Skip To Main Content

University of Maryland Athletics

30 Under 30 Class of 2024

Terrapin Club

Terrapin Club Announces 30 Under 30 Class of 2024

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The Terrapin Club is honored to recognize our 30 Under 30 Class of 2024. These individuals have made a major impact in their communities and careers, while supporting the university and embodying Maryland Pride. Selected from a group of many impressive nominees, the 2024 class represents some of the rising stars from the University of Maryland.

Congratulations to the Terrapin Club 30 Under 30 Class of 2024.

 
Tamara Adams
Tamara Adams '18
Learn More About Tamara Adams
Tamara works as a Judicial Law Clerk to the Chief Judge of a United States District Court working on criminal and civil matters. Adams, born and raised in the DMV, graduated from the University of Maryland (UMD) in 2018, obtaining a dual degree in Criminal Justice/Criminology and Economics with a Law & Society minor. While a student at UMD, Adams served as the President of the Black Student Union, sat on the Diversity & Inclusion committee for the Student Government Association, and worked as both a Resident Assistant and Orientation Advisor for the school of Behavioral and Social Sciences (BSOS). Adams went on to earn her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Howard University School of Law. Today, Adams remains involved in her community being the Varsity coach for Bowie High School, serving as a mentor for The Appellate Project, and providing meals/clothing to those in need by volunteering with So Others May Eat (SOME)
Femi Adebayo
Femi Adebayo '16
Learn More About Femi Adebayo
Femi is a software engineer at Warner Bros. Discovery, where he works on building non-linear media manufacturing and supply chains. He is the co-founder of Techsgiving, a non-profit that hosts the biggest diversity tech conference in the DMV area. Additionally, he is a filmmaker focused on creating narratives that challenge global perspectives. A Prince George's County native, Femi graduated from Maryland in 2016, where he served on the board of the African Student Association and is a member of the Iota Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. As a frequent participant in panels for the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences and the Department of Computer Science, Femi's goal is to help Maryland students feel empowered and equipped to climb the ladders of success.
Lola Ajayi
Damilola (Lola) Ajayi '20 '22
Learn More About Damilola (Lola) Ajayi
Lola is an exemplary former student and demonstrates extraordinary leadership and commitment to University of Maryland and the international community to improve public health. As a Management Analyst at NCI, she assists in awarding grants, which create, sustain, and strengthen a comprehensive cancer research agenda. In her spare time, Lola goes above and beyond to give back to UMD-SPH by speaking to new and prospective students one-on-one, in panels, and at events such as open houses and admitted students' day. During her talks at these events, she shares tips for success, insight to courses, and also shares information on internships and searching for jobs.
Rebecca Alderson
Rebecca Alderson '16
Learn More About Rebecca Alderson
Rebecca is the Director of Human Resources at Adfero, a strategic communications and public affairs agency in Washington, D.C, where she leads recruitment and talent management. Rebecca also fosters a diverse and inclusive culture through professional development programs paired with innovative benefits and community-service partnerships. As an undergraduate student, Rebecca earned her degree in Jewish Studies and was a member of the College Park Scholars International Studies program, as well as vice president of her sorority. Now as an alumna, Rebecca attends career fairs at Maryland to engage with Terps and recruit students from all over the nation, while also serving as an advisor to the women of Kappa Alpha Theta, supporting chapter operations and leadership development.
Ja'Nya Banks
Ja'Nya Banks '18 '19'
Learn More About Ja'Nya Banks
Ja'Nya earned her Bachelor's and Master's in Special Education at Maryland and was a proud member of the Theta Nu chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Director of Diversity in Student Government, and President of the Black Honors Society. After college, she worked as a middle school teacher and mentor, supporting families and educators of color. Now, as a Ph.D. student at UC Berkeley, she teaches and mentors undergrads in critical education, researches equity and access in partnership with local school districts and writes about the strength of marginalized communities in shaping their education policies.
Saron Bizuayehu
Saron Bizuayehu '18
Learn More About Saron Bizuayehu
Saron graduated from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Supply Chain Management. She was an active member of the Theta Nu Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, MasTERPiece, Carillon Communities, a graduate and mentor of TRiO Upward Bound, and a resident assistant. Following graduation from Maryland, Saron worked at Fannie Mae with a focus on digital products, organizational change management, and ESG to enhance affordable housing access for marginalized communities. Saron is currently an MBA Candidate at Columbia Business School with a focus on strategy and retail and will graduate in May 2024.
Laura Blake
Laura Blake '15
Learn More About Laura Blake
Laura is fueled by a deep-seated passion for making a positive impact, both in her community and the legal world. During her time at Maryland, she embraced the opportunity to lead various community service projects as a Rawlings Undergraduate Leadership Fellow and as Vice President of the Eta Beta Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. As a devoted Terp, Laura loves returning to campus to cheer on her favorite sports teams and enjoys mentoring aspiring lawyers at UMD. In her professional life, Laura is a practicing attorney and consultant. She is always guided by the principles she learned during her time at Maryland: justice, fairness, and equality.
