Karen Zuccardi, Ecosystem Director of Venture Development at TEDCO, has received the Rising Star Award from the Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (MDHCC). She was honored at the Chamber’s 40th Anniversary Gala and Awards Ceremony, held August 8, 2026 at the Renaissance Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, one of six award categories the Chamber recognized as part of its 40th anniversary celebration. Tammi Thomas, TEDCO’s President, shared the news in a LinkedIn post celebrating the honor, noting that Zuccardi was nominated by both TEDCO and the City of Frederick.
What Zuccardi Does at TEDCO
At TEDCO, Maryland’s state-backed economic development engine for technology and life sciences, Zuccardi leads statewide initiatives aimed at strengthening and expanding Maryland’s innovation ecosystem, working directly with early-stage technology and life science companies, entrepreneurial support organizations, and other stakeholders to connect founders with capital, mentorship, and strategic networks. Her background spans international business, sustainable development, and public service, and she’s brought that mix to a role focused on what TEDCO describes as “bridging gaps across sectors and communities to ensure more inclusive and effective pathways to innovation and economic opportunity.” She’s also bilingual in Spanish and serves in the Maryland Air National Guard Reserves.
A Milestone Anniversary for the Chamber
The award came during a milestone year for MDHCC, which marked its 40th anniversary with the gala, four decades of supporting and advancing Maryland’s Hispanic business community. Thomas mentioned Zuccardi’s win as recognition of work she does daily: “It’s a recognition that reflects exactly what she brings to her work every day: supporting entrepreneurs, building partnerships across Maryland, and helping create a stronger, more inclusive innovation ecosystem for everyone.” Zuccardi, for her part, credited the people around her: “Still smiling about this one. So grateful for the recognition and for the support of my TEDCO family and The City of Frederick: Department of Economic Development.”
Zuccardi was selected from a finalist pool that also included Bryan Barrientos of Barrientos & Sons LLC and Jorge Ventura of Syntax Talent Solutions.
The dual nomination from both TEDCO and the City of Frederick’s economic development office is a fitting detail given her role: it’s the same kind of cross-organization partnership building that defines the work the award is recognizing in the first place.
