UMBC Retriever Talks

“Words that are carefully framed and spoken are the most powerful form of communication there is.” ~ Nancy Duarte, Author and TED Speaker

In 2018, UMBC experienced its first Retriever Talks, a series of engaging TEDx-style presentations featuring seven of UMBC’s most talented faculty and staff. Talks highlighted several of UMBC’s core values: community, inclusive excellence, and innovation. Through an engaging mix of stories, research, and applied experience, speakers brought each value to life, widened our perspectives, and invited us into a shared conversation of purpose and meaningful action. In 2020, we recruited a second cohort of eight faculty and staff, this time focusing on the four values themes: Reach Together, Claim Your Future, Extend Beyond, Explore Every Angle.

We are excited to announce our next Retriever Talks on May 17, 2023. We expect that this event will serve several purposes:

To both engage and develop UMBC’s best resource – our people
To increase the visibility and spotlight the talents of our incredible faculty/staff population
To tell the larger UMBC story to our external community and the wider world, serving to further enhance our reputation as an institution and employer of choice

We invite faculty, non-exempt and exempt staff at all levels, both beginner and experienced speakers, to apply to this speaker development program.

When an individual shares their story with the larger community, we can all experience what it means to make an impact. When we outwardly share our lived experiences of our values, we realize a sense of collective identity and belonging that is powerful, palpable, and vital in promoting a thriving workplace culture.

Speaker application deadline is December 1, 2022. Click here for additional information and speaker submission form.