Meet Ann Tropea, the assistant director for engaged media with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, and the full-time staff advisor for the Student Media Collective, which includes The Retriever, Bartleby, and WMBC. Ann’s academic background is in mass media communications studies and law. In her spare time, she (separately) hosts a podcast and acts as a doula, helping support families during birth.

Q: Briefly introduce yourself. What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you?

A: I am the assistant director for engaged media with the Center for Democracy and Civic Life and the full time staff advisor for the Student Media Collective (SMC)—the newly chartered student organization for student-run media on campus. I bring many years of professional editorial, communications, and legal expertise to my position. I am a career editor, published author, and podcast producer/co-host.

I am also a licensed attorney in Louisiana and the District of Columbia, and I have represented a variety of individual and multinational clients in both federal and state court litigation. I hold a law degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and graduated magna cum laude in mass media communication studies from New York University. I am also a certified doula and enjoy supporting families in their birth and reproductive journeys.

Q: Tell us about someone in the UMBC community who has inspired you or supported you, and how they did it.

A: I joined the UMBC community as a staff member in October 2023 with zero experience working in higher education. There are so many folks who have supported and inspired me from day one, but special thanks are due to Isabel Taylor (former Retriever editor-in-chief), David Hoffman (director, Center for Democracy and Civic Life), and Renique Kersh (VP for Division of Student Affairs) who all saw my potential during the interview process and allowed me to join this incredible campus community.

Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?

A: No matter who you are, or where you’re coming from, you belong at UMBC.

Q: What part of your job do you enjoy the most and why?

A: I absolutely love working with the students in all three media groups that form the SMC (The Retriever, WMBC, and Bartleby) that I advise as the primary focus of my work. They are smart, fearless, and creative—I am incredibly lucky to have such amazing student colleagues to work side-by-side with every day.

Q: What brought you to UMBC in the first place?

A: I care deeply about making the world a more just and equitable place, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I came to UMBC because this is a place where it was clear from day one that I share those values with each and every person on this campus.

Q: Since you’ve been a part of the UMBC community, how have you found support of your WHY?

A: I grew up in Southern California and feel like that gives me some leeway to lean a bit into the woo-woo…. UMBC is a magical place where community and collaboration are radical acts of love. It’s not just “a” why. It’s the only why.

Q: Are you involved in any campus organizations? Tell us about what you love about them!

A: I’m a new member of the Exempt Staff Senate and am thrilled to serve on the executive board as the incoming communications manager with such a dedicated (and fun!) group of folks from across the university who are dedicated to doing good work.

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.

Meet track and field student athlete Anjayooluwa “Jayo” Adegboyo ’25, biochemistry and molecular biology, who was named the 2025 Arthur Ashe Jr. Male Sports Scholar of the Year by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine. The publication sponsors the Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholar Awards to honor students of color who have excelled in the classroom and on the athletic field, demonstrating a commitment to community service and student leadership. Jayo is a Meyerhoff Program Scholar and is excited to pursue a career in medicine after being trained in research at UMBC.

Q: What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you?

A: I am a student-athlete who graduated with a biochemistry major and a physics minor in the Honors College. I am interested in pursuing a career in medicine and research to solve problems associated with migraine and autism-related disorders.

Q: Tell us about someone in the community who has inspired you or supported you, and how they did it.

A: An alum and fellow Meyerhoff Scholar from UMBC about 20 years ago, and a notable professor from Duke University, Dr. Kafui Dzirasa ’01, inspired and supported me by investing in my future as a research advisor, motivator for my passions, and connecting me with people who do work related to my career goals.

Q: Tell us about what you love about your academic program or an organization you’re involved in.

A: I am a part of the Meyerhoff Scholars program and U-RISE scholar. I really appreciated how much the programs reached out to us about research opportunities in STEM related to the interests of me and my peers.

Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?

A: All of the support is there, just do not be afraid to ask around. You never know who may have the answer to your question; whether it is a roommate in a different major or a faculty member in one of your gen ed classes!

Q: Tell us about your primary WHY, and how it led you to UMBC

A: I came to UMBC because of the opportunity to pursue both of my passions in track and field competition and scholarship. It also introduced me to the prospect of pursuing a career in research through the Meyerhoff Scholars Program and its affiliations.

