Darcie Adams ’23, political science and gender, women’s, and sexuality studies, came to UMBC unsure of what he wanted to study—but through involvement in student organizations and a passion for restorative practices, he found his calling. Graduating this May with a master’s degree in community leadership, Darcie reflects on the mentors, communities, and values that shaped his journey.
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about what brought you to UMBC?
A: UMBC’s Community Leadership MPS program was a perfect fit for me because it offered a blend of theory and practical application. It’s a program where you can dig into complex problems and think critically, but also be part of a community that really pushes you to apply your learning in real-world contexts. I felt like it was a place where I could really grow and develop, both personally and professionally.
Q: How did your graduate coursework intersect with your advocacy and co-curricular work?
A: My graduate program has an introductory and capstone community partner project, and I also chose to do an independent study with a community-partner aspect to it. All of my community work in restorative practices has been with on-campus partners, including my master’s capstone project with Vice President of Institutional Equity Tanyka Barber.
This has allowed me to focus on a community-led dialogue method I’m really passionate about, and I’ve been able to use restorative practices in both my work and advocacy, in tandem with deepening my skills and knowledge. It’s not often you get to learn something and do it simultaneously, and the combination of both was incredibly impactful—it gave me a deeper understanding of the work and how to do it effectively.
Q: How has your understanding of leadership evolved during your time at UMBC?
A: I’ve come to realize that leadership is less about position and more about influence and the ability to connect with people. I’ve learned that effective leadership is about listening, being present, and creating spaces where others feel empowered to share their thoughts and ideas. Leadership is about collaboration and helping others see their potential, not just pushing your own agenda forward.
Q: You’ve worn so many hats on campus—if you had to describe the through-line or core mission of your time at UMBC, what would it be?
A: My time here has been about building community and creating spaces where people feel heard, valued, and supported. A lot of the work I’ve done, from advocacy to restorative practices, has been about making sure that people can come together in a way that’s authentic and supportive of one another.
Q: What have been some of the most meaningful relationships or moments during your time at UMBC?
A: I’ve always been drawn to spaces where people are passionate about their work, and I’ve had the privilege of building relationships with people who truly care about making a difference in the world. I’ve really benefited from the mentorship of Matt Hoffman, who has been my supervisor in the Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being for the last two years. I’ve learned so much from him about what empathetic leadership and radical love looks like.
He’s empowered me to be an active creator and leader in our space and across UMBC, and he will forever be my role model for how to create inclusive spaces. There’s been too many great moments to count, but I know that I, and many others, value the warmth and depth he brings to all of his relationships.
Q: What advice would you give others considering your master’s program?
A: This program is fantastic for people who are already doing community work and want to skill up. The hands-on nature of the program and how embedded it is in the Baltimore community means it offers real-world skills in real time. This program adds theory and historical context to the focus on learning by doing in a way that will help you mold yourself into a well-rounded community practitioner by the time you’re finished. If that sounds like something you could benefit from, you should take a look at community leadership!
Q: Your work was published in the UMBC Review—can you reflect on what that experience meant to you both academically and personally?
A: Having my work published in the UMBC Review was an incredibly rewarding experience, especially because I spent most of my first year as a graduate student editing it for publication! The article turned into something that went beyond what I initially anticipated, and to have it published has been a highlight of both my undergraduate and graduate experiences at UMBC. It’s been fun and wild to have students approach me and tell me they’ve talked about my article in class, and I’m glad it’s been something people have been able to connect with.
Q: What’s one UMBC space you’ll always remember fondly?
A: I’ve spent a lot of time in our cultural affinity centers—The Mosaic; The Pride Center; The Gathering Space; and the Women’s, Gender, and Equity Center—and participated in their initiatives and events. Through these spaces I’ve met so many friends in the last six years and have found more support for my advocacy work and passion projects than I could ever name.
Q: What would your dream role in higher education look like?
A: One where I’m able to work with students and staff to create more inclusive and restorative campus environments. I would love to work in a leadership position where I could help bridge the gap between different communities on campus and foster a culture of care and support. It’s about finding ways to incorporate restorative practices into all aspects of campus life—whether that’s through conflict resolution, mentorship, or simply creating a safe space for students to grow and thrive.
Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone who hasn’t joined the UMBC community to know about the support you find here?
A: The support here at UMBC is real and it’s transformative. It’s not just about academic resources, but about the people who truly care about your growth—whether that’s faculty, staff, or peers. The UMBC community is dedicated to seeing you succeed, not just as a student but as a person, and that makes all the difference. There’s a commitment to inclusion, belonging, and helping each other out.
