Smith Profiles
Alumni Profile
Alumnus Creates Something He Hopes Stands the Test of Time
Krupesh Bhat, MBA ’05
Krupesh Bhat, MBA '05, transformed his frustration during a driver’s license renewal into an entrepreneurial breakthrough, leading to the creation of LegalDesk in 2014. Today, as CEO of SignDesk, he's revolutionizing business documentation in India, honored as a SaaS leader, with over 1500 clients and nearly 450 employees worldwide.
Alumni Profile
Scoring Position: Alum Reflects on Career as an MLB Executive
Amiel Sawdaye ’99
Amiel Sawdaye's remarkable journey from baseball fanatic to World Series-winning executive with the Arizona Diamondbacks is a testament to passion and perseverance. Armed with a degree from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, Sawdaye’s transition from corporate life to MLB success offers valuable lessons for aspiring sports professionals.
Alumni Profile
Alumna says Smith Gave Her ‘The Toolkit To Thrive’
Foluké Tuakli ’16
Foluké Tuakli ’16, a creative strategist at Meta, embraces life unapologetically after a transformative encounter. Her journey from the University of Maryland's Smith School to shaping industry narratives at Meta highlights her commitment to authenticity and empowerment. Read about how she pioneers storytelling in the digital age.
Student Profile
Undergrad Reflects on Making the Most of Her Smith School Experience
Miriam Oke ’24
Miriam Oke, class of 2024, leaves an indelible mark on the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. As a finance major and merit scholar, she’s led initiatives like the Women’s Empowerment Institute and championed diversity. Explore her journey shaping communities and pursuing finance, plus her vision for the future.
Alumni Profile
Smith Alumna Turns Passion Into Sweet Success
Caroline Ta ’21
Caroline Ta ’21, founder of Sweets by Caroline, turns her childhood passion for baking into a thriving career. Through entrepreneurship programs at the University of Maryland, she refines her business skills and wins accolades. Ta emphasizes the importance of leveraging university resources and remains committed to empowering future entrepreneurs.
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.
Alumni Profile
Smith School Alumna's Unique Feat: Working with Both Super Bowl Teams!
Amanda Hilman ’23
Maryland football's legacy extends beyond the field, with talent not only in its athletes but also in dedicated staff like Amanda Hilman. Formerly an operations assistant, Hilman's journey led her to internships with both Super Bowl LVIII teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. Hailing from Smithtown, Long Island, Hilman's passion for athletics began at Maryland University, where she now continues her career as a Baltimore Ravens intern.
Student Profile
All Smiles for Comedy Producing Graduate Student
Ambi Narula, MiM ’25
Ambi Narula, a communications pro and master’s student, juggles her roles by day and night as she spearheads Comedy Bonfyre, a thriving comedy venture. From fostering a diverse comedy scene to pursuing her MiM at UMD, Narula is reshaping narratives both on and off stage with humor and determination.
Alumni Profile
Using A Business Background to Create and Curate Art
Marcus De Paula ’08, MBA ’13
Recommendations from friends and growing up in the region helped Marcus De Paula decide on the Smith School for his education. Today De Paula is a multi-disciplinary artist and curator. His sculptures have been exhibited in many places, including a piece built for Burning Man in 2022.
Profile
Finding Success and Supporting Others
Luming Yang, MFin ’19
Luming Yang, MFin ’19, has had several “mini-careers” since graduation.