SMLP Year in Review 2022-2023

YEAR IN YEAR IN REVIEW REVIEW

ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our Team (3)

SMLP Quick Eats (17)

Key Metrics (4)

Shadow Program (18)

Alumni Database (5)

International Night (19)

Student Highlights (6-11)

Workshops (20)

UMD Homecoming Panel (12)

Community Service (21)

Financial Literacy Academy (13)

Spring '23 Graduation (22)

SMLP 474 (14)

Good Neighbor Day (15)

Fall '22 Graduation (16)

OUR TEAM

The UMD SMLP team is led by Director Sara Herald and Program Coordinator Nazea Khan. This year's staff also included Graduate Assistant Jackie Ho and Program Intern Jordan Marshall.

ALUMNI DATABASE

One of the most exciting accomplishments this year was the completion of an alumni database that allows us to track and search alumni based on various criteria, such as graduation year, job title, industry, or category.

This functionality enables us to quickly identify and connect with specific groups of alumni based on our needs or interests. The inclusion of LinkedIn URLs provides a convenient way to access and view the professional profiles of alumni, facilitating networking and professional engagement.

This database will be updated twice annually to ensure the information's relevance and maintain continuity during personnel changes. We are thrilled with the launch of the Southern Management Leadership Program Alumni Database as it will serve as a centralized and organized platform for maintaining alumni information, facilitating communication, and fostering professional connections within the program's network.

Example of an alumni in the Airtable database.

STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS

NICK NICK BARRETO BARRETO LEON LEON

CLASSOF2023 CLASSOF2023

Throughout his time at University of Maryland, Nick Barreto Leon, a first-generation college student, encountered many challenges. SMLP provided invaluable support that helped him overcome these obstacles, such as the dedicated lounge space for studying and exchanging ideas during midterms and finals. Nick attributes his personal and professional growth to SMLP, which offered workshops, resources, and real-life scenarios that fostered an entrepreneurial mindset, creativity, and responsiveness. Guided by the program, he developed into a better student and future young professional, while also forming lifelong connections within the SMLP family.

Nick has recently joined Southern Management Companies in their corporate office located in College Park as a full-time member of the Business Development, Resident Relations and Communications department. Motivated to learn and excel in his role, Nick leverages the skills and experiences he acquired through SMLP and is very grateful to the program and the Hillman family for the opportunities and resources that have shaped him into the person he is today.

AMY TRAN AMY TRAN

CLASSOF2024 CLASSOF2024

Amy Tran, a junior majoring in computer science and mathematics, has had a transformative experience at UMD and the Southern Management Leadership Program. Throughout her first year, she embraced numerous opportunities outside of the classroom, such as tech competitions and career fairs, to enhance her applied skills. The support from SMLP helped her adapt quickly to the university environment, and Tran praises the program for shaping ethical leaders and boosting her confidence and communication skills. Currently, Amy holds the position of engineering aide at Lockheed Martin. In her role, she works on satellite algorithms and analysis, blending her personal passions for mathematics and astronomy with computer science. Tran expresses immense gratitude for this incredible experience and her commitment to supporting the aerospace industry for years to come.

JAMES JAMES POINDEXTER POINDEXTER

CLASSOF2023 CLASSOF2023

James Poindexter graduated this May with a degree in Information Science. In addition to his studies, James worked as a Technical Support Representative at the Student Union and as an Academic Peer Mentor, guiding students in database management. Through SMLP, James developed skills in negotiation, design thinking, and the fundamentals of entrepreneurial ventures, all while forming lasting friendships and connections.

In particular, James will always remember the negotiations class (SMLP474), where he learned to create win-win scenarios by understanding the interests of both parties, which proved invaluable when negotiating his hourly wage at his new job. Currently, he works as a Cloud Solutions Intern at Cloudforce, eagerly anticipating the next three months to expand his knowledge of cloud technology and its transformative potential for traditional networks and servers within companies, with the potential for a full-time offer upon completion.