Q: Tell us about the people who are helping you grow at UMBC.

A: My support for my WHY came in the form of familial circumstances. My twin brother has autism and is relatively non-verbal, and my dad has migraines that get progressively worse as the days go by. These issues got me interested in medicine. UMBC helped guide me on a path to successfully apply to and get accepted to an M.D./Ph.D. program at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Q: What clubs, teams, or organizations are you a part of? What do you love about them?

A: I was a part of the UMBC track and field team, the NOBCChE e-board, a member of NSBE, and a mentor in the Meyerhoff Scholars Program’s peer mentorship program. I also tutored in the physics and chemistry tutorial centers and the SI-PASS program.

Q: What do you enjoy about your scholar program?

A: I love the Meyerhoff Scholars Program because the community is filled with people with similar goals of pursuing research in STEM. It also felt like another family, from the peers who love interacting with one another outside of the classroom to the faculty who always have an intense desire to guide us scholars on the path to realizing and attaining our career goals.

Q: Tell us more about being a student-athlete and scholarship recipient. What would you tell others who are in your shoes about UMBC?

A: These dual parts of my life were difficult to get in tuned with during college because I felt some imposter-syndrome in trying to excel athletically and academically, while at the same time as I would see the accomplishments of my peers in each realm.

Eventually, I came to embrace my dual-roles and found harmony in the balance between the two, most especially during my roughest year (3rd year) where I had to balance training and competitions every week with studying for the MCAT (the medical school entrance exam), research, tutoring, and my ongoing classwork. I built so much resilience through these experiences that I would never trade it for anything in the world.

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.

Meet Tanzila Malik, a senior majoring in gender and women’s studies and minoring in political science and anthropology. Tanzila is an intern with UMBC’s University Communications and Marketing team and a former intern of the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center.

Q: Tell us about someone in the UMBC community who has inspired you or supported you, and how they did it.

A: It’s hard to pick just one. I’ve had the honor of meeting many people in the UMBC community who have made a lifelong impact on my journey here. In particular, Lauren Allen, director, and Zoe Brown, program coordinator, of UMBC’s Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center (WGEC) consistently supported me in my academic and career goals. They challenged me to move out of my comfort zone and gave me the confidence to pursue incredible opportunities that I’d never thought possible.

Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?

A: You are never alone at UMBC. There is something/someone for everyone here. From the students to the faculty and staff, UMBC is truly a supportive place to grow and explore new possibilities.

Q: What part of your job do you enjoy the most and why?

A: As an intern at the WGEC, I loved meeting new people and building community. It was fulfilling to be involved in initiatives where I saw firsthand the impact we were making. From hosting panels and discussion circles centered on the experiences of women of color to organizing a campus-wide student activism blog, among many other initiatives, the WGEC takes on. I learned how, even as students, we hold so much power to enact change and make a difference in our communities.

Q: What brought you to UMBC in the first place?

A: After applying to and touring several schools in the DMV area, I ultimately committed to UMBC because it felt like a true “community,” something I hadn’t seen anywhere else. As I spent more time on campus, engaging with my professors, taking part in student organizations, and working on campus, it became clear that UMBC was so much more than “just a school.” I’ve met students and staff with an eagerness to learn and a genuine passion for their work, which goes beyond the classroom.

Q: Since you’ve been a part of the UMBC community, how have you found support of your WHY? Tell us about the people who have helped you at UMBC, and why it has made such a difference to you.

A: As a student, I tend to get trapped in the merry-go-round of school. Not stopping to think about my “why.” As a participant and later a leader for the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip through the Center for Democracy and Civic Life, I got to build a deeper connection with Baltimore through learning about various social issues impacting it.

I was part of the 2024 ASB cohort focusing on improving life after prison, and later was a co-leader for the environmental justice and sustainability group. Through meeting with city officials, local nonprofits, and community members, ASB gave me a chance to apply what I was learning in the classroom to the “real world.” This was a really impactful experience for me, as it reminded me of why it is I’m doing what I’m doing.

