Through dynamic leadership, it creates and curates programming that responds to alumni interests and encourages long term engagement in the life of the program. We meet socially, share professional tips and we applaud each other’s success. An extension of the undergraduate scholar community, all IAP alumni are encouraged to become an active part of the Alumni Network.
We value fostering an inclusive community by delivering creative programming to support and advance all within the alumni network.
We value service to others, understanding that we do not just exist unto ourselves but to the communities in which we live.
We value collaboration and work together amicably to leverage our talents and resources for the greater good of the organization.
We value innovation as a means to continually introduce and improve services and programs for the long term success of the alumni network.
Click on the photos below to learn more about our alumni.
Major: Community Health
Advanced Degree: Master in Healthcare Administration (MHA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Maryland University College
Current Occupation: Field Reimbursement Manager, AmerisourseBergen
"The Incentive Awards Program (IAP) was, and still is, a blessing to me! Because of it, I could start my college career with a family I could rely on."
What I want people to know:
IAP was, and still is, a blessing to me! Because of it, I could start my college career with a family I could rely on. College can seem like a daunting experience but because of all the students, advisors and mentors that IAP offered, I was able to face the different challenges that came my way. Without this program, I am not sure how I would have been able to afford college so I feel blessed to have been able to focus on my studies without having to worry about finances.
Person or experience that shaped your UMD experience:
Like a lot of students, I was unaware of the different majors that were available to me. During an IAP networking event, I had the opportunity to talk to an upperclassman who explained what her major, community health, was all about. She advised me to take an intro class and see if it was something that I would be interested in. I ended up taking one class that inspired me to declare my community health major, ultimately leading me to my current career.
Lesson(s) learned:
I learned that it is ok to adjust your dreams. I started out my college career wanting to become a doctor, however, that path ended up not being my path. Because of this, I had to pivot and see what else was in the cards for me. If I decided to stay stuck in my thinking, I would not have discovered an alternative career in healthcare, which I absolutely love.
Major: Film Studies
Current Occupation: Coordinator, HBO Programming and WarnerMedia Talent Development
"IAP showed me that being vulnerable and open is okay. When I was able to tap into that side of myself, I progressed further in my personal growth."
What I want people to know:
My experience in college gave me the chance to explore my interests. IAP was a big part of that. IAP will forever be part of me and I always remind myself to pay it forward to those who want to pursue a similar path.
Biggest takeaway from my IAP experience:
Community has always been important to me. Growing up in a traditional culture, I learned the value of friendship at an early age. Jumping into unknown territory and being the first in my family to move away for college, IAP gave me the sense of community I needed. I continue to keep a group of IAP friends close to me.
Favorite IAP Memory:
The annual fall retreats, when the IAP community came together to just have fun. What stuck with me the most was the time we took to get to know one another. We went beyond the surface and shared our personal experiences and upbringing. IAP showed me that being vulnerable and open is okay. When I was able to tap into that side of myself, I progressed further in my personal growth.
Game-Changing Moment:
I met my mentor at a dining etiquette seminar for IAP students. I made sure to introduce myself. I knew she could guide me as I pursued a career in entertainment. I caught her attention by following up with a call. She offered me a summer internship in which I set up three days of events for entertainment executives and creatives at the White House during President Obama's administration. I connected with top industry players which enabled me to work at BET, FX, and HBO throughout college. My mentor is a big supporter and is now part of my family.
Advice to current students:
College is a time for change and growth. Make sure to enjoy it. Never set your ambitions low. By becoming self-aware, I learned that my ambitions could be as high as I want them to be, and that with passion, I could continue to learn and be the person I want to be.
Major: B.S., Accounting and Business Management
Advanced Degree: MBA, Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, December 2021
Current Occupation: Senior Development Accountant, Corporate Office Properties Trust
"All we need is a chance. IAP was my chance. I'm not sure how things would have turned out for me if it weren't for IAP."
What I want people to know:
IAP offered me the opportunity to get an excellent education, get a good job and turn things around so I can provide a better life for my children. IAP students surprise a lot of people with how far they go. They just need a break.
Biggest takeaway from my IAP experience:
Everyone in the program had their own struggles but we learned to work hard and to succeed despite them. I realized I was not alone, that I could excel. I was determined not to let anything stop me.
Favorite IAP Memory:
I was the anchor during a tug-of-war battle at our annual retreat and helped my team win even though a lot of my teammates had fallen. I had grappled with my self-worth and self-doubt because my dad was not around when I was growing up. I never thought I was good enough. Just knowing that I could help my team, affirmed me, my value and what I could bring to any team.
Game-Changing Moment:
Honestly, it was hearing that I would be offered a scholarship. It was the first time I really knew that things would work out for me.
