Terrapin Club Announces 30 Under 30 Class of 2025

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The Terrapin Club is honored to recognize our 30 Under 30 Class of 2025. 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 2025 class represents some of the rising stars from the University of Maryland.

Congratulations to the Terrapin Club 30 Under 30 Class of 2025.

Michael (Omagu) Amorjay-Ogar, '17

Learn More About Michael (Omagu) Amorjay-Ogar

Michael is an accomplished medical device specialist and clinical leader, bridging medicine and technology in the healthcare space. Since graduating from University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering, he has collaborated with over 300+ surgeons nationwide to not only drive innovation but also provide efficient practices to enhance and streamline the use of technology in medicine. While at UMD, he was an active member of the Black Engineers Society, Biomedical Engineers Society, Charles R. Drew Pre-Health Society and now serves as a mentor within his company to aid in transitioning college students into the medical device industry. A proud Maryland native, Michael represents his roots in everything he does!

Diran Balogun, '20

Learn More About Diran Balogun

Diran is a trailblazing entrepreneur, product and program management expert, and Primetime realtor, redefining how individuals build wealth through homeownership in the DMV. A former strategy and management consultant turned both Product and Program Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), he now channels his strategic expertise and relentless drive into navigating high-stakes real estate transactions with his fast-growing startup, Primetime Homes Realty—all while championing financial literacy in his community and serving on the Robert H. Smith School of Business Alumni Board. Diran vividly recalls sitting in XFINITY Center as a freshman, watching Terrapin legends on the video board during orientation, and promised himself that one day, he would make UMD proud for investing in him.

Chelsea Benjamin, '18

Learn More About Chelsea Benjamin

Chelsea is a New York City-based professional at a global payments company and is the founder of Girls That Gather, a women's social organization dedicated to combating loneliness by fostering community through curated, interactive events. To date, she has brought together over a thousand women in NYC, and partnered with brands like Sephora, MAC Cosmetics, and other woman and minority-owned businesses. At the University of Maryland, Chelsea was actively involved in campus life, serving as a peer career educator, a member of the Caribbean Students Association (CSA), and an executive board member of the Student Success Leadership Council (SSLC). Driven by a passion for community-building, Chelsea continues to create spaces where people feel connected, supported, and empowered.

Henry Blanco, '19

Learn More About Henry Blanco

Henry, a 2019 University of Maryland graduate, opened El Viejo Central American Kitchen in October 2023, merging his passion for design and food to honor his immigrant parents and celebrate Central American culinary traditions. In just one year, he has made a lasting impact by engaging in cultural events on campus, collaborating with local businesses, and helping break the Guinness World Record for the largest pupusa alongside his father and a team of local chefs. Beyond his restaurant, Henry has shown a strong commitment to service by organizing various charitable efforts, including meal donations and support for local families in need.

Aaron Burstyn, '20

Learn More About Aaron Burstyn

Aaron is a proud graduate of the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business with double majors in Marketing and Management and a minor in Real Estate Development. He currently works at Fannie Mae on the Multifamily HIVE (Hub for Innovation and Voice of Customer Exploration) team and is involved in many strategic and research-driven projects. During his time at the UMD, he was the Business Development Manager for The Diamondback. Since graduation, Aaron has remained deeply connected with the university by serving on the Robert H. Smith Advisory Council, facilitating experiential learning projects between Fannie Mae and the Masters in Management (MiM) program, and mentoring students.

Imani Cabassa-George, '17, '20

Learn More About Imani Cabassa-George

Imani earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology in 2017 and an MPH in Public Health Practice and Policy in 2020 from the University of Maryland School of Public Health. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in the Communication, Culture, and Media Studies program at Howard University and is set to graduate this spring. As a health communication specialist, she simplifies complex health information into clear, accessible language to empower everyday people in making informed health decisions.

Sarah Cooper, '22

Learn More About Sarah Cooper

Since graduating from University of Maryland, Sarah works as a special education teacher for Howard County Public Schools and was recently selected to be one of the county's youngest special education instructional team leaders. She is currently pursuing her Master's in Special Education from UMD and recently accepted an opportunity to work towards her PhD in Special Education under the Project Sustain grant. She is a proud member of the UMD community and cannot wait to continue her personal and professional growth with the university over the next few years!

