Roland Park Resident Named 'Spirited Woman of Baltimore'

Louise Phipps Senft is no stranger to winning awards.

In 2002 she was named “Best Mediator” by Baltimore Magazine, the Daily Record Named her one of the state’s “Top 100 Women” three times and she’s been inducted into the state “Circle of Achievement.”

But being honored as a “Spirited Woman of Baltimore” is a special award for Senft, a Roland Park resident.

“I love the fact that it’s a spirit award,” Senft said.

She joked that she hasn’t received an award for “spirit” since high school or college, but said she appreciates being recognized for her passion for her job as a mediator and other endeavors.

According to a press release announcing the award, Senft, in addition to her involvement with groups such as the Roland Park Civic League, has founded Safe Haven, a community initiative designed to protect children, and the Baltimore City Circuit Court Family Mediation Services. 

In 1993 Senft, an attorney, founded Baltimore Mediation, the first mediation firm in Maryland. She’s also taught mediation at the University of Maryland School of Law since 1998 in addition to being a wife and mother of five.

The Spirited Woman of Baltimore Award is given to someone who “is an example, leader and mentor” in her community and profession.

Morton’s The Steakhouse and MyCity4Her.com sponsor the award, and it will be presented at a luncheon at 11 a.m. on Aug. 17 at Morton’s.  The luncheon will benefit the Red Cross of Central Maryland.

“The ‘Spirited Women of Baltimore’ award winners encompass all of the ideals of the American Red Cross – volunteerism, generosity, sacrifice, preparation, compassion, sensitivity and humility,” Monyka Berrocosa, CEO of MyCity4Her.com, said in a press release announcing the award winners.  

Senft said the award is also important because it gives her an opportunity to show how important third party mediators can be in solving conflicts ranging from family issues to business disputes.

“I just wish more than anything else that people would get educated and realize how powerful it can be with a third party to work things through,” Senft said.