FADY YANNI FADY YANNI

CLASSOF2023 CLASSOF2023

Fady Yanni, one of our most entrepreneurial students, recently earned a degree in Information Systems and attributes his successful entrepreneurial journey to SMLP. Immersed in the program's supportive community, Fady helped lead a student-run startup incubator, founded multiple ventures, won hackathons, and engaged with influential founders and CEOs. SMLP's curriculum and events fostered critical thinking, while peer mentors like Shayna Berman enhanced his software engineering skills.

Currently serving as co-founder and COO of LearnPrompting.org, Fady aims to revolutionize AI communication via partnerships with corporations. He recognizes the invaluable support of this community in shaping his career.

JULIZA JULIZA

MAJANO MAJANO

CLASSOF2023 CLASSOF2023

Recent graduate Juliza Majano has discovered that entrepreneurship encompasses more than traditional business ventures. Through SMLP, Majano has gained an understanding of the diverse roles within the entrepreneurship ecosystem, broadening her perspective as an advocate for undocumented immigrants. She recognizes that being entrepreneurial can involve being a founder, but also an investor, board member, or mentor.

Majano has accepted an offer to work as a policy specialist at Google. With a passion for supporting women and Latinas, Majano, who holds DACA status, has raised funds for undocumented students to renew their DACA applications. During her time at UMD she was actively involved with organizations like Political Latinxs United for Movement and Action in Society, and will continue her advocacy as a young professional.

Majano credits much of her success to the support of her SMLP mentors and the tight-knit community of her SMLP cohort. Their guidance and the genuine care shown by her professors have been invaluable, providing her with a diverse network that has uplifted and encouraged her throughout her journey.

SMLP HOMECOMING ALUMNI PANEL SMLP HOMECOMING ALUMNI PANEL

The inaugural SMLP Homecoming Alumni

Panel featured five esteemed alumni: Jonelle Malone (UMD '19), Jackelyn Flores (UMD '19), JaLisa Dixon (UMD '12), Myles Davenport (UMD '19), and Ava Edalatkah (UMD '22). They spoke about their undergraduate journeys, post-grad experiences, and gave excellent advice to our future leaders!

The event took place on Friday, October 21st as part of Homecoming weekend. Alumni were invited to attend and reconnect with their peers, engage in networking opportunities with current students, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

SMLP FINANCIAL SMLP FINANCIAL

LITERACY ACADEMY LITERACY ACADEMY

This Fall, SMLP piloted the Financial Literacy Academy (FLA) to improve our students' knowledge of essential money matters. Taught by Jennifer Hsin, a distinguished local venture capitalist and proud Terp, the course showcased her expertise and passion for financial literacy in our local communities.

JuniorConnorRedmond(pictured)said,"TheFLAwasagreatway to evaluate my current understanding of personal finances, as well as see what I can better understand and improve upon. I enjoyed learning along side my fellow SMLPers, and have been abletoapplysomeofthethingsI’velearnedalready!"

SMLP 474

ESSENTIALSOFNEGOTIATIONSANDMARKETINGFORENTREPRENEURS

As part of her commitment to improve and evolve the program, Director Sara Herald designed and launched a new course for SMLP seniors: Essentials of Negotiation and Marketing for Entrepreneurs. Introduced as a pilot in Spring 2023, the course will now replace the previous consulting course to complete the Technology Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation minor.

Essentials of Negotiation and Marketing for Entrepreneurs is the first class at University of Maryland to combine those two subjects with an exclusive focus on entrepreneurship. Featuring a 'teaching team' model more often seen at the graduate level, Herald led the first half focused on negotiations, and Professor Mary Beth Furst, Clinical Professor of Marketing, led the second half of the course.

Students learned key concepts to conduct successful negotiations and practiced them to build this essential real-world skill. They also worked in teams to create go-to-market strategies for new products. Several guest speakers participated in the course, and the final session featured student presentations and live negotiations with local investors.

Visit from CEO & Founder of Cloudforce, Husein Sharaf.

GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY

WITHSOUTHERNMANAGEMENTCOMPANIES

Good Neighbor Day 2022 took place on November 12 at High Point High School in Prince George's County. SMLP students volunteered alongside Southern Management's own Lynn Phillips and Lourdes Marquez to clean out the greenhouse and refresh it with new plants for the students' science and sustainability classes.