Ketki Chauhan
Ketki Chauhan '20
Learn More About Ketki Chauhan
Ketki is a Sales Manager at CollegeAdvisor.com, a subsidiary of the U.S. News & World Report where she champions access to education by helping families, often first-generation, overcome barriers in the college application process. During her time at University of Maryland, Ketki graduated with a staggering 180 credits, earning a triple-degree in Marketing, Psychology, and Business Management. She served as a Resident Assistant, worked at the University Health Center's Substance Use Intervention and Treatment (SUIT) unit, and was an active member of the CIVICUS Living & Learning Program.
Griffin Connolly
Griffin Connolly '20
Learn More About Griffin Connolly
Griffin graduated with a degree in civil engineering from the Clark School of Engineering. Griffin is based on the DMV area where he works for a construction and engineering company where he helps the local communities with roadway engineering, helping alleviate poor conditions and traffic patterns to get the flow of traffic improved. Griffin lives and breathes Maryland pride. Griffin played for the club hockey team as an undergrad and remains engaged with Maryland Athletics as a season ticket holder for men's basketball and football, as well as a member of the Terrapin Club.
Jordan Costa
Jordan Costa '18
Learn More About Jordan Costa
Jordan currently serves as Senior Project Manager at the Giffords Center for Violence Intervention. She works to nationally uplift community-led strategies for reducing violence and advocates for supportive policies at all government levels. Motivated by her own experiences with gun violence, her commitment to this area grew during her time at the University of Maryland through her work at the Capital Region Violence Intervention Program helping violently injured men in Prince George's County access social services. She also served as UMD's founding president for the campus chapter of the Petey Greene Program, which arranges for college students to be GED tutors in local correctional facilities.
Jasmine Crooks
Jasmine Crooks '16
Learn More About Jasmine Crooks
As a 2016 Maryland graduate, Jasmine has leveraged her studies in Operations Management Data Analytics and Supply Chain Management to start a 7.5 year career in Aerospace at Lockheed Martin. Jasmine stays closely connected with the Terrapin community through her involvement with the Robert H. Smith Business School Masters of Management Advisory Council where she has had the opportunity to facilitate an experiential learning project for masters students within the Aerospace industry. Jasmine's impact within the Aerospace profession can be observed from her work across a variety of aerospace platforms from submarines to fifth generation fighter jets which led to her being named a BEYA 2021 Science Spectrum Trailblazer.
Deja Duncan
Deja Duncan '17
Learn More About Deja Duncan
A Bioengineering graduate from the A. James Clark School of Engineering, Deja is currently a Systems Engineering Manager at Northrop Grumman, where she focuses on employee development and serve as a mentor in various company programs, including its High School Involvement program. Beyond my engineering career, Deja am a Certified Personal Trainer, CEO of Engineered 4 Fit, LLC, and a strength coach for Project 3 Dance Company, fostering health and wellness in young students. Committed to community service, Deja co-founded Vision 4 STEM to support STEM education for inner-city students, and she continues to support physical and mental health initiatives with UMD's Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Jonathan Garcia
Jonathan Garcia '20
Learn More About Jonathan Garcia
Jonathan is a Research Analyst at the National Academy of Public Administration, where his focus areas include organizational change management, strategic planning, and diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging (DEIAB). He has worked on studies for various federal and local agencies, including the Office of Personnel Management, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, and USDA National Finance Center. Outside of work, Jonathan is passionate about mentoring first-generation students, volunteering for translation services, and teaching technological literacy. He is actively involved with the School of Public Policy, serving as a mentor, Secretary of the Alumni Association, and Board of Governors Representative.
Dakota Goldfarb
Dakota Goldfarb '21
Learn More About Dakota Goldfarb
Dakota is a proud graduate of the School of Public Health with a degree in Kinesiology. She currently works as an Intake Specialist at the University of Maryland, partnered with the Division of Rehabilitation Services, helping students with disabilities receive state-employment services. She also works as the program coordinator at the University of Maryland for KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now), a non-profit dedicated to helping kids with disabilities develop friendships, self-esteem, confidence, social, teamwork and athletic skills and a sense of belonging.
Lindsay Goldstein
Lindsay Goldstein '22
Learn More About Lindsay Goldstein
Lindsay Goldstein is a fourth grade teacher in the Montgomery County Public School system. During her time at Maryland, she was involved with various campus organizations, such as her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, and Terp Thon, where she served as the Dancer Relations executive chair. Since graduating, Lindsay is an avid Maryland Athletics fan and servies on the Terp Thon Alumni Board.
Trey Huff
Trey Huff '19
Learn More About Trey Huff
