Cohort 5 Participant Reflections

Tiffany Buckley

Tiffany R. Buckley, PharmD, BCPS, BCPP

Advanced Practice Psychiatric Pharmacist, Graduate Faculty, MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics
School of Pharmacy

In applying for the UMBrella Coaching Program, I was looking to broaden my network, meet new co-workers, make more connections at UMB, and benefit my career. The program did allow me to meet new and interesting women. The monthly presentations broadened my outlook on certain topics and increased my awareness, which will enable me to evaluate myself and my career differently and more independently. The discussions will help me as a manager, in encouraging my employees to grow and possibly look at things more positively. However, the most surprising and most enjoyable parts of the program were the discussions with my coaching group and how it felt to relate my experience and guidance to others in helping their career growth. This program has made me look beyond the ‘singular me’ to the ‘greater we’ and how we grow together.

Elise Petersen, MHP

Elise Peterson, MHP

Museum Education Coordinator, Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry
Research Associate, Department of Dental Public Health, University of Maryland School of Dentistry

I believe that when women support one another, we create power: power to better ourselves and our communities, and thus power to better our world. I am pleased to work for an institution that supports a program like UMBrella. I am grateful to have been invited to participate in it. In my coaching group, I felt free to speak authentically about my experiences as a woman professional and working mother. I felt seen, empowered, and connected with others who share those identities with me. I found friendships among my colleagues that have helped support my ability to be my best self professionally and personally. I look forward to tending to those relationships throughout my career at UMB and beyond, and wish all the best to the upcoming Cohort 6!

Kimberly Roberts

Kimberly E. Roberts

Human Resources Specialist
School of Social Work

The UMBrella Coaching Program was the best and most beneficial UMB program by far. There were so many employees in the program from different spectrums which made it a wonderful experience. I had a great coach Patty Alvarez, PhD, Chief Student Affairs Officer/Associate Vice President of Student Affairs, Office of the Provost, who allowed us to express ourselves and have a voice. I not only benefited from my coach leader, but I also took something away from each one of the amazing women in my group. I was not convinced that this program would be a safe place to share, but It was and for that I am thankful. It was great to be able to receive and give support to anyone in my group who needed it. Life tends to reroute you from your goals regarding your career, but this program reminded me to get back to my journey. I remind myself every day, “I am my own authority. I have the will and power to create my life’s structure.” Thank you, UMBrella.