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Meet Kayla Logue, a junior with a dance major and a cinematography minor. Kayla is a Linehan Artist Scholar, is an intern for UMBC’s communications and marketing team, and is a Visual and Performing Arts Grit Guide at UMBC. She currently serves as the president of the Dance Council Of Majors; A student organization that works closely with the Department of Dance.

Q: Tell us about someone in the UMBC community who has inspired you or supported you, and how they did it.

A: I have had the pleasure of learning from many incredible professors so far here at UMBC, especially in the Department of Dance. One professor that I have had the pleasure to work closely with and who continuously inspires and supports me is Shaness D. Kemp.

Since my freshman year, I have looked up to Ms. Shaness because she is an incredible artist, teacher, and spirit! I had the opportunity to assist with her work for the Baltimore Dance Project in my sophomore year. Witnessing her rehearsal process and her creative mind inspires me as a dancer every day. As a teacher, professor Kemp always pushes me to be what she knows I am capable of, and she always supports me in achieving my goals.

Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?

A: UMBC is a place where you can find others who share your goals and are equally passionate.

Q: What part of your job do you enjoy the most and why?

A: As a Visual and Performing Arts Grit Guide, I absolutely love getting to share my passion for UMBC and its community! So far, I have truly found incredible opportunities in my time here, as well as a beloved home away from home with the family I have in this community.

Q: What brought you to UMBC in the first place?

A: I came to UMBC because of the opportunities it presented. I loved the Dance Department and its faculty, I would be able to both dance and continue my passions for visual art, and I was still close to home.

Q: Since you’ve been a part of the UMBC community, how have you found support of your WHY? Tell us about the people who have helped you at UMBC, and why it has made such a difference to you.

A: The UMBC community has helped me gain confidence in all my endeavors. I have met so many fellow Retrievers who inspire me with their passion and drive, and I have such incredible support from my professors who want to see me succeed. The community here has helped me to believe in myself more than anything.

Q: Are you involved in any campus organizations? Tell us about what you love about them!

A: I currently serve as the president for UMBC’s Dance Council of Majors. I am incredibly honored to be in this leadership position because we foster community engagement amongst those who love to move and groove.

* * * * *

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Now that the first week of classes is underway and you’re starting to find your new classrooms and make friends, you might be wondering how to make the most of this semester (whether it’s your first or last!) Faculty, staff, and students have chimed in to offer some advice for the year ahead, like embracing discomfort to help you grow, improving your financial literacy, and importantly, carving out your own ways to have fun.

Get money smart

Andrea Cipolla, director of financial aid and scholarships, explains how to get money smart while pursuing a degree: “Being financially responsible is an important aspect of the college experience. Make sure you utilize all the resources available to you. File your FASFA, participate in FinancialSmarts Cash Course to improve your financial awareness and skills, and file the Scholarship Retriever application every year.”

Take breaths and take charge

Ann Sofie Clemmensen, associate professor in dance and the Linehan Artist Scholars Program director, highlights the importance of taking a breath, just as much as taking charge: “Do not hesitate to ask your professor, a teaching assistant, academic advisor, or a classmate for help, whether that is asking for clarification on an assignment or advice. In college, you cannot take a passive role, so I encourage every student to take charge of their academic trajectory.” She also wants to remind students that, “Inhalation is the source of inspiration, the exhale is the work that follows… so remember to take in deep breaths. Make sure you carve out time and space to breathe.”

Clemmensen calls attention to a quote by the American filmmaker, David Lynch: “Ideas are like fish. If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you’ve got to go deeper. Down deep, the fish are more powerful and more pure.” She explains that, “as a student, I encourage you to check in with yourself to see if you are primarily swimming in shallow water. If so, find the courage and motivation to explore further out.”

Use the resources available

Senior dance major, Madison Kayser, offers her resourceful advice as a transfer student to fellow Retrievers: “Really invest time into using resources and events provided to you by the school. I know it seems pointless, but trust me it makes or breaks your experience in college.”

Find the people who motivate you

“Be open minded and explore” is the core of what Tamya Davis, senior psychology and social work double major, wants to remind her fellow students.