Advice to current students:
Believe in yourself. A lot of us think we can't succeed in college, that it's too hard, that we can't handle the workload, or that we weren't adequately prepared. We internalize the negative things that are said about our schools and think we won't be able to cut it. I found I could handle classwork just fine and I realized that others were no better than me. It's about the effort I put in. As long as you put in the effort you'll do just as well, if not better. You are capable.
Major: Finance
Advanced Degree: MS in Management, concentration in Healthcare Administration, UMGC, 2010
Current Occupation: Director, Client Service Account Management at OptumServe
"The IAP program is truly life-changing. It isn't something that lasts four years and is over. We are a family, and we stay connected. It is embedded in us to give back—both to UMD and to our community. IAP is an investment that continues to yield dividends—for life."
What I want people to know:
I often wonder where I would be if I was not blessed to receive the IAP scholarship. I thank God every day that we have the donors who support this program—especially the Valensteins—whose generosity makes this opportunity possible. You can change a life with your gift. And that life starts a ripple effect that benefits many others!
Biggest takeaway from my IAP experience:
Everyone seeking higher education deserves a chance to get one. And if you put the right support programs/resources behind them to level the playing field, they will succeed. I and other IAP alumni are living proof!
Favorite IAP Memory:
My IAP cohort was truly my second family. We did so much together—from watching movies in our common area on the weekends, to going to step shows, games and joining clubs, etc. I have so many amazing memories!
Game-Changing Moment:
Ms. Jackie would always encourage us to study abroad. Not having traveled much in my life, I was scared to go so far away from my family. A dear cohort friend, Jennifer Lewis, and I decided to study abroad together in Italy. What an amazing experience that was! Two Baltimore girls trying to make our way around, fully immersed in another culture, trying our best to speak broken Italian. That trip inspired me to want to travel and learn of other cultures.
Advice to current students:
Take advantage of ALL the fun events and social outings UMD has to offer. Go to games, go to events, meet new people who may not look like you or be from the same area as you. Even if you think it will be something that you won't like, do it anyway. You never know, and might be very surprised! And please, if you can, study abroad!
"The Incentive Awards Program (IAP) is more than a full scholarship ... it's also the network, the support system, the professional development, and the counseling and mentorship that you benefit from that are truly the most valuable parts of IAP."
Major: Communication
Advanced Degree: M.Ed., Education Policy and Leadership, American University; Ph.D., Education Policy and Leadership, New York University
Current Occupation: Senior Analyst, Policy and Evaluation, Bellwether
What I want people to know about IAP:
It's more than a full scholarship. The money is obviously important and makes the dream of college a reality, but it's also the network, the support system, the professional development, and the counseling and mentorship that you benefit from that are truly the most valuable parts of IAP. Without those supports, it would have been very hard to navigate UMD.
Advice to current students:
Do everything. When I was at Maryland, I did virtually every program and experience I could. I was active in student organizations, I studied abroad, I was a resident assistant, I had internships (one in then-Senator Barack Obama's office), and more! You only get this opportunity once so make the absolute most of it.
Lessons learned:
It's ok to be unsure of what you want to do. I started out as a journalism major, then a government major and graduated as a communication major, only to go into a career in education and policy. You have no idea where you'll end up. Take classes that interest you, pursue internships to try out different careers, build your network and everything will work itself out in the end.
What is your favorite thing about what you do?
I started my career as a teacher and transitioned to education policy after seven years of being in the classroom. I love being able to connect practice to research and policy. I feel like I am having a larger impact on the education sector, which in turn allows me to impact the lives of more students and families. I also get to travel and visit schools and communities all across the country, so I learn a lot about different issues and contexts.
“I will forever stay connected to IAP and give back whatever I can, because IAP was an integral
part of my development into the kind of person I am today. IAP helped me to be my authentic
self and let people see the real me. I am so thankful that I will always have my family, my IAP
family, to support me.”
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Current Occupation: Electronics Engineer, NIST Center for Neutron Research
Pivotal moment: Studying abroad in Japan for a semester. My perspective expanded
when I got a chance to experience a culture and way of living so different from my
own, which made me a better person for it. While studying, I also took on a lab
position developing a computer vision algorithm which directly translated into my first
job out of college as a robotics engineer.
Biggest takeaway from my IAP experience: I learned that I have a duty to my fellow
humans to support them whenever I can. I remember all the people that helped and
supported me growing up, and then I think of where I would be if they had not been
there. It is my job to keep that tradition going strong.
Advice to current students: College is a unique experience where you can interact
with people from all sorts of walks of life. Connecting with people, understanding how
they view the world, and how their experiences growing up shaped them can in turn
shape you into a better person.