Community change starts when people see their influence, connect with their purpose, and act with empathy and intention.
In this episode of UMBC’s Mic’d Up podcast, we explore how the UMBC Community Leadership graduate program helps students understand their power to lead meaningful change where they live and work. Through real-world skills, community partnerships, and applied learning, this program shows how leadership builds community change from the ground up.
Discovering a Path Toward Community Change
Dennise: What inspired you to pursue UMBC’s Community Leadership graduate program?
Annie Byrd ’23, M.P.S. Community Leadership:
I worked in the Office of Equity and Inclusion in 2019 and saw how higher education engages with social justice. That experience made me want to keep learning and use my tuition remission benefit. I started with gender and women’s studies classes, where I unlearned and relearned a lot about culture and equity. A classmate introduced me to the Community Leadership program. Once I explored it, I realized it aligned with my passion for community change. It felt like home.
Leadership as a Catalyst for Community Change
Dennise: How would you describe community leadership in your own words?
Annie:
Community leadership is about creating community change in partnership with people affected by social inequity. It elevates voices that have been overlooked and helps expose systemic challenges. It teaches you where your passion meets a real need. Leadership is not about titles. It is about showing up, collaborating, and helping people grow in their sphere of influence.
Skills That Support Real Community Change
Dennise: Graduate studies require commitment. Why was this program the right fit?
Annie:
As an adult learner, I wanted practical learning. The Community Leadership graduate program offers skills-based courses that lead to real community change. The program also allows you to align your studies with your interests. I focused on maternal health equity as a certified birth doula. I used my coursework to work toward improving Black maternal health outcomes in Baltimore. That connection between passion and practice made the program meaningful.
Relationships That Strengthen Community Change Efforts
Dennise: Can you share a memorable experience from the program?
Annie:
The relationships made the biggest impact. I formed deep connections with classmates, community partners, and local organizers. We explored Baltimore through hands-on engagement and real conversations. I learned how community change thrives on trust, empathy, and collaboration.
Turning a Capstone into Community Change Advocacy
Dennise: How did your capstone shape your professional path and transformative leadership style?
Annie:
My capstone became much more than a class project. With partners, I helped form the Doula Alliance of Maryland. It is the first funded doula advocacy group in the state. We work to improve access to doulas for Medicaid recipients and support equitable maternal health. We now partner with leaders across Maryland and use technology to expand our reach. The Community Leadership program helped me turn ideas into real community change.
Growing a Future Rooted in Community Change
Dennise: How has the experience shaped your future goals?
Annie:
My goal is to continue strengthening community change around maternal health equity. Black birthing people are disproportionately affected by maternal health disparities. Our work aims to help eliminate those inequities. We advocate, collaborate, and build partnerships to make lasting change.
Education That Sparks Community Change
Dennise: What would you tell someone considering this program who wants to create real world change?
Annie:
I always encourage others to explore the Community Leadership graduate program. You gain hands-on experience, meaningful relationships, and the chance to create real community change while learning. You are supported by caring faculty, engaged peers, and community mentors. It lets you connect what you care about with how you can help. You can do good—and grow at the same time.
Closing Thoughts on Community Change
The Community Leadership graduate program at UMBC gives learners the tools to connect passion, purpose, and practice. It turns ideas into action and helps people lead community change and social impact in meaningful ways. It brings people together, builds advocacy, and encourages learners to make real impact where they live and work.
Watch the full recorded podcast on YouTube.