Myrna Edelman Cardin is an educator, a community leader and, above all, a devoted wife, mother and “Nana” to her granddaughters, Julia and Madeline.  Born and raised in Baltimore City, Myrna first met Ben in the sixth grade at Liberty School in Baltimore City; and they have been married for over 40 years.

“From a young age, Ben was such a warm, likeable guy - it’s what first drew me to him nearly 50 years ago and it’s what makes him such an amazing husband, father and grandfather today,” said Myrna. 

After attending Baltimore City public schools and graduating from Towson University with a degree in education, Myrna went on to teach fourth grade at Hebbville Elementary School in Baltimore County.  She later took on one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of her life – tutoring a student with dyslexia as a volunteer member of the Board the Dyslexia Tutoring Program.

“Working with children, particularly children with learning disabilities, and helping them reach their potential is such a gratifying experience,” said Myrna. “It warms my heart when I run into my former students and they tell me how well they’re doing.”

Myrna served for eight years as the Executive Director of the Maryland Association of Non-Public Special Education Facilities.  She also worked as the Director of Parent Relations at The Park School in Baltimore.

When Ben was elected to Congress, Myrna joined him in advancing human rights around the world and taking on leadership roles in her community.  She traveled to Vienna with a delegation of Congressional spouses to address the need for human rights improvements in what was then the Soviet Union.  From 1997-2002, Myrna was an active member of the American Red Cross Advisory Committee on Holocaust and War Victims Tracing and Information Center, helping survivors learn the fates of missing family members not seen since the Holocaust.

“I was amazed, and saddened, to learn that over 50 years after the end of the War, there were still Holocaust survivors who were trying to locate loved-ones,” said Myrna. “It was truly an honor to work with the Center to help gather the facts and bring a sense of closure for these special people.”

Recognizing the importance of giving back to her own community, Myrna has maintained leadership positions with several local organizations over the years.  She is currently a board member of The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore, Sinai Hospital.  She co-chaired the March of Dimes Gala, Washington, D.C. for 1999-2000, and from 1993-1995, she was president of the Jewish Community Center.  She also served as the President of the Baltimore Jewish Council from 1996-1998 and as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Baltimore City Life Museums.  Myrna has previously served as a Trustee of the University of Maryland Baltimore Foundation and as a board member of Hillel of Greater Baltimore.

Myrna has received numerous awards recognizing her leadership, among them: the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation’s Distinguished Citizen Award, the Maryland Democratic Party’s Distinguished Leadership Award, the Hannah Moore School Award, and the Israel Bonds Golda Meir Award.

On Capitol Hill, Myrna has been active in the Congressional Wives for Soviet Jewry, Democratic Spouses Forum and the Congressional Club.  Since 1997, she has been a member of the advisory board of Congressional Families Action for Cancer Awareness.

In her free time, Myrna enjoys hiking, reading and, most of all, spending time with her family.