Amplify your voice. Become empowered. Achieve your potential.

The UMB Roundtable on Empowerment in Leadership and Leveraging Aspirations (UMBrella) works to support the success of women at UMB by helping them achieve their personal and professional goals, enhancing their leadership skills, and championing women at all levels of the organization. 

In 2014, Jennifer B. Litchman, MA, senior vice president of external affairs, created UMBrella to fill a void that she felt existed on campus. She crafted the name for the initiative with a clear purpose to help women amplify their voices, feel empowered, and achieve their potential. With the support of then-President Jay A. Perman, MD, Litchman formed a founding committee of women in leadership positions throughout the University, representing all schools and administrative units.

In its early years, UMBrella hosted seminars and lunch-and-learn events and established a book club and affinity groups as a part of its programming. Today, UMBrella focuses on a robust coaching program that helps to develop and support UMB employees, a speaker series focused on women’s issues, an awards program recognizing those who support the success of women at UMB, and scholarships to provide opportunities for professional development. UMB Professional Administratives Committed to Excellence (UMBPACE) was established as an UMBrella affinity group for the University’s administrative staff. UMBrella’s day-long symposium is held each year in March to commemorate Women’s History Month, featuring keynote speakers, workshops, and discussions to engage and empower the UMB community.