Kyla Liggett-Creel, PhD, LCSW-C
Executive Director, EMBRACE Initiative
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Dr. Liggett-Creel is an accomplished leader with over 25 years of executive experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, and civic institutions in the city of Baltimore. She has worked on the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) campus since 2008 in roles with the School of Medicine, the School of Social Work (UMSSW), and UMB.
In recent years, she has collaborated with UMB leadership, community stakeholders, and staff to develop the mission, vision, and strategy of the EMBRACE Initiative, which uses a multifaceted approach designed to increase the vibrancy of the greater UMB campus, boost the University’s community impact in Baltimore, and strengthen UMB’s profile with its internal and external constituencies.
EMBRACE leads efforts to decrease violence in the state of Maryland, transform systems to make them more equitable, and assist justice-impacted youth and adults with transitioning back into society. The initiative partners with the Department of Human Services, Department of Juvenile Services, and Department of Corrections and Public Safety to deliver coordinated, equity-based care for system-involved families, with case managers who have personal experience with these systems. EMBRACE also partners with grassroots and nonprofit organizations such as the Peace Team, HeartSmiles, and about 30 others around the state.
EMBRACE has facilitated community-building activities, conflict resolution, and direct support for those affected by violence. The impact of these efforts can be seen in the hundreds of community members who have accessed vital services, from housing and substance use treatment referrals to employment support and academic mentorship.
Liggett-Creel’s commitment to system transformation has significantly improved outcomes for youth in foster care, youth development programs, and violence intervention efforts. Her initiatives have empowered front-line practitioners to deliver high-quality, trauma-informed services that meet the complex needs of the communities they serve.
Liggett-Creel earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1998, a master’s in social work from Smith College in 2000, and her PhD in social work from UMSSW in 2016.