“There is a lot to do and experience so trying new things, whether it’s a class or a food, can be really fun. Campus also has a lot happening always so go to different events, different clubs, etc. Never be afraid of being uncomfortable; it just means you have an opportunity to grow.”

Tamya also highlights the importance of having fun; “The people you meet on campus will definitely make your experience better since you are building community and a support system. As cliché as it sounds, it really helps to have people around you to motivate you and share your passion.”

Kayla Logue ’27 is a 2025 UCM intern and Linehan Scholar who is majoring in dance.

Menstrual health can be a financial burden that many people quietly carry. On average, menstruating people spend $20 a month on period products, a total of around $18,000 in their lifetime. When I first started attending UMBC, on campus, like most places, I noticed that products aren’t freely accessible in bathrooms, leaving many students struggling to meet basic needs. But I would quickly learn, from my classes and my student work position, that at UMBC, you’re never “just a student,” but also a person who can create change.

That realization first took shape in the spring of 2023, during my freshman year. I was taking Dr. Kate Drabinski’s gender and women’s studies class on feminist activism, in which I worked with a group to advocate for free menstrual health products on campus. Looking for guidance, I reached out to the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center (WGEC). But what started as a class project turned into a deeper connection with the WGEC, ultimately leading me to apply for a student intern position that would last for four semesters.

Pushing past imposter syndrome

​When I began working at the WGEC, my initial assumption was that my role would primarily involve routine administrative tasks, such as managing the front desk, greeting visitors, and answering phone calls. Instead, as I became more immersed in the role, I was given the space to take on responsibilities that extended beyond administrative duties and required deeper involvement, such as facilitating a discussion group for women of color. After taking on these important tasks, I began to feel a sense of imposter syndrome—I felt unqualified to meet the expectations. Still, I pushed myself to take on the responsibilities of the job.

For the two years I worked there, my supervisors, Lauren Allen, director, and Zoe Brown, program coordinator, consistently encouraged me to go out of my comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally. I picked up skills on public speaking from the various activities the WGEC is involved in—from presenting my research on intersectional feminism at URCAD, to hosting panels, workshops, and discussion circles.

Working at the WGEC also allowed me to put my passion for social justice to use. Such as planning and engaging in the Take Back the Night (TBTN) rally to support survivors of sexual violence and raise awareness on campus. Despite the difficulties of navigating imposter syndrome, UMBC gave me many opportunities to make real change as “just a student worker.”

The skills I developed through working at the WGEC gave me the confidence and abilities to pursue other avenues—another step in learning to elevate my student voice. In March of 2024, I was a participant in the Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip through the Center for Democracy and Civic Life. Again, I had the opportunity to advocate for causes I was passionate about, in this case, specifically focusing on the incarceration system and improving life after incarceration. The lessons I learned during that five-day trip were invaluable.

I was so impassioned by this experience that I applied to become a leader for next year’s cohort of ASB participants. This time, the group focused on environmental justice and sustainability efforts in Baltimore City. We met with community leaders, organizations, city officials, and local communities directly impacted by the issues.

Discovering my self-reliance

Participating in these opportunities through the WGEC and the Center for Democracy and Civic Life instilled the belief that I could pursue significant endeavors. As a first-year student, I thought of UMBC as just another educational institution. Through participating in campus initiatives, I came to discover that UMBC is a community of change-makers, from our administration, to our faculty and staff, to the students. We’re always pushed to think outside the box and question everything we think we already know.

Taking on leadership roles while being supported by the WGEC has allowed me to transform self-doubt into self-reliance, something I didn’t pick up on until college. I drew confidence from trusting that my supervisors and peers recognized strengths in me that I hadn’t fully seen, which reinforced my belief in my own potential.

Although my project advocating for free menstrual products has yet to come to fruition, the work continues. Through other student groups, SGA committees, and proposals, I have hope that this vision will be realized. In the meantime, the WGEC has many free resources available.

My advice to fellow Retrievers is, get involved. It’s never too late to explore all the opportunities available at UMBC. Always remember that the connections you make and the lessons you learn here will stay with you long after your academic journey is over. Get engaged, ask the big questions, push yourself to achieve your goals, and influence the world. The UMBC community will be right there with you along your journey.

