgol Deiniol, in Marchwiel - which currently has 171 pupils on roll - in March, 2025. The primary school was considered to be a "happy and caring community", with a "thoughtful and inclusive culture" at its core. Inspectors further noted: "The supportive and friendly working relationships between staff and pupils is a strong feature of the school." Read more: Teacher's science award, day on the farm and more school news They added that headteacher Kevin Baugh provides effective and thoughtful leadership, resulting in "a strong team ethos, where dedicated, hardworking staff collaborate effectively". There were two positive 'spotlights' made from the visit: strengthening pupils' reading skills, and a whole-school approach to developing pupils as effective writers. Ysgol Deiniol was highlighted to have made "significant progress" in refining its curriculum, "with teachers providing a rich range of stimulating learning experiences that cater to individual needs". Inspectors added: "Leaders and staff are committed to addressing local and national priorities. They work collaboratively with governors, pupils and parents to create a clear rationale for the school's curriculum." Read more: "Dynamic" Flintshire headteacher "immensely proud" after Estyn inspection visit The school's governing body also received recognition, being stated as "well informed, effective and committed to supporting the school". Mr Baugh said: "I'm exceptionally proud of the pupils, staff and governors here at Deiniol and what we've achieved. "The work that they have all put in never ceases to amaze me, which demonstrates why we are such a caring and welcoming school with very good standards. "Thank you for parents' continued support and also the staff, children and governors of the school for striving to provide the best possible learning environment for all our children." Read more: Wrexham headteacher's praise for 'remarkable children' after inspection Inspector made two recommendations following their visit: • Ensure teaching consistently provides appropriate challenge for all pupils to develop as effective independent learners. • Further develop the curriculum to provide a systematic whole-school approach to developing pupils' Welsh language skills. To view a full copy of the report, visit:
USA Today
18-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
CBS Sports ranks Florida football RB Jadan Baugh among top SEC feature backs
CBS Sports ranks Florida football RB Jadan Baugh among top SEC feature backs Florida football running back Jadan Baugh has been ranked by CBS Sports as the sixth-best feature back in the SEC heading into the 2025 season. Baugh, going into his sophomore season, brings rare size and power to the running back position. His late-season surge was one of the biggest storylines in a season that saw Florida rebound from a slow start to finish strong. With the departure of veteran backs like Montrell Johnson Jr., Baugh is expected to be the centerpiece of the Gators' ground game. Last season, Baugh earned Freshman All-SEC honors after leading the team in rushing yards (673) and total touchdowns (8) while averaging 5.1 yards per carry. In his first start, Baugh rushed for five touchdowns against the Kentucky Wildcats, tying the Florida football program record with Trey Burton (2010) and Tim Tebow (2007). Being ranked as the No. 6 lead back in the SEC is not bad, and it's another sign that Billy Napier's backfield is in good hands. If Baugh continues to trend upward, he could be one of the most productive running backs in the SEC. Perhaps even a potential breakout star on the national stage. Here is everything CBS Sports writer Shehan Jeyarajah said about Baugh. What CBS Sports said about Jadan Baugh "Baugh took a while to take over the starting job. When he did, it helped change Florida's season. Baugh rushed for 520 yards and seven touchdowns in his final seven games after taking over as the Gators' feature back, including 106 yards against Kentucky. He helped key upsets over Ole Miss and LSU, posting 71 all-purpose yards against the Rebels. At 6-foot-1 and 227 pounds, Baugh boasts a massive frame for his age." CBS Sports' SEC feature backs rankings Damari Alston (Auburn Tigers) DeSean Bishop (Tennessee Volunteers) Sedrick Alexander (Vanderbilt Commodores) Rahsul Faison (South Carolina Gamecocks) Logan Diggs (Ole Miss Rebels) Jam Miller (Alabama Crimson Tide) Dante Dowdell (Kentucky Wildcats) Davon Booth (Mississippi State Bulldogs) Ahmad Hardy (Missouri Tigers) Jadan Baugh (Florida Gators) Nate Frazier (Georgia Bulldogs) Quintrevion Wisner (Texas Longhorns) Le'Veon Moss (Texas A&M Aggies) Caden Durham (LSU Tigers) Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma Sooners) Follow us @GatorsWire on X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as Bluesky, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Forbes
25-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Herstory Is Redefining Women's Liberation Through Economic Freedom
Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, CEO of the Urban League of Broward County and Chair of Central County ... More Community Development Corporation, a Community Development Financial Institution. In honor of Women's History Month, this column focuses on the CEO of an Urban League affiliate organization, Chair of a Community Development Corporation and member of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, creating opportunities where women can thrive, lead and drive meaningful change. Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, CEO of the Urban League of Broward County and Chair of the Central County Community Development Corporation (CCCDC), has dedicated over 20 years to advancing community and economic development. Since 2007, she has led the CCCDC with a mission to revitalize low-income communities, leading her to create lasting impacts by transforming social, economic, and physical infrastructures. Dr. Baugh's journey into community development finance was inspired by her unwavering belief that 'economic freedom IS freedom.' This conviction motivated her to integrate community development finance into the Urban League's service portfolio, ultimately expanding the reach and impact to CCCDC which serves as a subsidiary of Urban League. In 2015, CCCDC expanded its solutions to include small business support and lending, which paved the way for the organization to be certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) loan fund by the U.S. Department of Treasury in 2020. This certification strengthened CCCDC's targeted focus on serving African Americans across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. Among all the communities impacted by CCCDC's efforts, women remain at the heart of its mission. The team provides technical assistance through signature programs such as UBIZ, GovCon, and Small Business Bootcamp which has proven effective in providing access to critical resources, information, and strategies that empower women business owners to achieve financial independence and succeed in entrepreneurship. In 2024 alone, 663 women participated in CCCDC's development services, representing 70% of the total served. Additionally, 44% of the organization's lending has directly supported women-owned businesses. Karlene Scarlett, founder of Social Blessings, a digital marketing agency, has scaled her business to new heights thanks to financial assistance from CCCDC. After launching her business in January 2022, Karlene enrolled in the GovCon Track workshop to gain expertise in government contracting. As her business grew, she explored small business funding through the organization's loan fund. After initially pausing the process in 2023, Karlene later resumed and successfully secured the funding needed to expand her impact and drive her business forward. Although Black women are the fastest growing demographic of entrepreneurs in the U.S., they still average $24,000 in revenue compared to the $142,900 earned by all women-owned businesses. Dr. Baugh believes that new products and services will emerge from women who have experienced being on the outfields because overcoming barriers equips women to drive meaningful change and shape the future. As a leader, Dr. Baugh's journey has been shaped by strength and resilience. Embracing the opportunities that came with her roles as CEO and Chair have opened doors for countless others and also deepened her commitment to empowering communities. From years of experience, she defines success as implementing effective governance structures and operational growth strategies that allow the organization to serve more people with greater impact. As Dr. Baugh looks ahead, her legacy is clear—she hopes to pass the baton by creating spaces where other women can thrive. 'I want to be in the proverbial stands cheering other women onto their next level of accomplishments,' she said. Through her leadership, the CCCDC continues to create opportunities for women, ensuring that their contributions shape the future of economic equity and community empowerment. To learn more about the CCCDC, visit
