About
The mission of the Maryland Democratic Party (MDP) People with Disabilities Diversity Leadership Council is to energize activists through the state, register voters, amplify the Democratic message, engage with members of these diverse communities, and supplement the coordinated campaign to turn out Democratic voters throughout Maryland. In non campaign cycles the People with Disabilities Diversity Leadership Council is responsible for increasing inclusiveness, capacity building, voter education, and empowerment of Maryland’s diverse communities. By working to energize all communities throughout Maryland, we will truly be able to realize our greatest potential. The Maryland Democratic Party People with Disabilities Diversity Leadership Council creates a foundation for activism that is both inclusive and sustainable.
Barbara Ebel, Montgomery County.Â
Ms. Ebel is currently working for the Maryland Department of Labor as the Reemployment Program Director for Montgomery County America Job Centers, Maryland. Over 20 years of exceptional organization management and over 25 years of State service with a demonstrated effectiveness in directing and managing Workforce Development programs. Previously, Barbara was the Assistant Director for the Migrant Program in Michigan. In this position, she helped to create educational programs to help improve the well-being and advancement opportunities of migrant families.
Barbara has received a Champion Achiever Award from the Maryland Secretary of Labor and an Award of Appreciation from the International Association of Workforce Professionals for outstanding performance as Chair of the International Development Committee. In this position she was instrumental in advancing the Association to members of the international community. Also, Ms. Ebel received the Daily Record’s 2018 Top 100 Women in Maryland, the Latina Power Award by the El Poder De Ser Mujer Foundation and Top 100 Latinos leaders in the DMB by El Tiempo Latino Newspaper. Additionally, Barbara was appointed by County Executive Marc Elrich to serve on the Montgomery County Workforce Development Board. Barbara has been a keynote speaker across the country and internationally in presenting topics such as Workforce Development, Trade Adjustment Act, Organizational Management, Diversity & Disabilities Awareness and other numerous labor related topics. Her experience in community outreach and coalition building spans two decades. Barbara also was elected At-Large in the 2022 elections to serve in the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee. Barbara serves as an Executive Board member of Power52 Foundation and the Madison House Autism Foundation.Â
Barbara holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science from the University of Maryland University College.
 Joshua Hirsh, 32, has resided in Howard County Maryland for 21 years. He graduated from Howard Community College with Phi Theta Kappa Honors with a degree in political science. He has been active in Democratic politics since he has been able to vote, beginning as a volunteer with The Howard County Central Committee and then as a volunteer in campaigns statewide and nationally. He was honored to be appointed to the Howard County Commission on Disabilities in 2020. Joshua has served as the Vice President of the Young Democrats of Howard County and on the Board of the Columbia Democratic Club. In 2022 he was elected to serve on the Howard County Democratic Central Committee, where he was voted top 6 in a field of 24 candidates. Joshua had the privilege of serving as an intern in Calvin Ball’s County Council Office. In 2019, he was honored by receiving the prestigious Louis Goldstein Spirit Award for his service in the Democratic Community.
In addition to his passion for democratic Values and his commitment to the electoral success of like-minded candidates, Joshua has been devoted to issues affecting disabled citizens. He strongly desires to support and improve the lives of those with disabilities. Motivated by his own disability, cerebral palsy, Joshua regularly attended the Annual Jewish Disability Advocacy Day in DC, where he advocated for those with disabilities and achieved success in representing the issues facing persons with disabilities both in Howard County and in the US Congress.