Fiama Romero
Program Manager
School of Medicine
1. Please introduce yourself and describe your role at UMB.
Hi everyone, my name is Fiama (fee-AH-ma) Romero (she/her), and I am the Program Manager in the School of Medicine’s Office of Student Research (OSR).
In my role, I oversee a growing portfolio of research and training programs for medical and undergraduate students — managing the full life cycle of planning, recruitment, and summer programming/events. I’m passionate about building programs that create real opportunities for students and strengthening the infrastructure that supports them. Whether I’m coordinating volunteers from across campus, streamlining systems, or managing major events like Medical Student Research Day, I’m known across the university for getting things done thoughtfully, efficiently, and collaboratively.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the Staff Senate?
When I first joined the Staff Senate two years ago, my goals were simple: I wanted to feel more connected to UMB beyond my main team and I wanted to find ways to contribute meaningfully to employee life on campus. As a mission-driven individual, I saw the Staff Senate as a way to help make UMB a place where every staff member feels heard, valued, and supported.
Two years later, I can confidently say that serving on Staff Senate has deepened that connection and commitment. I've had the opportunity to meet colleagues across every school and unit, listen to their concerns, and elevate employee voices to senior leadership.
I currently serve as the Communications Officer for the Staff Senate, a role that has allowed me to help shape the messaging staff members receive — emphasizing unity, resilience, and hope. Through our newsletters and outreach efforts, I’ve been proud to help strengthen communication between staff and leadership.
I’m running for another term because I want to continue building that bridge — ensuring staff voices aren’t just heard, but are truly reflected in UMB’s ongoing growth.
3. What do you hope to accomplish during your term?
I hope to continue making the Staff Senate more visible, accessible, and trusted by employees across UMB.
UMB has done an incredible job creating platforms for employee feedback — through surveys, town halls, and listening sessions. But there are still staff members who don’t feel fully seen or heard. Some may simply not be aware of initiatives happening across campus or of groups like the Staff Senate that are here to support them. Others may feel excluded by how certain efforts are structured — whether due to scheduling challenges, communication gaps, or a sense that programs are more geared toward faculty or students than staff.
Whatever the reason, I want to help make the Staff Senate a stronger connector — a resource staff know they can turn to for ideas, concerns, or simply support. Through clearer communication, expanded outreach, and stronger campus partnerships, I believe we can help every staff member feel they have a voice that matters.
4. Describe your hobbies and interests outside of work.
Outside of work, my biggest joy comes from spending time with my family, especially my nieces and nephews. They live out of state, so I make it a point to visit as often as possible.
I’m also an avid reader and audiobook listener, and I love long walks, museums, plays, and exploring new places. Even after six years in Maryland, there’s so much of this beautiful state I have yet to discover — so I’m excited to keep adventuring locally!
Fun fact: I’m passionate about personal finance and budgeting, and in my free time, I freelance helping people set up and manage their budgets through You Need a Budget (YNAB).
