Are you ready to grow professionally, expand your network, and represent your institution in a dynamic, multi-campus experience? The Building Bridges Across Maryland (BBAM) program is now accepting interest forms for the 2026-2027 cohort.
What Is BBAM?
BBAM is a nine-month professional development and networking program designed to support staff in administrative roles across University System of Maryland (USM) institutions and select private colleges and universities. The program blends monthly in-person and virtual sessions, offering a rich, collaborative learning experience.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible staff must:
- Be in their current role for at least one year
- Receive supervisor approval to participate
- Be prepared to commit to attending monthly sessions
Each participating institution may send up to five staff members.
Program Highlights:
- Kickoff: Meet your cohort and learn what to expect in August
- Monthly Sessions: Meet September through March, typically on the second Thursday of each month
- Graduation: Celebrate your achievement with your supervisor and peers in April
Topics for This Year Include:
- Discovering Your Strengths — Using Gallup’s Clifton Strengths Assessment
- Career Planning
- Networking, Influencing & Personal Branding
- Living the Productive Life
- Gaining the Skills that Lead to Success
- Building Bridges with Self-Care
- Becoming a Champion of Inclusion
Participating Institutions in 2025-2026 Included:
University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB); University of Maryland, Baltimore County; University of Baltimore; Towson University; McDaniel College; Notre Dame of Maryland University; Loyola University Maryland; and Goucher College
2025-2026 Cohort Participants
This year, UMB was able to send seven people to the BBAM program. This year’s cohort consisted of:
- Emali Drewniak, administrative specialist, School of Medicine (SOM) — Neurology
- Elly Gasaway, event sponsorship specialist, University of Maryland, Medicine Philanthropy
- Gehan Girguis, Law & Health Care Program specialist, Francis King Carey School of Law
- Kasarah Johnson, business services specialist, Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research, School of Pharmacy
- McKinley Keegan, lead administrative specialist, Office of Academic Administration, Dean’s Office, SOM
- Heather Skogebo, program management specialist, Operations and Maintenance —Service Center
- Camille Tyler, executive assistant, Center for Information Technology Services
What Participants Say about the Program:
“Attending BBAM has helped me better articulate what I want and need to grow in my time at UMB.”
“The social aspects of the program were important.”
“Visiting and touring other campuses helped with networking.”
“BBAM played a key role in my personal and professional development by building my confidence and encouraging honest reflection on my abilities. It helped me recognize where others’ skills enhance my own and fostered connections that continue to influence how I approach teamwork and leadership.”
What Supervisors Say about the Program:
“McKinley Keegan has experienced significant growth as a result of her participation in the Building Bridges Across Maryland program. Already an exceptional champion of inclusion at multiple levels within UMB, Ms. Keegan has expanded her impact across various campuses. Through this program, she has developed greater self-confidence and effectively applied skills in networking, influence, and personal branding to her everyday professional presence. Additionally, the program has equipped her with valuable skills that will support her continued success.” — Lisa Kummer, administrative analyst
“Emali has truly valued her experience in the Building Bridges Across Maryland (BBAM) program. Throughout her time in the program, she has built meaningful connections with fellow University of Maryland, Baltimore colleagues, and these relationships have played an important role in her growth and engagement across campus. Since beginning BBAM, Emali has demonstrated notable development in her role, and I look forward to seeing her continued success and contributions moving forward.” — Dawn Flair, administrative director
Interested?
Submit your interest form by Friday, July 10, to be considered for the 2026-2027 cohort. UMB participants will be selected by July 30.
For questions, contact Jessica Harrington, senior consultant, Employee Learning and Development, at jlharrington@umaryland.edu.
Let’s build bridges — together!