The program’s 2025-2026 participants represented a wide range of roles and units across UMB, showcasing the diversity and strength of administrative talent at the University.
Photo: From left, UMB graduates Camille Tyler, Heather Skogebo, Kasarah Johnson, McKinley Keegan, and Gehan Girguis. Not pictured: Emali Drewniak and Elly Gasaway
The 16th cohort of the Building Bridges Across Maryland (BBAM) program has wrapped up its journey, celebrating graduation on April 9. The University of Maryland, Baltimore's (UMB) 2025-2026 participants represented a wide range of roles and units across campus, showcasing the diversity and strength of administrative talent at UMB.
This year’s UMB cohort included:
- 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, SOM Dean’s Office
- Heather Skogebo, Program Management Specialist, Operations and Maintenance – Service Center
- Camille Tyler, Executive Assistant, Center for Information Technology Services
Managers were invited to attend the graduation ceremony at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) Biotech Center, and several joined the celebration this year. Their presence underscored the importance of supervisory support in staff development and professional growth.
BBAM brings together cohorts from eight higher education institutions across Maryland —this year including Goucher College, Loyola University Maryland, McDaniel College, Notre Dame of Maryland University, Towson University, University of Baltimore, UMB, and UMBC. The program’s content sessions for 2025-2026 focused on career planning, networking, self-care, productivity, championing inclusion, and completion of the Clifton Strengths assessment.
For many participants, these sessions prompted meaningful self-reflection and renewed confidence. As Keegan shared, “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.”
Several graduates emphasized how the program reframed the way they think about influence and growth. Girguis said, “Building Bridges Across Maryland wasn’t just about meetings; it was about transformation. It showed me that everyone has influence — and when we engage with intention and authenticity, guided by our strengths, we can create lasting impact.”
Participants also cited the Clifton Strengths component as especially impactful.
“Learning about my strengths gave me a clearer sense of how I naturally connect with others and contribute to group environments,” Girguis added. “Leaning into what I do best made my interactions more authentic and meaningful.”
The program encouraged participants to take ownership of their career paths. For Tyler, one session was a turning point: “Being in the Driver’s Seat of Your Career really hit home for me. I recognized that I was choosing comfort instead of moving forward. Understanding my strengths has helped me make more confident and intentional choices about what’s next.”
The value of cross-institutional networking was another recurring theme. Skogebo said, “Building Bridges Across Maryland helped me understand how to leverage my Clifton Strengths in both my professional and personal life. The relationships I built with other administrative professionals will last well beyond the program.”
One of BBAM’s greatest strengths is the opportunity to connect with peers across Maryland’s higher education institutions — both private and University System of Maryland — broadening perspectives and building lasting professional networks. The program is designed for administrative staff.
For more information about BBAM, please contact hrtraining@umaryland.edu. Details about applications for the 2026-2027 cohort will be available soon.