Learn more about UMBC’s Center for Democracy and Civic Life, and the Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center.

Tanzila Malik is a senior majoring in women’s studies and a 2025 UCM intern. 

The other morning at breakfast, I told my son I could draw an infinite line on two sides of a single piece of paper. He, of course, scoffed. So, I found a scrap sheet, made a half twist of the paper, added a crucial piece of tape, and proceeded to blow his mind with his very first Möbius strip.

Now, am I equipped to explain why a Möbius strip works the way it works? I am not. But, did I open the door to a “whoa!” moment—and the possibility of him finding it out for himself? Absolutely.

Every day at UMBC, you’ll find plenty of “whoa” moments—occasions of curiosity and delight that challenge minds and broaden perspective—across the disciplines. And best of all, these moments can happen to anyone, anywhere, because we’re all about opening doors here.

One great example is quantum, a timely topic—and “the future of Maryland,” as our governor puts it. We have amazing alums harnessing this information to build secure communications and ultra-precise sensing, but they—like all of us—started out as curious students. They just needed to show up and have their minds blown!

An eye-opening moment at Artscape brought our cover-story subject Nema Robinson to UMBC in a roundabout way—now, she is poised to be the full-circle door-opener to a new generation of music students. And what could be more whoa-inducing than being able to build whatever you might dream up in a campus makerspace or to collectively flex your imagination with friends through long-term gaming communities?

I recently celebrated a pretty major milestone at UMBC—my 20-year work anniversary. And in that time, I have experienced a bunch of personal “whoa” moments, many of which I have had the honor of sharing right here. So many Retrievers have opened my eyes—and now, as my work at UMBC evolves, it’s my turn to open a door of my own.

I am happy to share that starting with this fall’s issue, managing editor Randianne Leyshon ’09 will be taking on the mantle of editor of UMBC Magazine. She is smart, kind, and curious, and I am so happy for her—and for all of you, who will benefit from her excellent editorial leadership going forward.

Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves with me over the years, dear Retrievers. I look forward to seeing you around campus!

Meet Merryll Kallungal, a brand new graduate of the translational life science technology program at UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove. In this program, students like Merryll learn hands-on skills through biotechnology labs and other applied experiences. We’re excited to hear all about her experience. Take it away, Merryll!

Q: What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you?

A: I majored in translational life science technology (TLST). I mainly attended the USG campus. I was part of the Peer Advisory Team. Outside of classes, I am interested in dancing, reading, and enjoying time with family.

Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?

A: All of the professors have been so wonderful in helping me with any questions i had, whether it be about classes or internship. Your advisors will always be helpful in figuring out what steps you have to take when it comes to registering for classes and also when looking for internships.

Q: What did you love most about the translational life sciences program at UMBC-Shady Grove?

A: What I love about the TLST program is how close the students are with each other since we are smaller major. Also, how I was able to have that one-on-one relationship with my advisor who is also my professor.

Q: What brought you to UMBC in the first place?

A: I came to UMBC at USG because the program that I was interested was only offered at USG. Plus at USG, the smaller classes allowed me to interact with my professor and get any help I need.

Q: Were you a student leader? What did you like most about it? What advice would you give incoming students?

A: Aside from being the Vice President of the Biotech Club, I was also part of the USG student council, and both these leadership experiences have helped me immensely to become a better student and also improve my leadership skills.

Q: Where are you headed from here, now that you’ve graduated?

A: My post graduation plans are to enter the work field and join a biotech company where I was an intern for the past year, then slowly think about joining graduate school for my master’s.

* * * * *

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.

Meet Garvey Chu, a first generation transfer student who is about to complete his degree in mechanical engineering at UMBC at the Universities at Shady Grove. He’s also the recipient of a Mechanical Engineering Trailblazers scholarship. When he’s not in class, you might find Garvey enjoying some recreation time. We’re excited to see what he does next. Take it away, Garvey!

Q: Briefly introduce yourself. What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you?

A: My current area of study is mechanical engineering and I attend the Shady Grove campus. Outside of that, I enjoy going to the gym or just playing sports like golf and basketball. Currently I am in the final weeks of my undergraduate degree.

