Founded on the principles of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a Beloved Community, the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) EMBRACE Initiative strives to dismantle systems of oppression and create a world that is just, equitable, and safe for all. EMBRACE operates with the firm belief that “Everybody can be great because everyone can serve.”   

This guiding philosophy has driven the initiative’s work.   

“Through its work, EMBRACE is helping to realize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of a Beloved Community, as seen in the transformative programs and initiatives it continues to implement. Dr. King’s statement that ‘injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’ also drives EMBRACE’s work in equity and justice,” said Kyla Liggett-Creel, PhD, LCSW-C, executive director of EMBRACE.  

For its work, the EMBRACE Initiative has been recognized as UMB’s 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Recognition Award winner for outstanding faculty.  

EMBRACE leads efforts to help release youth from detention centers and supports formerly incarcerated individuals in assisting others transitioning back into society. The initiative partners with the Department of Human Services, Department of Juvenile Services, and Department of Corrections and Public Safety to deliver coordinated, equity-based care for system-involved families, with case managers who have personal experience with these systems.   

A particularly unique aspect of the EMBRACE Initiative’s approach is its centering the leadership of individuals with lived experience to guide the work. Youth, peer recovery specialists, and returning citizens serve as mentors, coordinators, case managers, and leaders within the program. This model not only supports participants to become agents of change, but it also ensures that the work is informed by the real-world experiences of those most affected by the issues at hand.  

The EMBRACE Initiative’s impact has been profound. Through its youth development programs, the initiative has trained 77 youth as mental health advocates, resulting in reduced stigma and increased interest in pursuing careers in mental health. The initiative’s community-based violence prevention efforts have also been highly effective.   

EMBRACE has facilitated community cohesion-building activities, conflict resolution, and direct support for those impacted by violence. The impact of these efforts can be seen in the hundreds of community members who have accessed vital services, from housing and substance use treatment referrals to employment support and academic mentorship.  

In total, EMBRACE has facilitated over 6,000 case management sessions, delivered more than 180 sessions focused on nutrition and healthy living, and conducted numerous community events aimed at fostering systemwide transformation.   

Collaboration lies at the heart of the EMBRACE Initiative. Liggett-Creel shared that “collaboration is essential to EMBRACE’s mission, working alongside organizations such as the Peace Team, We Our Us, and Heartsmiles — groups with firsthand experience of incarceration, trauma, mental health services, and violence. Together, they form the EMBRACE Team, united by a commitment to community-driven transformative change.”   

In addition to its partnerships with community-based organizations, EMBRACE has worked closely with state agencies such as the Department of Juvenile Services, Department of Human Services, and the Department of Corrections and Public Safety. These partnerships have helped ensure that EMBRACE’s services are aligned with existing systems and that the needs of the community are being met through coordinated, equity-based approaches.  

Liggett-Creel has played a pivotal role in the program’s success. With over 16 years of experience at UMB, Liggett-Creel has been a leader in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion both within the University and the broader community. She facilitated the Boys and Young Men of Color Strategic Planning and also served as one of the facilitators for the Squeegee Collaborative, served on numerous advisory boards, and advocated for policies that reduce barriers for minority communities. Dr. Liggett-Creel was also a member of the Presidents Diversity Advisory Council at UMB.  

The staff and partners involved in the EMBRACE Initiative also embody King’s ideals through their tireless work. Staff members dedicate countless hours to supporting youth, providing case management services, and offering therapeutic interventions. What sets the EMBRACE Initiative apart is its dedication to creating lasting, sustainable change by integrating lived experience into its operations. By ensuring that a significant portion of the team consists of returning citizens, adults who grew up in foster care, and peer recovery specialists, EMBRACE leads with authenticity and empathy. This commitment to collaboration, respect, and shared power makes the initiative unique in its approach to addressing systemic inequality.  

“I’m humbled and grateful that EMBRACE is receiving this award,” said Liggett-Creel. “EMBRACE is mission-driven, and we strive on a daily basis to uphold the vision of Martin Luther King Jr. To be recognized by the UMB community as being even close to achieving this goal is amazing. We will continue to build, support, and partner with the beloved Baltimore community.”   

— Monica Castillo Maggiano