Did You Know Not All Disabilities Are Visible?

This week (October 19–25) is Invisible Disabilities Week — a time to raise awareness and support for those living with non-visible conditions.

An invisible disability is a physical, mental, or neurological condition that may not be apparent from the outside but can significantly affect a person's daily life, movements, senses, or activities.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a simple yet powerful symbol that lets people discreetly share that they have an invisible disability and may need extra time, understanding, or support. The movement began in the United Kingdom and is now recognized across Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland — and it's spreading worldwide.

If you notice someone wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, please show kindness, patience, and understanding. Displaying a sunflower symbol on your office door, reception area, or workspace helps communicate that people with hidden disabilities are welcome and supported.

Living with a hidden disability can make everyday life more challenging — and these challenges are not always easy to recognize or understand. Wearing the Sunflower is a way to promote empathy and inclusion.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program officially launched at UMBC in Spring 2025!

Bus Trip to UMD's Quantum Career Nexus

Name: Rahma Ras

Pronouns: She/Her

Semester of Internship: Summer 2025

Major: Data Science

Current Class Level: Master's Student

This semester I completed a(n)...: Internship

Internship, Co-op, or Research Site (Company/Organization Name): Kapamed Consulting

Location of the Organization (City, State): Maryland

Title of position: Digital Marketing Co-Ordinator

Tell us about your internship, co-op, or research opportunity, including your day-to-day responsibilities:

During my internship at Amplify MedTech, I managed digital marketing and community engagement by developing LinkedIn campaigns, creating visual assets, and coordinating newsletters, using audience metrics to refine outreach strategy. I also supported the planning and execution of high-impact events, including NIH SBIR workshops and expert panels, gaining significant hands-on experience in stakeholder engagement and MedTech innovation within a fast-paced startup environment.

Describe the process of obtaining your position. When did you hear of the position and submit your application?

I first met Dr. Fehmida Kapadia during a UMBC Career Center event, where we had a brief but meaningful conversation about Amplify MedTech's mission and its work with early-stage healthcare startups. A few weeks later, during the summer, Dr. Fehmida reached out to me directly about an internship opportunity with Amplify MedTech. After expressing my interest, we scheduled a follow-up conversation to discuss the role and how my background could align with the organization's needs. The UMBC Career Center was incredibly supportive throughout the process, making everything—from communication to onboarding—smooth and straightforward. Shortly after our conversation, I was offered the position and began working as a summer intern, contributing to digital marketing, event coordination, and strategic outreach efforts.

What resources did you use to find your current experience?

UMBC Career Center, Career Fairs, Networking events (UMBC Connects, Info Sessions, Arts With a Purpose, etc.), LinkedIn or other social media

What have you enjoyed the most about your position and organization?

What I've enjoyed most about my position at Amplify MedTech is the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while learning in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. I loved being trusted with real responsibilities—from designing outreach campaigns to supporting educational events for MedTech founders—and seeing how my efforts made a visible impact. Working under Dr. Fehmida Kapadia's mentorship was especially rewarding; her guidance, along with the supportive culture of the organization, helped me grow both professionally and personally. The experience gave me a clearer sense of how innovation, strategy, and community engagement come together in the MedTech space.

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

I believe I made an impact at Amplify MedTech by helping the organization effectively communicate its mission and engage a broader audience of MedTech innovators. Through designing LinkedIn campaigns, creating clear and compelling event graphics, and coordinating email newsletters, I helped increase visibility for events and resources that support early-stage startups. My contributions played a role in streamlining outreach efforts, improving audience engagement, and enhancing the overall professionalism of Amplify MedTech's digital presence. By taking initiative and paying close attention to detail, I was able to support the team's goals and help amplify the impact of their work.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

My advice to another student seeking an internship is to be proactive, stay curious, and take full advantage of the resources available—especially the UMBC Career Center. They were incredibly helpful in refining my résumé and preparing me for the application and interview process. I also recommend attending career fairs and networking events, even if you're unsure of what you're looking for. Sometimes, a brief conversation or connection can lead to an unexpected and rewarding opportunity. Be open to learning, ask thoughtful questions, and don't shy away from roles that challenge you—some of the most valuable growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Please provide a short reflection or quote about what you liked most about your position / earning internship credit / working with the Career Center.

I loved being part of a mission-driven organization where my work made a real impact. The Career Center played a big role in helping me get there—guiding me through the application process and making sure my résumé stood out.

The Festival of Lights, Diwali, is a five-day celebration that began this year on Saturday, October 18, 2025.

The festival's main night of Lakshmi Puja is on Monday, October 20, 2025, and is a profound spiritual observance symbolizing the universal triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

Diwali is primarily celebrated by those of the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain faiths, along with some Buddhists, but its message of hope and renewal is shared by communities worldwide. 

During this special time, homes are illuminated with colorful lights and traditional clay lamps, or diyas. The lighting of these lamps, along with celebratory fireworks meant to ward off evil spirits, signifies a spiritual awakening and the coming of prosperity. It is a time for family gatherings, sharing traditional sweets and savory foods, and strengthening bonds with loved ones.

The Five Days of Diwali 

1. Dhanteras (Oct 18)

2. Naraka Chaturdashi or Choti Diwali (Oct 19)

3. Lakshmi Puja (The main day: Oct 20)

4. Goverdhan Puja, Balipratipada, or Annakut (Oct 21 or 22, depending on region)

5. Bhai Dooj, Bhai Tika, or Bhai Bij (Oct 22 or 23, depending on region)

From all of us at the Mosaic, we wish you and your loved ones a Diwali that brings warmth, peace, and lasting prosperity. Have a joyful Festival of Lights!

Join us for Good Afternoon Commuters!

Enjoy lunch with other UMBC commuters and get connected with on-campus resources! 

GAC will be hosted on October 21, 2025 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. It is complimentary with your Commuter Gold Card.

Gold Cards are a one-time per academic year purchase and are available to be purchased at every GMC and GAC with cash only.

Gold Cards at $5 for Commuters

$10 for Residential & Graduate Students

Your network is one of the most powerful tools you have for building your career — and the best time to start using it is now. Networking isn't just about collecting contacts; it's about building meaningful relationships that can open doors, spark collaborations, and help you turn your potential into real opportunities.

Whether you're exploring career paths, preparing for graduation, or hoping to gain experience while in school, connecting with professionals can give you insights and confidence that no online search can match.

1. Explore: Learn from Conversations, Not Just Job Posts

Networking helps you discover career options and industries that might not be on your radar. By talking with alumni, recruiters, or peers at career events, you gain firsthand advice about what it's really like to work in specific fields — and what skills matter most.

2. Connect: Build Relationships That Last

Every handshake, LinkedIn message, or quick chat can plant the seed for future opportunities. Focus on authentic conversations rather than "pitching" yourself. Ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and follow up after events to keep the connection alive.

3. Advance: Turn Conversations into Career Momentum

The most successful job seekers don't wait for openings to appear — they build relationships that lead to them. Networking gives you insider perspectives, referrals, and mentors who can help you grow into your next professional chapter.

Ready to Turn Potential into Power?

Tonight you'll have an amazing opportunity to build your network and take the next step in your career journey at the Discovery Recruitment Event. Join the Career Center and the UMBC Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers for an exclusive networking event designed to help you make meaningful connections that can lead to an interview or career advancement.

There are only a few seats left, but still register, as there are usually cancellations and students on the waitlist should be able to attend.

Don't just show up — show who you are, what drives you, and where you're headed. Because when you connect with purpose, you turn your potential into power.