Three Questions With ... Trentqual Rhone, Coordinator for Political Engagement, Center for Democracy and Civic Life

Name: Trentqual Rhone

Pronouns: He/him

Title: Coordinator for Political Engagement, Center for Democracy and Civic Life

Years in Student Affairs/at UMBC: 1 year in Student Affairs and at UMBC — time really flies.

What is something you do as part of your position that people may not be aware of? 

A big part of my role is helping people see that politics isn't just elections, headlines, or what we see on TV; it's baked into how we live, work, and interact with each other every day. I coordinate a political engagement working group with students, faculty, staff, and administrators who are trying, in different capacities, to think critically about how our political systems are impacting UMBC and how we, as a community, can respond thoughtfully. I enjoy those moments most because they remind me what it looks like when people show up, listen, and hold space for movement.

What is one of the most important things you've learned during your time here? 

One of the most important things I'm learning at UMBC is the value of slowing down and being intentional about how my work connects to what I care about. I've always known what matters to me, but I haven't always been in spaces where people would name their values out loud or talk about how they shape their work. Being here has given me a bit more room to pause, ask questions, and think about how my choices align with what I care about. It reminded me that those types of reflections aren't separate from the work.

What do you like to do for fun and/or is something you are passionate about outside of work? 

I'm a writer at heart, and lately that's shown up through screenwriting. I'm drawn to stories that explore agency, community, and vulnerability in the context of southern Black life. Right now I'm working on a few projects that started as "what if" ideas in my notes app and are slowly becoming actual scripts. I'm a little obsessive about it, but it's fun to take concepts that only existed in my head at 2 a.m. and turn them into worlds. That creative work keeps me honest.