Germantown, Maryland, United States
Mariam Yaldram was born in Karachi, Pakistan, and immigrated to the United States at the age of seven. As an immigrant, she navigated life with a mental health disability, a low-income background, and the challenges of being a non-traditional college student. Mariam earned her associate degree from Montgomery College and later transferred to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) campus, where she completed her bachelor's degree in History with a minor in Public History. During her undergraduate studies, Mariam participated in two short-term study abroad programs in Ethiopia and Denmark, which broadened her global perspective. After graduation and working for two years, she was selected for the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program as an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) in Taiwan for the 2022–2023 cycle—becoming the first USG alum to receive the award and teach in Taipei. Mariam is now working as an 8th grade Special Education English Language Arts (ELA) teacher and a Teach for America Corp Member. She also serves as a member of the UMBC Alumni Board of Directors, a mentor with the Universities at Shady Grove, a Fulbright Lotus Mentor, and the Secretary for Fulbrighters with Disabilities. In addition to her professional and volunteer commitments, Mariam is a devoted caregiver to her parents and younger brother. Areas of Expertise: • Proficient in researching and developing materials for programs and museums • Skilled in person-to-person communication, briefings, and presentations • Experienced in coordinating meetings, workshops, and conferences • Drafted documents and materials for various purposes, including program evaluation reports, presentations, memos, action plans, and recommendations for operational changes • Experience with technologies like web-based applications, smart classrooms, educational software, and social media • Developed programs for diverse audiences, including the general public, families, primary/secondary school students, adults, and international visitors • Planned and developed various educational programs, including workshops, walk-up educational activities, hands-on activities, classes, and virtual programs • Prepared educational resources and lesson plans, particularly related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) education, for Fulbright and other institutions
Mariam Yaldram was proudly nominated and elected to serve on the Montgomery College Alumni Association Board of Governors, an esteemed leadership body dedicated to strengthening the connection between alumni and Montgomery College. This position represents a commitment to service, leadership, and continued support of the College’s mission. As a Board of Governors Member, Mariam Yaldram is expected to: Actively serve on at least one board committee and attend three full board meetings each year. Represent Montgomery College as an ambassador, promoting the College and Alumni Association to prospective students, alumni, parents, and the broader public. Recruit new alumni members and donors, fostering engagement and further involvement with the College. Encourage friends and alumni to contribute through volunteering or charitable giving. Attend at least one signature Montgomery College or Alumni Association event annually. Through this service, Mariam Yaldram contributes to building a culture of lifelong engagement and pride among Montgomery College alumni, reinforcing the College’s mission of access, equity, and student success for all.
Co-teach inclusive 8th Grade English Language Arts classrooms, delivering differentiated instruction aligned with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Common Core standards, and evidence-based literacy practices to ensure equitable access to rigorous grade-level content. Lead small-group interventions, and individualized support for students with diverse learning needs, utilizing High-Dosage (HD) Word phonics interventions, reading comprehension strategies, and targeted literacy supports to accelerate student growth. Ensure full compliance with special education requirements by developing and monitoring IEP goals, writing Present Levels of Performance (PLOPs), completing progress reports, facilitating IEP meetings, and collaborating with families, service providers, and multidisciplinary teams to support student success. Design and implement accommodations and modifications that increase access to instruction for students with disabilities, including scaffolds, assistive technology, graphic organizers, guided notes, and differentiated assessments. Facilitate weekly advisory meetings focused on social-emotional learning, goal setting, relationship-building, and student leadership development, creating a supportive classroom community where students feel valued and empowered. Founded and served as sponsor of the Global-Minded Citizenship Club, providing students with opportunities to explore global cultures, international affairs, civic engagement, and cross-cultural understanding through project-based learning and student-led initiatives. Designed and launched a school-wide mentorship program called BestKids, connecting students with community mentors and academic supports to promote achievement, belonging, and long-term educational success. Designed and delivered a No Limits to Learning Differentiated PD proposal titled, “Creating Globally Minded, Culturally Responsive Classrooms at Ingenuity Prep.
As a Peer Mentor for Fulbright Lotus, I provide guidance and support to incoming Fulbrighters, particularly those from underrepresented and marginalized backgrounds. My role involves offering advice on navigating the Fulbright experience, sharing resources, and helping mentees adjust to their new environments. I facilitate regular check-ins, assist with goal-setting, and create a safe and supportive space for discussing challenges related to cultural adaptation, academic expectations, and personal well-being. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, I help mentees maximize their Fulbright experience and develop the confidence to thrive in their programs.
UMBC’s Alumni Association is a non dues-paying organization and is led by a volunteer Board of Directors who support advancing the mission and vision of the association and, by extension, UMBC, through their visibility as alumni leaders and active participation in the ongoing work of the board and its committees. Mission The UMBC Alumni Association is a growing and global network, rooted in Maryland, consisting of all UMBC graduates from diverse backgrounds and specialties. The Association nurtures the individual and community foundations shaped at UMBC by strengthening connections between alumni, future alumni, friends, and partners. The Association champions the UMBC institution, initiatives, and values in order to continue building a lasting legacy of grit and greatness. Vision The UMBC Alumni Association fosters lasting connections by increasing engagement and developing deeper relationships among the global UMBC community. We leverage technology and innovation to expand our reach and amplify the value of UMBC around the world. As ambassadors for UMBC, we stand up for justice and take part in civic dialogue to strengthen communities where we live, work, and serve. I currently serve on these two committees: Strategic Initiatives: coordinating ongoing and new initiatives that support the overall Board mission and campus strategic plan. Public Relations: ad-hoc committee to support and coordinate marketing and public relations (PR) strategies and needs.
As Secretary for Fulbrighters with Disabilities, I am responsible for managing the organization’s communications and maintaining accurate records of meetings and activities. My duties include preparing meeting agendas, taking detailed minutes, and ensuring all relevant documentation is organized and accessible. I coordinate communication between board members, assist in planning and executing events, and support the organization’s mission to advocate for the inclusion and representation of disabled Fulbrighters. Through my role, I aim to contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for all members of the Fulbright community.