Bloom Bosses brought students, staff, and women leaders together for hands-on networking and practical insights on leadership, resilience, and career growth.
The Student Success Center recently hosted Bloom Bosses Succulents, a dynamic, hands-on event designed to foster meaningful connections among students, staff, and women leaders across campus.
Through an interactive format, participants engaged in small-group rotations while creating mini-succulent terrariums — an intentional activity that grounded conversations in reflection and growth.
The event brought together influential leaders such as Rhea Roper Nedd, PhD, MA, assistant vice president, Office of Inclusive Excellence and Institutional Effectiveness, UMB; Cori Alonso-Yoder, JD, assistant professor of law and director of the Immigration Clinic, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law; Nicole Palmore, MSW, executive director of the Office of Employee and Organizational Success, Administration and Finance; and Alison Watkins, MS, JD, conflict of interest officer and assistant vice president, Office of Accountability and Compliance, offering attendees direct access to professionals who have navigated complex and impactful career paths.
In these small, intimate groups, conversations quickly moved beyond surface-level networking into honest dialogue about leadership realities. Participants exchanged insights on overcoming challenges, making strategic career decisions, and building resilience in demanding environments. The advice shared was both practical and forward-looking, equipping attendees with tangible strategies to strengthen their leadership skills.
Bloom Bosses created a space where mentorship felt accessible, conversations felt authentic, and future leaders could begin to see themselves reflected in the journeys of those who came before them.