Inside DOIE

Role within the Division: Senior Director of the Women's, Gender, & Equity Center & Advocacy Services 

How long have you been at UMBC? 3 years- UMBC, 1.5 years -DOIE

How would you describe your role within the Division of Institutional Equity? 

As Senior Director of the Women’s, Gender, & Equity Center and Advocacy Services, I lead initiatives that advance gender equity through an intersectional feminist and critical social justice lens, overseeing advocacy services and identity-based programs that center marginalized communities. Through cross-campus collaboration, I work to align institutional systems, strengthen equitable access, and foster environments where all students can belong and receive support.

Can you share a moment or experience that shaped your passion for equity and inclusion work?

My passion for equity and inclusion work was shaped through my early work with individuals navigating trauma, identity-based harm, and systemic barriers within institutional settings. Witnessing how marginalized voices were often overlooked strengthened my commitment to advocacy and to advancing equity through a critical social justice lens, work that continues to guide my leadership today.

What is one initiative or project you’re currently working on that excites you?

Rather than one specific initiative, what excites me most is the collective impact of our work and the partnerships that make it possible. Through strong collaboration across campus, we’re able to support students not only through Title IX processes but also in navigating academic and other challenges, creating more coordinated and responsive systems of care.

Outside of work, what’s something that brings you joy or helps you recharge? 

Outside of work, I enjoy yoga, going to the gym, and spending time in nature as ways to recharge. I also love being with family and friends, and when I’m not focused on my dissertation, I enjoy relaxing with a good book.

Can you share a book/quote/movie or something others can engage with from your perspective of inclusive excellence?

A quote that grounds my work comes from bell hooks: “Feminism is for everybody.” It reminds me that inclusive excellence is not just about access, but about transforming systems so that all people can fully belong and thrive. This perspective shapes how I lead, centering intersectionality, advocacy, and critical social justice in the programs, partnerships, and systems we build to support students.