Three Questions with ... Briana Lawson, Director of Staff Culture & Professional Wellbeing
Name: Briana Lawson
Pronouns: she/her
Title: Director of Staff Culture & Professional Wellbeing
Years in Student Affairs/at UMBC: 10 years in higher education, 1 year at UMBC
What is something you do as part of your position that people may not be aware of?
My work—the initiatives, development opportunities, staff events, workflows, processes, etc— it’s all in an effort to create a more stabilized infrastructure that we can continue to build upon. My goal is to create and sustain our staff foundation so that we are always best situated to be in service of our students. Oh, and I am the most likely culprit behind random sticky notes of my shenanigans in and/or around your office spaces.
What is one of the most important things you’ve learned during your time here?
In order to reimagine the future, we have to start by reimaging our present. This looks like leaning into the asks, the offers, the different strategies, varying opinions, and even the farfetched visions within our division. Yes, it might cost each of us a little bit of time, effort, optimism, or even vulnerability to try something new, but the real time knowledge, connection, or data from both shortcomings and success are priceless. We have so many colleagues that are passionate about doing great work, and the best way to support the manifestation of that greatness, is to collectively lean in.
What do you like to do for fun and/or is something you are passionate about outside of work?
5 a.m. gym sessions, strawberry and banana smoothies, all-inclusive resorts, and Taco Tuesday on Thursdays bring me joy! I also love watching and playing competitive adult kickball, thrifting, and solo movie and dinner dates.
Bonus question: Anything else you would like to share?
I’m a Midwest girl born and bred in the Sunflower and Show-Me states, and there are three things you should definitely know about me: integrity is my #1 value, direct communication is my default, and when given a window of opportunity, I will shenan…again, and again, and again.
"Three Questions with ..." is a feature in DoSA Matters, the monthly divisional newsletter.