Meet Some Alumni
Click on the photos below to learn more about our alumni.
Fidel Martinez ’16, MBA ’23
“Adjusting to UMD’s vigorous curriculum was difficult but IAP provided the resources and mentors I needed to tap into academic excellence.”
Major: Journalism
Advanced degrees: MBA, Business Analytics and Information, University of Maryland
Current Occupation: Data Engineer, Karl Storz
Person that shaped my UMD experience: Dr. Tony Randall, the Assistant Director for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, played a pivotal role in my success as an undergraduate student. His exceptional mentorship and unwavering support throughout my time at the university were instrumental in my academic and personal growth.
Career highlight: Transitioning into the tech industry from business operations has been a challenging yet rewarding experience. While entering a new field was daunting, it was essential to not let fear or uncertainty hinder my professional growth. I had to embrace the learning process and stay focused on my long-term goals.
Lesson learned:
Ask for help. It’s that simple. My first semester was brutal. The hardest part was distinguishing the difference between feeling embarrassed and being resourceful. Adjusting to UMD’s vigorous curriculum was difficult but IAP provided the resources and mentors I needed to tap into academic excellence.
What made the difference:
Mentorship and therapy—two invaluable resources I overlooked in my younger years—have played a crucial role in helping me make strategic decisions vital to my personal and professional growth. Prioritizing and investing in your mental health is essential for long-term development and success.
Most significant life event since college:
Purchasing my childhood home was an indescribable milestone in my life. Having lived in Prince George’s County for 27 years before relocating to Los Angeles, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to invest in the community before leaving, particularly in the face of ongoing gentrification. This decision was driven by a desire to ensure that long-time residents like myself continue to have a presence and stake in the area’s future.
Ima Ibidapo '05, Esq.
“I really love the program because it exposed me to several resources to help me thrive in college. It provided mentors, field trips, community service, team-building exercises, dining etiquette classes, career exposure and other community-building activities. It’s so much more than a scholarship.”
Major:Criminology and Criminal Justice
Advanced degrees: Juris Doctor, William & Mary Law School
Current Occupation:Managing Attorney, Ima Law, LLC and Adjunct Lecturer, Morgan State University
Pivotal moment: The award itself was the most pivotal moment for me and my family. I recall my dad being so emotional and overwhelmed with gratitude when he found out that I was selected. UMD hadn’t been at the top of my list because I thought the campus was too big for me. Being accepted to the program meant that I would have a small community to rely on.
What I want people to know: I really love the program because it exposed me to several resources to help me thrive in college. It provided mentors, field trips, community service, team-building exercises, dining etiquette classes, career exposure and other community-building activities. It’s so much more than a scholarship.
Advice to current students: Take advantage of every opportunity and resource that IAP and UMD afford you. Your grades are very important so study hard and balance your social life and extracurricular activities. Take on leadership roles. The grades you earn in college will affect your future especially if you plan to go to graduate school so take them very seriously. I studied abroad in Paris and London. It was a great experience and I encourage students to explore the world beyond the United States.
shape you into a better person.
Victoria Gold '14
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.
Ajit Samra '19
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.
James Bowman '14
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.
Kelly Smith '06
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!