Q: Tell us about the support you’ve gotten as a student, or someone in the community who has inspired you or supported you, and how they did it.

A: The advisors at Shady Grove have been great. And, I feel that the professors at Shady Grove have played a significant role in introducing me to new fields and aspects of engineering. Specifically, Prof. [Adam] Bridendolph and Dr. [Joseph] Washington have shared their personal experiences in areas that I was previously unaware of. Professor Bridendolph has expertise in the automation side of engineering, while Dr. Washington specializes in biomechanics. Both of them have really opened my eyes to new possible areas in my future career.

Q: What brought you to UMBC in the first place?

A: I came to UMBC because they offered mechanical engineering and also because the convenience of the Shady Grove campus, which was really close to my home. I also heard that the professors in the STEM programs were very good.

Q: Tell us about what excites you about your academic program, what you hope to do after graduation.

A: I’m excited about having the ability to design machines or products. And, I really enjoyed the senior capstone project, where the team was tasked with developing an automated sortation machine. Not only myself, but the team members had limited exposure to many of the components the system consisted of such as pneumatics, PLC programming, and wiring. It was a totally new experience for us. Because of our selected project, we even had the opportunity to visit a technical college that had a department specializing in automation in West Virginia. I really enjoyed that visit. After graduation, I’m hoping to work in a field related to the automotive industry, satellites, or defense. 

* * * * *

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.

Meet Camilla Sandoval ’17, history, M.A. ’19, historical studies, a first-generation student who spent part of her time on each of UMBC’s campuses before graduating and putting her studies to work. Today, she spends her days as the program coordinator for grants with Maryland Humanities, where she still employs lessons learned from her time as a Retriever. Thanks for sharing your story, Camilla!

Q: Briefly introduce yourself. What’s one essential thing you’d want another Retriever to know about you?

A: I am a first-generation college student, and I studied history and public history at UMBC’s Shady Grove campus (for my bachelor’s) and main campus (for my master’s). Both experiences were instrumental to my professional and personal growth. It was at UMBC where I started recognizing the humanities as a tool for community empowerment.

Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone to know about the support you find here?

A: It was hard for me to accept when I had to ask for help—especially when I didn’t know what I didn’t know. But once I did, I found enormous support in my professors and in my cohort. They helped the academic experience feel less isolating and pushed me to believe in myself as much as they believed in me.

Q: Where do you work? What do you enjoy most about it?

A: I’m currently the program coordinator for grants at Maryland Humanities, our state humanities council. In my role, I’m part of our grantmaking efforts. I’m able to help small humanities organizations across the state get access to funding that can be used for general operating expenses. I get the most joy out of hearing our grant recipients talk about using funds to continue preserving their local history or being able to keep their doors open for the communities they serve.

Q: Tell us about your primary WHY, and how it led you to UMBC. 

A: I came to UMBC because it was my best opportunity to study my field of interest while staying close to my family. I came with the hope of finding guidance and direction. I always loved history and knew it was important for understanding myself and the world, but I needed to learn how that translated into a career in which I could use the skills to support and lift up my community and culture. My family and community gave me everything they could, and I was committed to setting myself up on a career path in which I could contribute back in any way I could.

Q: Tell us about the people who helped you grow at UMBC, and why their HOW made such a difference to you.

A: My time at UMBC introduced me to new ideas and opened opportunities I didn’t know existed, and helped me out of my comfort zone to develop my skills. I left with deeper appreciation for history and a better belief in myself. My history and public history professors were especially impactful. They guided me as a first-generation college student, encouraged me to consider going for my master’s degree, and led me to internships that served as critical stepping stones in my career. The history department at both UMBC- Shady Grove and the Catonsville campus were the biggest difference makers in my education and they have continued to support me in my professional career.

* * * * *

UMBC’s greatest strength is its people. When people meet Retrievers and hear about the passion they bring, the relationships they create, the ways they support each other, and the commitment they have to inclusive excellence, they truly get a sense of our community. That’s what “Meet a Retriever” is all about.

Learn more about how UMBC can help you achieve your goals.