GLORIA APARICIO BLACKWELL

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University of Maryland

Gloria Aparicio Blackwell serves as director of Government Relations at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she leads efforts to strengthen connections with elected officials across Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and Baltimore. Since May 2025, Aparicio-Blackwell has focused on advocating for higher education opportunities, workforce development and economic advancement through strategic collaboration.

For 13 years, Aparicio-Blackwell founded and directed the Office of Community Engagement at UMD, building bridges between the university and surrounding communities. Her signature initiative, Estudios Universitarios, created college access pathways for Latino families from sixth grade through career or college entry. The program addressed educational navigation in culturally responsive ways, providing resources in families’ native languages and gathering spaces.

“More than ever, we need to work together,” said Aparicio-Blackwell. “Our communities are feeling the real threats of separation and isolation due to the many policies currently taking place. As a Latina, I carry this reality personally, and it drives me to continue this work with even greater purpose and urgency.”

Aparicio-Blackwell mentors students in UMD’s Incentive Award Program, supporting scholarship recipients who have overcome significant life challenges. Her approach involves working with two mentees at a time, emphasizing kindness, network building and purpose cultivation. “Representation matters,” she noted. “Students often share how meaningful it is to connect with someone who looks like them, shares cultural commonalities, and understands the importance of belonging.”

She received the President’s Medal, the University of Maryland’s highest recognition, nominated by her own staff. The award acknowledged years of community engagement work that had previously gone unrecognized at the institutional level.

Since immigrating from Venezuela in 1986, Aparicio-Blackwell has dedicated her career to increasing access and equity for underserved communities. Her leadership philosophy centers on collaboration, cultural humility and community-driven solutions. “I lead with heart, strategy, and a belief that lasting change happens when we listen, take action, and open doors for others to succeed,” Aparicio-Blackwell said.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations, applications and letters of recommendation. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.

This is an honoree profile from The Daily Record's Hispanic Leadership Awards for 2025. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree.