CWIT Spring Into Leadership
On April 20, 2026, the Center for Women in Technology at UMBC gathered to celebrate the students and CWIT partners at the annual Spring into Leadership and Community Awards.
The annual event is designed to foster networking and leadership dialogue and to celebrate the campus partners, mentors, and students who amplify the CWIT vision and mission to be change agents in creating technology workplaces that are diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The evening recognized the profound impact of scholars, students, mentors, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to the academic, professional, and personal success of the CWIT community within UMBC and their broader dedication to these values.
Carolyn Seaman, professor of information systems and CWIT Director, and UMBC Provost Manfred H.M. Dulmen delivered the Welcome and Opening Remarks. The event keynote speaker, Shannon Clancy, '19, mechanical engineering, shared how CWIT and UMBC shaped her teaching, research, and leadership philosophy, inspiring her to create inclusive communities grounded in care, joy, and support networks. Clancy is currently an assistant professor of engineering at Elizabethtown College in south central Pennsylvania.Photo: Dr. Shannon Clancy '19, mechanical engineering was this year's Spring into Leadership keynote speaker. (Photo courtesy of Jess Meyers)
2026 awardees were presented by CWIT staff members.
- Outstanding Campus Partner – Gina King and Jeff Cullen
- Outstanding Research Partner – Roberto Yus
- Outstanding Alumni Partner – Candice Scarborough
- Outstanding Professional Partner – Mariela Guardado
- Exemplary Peer Mentor – Fisayo Oyoloya
- Exemplary Faculty Mentor – Bill Ryan
- Exemplary Industry Mentor – Rithy Chhay
- Student Academic Excellence – Hannah Mathew
- Student Professional Excellence – Hazael Magino
- Student Inclusive Excellence – Xavier Cohen
- Student Personal Excellence – Yael Chookrun
- Shining Star – Amaiyah Johnson and Jade Stanley
The event also celebrated student recipients of donor-supported scholarships and fall 2025 and spring 2026 graduates.
Congratulations to all awardees this year and to everyone who builds and sustains the CWIT community.