Newsroom

Anne Zappas ’21 blends the worlds of design and wellness through Rooted Rainbow Yoga, her Arlington-based studio dedicated to self-discovery and belonging. Guided by tools like “How Might We” statements and why-laddering—introduced during her time as a peer innovation coach—Anne reimagined the purpose of yoga instruction. By centering empathy, ahimsa, and personalized connection, she’s crafted one-on-one sessions that empower students to explore transformation on and off the mat.

On Election Day, Innovation Fellow Teresa Williams transformed a campus walkway into a space of gratitude and reflection. With the Frederick Douglass statue as her backdrop, Teresa welcomed voters with personalized keepsakes, an interactive voting importance continuum, and a message: your voice matters. Guided by the Work(s) in Progress Studio, her pop-up celebration of civic engagement sparked connection and conversation—while advancing her ongoing project honoring Douglass’s legacy through storytelling and public space.

During October 2024, the Academy held our “10(+1) Unconventional Convention,” gathering AIE alumni, students, staff, and faculty for a mix of workshops and networking fun! From waffles and brainstorming with Innovation Fellows to an improvisational movement workshop (and more!), we celebrated years of dedicated (and seriously fun!) work in contributing to UMD’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem—and honoring all the amazing places our alumni have taken their design skills!

Denis Garcia Reyes and Michelle Udeli share how the Transformative Learning Seminar (TLS) reshaped their approach to design, education, and leadership. From reimagining student mindsets to reinventing capstone projects, both educators now center unspoken needs and real-time reflection in their work. Their stories highlight how TLS fosters a mindset of inquiry, empathy, and experimentation—turning everyday challenges into opportunities for creative change.

Anntoinette from the Quantam Startup Foundry participated in the Teaching and Learning Studio at the Stanford d.school (TLS) in summer 2024. The Academy collaborates with design educators at the Stanford d.school to produce TLS. Here's what she had to say about her experience:How has the TLS experience inspired your work or the way you think about your work?