UMBrella Person of the Year — On the Rise
Sarah Kattakuzhy, MD, MPH
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine and
Associate Director, Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Sarah Kattakuzhy is an associate professor in the Division of Clinical Care and Research at the Institute of Human Virology and the Division of Infectious Diseases at the School of Medicine as well as an associate professor in the Division of Addiction Research and Treatment in the Department of Psychiatry. Kattakuzhy has been instrumental in leading high-impact projects resulting in advances in scientific knowledge and improvements in patient outcomes. With her exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and coalition-building skills, Kattakuzhy was pivotal in the successful launch of the Kahlert Institute for Addiction Medicine, where she serves as an associate director. Recognizing the significance of the mentorship and coaching she received in her professional journey, Kattakuzhy is developing the Pipeline to Progress Program to support new associate professor-level faculty, particularly women and underrepresented minorities. The program aims to foster the next generation of leaders by providing support and cultivating opportunities for professional growth. Through her research initiatives and projects, Kattakuzhy is making a tangible difference in the lives of many in our community and inspires other women in her field.
UMBrella Person of the Year — Leading the Way
Latoya Ludd, MBA
Business Operations Manager, Administration and Finance
Latoya Ludd serves as the manager of business operations in UMB's Administration and Finance department in the Office of the Senior Vice President. Ludd's unwavering advocacy for administrative professionals aligns with UMBrella's mission to support the success of women at UMB. Her efforts to foster professional development opportunities resulted in a mentoring program initiative that paired Administration and Finance administrative staff with members of the Administration and Finance senior leadership team. Ludd has been actively engaged in supporting the professional development of women across the University through her service in the Staff Senate. She thoughtfully incorporates the leadership development skills she learned in the UMB Emerging Leaders program. As a member of UMB Professional Administratives Committed to Excellence, Ludd emphasizes building relationships to benefit the University community and helps strengthen others by engaging as a coach, mentor, role model, and resource to other women. Ludd is deeply committed to making sure her administrative colleagues are seen, heard, recognized, and celebrated. With intentionality and perseverance, Ludd works tirelessly to uplift women on their professional development journey.
UMBrella Champion of the Year
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Jenny Owens, SCD, MS
Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, Office of the Provost
Jenny Owens, vice provost of academic affairs and strategic initiatives, has held numerous leadership positions at UMB, including associate dean of academic affairs and associate professor in the School of Graduate Studies as well as executive director of UMB's Graduate Research Innovation District. Her visionary and innovative leadership permeates her work and impacts the lives of many people at the University and beyond. Not only has Owens been instrumental in developing and launching many thriving graduate degree programs within UMB, she also successfully contributes to numerous external committees and national groups focused on health equity and access. Owens is known for her insightful, inspirational, and collaborative approach to her work, and she leads by example in her guidance and encouragement of women. She dedicates time to the UMBrella Coaching Program to extend her reach in support of women at UMB. Her guiding approach as a coach and mentor has motivated many women to navigate professional decisions as they consider advancing their careers and improving their professional pathways.