Will Rowel is senior advisor to the Mayor of Annapolis and Director of Public Engagement and Community Relations. Rowel is a journalist, poet, actor, playwright, project manager, political strategist, and change agent who brings personal experiences, as well as, critical and strategic thinking to bear on pertinent social issues. From his work in philanthropy and community-based advocacy, to policy initiatives and prose, Rowel seeks to increase equity and awareness through any and all mediums. He recognizes that his own experience in an innovative/progressive educational program greatly impacted his ability to think differently from his Annapolis peers in high school, and helps him understand the importance of New Village Academy’s outside-of-the-box approach.