Give Back And Gain New Experiences As A Smith Alumni Board Member

The Smith Alumni Board (SAB) creates programs that not only serve the Smith alumni network but also current Smith students. Board members experience personal and professional benefits as a result of their service.

Diran Balogun ’20, a real estate agent and founder of Primetime Homes Realty, has served on the board for three years. He has fostered many great relationships with his fellow board members, Smith School leadership and the University of Maryland as a whole. “Being one of the youngest members of the board, I thought my experience and opinions would be overshadowed by more experienced members, especially as our members hold such prestige in various fields. The same way I realized my value to the board, the same happened professionally and I stopped feeling like I wasn’t deserving of certain opportunities,” said Balogun. ”Having the opportunity to come back to campus for SAB meetings, meet amazing people and feel involved as a Terp is plenty thanks enough for me.”

Smita Rao, MBA ’16, echoes Balogun’s experience. “At every SAB meeting, I feel my voice as an alumna is heard.” The principal at 21st Century Investments looks forward to laying strong foundations for alumni. Rao feels “very grateful for the opportunity to serve on the board.”

Alumnus Zach Joyner ’19, an account executive with LinkedIn, said the SAB strives to “showcase why the Smith School boasts one of the most competitive and accomplished alumni networks. At its core, our work is driven by a shared appreciation for the incredible experiences we had at Smith,” he said.

See the impact you can make at Smith - and how the board will make a difference for you, too. Apply today to serve on the SAB.