We Are Smith: Elana Fine ’97

Elana knows a bright idea when she sees one. Elana Fine, Dingman’s powerhouse leader and “Tech Titan,” is an invaluable resource to the startups that flock to the center. She started her career in investment banking and is now personally invested in growing student entrepreneurs and encouraging everyone to think entrepreneurially.

We embody the spirit of entrepreneurship. We Are Smith.

Learn more about Elana in her We Are Smith interview.

What career achievement makes you most proud?

“I think it would be cliché to say 'Managing Director of the Dingman Center' – plus even after two years I still feel new in the role and still have so much I want our team to accomplish. So thus far I’d say my role at a startup investment bank called Revolution Partners makes me most proud. I played a significant role in helping grow the business from eight bankers to 40 on both coasts. Not only was I involved in closing some of our most significant acquisitions with large software companies, but I also helped create the organizational infrastructure that helped us transition from a startup to a professional banking boutique.”

If you could meet any historical figure, who would it be?

“Steve Jobs (is he considered historical now?)”

What is the most interesting thing you have in your office?

“Last year while at the Dirt Market in Beijing I found a watercolor that had the quote from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. The quote reads, 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.' The quote spoke to me because it so accurately captures what we do at the Dingman Center ­– help students with those very first steps in vetting an idea or launching a venture. It was even more meaningful because I found it while on our trip to China for our China Business Competition! Not only do I have the watercolor framed, but we have that quote on our wall in the Center and in our marketing collateral. It is such a great story because I bought it on such a cold and smoggy day in Beijing – I think it cost $12.”

What drives your passion for Smith?

“Oh wow, I think my team might ask that to themselves every day. I graduated from Smith in 1997 (well it wasn’t even the Smith School at the time). I didn’t stay that connected to the business school, but incredibly connected to UMD because my entire family are Terps (except my husband who went to Duke – but we don’t have to mention that). I came to work at Dingman part time in 2010 and immediately felt part of a family. Our team was smaller but we worked incredibly well together. Simultaneously, a renaissance was underway in the larger startup community in D.C. and Dingman was inundated with opportunity. As I moved in to the managing director role I started to see the value of the Dingman Center assets – most importantly our community of entrepreneurs that showed such commitment to our mission. In the last year I’ve started to see more of the Smith School and have fostered relationships with more students, faculty and staff. I’m driven because I think we are undervalued in the market – we are too much of a best-kept secret. I’m driven to tell our story, to help bring light to the horsepower of our students, faculty and staff. I think the Dingman Center can play a major role in telling that story.”

If you could give advice to a large group of people, what would it be?

“Never underestimate the power of your network. Making connections with people will have the highest ROI of anything you do.”

You have a completely open weekend. Where are you and what are you doing?

“Real fantasy starts with a long run, brunch with family, pool with kids and then out with husband and friends. I’m juggling all the time – but wouldn’t want it any other way. I have 7-year-old twins, so in reality any extra time I spend with them.”

Who are your heroes in real life?

“It is corny, but I’d say my real hero is my mom. She (and my dad) raised three girls, had successful careers, PhD, millions of friends. I really don’t know how she did it sometimes. She has taught me that you are a sum of all of your decisions. Oh, and to laugh. A lot.”

If money were no object, what one project would you tackle at Smith?

“Updating our facilities, particularly for EMBA. More innovative and creative workspace, higher tech, etc.”

If you were to die and come back as a thing, what would it be?

“My son’s stuffed animal, Bear. He’s cuddled with this stuffed polar bear since he was two years old. Sometimes I think he’s a character from Toy Story and he does come to life. He always seems like he’s looking out for Ari every night.”

You have a lunch meeting at Ledo Pizza – what’s on your pizza?

“Oh yum… all veggies.”

What’s your favorite memory from your time at Smith?

“Cupid’s Cup 2012. My first Cupid’s Cup in this role. We were still in Stamp, it was all UMD companies and I had the chance to emcee the event. My predecessor had only left a few months earlier, so it was a lot of pressure. Perfect spring day. The event was flawless, the energy was so high, Governor O’Malley delivered a keynote, Kevin Plank ’96 inspired all of us as he always does, and it felt like the Dingman Center could accomplish anything.”

If you won the lottery, what would you buy?

“I’m sure so many things – but I would like a beach house retreat. Life is can be so hectic with work, kids activities, etc. I’d love to have somewhere to escape every so often and just play and then come back.”

The We Are Smith campaign highlights the dedicated faculty, staff, students and alumni at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Each person featured fits into one of Smith’s four brand pillars: world-class faculty and research; entrepreneurial spirit; experiential learning; and collaborative community. #WeAreSmith @SmithSchool on Twitter.