Smith Profiles
Alumni Profile
One Alumna and Entrepreneur’s Three-pronged Approach to Success
Shalanda Armstrong, MBA ’12
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.
Alumni Profile
Supporting the Next Generation: Double Smith Terp Pays It Forward
Debo Ayeni ’00, MBA ’07
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.
Student Profile
Charting New Waters
Takesha Brown’s Path from the U.S. Navy to Smith DBA Program
After 13 years in the U.S. Navy, Takesha Brown, DBA ’26, transitioned to consulting within the Department of Defense. Now Director of Branding and Digital Strategy at ITC, she’s leveraging AI and analytics through Smith’s DBA program, aiming to drive innovation and impact.
Alumni Profile
Alumna’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Helps Generations of Smith Entrepreneurs
Elana Fine ’97
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.
Alumni Profile
Becoming a Risk Taker
Jitin “Miki” Ahuja ’97, MS ’02, MBA ’02
Jitin “Miki” Ahuja credits the University of Maryland for shaping his outlook on risk-taking and success. As founder of SpaceJet Media and London Lane Capital, he champions alumni engagement and entrepreneurial exploration.
Alumni Profile
‘Hustle Your Tail Off, But Do it With Kindness’
Manpreet Singh ’03
Manpreet Singh ’03, co-founder of Singh Capital, emphasizes success with kindness, selflessness, and community service. From launching startups like TalkLocal to fostering philanthropy for minority communities, his values guide his ventures, including mentoring through Smith’s Dingman-Lamone Center.
Alumni Profile
Why I Give: Gifting Inspired by Rudy Lamone’s Tireless Mentorship
Ish Dugal ’05
Ish Dugal ’05 and his wife, Priya Atur Dugal ’05, established the Dugal Impact Fellowship to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Administered by Smith’s Dingman-Lamone Center for Entrepreneurship, the fellowship provides stipends for University of Maryland students interning with startups, fostering hands-on experience and entrepreneurial grit.
Alumni Profile
Impact Of A Scholarship: Jimmy Santa
Former Terp linebacker... Musician... Championship boxing referee... Proud Smith School alumnus... Hall of Famer... Boundless enthusiasm...Meet Jimmy Santa.
Alumni Profile
From Smith to EY: A Strategic Career Journey
Shubham Arora MSIS ’22
Early planning and networking helped Shubham Arora secure a summer internship that transitioned to a full-time role at EY. Smith's MSIS program, career services, and alumni network provided invaluable support, bridging technology and management for career success.
Alumni Profile
From Intern to Analyst: Charting a Career in Data Analytics
Deepak Dhole, MSIS ’23
Deepak Dhole, MSIS ’23, leveraged Smith's career resources, cutting-edge coursework, and a strategic internship to secure a full-time role at Navy Federal Credit Union. His journey exemplifies innovation, resilience, and the power of networking.