Global Alumni Stories

Smith School alumni utilize their global mindset on a daily basis while doing business abroad or while working with multi-national companies. Learn how the alumni below utilized global business savvy to reach their current career positions.

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Student Profile

Shady Grove MBA Student Driven by Parents’ Sacrifices

Daniel Alegbeleye, Flex MBA Class of ’25

Daniel Alegbeleye, a determined law school graduate, defies the odds by prioritizing education over Division 1 football offers. Now pursuing an MBA at the University of Maryland, he intertwines his business acumen with a passion for social justice, inspired by his parents' sacrifices. A market development manager at National Nail, he embraces leadership, teamwork, and community engagement.

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Alumni Profile

Thinking Outside the Box to Create a Global Mindset

Kevin Tanzola, MBA ’08

Developing a global mindset may require changing one’s way of thinking. For co-founder of Tanzola International LLC, Kevin Tanzola, a global mindset is thinking outside the box and being comfortable with differing opinions, which he admits is not as easy as it sounds.

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Alumni Profile

Learning to Appreciate the Commonalities As Well As the Differences

Alejandro Prada , MBA '18

As the business world is growing more global, recognizing cultural differences and values is an ever-important skill.

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Alumni Profile

Developing a Global Mindset as a Requirement to Work Effectively

Mikael Baker, MBA '12

Working in international markets means seeking opportunities outside of familiar markets, and that requires engaging with people from different regions and cultures. For Mikael Baker, senior information and communications technology (ICT) advisor at the U.S.

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Alumni Profile

Alumna Confronts Economic Disparity

Margo Thomas, MS ’90

After a career spanning more than two decades leading development initiatives, Margo Thomas, MS ’90, has only one goal on her mind – conquering economic gender disparity around the world. 

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Alumni Profile

Growing through Open-Mindedness

Working for a global company requires growth and an openness to learn. For Rachel Yamrus, vice president at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

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Alumni Profile

Building a Relationship of Equals

Vandana “Vandy” Gyandhar , MBA '01

For Amazon Web Services (AWS) global program manager, Vandy Gyandhar, a global mindset is more than traveling around the world or working for an international company. It is about being able to build relationships of understanding and respect no matter where you are in the world.

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Alumni Profile

Advocating for Others from a Global Perspective

Ansa Edim, MBA '16

Intercultural empathy is the ability to perceive the world as it is perceived by a culture different from your own. For Ansa Edim, MBA '16, vice president and staff board chair at Change.org, a global mindset is just that.

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Alumni Profile

Changing Perceptions in the Global Economy

Ja’Nel Edens, MBA '18

Perception is how we view, understand, and interpret the things around us. For international trade specialist, Ja’Nel Edens, a global mindset starts with changing your perception and thinking of yourself not just as a citizen of your nation, but as a global citizen.

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Alumni Profile

Developing a Cultural Consciousness is Not a Choice

Zeynep Kantur Ozenci, MS Finance

Business is now more global than ever, challenging us to expand our understanding of other cultures and develop deeper cultural knowledge.

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