UMBrella Coaching Program Alumnus Recognizes the Value of AlliancesUMBrella Coaching Program Alumnus Recognizes the Value of Alliances “This program has given me the opportunity to grow professionally…and has given me the opportunity to learn and grow as a person, as a woman, and as an ally to other women from all walks of life!” says Megan Blackwell. With trepidation and support from her colleagues, Megan Blackwell applied for the UMBrella Coaching Program. At the time, she questioned her own abilities and wondered how the program would benefit her. However, she embraced the opportunity for growth and learning. Blackwell was paired with coaches Jenny Owens, ScD, MS, and Thelma B. Wright, MD, JD, MBA. They complemented each other in their approach, leading the group and interacting with each other as colleagues. They created an environment where Blackwell felt comfortable sharing her experiences without judgment. The program connected Blackwell with a diverse group of strong and professional women who shared their experiences. She gained insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by women in various fields. Blackwell credits the program with helping her grow professionally and personally. She became more aware of the issues faced by women, recognizing and acknowledging the need to be an ally. The program’s intersectionality panel opened Blackwell’s eyes to perspectives she had not previously considered. It encouraged her to confront and address issues that may not have been obvious to her before. Blackwell expressed her gratitude to her coaches, Jenny and Thelma, for their guidance and support. She concluded by encouraging others to participate in the UMBrella Coaching Program. For more information about the program, visit umaryland.edu/umbrella/umbrella-coaching-program.
UMBrella Coaching Program Alumnus Recognizes the Value of Alliances
July 22, 2024
“This program has given me the opportunity to grow professionally…and has given me the opportunity to learn and grow as a person, as a woman, and as an ally to other women from all walks of life!” says Megan Blackwell.
“When the opportunity arose to apply for the UMBrella Coaching Program, less than a year into my career at UMB, I was a bit hesitant about whether to apply. With great trepidation and the full support of my supervisor and other faculty members, I submitted my application. I was pleasantly surprised when I received the message that I had been accepted!
“Looking back now, I think I suffered a bit from imposter syndrome at the time, and honestly, I still do from time to time. Unsure of what was to come, questions were swimming around in my head: How will this program work? What will I get out of it? How will I connect with my professional colleagues and the coaches? I opened my mind to the possibility of growth and learning, and it was one of the best decisions I could have made.
“I was fortunate to be placed with my coaches: Jenny Owens, ScD, MS, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, UMB, and Thelma B. Wright, MD, JD, MBA, Associate Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine. They complemented each other in their approach to the meetings, how they facilitated our group, and how they interacted with each other. They were our coaches and they led the meetings, but they presented themselves in all the ways that mattered as our colleagues. They opened up dialogues and shared personal stories of successes, failures, and lessons learned in a way that made me feel comfortable opening up. I was able to discuss my own successes and failures and lessons learned without feeling judged or diminished.
“This experience gave me the best opportunity to meet some amazing, strong and professional women who also taught me something through their experiences. The program offered different events, panels, etc., which provided so much different information that I was able to process and use in my professional life and in my personal life.
“As women, we look at things a little differently and are so hard on ourselves, and often other women too. This program has allowed me to see and understand what other women face in their professional lives, some similar to my experiences, and some that I will never have to experience, but that I can now recognize and acknowledge.
“Thanks to the amazing intersectionality panel for opening my eyes and my mind to information that I hadn’t really stopped to dissect and understand because it just didn’t occur to me. I think when you’re not dealing with an issue yourself, we as humans tend to put it in the back of your mind, but this program makes you pull it out, think about it, address it, and learn from those around you.
“This program has helped me grow professionally, but most importantly it has helped me learn and grow as a person, as a woman, and as an ally to other women in all walks of life! Thank you Jenny and Thelma, you have both been amazing coaches!”
— Megan BlackwellProgram Administrative Specialist, Faculty of Dentistry, and participant in Cohort 6
More information about the program can be found here: umaryland.edu/umbrella/umbrella-coaching-program
