About Us

Peer Mentors

Join office hours with current students to receive private and personalized financial assistance.

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Sam Berner
Junior, majoring in finance
Email: sberner@terpmail.umd.edu
Office hours: Mon. & Wed. 9 a.m.–noon

Growing up, I noticed that school taught subjects like Algebra and Calculus that many students would rarely use, while overlooking financial literacy. That led me to found a financial literacy and investment club in high school, and the passion followed me to UMD and the Financial Wellness Center. Outside of the Hub, I enjoy working out, cooking, and running around Old Town.

Inaya Contractor
Master's student, pursuing a Master of Business Administration
Email: inaya@umd.edu
Office hours: Mon. & Wed. noon–2 p.m.

I am a Forté Fellow, Smith Fellow, and full-time MBA candidate at UMD's Smith School of Business, where I serve as President of the Smith Association of Women in MBA and Equity Analyst for the Mayer Fund. I have deep experience across investment banking, corporate finance, and advisory, having worked with Deutsche Bank (Office of the CFO), Ernst & Young (EY), Serotiny Capital, and a private Family Office. Dedicated to mentorship and peer support, I serve as a Financially Fearless Fellow.

Alexandra Doncheva
Master's student, pursuing a Master of Finance
Email: adonchev@terpmail.umd.edu
Office hours: Tue. & Thu. 11 a.m.–2 p.m.; Fri. 2–4 p.m.

Through my experience in investment management, private credit, and financial planning, I've developed a strong appreciation for how financial knowledge shapes the decisions we make every day. I joined the Financial Wellness Hub because I enjoy making finance more approachable and helping students build confidence in managing their money. Outside of finance, I love traveling, skiing, photography, and spending time with friends and family.

Connor Grenier
Junior, majoring in finance
Email: cgrenier@terpmail.umd.edu
Office hours: Mon. & Wed. 9–10 a.m.; Thu. 1–3 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.–noon

I have always wanted to use the skills developed through my coursework and professional experiences to help other students. As a peer mentor, I am excited to share my knowledge and help others pursue their financial goals, while growing from new financial perspectives and outlooks myself. Outside of the Hub, you'll always find me with a soccer ball or at the beach with friends.

Ashley Patterson
Junior, majoring in finance and management with a minor in entrepreneurial leadership
Email: apatte10@terpmail.umd.edu
Office hours: Mon. & Wed. 9:30–10:45 a.m.

My passion for financial literacy comes from working with Tenfold, a nonprofit in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where facilitating free personal finance courses revealed a clear information gap in the community. As a Fellow, I am excited to work one-on-one with students, walking alongside them as they navigate financial literacy in college. Outside of the Hub, I enjoy musical theatre, line dancing, running, hiking, and reading.

Ethan Ross
Sophomore, majoring in accounting
Email: eross123@terpmail.umd.edu
Office hours: Tue. & Wed. 2–3 p.m.

My interest in financial wellness stems from seeing how many college students struggle financially, and I believe the Financial Wellness Hub is an amazing place for students to gain exposure to personal finance before graduation. As a peer mentor, I am excited to use the knowledge I've gained to make a positive impact on all UMD students. Outside of the Hub, I love to play golf, travel, and hang out with friends.

Rebecca Snyder
Junior, majoring in finance and accounting
Email: rsnyder8@terpmail.umd.edu
Office hours: Tue., Thu. & Fri. 1–4 p.m.

My interest in financial wellness has grown through my coursework, professional experiences, and involvement in financial literacy initiatives at UMD. The Financial Wellness Hub matters to me because it gives students the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions, both during college and after graduation. Outside of the Hub, I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, and going on walks with friends.

Matthew Vacek
Senior, majoring in finance and accounting
Email: mvacek@terpmail.umd.edu
Office hours: Tue. 6–8 p.m.

As a freshman, I watched many friends struggle to manage money away from home, which led me to join the Collegiate Financial Management Association (CFMA). Through CFMA, I built the financial knowledge to spend, save, and invest with confidence, and I later became the club's president. I've found particular pleasure in visiting local PG County public schools to teach the next generation what it means to be financially fearless.

Justin Warren
Junior, majoring in business management with a minor in real estate development
Email: jwarren9@terpmail.umd.edu
Office hours: Mon., Wed. & Fri. 3:30–5 p.m.

As a peer mentor, I am excited to share my experiences while continuing to develop my own financial and professional skills. I have a strong interest in finance, investing, and commercial real estate, and am passionate about helping others build the financial knowledge and confidence needed to make informed decisions. Outside of the Hub, I enjoy working out, traveling, spending time with friends, and exploring new opportunities.

McKinley Washington
Senior and master's student, majoring in economics and pursuing a Master of Finance
Email: mwashin5@terpmail.umd.edu
Office hours: Mon. & Wed. 9:30–10:30 a.m. and 3–4 p.m.; Tue. & Thu. 8–9 a.m. and 4–5 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

My interest in financial wellness has grown through my involvement with NABA UMD, where I've seen firsthand how much of a difference financial literacy makes in students' confidence and decision-making. The Financial Wellness Hub matters deeply to me because it gives students the ability to make informed financial decisions during college and beyond. Outside the classroom, I enjoy working out, spending time with family and my sorority sisters, and learning a new language on Duolingo.