Karen E. Gomez
Program Coordinator
Central Administration
Please introduce yourself and describe your role at UMB.
My name is Karen Gomez. I am a Program Coordinator within the Office of Student Affairs, supporting first-year UMB students through our peer mentorship program. Through this role, I am also familiar with the University System of Maryland (USM), as they provide the funding and guidelines that support our program. I grew up in Northern Virginia, where I obtained my bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs from George Mason University. I value equity, am service-oriented, and find fulfillment in community-based work. I also hope to further my education by pursuing my MSW through the School of Social Work at UMB.
Why are you interested in serving on the Staff Senate?
Serving as a Staff Senate member would mean advocating and representing my colleagues and acting as a change agent for UMB. As a new staff member, I believe I bring fresh perspectives that allow me to notice gaps, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute to uplifting our staff by listening to their needs, validating their experiences, and helping move those insights into action. I also know that through Staff Senate, I will be able to collaborate with individuals I wouldn't typically work with, and I value the knowledge and shared insight that can come from those cross-professional connections to better support our broader staff community.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term?
During my term as a Staff Senator, I hope to contribute to sustainable change that enhances the quality of life for both current and future staff. I aim to make meaningful and thoughtful decisions that consider the diverse needs of all staff. I hope to uplift and support individuals and initiatives that are already fostering a positive work environment, while also helping to identify and address gaps that are not fully serving our community or aligning with UMB's values.
Describe your hobbies and interests outside of work.
My interests and hobbies include reading both fiction and nonfiction, as well as connecting with like-minded readers through book clubs. I find mental and physical alignment through yoga classes. I cherish quality time with my friends and family. On occasion, I write poetry, and this spring and summer I intend to volunteer for a county council candidate, supporting their campaign efforts
