Smith Profiles
Alumni Profile
Smith Education Provides Foundation for Alumnus to Pursue a Career in Investment Banking
Alan Grantham ’05
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.
Student Profile
Building a Legacy of Service
DBA Candidate Brendan Dunne’s Journey from the Army to Academia
After 20 years in the U.S. Army, Brendan Dunne, DBA ’26, is now co-founder of Lovelace AI and a member of the Smith School’s DBA program. Committed to service, he mentors future leaders while advancing national security innovation and supporting veterans’ causes.
Alumni Profile
Entrepreneurial Education From Smith Helps Alumnus Follow His Passion
Joe Kattan ’23
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.
Alumni Profile
Smith Accounting Degree Gave Alumnus The “Edge” For Career In Investment Banking And Beyond
Ralph Dickerson ’92
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.
Alumni Profile
Alumna Credits Contacts at Smith, UMD for Help With App Development
Lauren Der ’19
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.
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.