Mariam Yaldram

Background

About Mariam Yaldram

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