Culture building is the intentional process of developing and nurturing a set of shared values, beliefs, and practices within an organization or community. Culture builders are actors who intentionally seek to foster a positive, productive environment.
The Culture Builders Series is a series at UMBC that focuses on connecting community and culture across difference. It engages topics and ideas grounded in shared community values, beliefs, and practices that pull us closer to a more loving and just campus.
Especially during times of deep societal polarization and loss of shared humanity, an inclusive and equitable culture benefits and requires everyone; we all have a role to play in building the culture we want to see. The Culture Builders Series is a new semesterly speaker series at UMBC focused on connecting community and culture across differences. The series is designed to engage in topics and ideas grounded in shared community values, beliefs, and practices that pull us closer to a more loving and just campus.
2025-2026: Fostering Critical Hope
Kickoff Keynote: Dr. Kari Grain, author of Critical Hope: How to Grapple with Complexity, Lead with Purpose, and Cultivate Transformative Social Change.
2025-2026 Themes
Critical Hope Is not Naive Optimism
Embracing Complexity and Ambiguity
The Practice of Reflection and Accountability
Centering Relationships and Radical Care
Leading with Purpose and Imagination
2025-2026 Cohort
Michael Canale, Accessibility and Disability Services
Sophia Park, Residential Life
Priya Bhayana, Global Asias Initiative
Mitchell Everett, Graduate Student Life
Cindy Greenwood, The Center for Women in Technology
Tory Williams, Office of Research Protection & Compliance
Danielle Bolden, Office of International Students & Scholars