Erika Brannock named among '50 women to watch'

The Baltimore Sun this week released its list of 50 women to watch, featuring a look at Maryland women who have made their mark in fields including arts, government, business, law, health, nonprofits and education.

Among them is Erika Brannock, 29, the Towson teacher and survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing.

Using a wheelchair to navigate the halls of a Boston hospital, Brannock made a video after the marathon bombing claimed the lower half of her left leg -- to show her pupils 399 miles away her new body. Education and children are her passion, her inspiration.

By the time she starts teaching at the fledgling Davenport Preschool in Hampton this fall, her goal is to be walking on crutches. She might even teach some gym classes.

When Brannock, who returned home in June, thinks about the lessons of the April bombing that killed three and injured 260, at the top of the list are the goodness she has found in strangers and the strength she has found in herself.

"I can push myself a lot more than I thought. I am stronger physically than I thought I was. I am more determined to get things done."

For more on The Sun's 50 women to watch, click here.