We're excited to announce that GEARS is partnering with the UMBC Career Center and the Office of Professional Programs to bring you - 

BYDB: Building Your Digital Brand, an interactive workshop designed to help you intentionally shape your online presence in today's competitive job market.

📅 April 28
🕔 5:00–7:00 p.m.
📍UMBC Commons, Room 329

Your digital presence plays a critical role in how employers, recruiters, and professional contacts perceive you, often before you ever submit an application or attend an interview. This event will help you take control of that narrative, starting with LinkedIn.

We'll explore the value of personal branding and why LinkedIn remains one of the most powerful tools for networking, career exploration, and professional visibility. Then we'll move beyond theory and into action through guided, hands-on activities where you will:

• Identify your brand core and craft a clear value proposition statement

• Translate your strengths, interests, and goals into a brand identity board

• Create a custom, branded LinkedIn cover photo

• Participate in a show-and-tell to share your work and gather inspiration from peers

Whether you're actively job searching, networking, or simply refining how you present yourself online, you'll leave with a clearer message, stronger visuals, and tangible updates ready to apply to your profile.

Snacks will be provided! Come with a device (laptop/iPad) to be able to work together! 

We hope to see you there; drop any questions in the comments below and share this with your fellow grad students!

Save your spot now through this Handshake link! 

Overall Series Description:

Crafting Your Story is a signature series  from the Center for Social Justice Dialogue with programs designed and facilitated by Social Justice Dialogue Facilitation Fellows. Programs in this series explore storytelling as a powerful practice rooted in identity, culture, and community. At CYS events, participants will reflect upon and share their own cultural stories, create their own craft project, and learn how cultures around the world have used crafting, such as stitching, beading, quilting, and other art forms, to tell and preserve stories. 

Session Descriptions:

1. The Significance of Clay

Monday March 30, 2025 · 3:30-5:00pm Commons 331 

Event Link: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/events/152167

Join us for an evening of crafting, storytelling, and connection! We will learn about clay's significance to various cultures, and discuss the role of culture in modern-day society. Discussion will be accompanied by a clay tile decorating craft. All are welcome! 

1. Crochet & Connect 

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 · 12:00 – 2:00 PM Commons 329

Event Link: https://my3.my.umbc.edu/groups/csjd/events/152300

Join us for a creative and reflective afternoon of crochet, storytelling, and dialogue! Together, we'll learn crochet basics while engaging in guided conversation about identity, growth, challenges, and community. Each round of crochet will introduce a reflection prompt, creating space to craft not just yarn, but meaningful connection. No crochet experience is necessary. All materials, snacks, and refreshments will be provided. Come craft your story, connect with others, and build community stitch by stitch.

To request accommodation(s) or inquire about accessibility, please contact csjdialogue@umbc.edu with "Crafting Your Story" in the subject line. This event is open for all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected category under applicable federal law, state law, and the University's nondiscrimination policy."

Join us for the UMBC Annual Research Symposium 2026, featuring poster presentations showcasing research from all colleges at UMBC. Whether you are presenting or attending, this is a great opportunity to share ideas, engage with research from across campus, and connect with fellow scholars. There will also be a Panel Discussion afterward with the VP for Student Affairs and Vice Provost/Dean of the Graduate School and VP for Institutional Equity/Chief Diversity Officer!

Date: April 7, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: UC Ballroom

Who You Are:

• A graduate or undergraduate student from any college at UMBC who wants to share their research with the university community.

What to Expect:

• Poster Presentations from students across CAHSS, COEIT, and CNMS. Come and explore groundbreaking work from all corners of UMBC.

• $2,500 Prize Pool across four categories:

• BEST of CAHSS (College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences)

• BEST of COEIT (College of Engineering and Information Technology)

• BEST of CNMS (College of Natural and Mathematical Sciences)

• Provost's Choice Award

• People's Choice Award

• Buffet Lunch for All Attendees – Enjoy a catered lunch featuring a variety of cuisines to accommodate diverse dietary preferences.

• Limited Free Poster Printing is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to bring posters they have already prepared for previous conferences or presentations.

Whether you are presenting your research or just want to explore the exciting projects happening across UMBC, we welcome you to participate in this celebration of academic excellence.

Click the link here to register today, or scan the QR code in the flyer! Full URL below:

https://forms.gle/AYC5NiG917QULX8NA

Follow our Instagram @gears_umbc for other updates on events and things! 

Permanent accommodation available (1BHK) from Feb 20th, 2026. Maiden Choice Apartments