I am so grateful for the UMBrella scholarship, which allowed me the opportunity to participate in the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute’s seventh cohort of the Professional Leadership Program for Women at Towson University. The four-month program encompassed so much more than leadership skills.

We were led by facilitator Joanne Smikle, PhD, a leadership and coaching guru. She orchestrated thought-provoking and engaging activities to enhance our levels of self-awareness.

We identified our top strengths as a foundation for leadership rather than focusing on areas needing improvement. That was a new and energizing assessment. I had the chance to explore my purpose and my core values, and how I can use my influence to fuel my life and career aspirations. It was a transformational experience for me. This process helped unveil a pattern in my purpose — as throughout my 20-plus-year professional career in varying roles, I’ve supported, coordinated, or managed programming and projects that create opportunities for marginalized and underrepresented groups including women, immigrants and refugees, economically disadvantaged families, and returning citizens. Similarly, I find ways of making contributions to specific social causes through giving of my personal time, monetary or creative donations. This common thread is etched in my career path and will always be an important part of my work and my life.

I connected with this group of 16 self-determined women from an array of fields, industries, and levels of leadership. Within this safe space, we shared personal stories of our insecurities, challenges, successes, and future goals. I learned a lot from hearing others tell their truths and found inspiration to tell mine as well.

What’s best? We’ve kept in touch since completing the program in May 2022. From occasional social outings to regular chats on our GroupMe app, we’re able to maintain that sense of encouragement, support, and humor that we developed in such a short period of time.

I feel even better equipped to lead and motivated to make more of a social impact. Thank you, UMBrella!

Paulette Harris-Gross, MS
Senior Community Program Specialist, Office of the President