FALL '22 FALL '22 GRADUATION GRADUATION

This past December we celebrated the graduation of 10 SMLP seniors. Featuring remarks from James LoBosco, Executive Vice President at Southern Management Companies until his retirement this April, the celebration marked the culmination of the students' SMLP experience and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

These high-achieving graduates have since started working at employers like Northrop Grumman, Bechtel Corporation, Vanguard, EY, and local accounting firms, with one student working full-time on his own startup.

Back row (left to right): Nazea Khan, James LoBosco, Malcolm Woodbury, Mumin Odeh, Fady Yanni, Chike Okenwa, Aaron Gallman, and Sara Herald. Front row (left to right): Shayna Berman, Miladys Gracias, Michelle Dang, Kayla McBean, and Jenifer Ramirez Tabraj.

SMLP QUICK EATS

An increasing number of SMLP students are facing food insecurity, which mirrors the increase in the general student population at UMD. Under the leadership of Program Coordinator Nazea Khan, SMLP Quick Eats was created to alleviate some of the stress and challenges that our food insecure students face by providing them access to healthy and convenient food options.

"Our decision to establish SMLP Quick Eats for our students during this academic year was motivated by the escalating issue of food insecurity on campus and our dedication to ensuring the well-being of our students. We understand the different challenges faced by transfer students, and our aim is to provide them with convenient and nutritious snack optionsthatwillnotonlyfueltheirbodiesbutenablethemtosucceedintheclassroom." -NazeaKhan

SSHADOW HADOW PPROGRAM ROGRAM

An effort to smooth the transition from community college to University of Maryland, the Shadow Program offers SMLP students at PGCC and MC the opportunity to gain insight into the life of a current SMLP student at UMD studying their intended major. Through one-to-one communication and a one-day shadowing experience, community college students connect with UMD students, attend classes, explore campus, and feel more confident in the transfer process.

INTERNATIONAL NIGHT

Our first-ever SMLP International Night marked the end of the Fall semester with a vibrant celebration of cultures and countries. Students embraced their heritage by dressing up and bringing delicious food to share, including diverse dishes such as Tamales, Bánh bột lọc, Biriyani, Pernil, Beef Adobo, Jollof Rice, and more. The evening featured a lively fashion show showcasing cultural clothing and concluded with networking over dessert.

The event included speeches, interactive activities like a Kahoot game, and a special segment where students shared their personal stories. It was a memorable night of connection, appreciation, and joy, concluding with a dance party and socializing, followed by a closing address by our Program Intern, Jordan Marshall.

SMLP WORKSHOPS

During the 2022-2023 academic year we offered 32 workshops to help our students develop as professionals, ethical leaders, and collaborative colleagues. A few highlights include:

Professional

Uncovering and Articulating Your Gifts & Talents to Include in Your Resume

Preparing for Interviews - What Recruiters and Hiring Managers Look for in Ideal Candidates

Building a Net that Works

Community Service

A Wider Circle

Kits for Hearts

Good Neighbor Day

Community Clean-up

Team Building

Game Night

Juniors vs Seniors Field Day

Black History Month Jeopardy

COMMUNITY SERVICE

SMLP students volunteered atotalof1,140hours!

Throughout the academic year SMLP students dedicated their time and effort to volunteer with A Wider Circle on seven occasions. Their participation involved assisting families in need within the Silver Spring, Maryland area. The students contributed by organizing clothes, furniture, and other necessary items, supporting the organization's mission to improve the lives of individuals and families facing poverty and homelessness.

SPRING '23 GRADUATION SPRING '23 GRADUATION

SMLP celebrated the graduation of 19 seniors in May 2023. These individuals were honored for their remarkable achievements and hard work that led to this milestone. Held in Riggs Alumni Center, the ceremony featured remarks from Cheryl Hillman, Erin Ditto (Executive Vice President - Residential at Southern Management Companies), Lisa Kiely (Associate Dean, Office of Undergraduate Studies), and the SMLP team. The celebration concluded with a festive reception for the graduates and their families.

THANKYOU, THANKYOU, SOU ENT! SOU NT!