Tanyka M. Barber (she/her)
How long have you been at UMBC? : 32 months
How would you describe your role within the Division of Institutional Equity?
I have the privilege of leading a team of 30+ dedicated staff who help the university live up to its core value of inclusive excellence.
Can you share a moment or experience that shaped your passion for equity and inclusion work?
My passion for equity and inclusion work in the higher education setting was impacted by a few experiences. I was the one of three Black people in my class from first through third grade. That was a very isolating, foundational experience for me. I am also a first-generation college graduate. My education afforded me with the privilege to see firsthand how education can change the trajectory for not only myself, but also for my daughter, and other family members. I believe everyone should be afforded the same access to education. I went to Morgan State University, an HBCU, for my undergraduate education. Upon graduating from Morgan, I went to Johns Hopkins University for graduate school. These were two disparate experiences that allowed me to see the vast resource disparities between the two institutions and allowed me to see the connection between community and belonging and academic achievement.
What is one initiative or project you're currently working on that excites you?
I cannot pick just one. I am excited about all of the transformative work happening within the division. Through the Office of Community and Culture, the Office of Accessibility and Disability Services, and the Office of Equity and Civil Rights, we work each day to cultivate a campus community where every individual is empowered to thrive, transform, and contribute to a culture of inclusive excellence.
Outside of work, what's something that brings you joy or helps you recharge?
Spending time with my family, especially my 25 year old daughter, Skye, and my Yorkie granddog, Giovanni.
Can you share a book/quote/movie or something others can engage with from your perspective of inclusive excellence.
"If you are free, you need to free somebody else. If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else." – Toni Morrison