In a powerful display of entrepreneurial spirit and community investment, Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, CEO and founder of Root Branch Media Group, has made history as the first African American woman in Maryland to own an entire block on Baltimore's waterfront. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for both Pettigrew and the city, as she transforms a 14,400-square-foot building into a vibrant media arts hub that fosters creativity and entrepreneurship.

Pettigrew's journey began in 2006 when she founded Root Branch Media Group, a full-service media production and communications firm dedicated to empowering individuals to become content creators. Over the years, her company has flourished, and with the recent purchase of the landmark building at 2220 Boston Street, she has taken a giant leap forward in realizing her vision.

What makes this accomplishment even more inspiring is that Pettigrew achieved this without seeking investors or grants. The Reinvestment Fund, known for its commitment to social impact, provided the financing, recognizing the transformative potential of Pettigrew's project.

The newly acquired building, now known as The RBMG Building Canton Harbor, houses all of Root Branch Media Group's operations, including:

Root Branch Media Group: An award-winning media production company.
Root Branch Press Coffee & Co.: A vibrant coffee shop.
Root Branch Office Solutions: A space for tenants and meetings.
Root Branch Arts and Outreach Institute Inc.: A non-profit focused on education and training programs.

With this acquisition, Pettigrew has eliminated the need for additional rented space, allowing her to streamline operations and create a more efficient environment for supporting creatives. She emphasizes the ability to rapidly turn ideas into reality, saying, "I can literally wake up and have an idea by Friday; it becomes a whole website, and then we are doing it. I can reduce some of those barriers and really make people's dreams become a reality very quickly."

Pettigrew's vision extends beyond Baltimore. She aims to acquire properties and establish similar media arts hubs in other cities, expanding her mission to support and empower creatives and small business owners. Her commitment to fostering innovation and community development is truly inspiring, demonstrating the power of one woman's vision to create positive change.

Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew's story is a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship and community investment. Her success is a beacon of hope for aspiring creatives and a reminder that with determination and a vision for positive change, anything is possible.

This is a story that deserves to be shared! Let's celebrate Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew's incredible achievement and the positive impact she's making on Baltimore and beyond.