Monisha Dabek, MBA ’06, credits the Smith School for propelling her into consumer products, starting at PepsiCo and leading to her current role as COO at Ocean Spray. She values the Smith network, career pivots, and supporting women in business.

Renard Brumfield, MBA ’22, studied finance during his time at Smith and is currently a Finance Business Manager with JPMorgan Chase. Brumfield credits his Smith network for helping him get to where he is today and he pays it forward by engaging with the Smith community and mentoring current students.

Smith MBA students and military veterans German Salazar, MBA ’25, and Charles Castelly, MBA ’26, leveraged the University System of Maryland’s Venture Fellowship to gain hands-on VC experience. Their shared journey highlights Smith’s strong veteran community and career-building opportunities in venture capital.

Alan Grantham ’05, managing director and group head of debt capital markets at Synovus Bank, shares his journey from Smith to investment banking. He credits Smith’s curriculum, networking, and career services for his success and encourages students to stay persistent.

Joe Kattan ’23 leveraged his Smith finance degree to land a consulting role at Bain before pursuing his entrepreneurial passion. Now the owner of AppraiseItNow, he applies automation and AI to modernize appraisals, drawing on skills honed at Smith.

Ralph Dickerson ’92 built a dynamic career in investment banking, corporate strategy, and entrepreneurship. Speaking to Smith MBA students, he emphasized evolving as a leader and leveraging Emotional Intelligence. Now Managing Partner at R2 Partners, he continues shaping high-impact financial and strategic solutions.

Smith School alumna Lauren Der ’19 began her career in federal consulting before transitioning to the public sector as a Change Management Specialist for Montgomery County Government. She also developed Opsy, a health-tracking app inspired by her personal health journey.

Shalanda Armstrong, MBA ’12, founded 100KM Ventures to support women-led startups in digital health and the future of work. With a background in engineering, strategy, and finance, she remains engaged with Smith, mentoring students and serving on advisory boards.

Debo Ayeni ’00, MBA ’07, leads Research and Analytics at ABR Capital Partners. A longtime Smith School supporter, he established a Maryland Promise Program Scholarship in 2024 and serves on the Accounting and Information Assurance Advisory Council. He believes in "paying it forward" to help future Smith students succeed.

Elana Fine ’97, CEO of VWG Wealth Management, exemplifies an entrepreneurial mindset through her career and leadership. As a former director and current board member of the Dingman-Lamone Center, she champions student entrepreneurship and supports next-generation business leaders.