Trey graduated from Maryland in 2019 with a degree in Biochemistry and a minor in Business. He's currently taking on two roles as a general contractor for his construction company HuffCo and Engineering Analyst for Baltimore Gas & Electric. Trey is striving to eliminate the disenfranchising effects of redlining in his hometown of Baltimore through his work in the construction and utility sectors.
Courtney Humphrey
Courtney Humphrey '16
Learn More About Courtney Humphrey
Courtney is a Senior DEI Specialist at 2U, Inc. where she is helping bolster access to employee business resource groups and DEI resources globally and integrating DEI values within the business. While at Maryland, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and was an active member of numerous campus organizations including the Black Student Union, W.E.B. Dubois Honor Society, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Courtney has always been a huge proponent of "if you want certain conversations and changes to take place, you must be in the room and engage in those conversations," so she has dedicated her career and energy to community engagement, advocacy, and amplifying the voices of the unheard and overlooked.
David Jaklitsch
David Jaklitsch '18 '21
Learn More About David Jaklitsch
Born and raised in a family deeply rooted in University of Maryland's legacy, David embodies the Terrapin spirit in his personal and professional endeavors. An alumnus of Maryland's undergraduate program and law school, David has distinguished himself in the legal field, earning numerous national awards for his courtroom achievements and his vigorous representation of plaintiffs in civil matters. His dedication to the community is further exemplified through his role as a Board Director for the Prince George's County Bar Association, reflecting his commitment to promoting justice, professional excellence, and respect for the law in the same county that the University calls home.
Joseph Kozlowski
Joseph (Avi) Kozlowski '17
Learn More About Joseph (Avi) Kozlowski
Joseph (Avi) is a seasoned finance professional with a profound affiliation to the University of Maryland, where he successfully earned dual degrees in Finance and Accounting, fostering a keen interest in both Finance and Real Estate. Actively engaged in the community, Joseph consistently lends his expertise to various initiatives, leaving a positive impact through meticulous event planning and successful fundraising for esteemed organizations such as the Alzheimer's Association, Cycle for Survivor, and local synagogues. In his distinguished career, Joseph has showcased exceptional proficiency, orchestrating the financing of 76 loans totaling approximately $1.2 billion in the 2023 calendar year, underscoring his unwavering commitment to excellence and substantial contributions to the real estate finance landscape.
Nadia Laniyan
Nadia Laniyan '16
Learn More About Nadia Laniyan
Nadia graduated from the University of Maryland in 2016 with a degree in public health equity,a nd has since dedicated her career to improving the health of our nation. She currently works in the office of United States Senator, Cory Booker, as the health policy lead and has the distinguished opportunity to impact health policy at the national level. In addition to her professional career, Nadia remains connected to Maryland in a variety of ways including speaking on alumni panels and as an advisory council member for the Masters in Management Graduate program.
Brittany McCoy
Brittany McCoy '16
Learn More About Brittany McCoy
Brittany is an E-commerce & Digital Marketing Leader with over 10+ years of experience helping premium fashion, beauty, and CPG brands grow their online businesses. After launching a clothing brand as a freshman at maryland, she co-founded a fashion non-profit, MasTERPiece, to prepare students for a career in the retail industry. Her brand has been featured in several fashion shows including New York Fashion Week and she has built a community of 5K+ subscribers on Youtube teaching digital marketing and e-commerce tips to fashion and beauty entrepreneurs. As an active alumni, Brittany has served as a speaker and mentor for the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Honors Program, Chair and Vice Chair of the Robert H. Smith Young Alumni Council and currently serves as the Co-Chair of the newly established Robert H. Smith Alumni Board. She has also served as a Board Member for the DC Chapter of Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), she's an active leader within her Union Church Community, as well as an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Rick Mikulis
Rick Mikulis '19
Learn More About Rick Mikulis
As a student at Maryland, Rick was involved in numerous student organizations while completing a dual degree in Management and Government & Politics. Since graduating, he has become the youngest CFO in Massachusetts state government history, led numerous volunteer groups to make change in his community, and attained a Masters of Public Administration and Policy. Despite living in New England now, Rick still wears his Maryland flag hoodie and even celebrated his first wedding anniversary with his wife (also a Terp) together at UMD's Homecoming this past October.
Brian Plummer
Brian Plummer '19
Learn More About Brian Plummer
Brian is Sr. Account Director at Arena Technical Resources (ATR) in Rockville, MD, where he partners with businesses to help them grow through specialized staffing solutions. He graduated from University of Maryland in 2019 with a B.A. in Communication and a Minor in Leadership Studies, and was a member of the Football team from 2016 to 2019. He spends his time outside of his career volunteering and coaching football at South Carroll High School, where he played high school football. He is a member of the Terrapin Club and a lifetime member of the M Club, serving on the M Club Events committee.
Bradley Polkowitz
Bradley Polkowitz '23
Learn More About Bradley Polkowitz
