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Nonviolence was once considered the highest form of activism and radical change. And yet its basic truth, its restorative power, has been forgotten. In Healing Resistance, leading Kingian Nonviolence trainer Kazu Haga blazingly reclaims the energy and assertiveness of nonviolent practice (utilized by the Women’s March and Black Lives Matter), and proves that nonviolent civil resistance remains the most effective strategy for social change in hostile times. Kingian Nonviolence takes on the timely issues of endless protest and activist burnout, and presents tried-and-tested strategies for staying resilient, creating equity, and restoring peace.
By: Isy Davy
Photo Credit: Malik Gay
Meet Malik Gay, a 2023 graduate of UMBC’s Media and Communication Studies program. After transferring from the University of Hartford, Malik searched for a school that aligned with his athletic and academic goals. What he found at UMBC wasn’t just a degree; it was a supportive, tight-knit community that helped him sharpen his voice, expand his perspective, and explore media as a tool for connection, creativity, and change.
Today, Malik is a Junior Media Buyer at WHITE64, a full-service advertising agency based in Northern Virginia. His role places him at the forefront of campaign execution, collaborating with clients across the DMV area to help them meet strategic advertising goals. It’s a dynamic, fast-paced space where Malik thrives, bringing together data-driven insight and creative thinking to help brands tell the right stories to audiences.
His interest in media didn’t begin after graduation; it was strengthened throughout his time at UMBC. He credits the MCS program for helping him understand the broader impact of media in society and encouraging critical thinking through collaboration and mentorship. “Learning alongside talented peers and being taught by professors who genuinely cared about our success beyond the classroom was invaluable,” Malik shares.
One of the most memorable projects from his time in the program was a media literacy class competition that challenged students to gain as much traction as possible on TikTok in one week. “I may or may not have won!” he jokes. But the real takeaway wasn’t just winning, it was learning how platform algorithms work, creating engaging content, and tapping into trends that resonate with audiences. These are the exact skills he now uses every day in the world of digital media.
That hands-on experience also speaks to a deeper pattern in Malik’s journey: a consistent sense of intention. Malik approaches his work purposefully when managing a group project or strategising with clients. For him, it’s not about producing content just to keep up, it’s about understanding who it’s for, why it matters, and how it can impact.
After graduating, Malik continued to grow personally and professionally by enrolling in UMBC’s Community Leadership Graduate Certificate program. The experience deepened his connection to the Baltimore community and broadened his view of what it means to lead with empathy. “It gave me a fresh perspective on the Baltimore community and reinforced the importance of supporting those around me,” he reflects.
Looking ahead, Malik has his sights set on continued growth, not just within the advertising industry but also in his personal development and community involvement. In the next five years, he hopes to keep evolving in his career, stay curious about new technologies, and give back to others navigating early career challenges. His balance of ambition and community-mindedness makes him a powerful example for current students looking to make a meaningful impact in media.
Malik’s advice is simple but powerful for those still figuring out their path: “Build and nurture relationships within the UMBC community, especially in the MCS department. Your peers and professors are incredible resources, so engage with them, learn from each other, and maintain those connections long after graduation.”
Though still early in his career, Malik has already proven what’s possible when intention meets action. His story reminds us that when used thoughtfully, media can do more than inform or entertain; it can improve lives, build communities, and inspire meaningful change.
Grad students, you’ve powered through papers, projects, and late-night study sessions, now let us power your morning!
Swing by for FREE breakfast today from 10 - 11 AM as we celebrate everyone graduating this semester. Come grab a bite and hang out with OGSL!
Courtney shares her 8-year journey in desktop support at UMBC, highlighting career growth, technical skills, and future goals in cybersecurity.
Building a successful career in information technology is rarely a straight path. It’s a journey marked by learning, adaptation, and the relationships you forge along the way. Courtney Burkett’s story, as shared in her candid reflection on eight years at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), offers a compelling look at what it takes to thrive in desktop support and beyond. From her beginnings as a specialist to her current role as manager for desktop support (client services), Courtney’s experience is a testament to the power of flexibility, continuous learning, and the value of human connection in the tech world.