Bradley currently works for the National Football League (NFL) as a League Sports Betting Analyst through their two-year Rotational Program. As a double major at Maryland (Marketing and Operations Management & Business Analytics), Bradley played a pivotal role in growing the sports community on campus when he founded the Sports Management Program, where he now serves on its Alumni Advisory Board. While at Maryland, Bradley also co-founded the Maryland Sports Business Conference, served as President of the UMD Sports Business Society, and worked for Maryland Athletics and the football team. He was named a Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar, a member of the QUEST Honors Program, and was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honors Society.
Christina Powell
Christina Powell '16
Learn More About Christina Powell
Christina is a career U.S. Diplomat currently stationed at U.S. Embassy Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where her work covers combating human trafficking, counter-narcotics and anti-corruption efforts. She graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics, minors in International Development/Conflict Management and Spanish, and a certificate in African American Studies. While on campus, Christina was active in the Terp community through Beyond These Walls, Sister to Sister, MaryPIRG and UMD's Social Entrepreneur Corps where she spent a summer abroad volunteering in rural communities in Ecuador. She was also Global Public Health College Park Scholar and member of the W.E.B Dubois National Honors Society. As a senior, Christina was awarded the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Graduate Fellowship and went to earn a Master of Arts in Security Policy Studies with a concentration in Military Operations from Georgetown University. Christina is the recipient of several State Department Meritorious Honor Awards and currently gives back through various mentorship programs affiliated with the U.S. Department of State. She is a member of the Defense Council at the Truman National Security Project and was also named a 2023 National Security Fellow at the Aspen Institute.
Brenda Shah
Brenda Shah '16
Learn More About Brenda Shah
Brenda graduated from Maryland with a BS in Neurobiology & Physiology, where she dedicated her time to serving current and future Terps as a Resident Assistant, as well as assisting with Maryland Images Campus Tour Guides, Delta Epsilon Mu Pre-health Fraternity, and the University Honors program. After graduating from Maryland, Brenda achieved her Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) from New York University and returned to Baltimore to provide oral health care to the Hispanic community. She also volunteers her time leading the Maryland Give Kids A Smile program that performs oral health outreach and provides dental care to children across our great state. Brenda remains engaged on the local, state, and national level of the American Dental Association (ADA) advocating for oral health care issues in both Annapolis and Washington, D.C.
Brett Stark
Brett Stark '17
Learn More About Brett Stark
Brett graduated from the Honors College at Maryland with a degree in Physiology and Neurobiology. In his time at College Park, he exuded Maryland pride as a planning team member for Terp Thon, a founding member of Phi Delta Epsilon pre-medical fraternity, and an avid member of the student section's front row at every athletic event he could attend. Brett went on to graduate from medical school, and most recently was selected to the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute where he is currently training to earn his Navy Flight Surgeon wings. Brett is committed to providing mentorship at the pre-medical and medical student levels, as well as to increasing the diversity of applicants to the healthcare field through organizing command-based programs to interest, inform, provide resources to, and mentor enlisted service members, whose typical backgrounds are traditionally underrepresented at the provider level.
David Stein
David Stein '19
Learn More About David Stein
David is a fourth-year medical student at Tel Aviv University, dedicated to a career in Internal Medicine. During his time at the University of Maryland, David developed a profound appreciation for lifestyle medicine, shaped by his degree in Nutrition. His academic journey fueled his passion for fostering wellness, leadership, and community service. In medical school, David has been a driving force behind projects centered on student and patient wellness, emphasizing meditation and nutrition. He eagerly anticipates dedicating his career to aiding those in need and ensuring equitable healthcare for all
Rick Tamno
Rick Tamno '17 '21
Learn More About Rick Tamno
Rick is a public policy professional who is passionate about education. Majoring in African American Studies with a minor in Law and Society, Rick returned to Maryland to earn his Master's in Public Policy where his Master thesis has now become a nonprofit organization called Readers All. Mr. Tamno is a proud Lifetime Member of University of Maryland Alumni Association, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Benjamin Taragin
Benjamin Taragin '19
Learn More About Benjamin Taragin
Benjamin currently works at Ernst & Young on their Venture Studio team. During his time at Maryland, he was very involved in the Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship as a student entrepreneur creating a mental health app, and volunteered for DUNK, an after-school basketball program that emphasizes the importance of good sportsmanship, strong leadership, and living a healthy lifestyle. Since graduating, Benjamin remains deeply engaged with the university, volunteering as an advisor to student startups, actively participating in campus recruiting, and contributing to the Terp community by attending games and supporting various initiatives.
Print Friendly Version