In this article, we’ll explore the key themes from Courtney’s journey: the importance of technical growth, the impact of networking, the necessity of flexibility, and the role of memorable experiences in shaping a fulfilling career.
Courtney’s career at UMBC began in a specialist position within the Division of Information Technology (DoIT). With an undergraduate degree in graphic design from Stevenson University, she entered the world of desktop support seeking to expand her technical expertise. This transition wasn’t just about changing job titles—it was about embracing a new set of challenges and acquiring skills that would open doors in the future.
Her initial role provided the foundation for her growth. As she moved from specialist to coordinator and eventually to manager, Courtney’s journey was marked by a willingness to learn and adapt. The fluidity of her career path at UMBC highlights a crucial lesson for anyone entering the IT field: be open to new opportunities, even if they take you outside your comfort zone.
Courtney’s time at UMBC has been defined by a commitment to building technical knowledge. She highlights several key areas where she’s developed expertise, including:
Building software packages and working with System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).
Imaging computers and managing hardware deployments.
Understanding phone infrastructure through VoIP projects.
These hands-on experiences have not only enhanced her technical skill set but also increased her confidence in tackling complex IT challenges. For anyone looking to advance in IT support, Courtney’s journey illustrates the value of seeking out practical, real-world learning opportunities.
Courtney attributes much of her career growth to the relationships she’s built at UMBC. She encourages new employees—whether students or full-time staff—to branch out, make connections, and network across the campus community.
In her words, “I’ve met some amazing people here at UMBC and I truly believe that the connections and the networks and the relationships I’ve made have really helped elevate my career and really get me to where I am today.”
Networking isn’t just about advancing your career; it’s about building a support system, learning from others, and creating opportunities for collaboration. In the often fast-paced world of IT, these relationships can make all the difference.
Courtney’s experience also highlights the long-term value of professional relationships. She notes that people she met a decade ago have reappeared in her life, sometimes in unexpected ways. This underscores the importance of treating every interaction as an opportunity to build lasting connections.
For those just starting out, her advice is clear: don’t underestimate the power of networking. The relationships you build today may open doors tomorrow.
While technical expertise is essential in desktop support, Courtney emphasizes that customer service is equally important. Her role requires not only solving technical problems but also building rapport with users and colleagues.
Being approachable, responsive, and empathetic can set you apart in IT support. Courtney’s success as a manager is rooted in her ability to connect with people, understand their needs, and provide solutions that make a difference.
One of Courtney’s standout memories from her time at UMBC is her first major project: deploying VoIP phones at the Columbus Center in 2017. This project introduced her to the complexities of phone infrastructure and provided valuable experience that would serve her well in future initiatives.
Even years later, colleagues still seek her expertise on VoIP systems—a testament to the lasting impact of hands-on project work. For IT professionals, taking ownership of projects and seeing them through to completion can be both rewarding and career-defining.
Courtney’s commitment to growth extends beyond her day-to-day work. She’s set to graduate with a master’s degree in Information Systems, with a focus on cybersecurity. This advanced education is not only a personal achievement but also a strategic step toward her future goals.
Her interest in cybersecurity reflects a broader trend in IT, where security expertise is increasingly in demand. By aligning her education with industry needs, Courtney is positioning herself for continued success and new opportunities.
With her master’s degree and hands-on experience, Courtney hopes to transition into cybersecurity, focusing on incident tracking and mitigation. Her journey illustrates the importance of setting long-term goals and taking deliberate steps to achieve them.
For those considering a similar path, her story is a reminder that career growth is a continuous process. Whether through formal education, on-the-job learning, or networking, every step you take brings you closer to your aspirations.
Courtney will be graduating in May 2025 from UMBC, with an MS in Information Systems. Congratulations Courtney!
Watch her complete video here!
The first draft of the above announcement was generated using GenAI and edited by the Division of Information Technology Communications and IT teams.
Facility Closure Notice
The RAC will be closed for maintenance and the Memorial Day holiday from May 22–26. We’ll be using this time to prepare for a great summer ahead!
We’ll reopen for the Summer Session on Tuesday, May 27 at 8 AM.
Thank you for your understanding, and we can’t wait to see you back soon!
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