Nina Gartenhaus, '21

Learn More About Nina Gartenhaus

At the University of Maryland, Nina was able to find a career path that combined her two passions, athletics and medicine. During her time at UMD, Nina had the privilege of working in the athletic department while pursuing her bachelor's of Kinesiology. She is currently a first-year medical student and the Director of Communications for the Maryland Lacrosse League.

Bria Goode, '19

Learn More About Bria Goode

Bria graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor's degree in Public Health Science. She is a passionate advocate for reproductive health equity, serving as a senior policy, advocacy, and research manager to expand over-the-counter birth control access and improve care for marginalized communities. She is also the founder of In Your Corner Doula Services, providing holistic support to families throughout their pregnancy journey. Beyond her professional work, Bria remains deeply engaged in her community through volunteer service, church involvement, and initiatives with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., embodying her commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive world.

Beatriz Guevara,' 17

Learn More About Beatriz Guevara

As a first-generation college graduate from the University of Maryland School of Public Health and a proud product of Montgomery County, Maryland, Beatriz has dedicated her career to advancing educational equity and giving back to the community that shaped her. With extensive experience in college access, academic coaching, and elementary education, she is committed to supporting other first-generation students in Montgomery County as they pursue their academic and career aspirations. Through Beatriz's role on the UMD Latinx Alumni Network Board, participation in voter phone banks to mobilize Latino voters, and mentorship of new teachers, she strives to build a supportive community where individuals can leverage their strengths to celebrate diversity and individuality.

Kabrea Hayman, '17

Learn More About Kabrea Hayman

Kabrea Hayman is a marketing strategist and curator from the University of Maryland where she holds a Bachelors of Arts in Studio Art and a Masters in Communications. Recently, she has worked with pioneering institutions such as Pérez Art Museum Miami and Superblue Miami and independently provides opportunities to amplify emerging artists as the founder of Soul Studios and Co. Through her work, she has supported numerous exhibitions, fundraising events, and community programming, presenting artists from the African, Caribbean, and Latin diaspora, including those in Maryland.

Keona Holden, '18

Learn More About Keona Holden

Keona is an Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton, leveraging her expertise in AI and data analytics to drive innovation in government consulting. A proud 2018 graduate of University of Maryland's iSchool, she remains deeply engaged with the university, supporting students through recruiting efforts and mentoring undergraduates in the National Society of Black Engineers and Society of Women Engineers to promote diversity in STEM. Passionate about giving back, she volunteers with Charm City United and Big Brothers Big Sisters, uplifting underrepresented communities through mentorship and service. She is currently pursuing a master's in Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.

Tyra Hooper, '17

Learn More About Tyra Hooper

Tyra is a dedicated clinical researcher, global health advocate, and entrepreneur committed to advancing health equity. A proud alumna of the University of Maryland, she has spent her career at the intersection of scientific innovation, community empowerment, and mentorship as an oncology clinical research professional. Tyra's passion for global health led her to the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa, where she developed a strategic framework for clinical trials across 26 collaborating centers. Tyra is also the founder of In Tune, a wellness company that champions holistic health by providing locally sourced, cold-pressed juices to underserved communities.

Shengze Hou, '22

Learn More About Shengze Hou

Shengze served as President of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association at the University of Maryland and created the 2022 Maryland China Summit, which drew participants from over 18 countries and 300+ organizations. After graduation, he founded the US-China Connection Foundation to deepen economic, academic, and cultural ties between the two nations and strives to become one of the most influential nonprofit organizations bridging China and the United States. In 2023, he assisted Maryland's state government in welcoming an Anhui Province delegation to UMD, organizing cultural events and forging university partnerships. Now, as a Business Development Manager on Intellipro Group's Life Science Team, he connects biotech and pharmaceutical firms with essential talent.

Elonna Jones, '20

Learn More About Elonna Jones

Elonna Jones is a first generation college graduate of University of Maryland and 2019-2020 President of UMD's NAACP chapter, graduating in 2020 with her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Politics. Elonna is a Baltimore City native, who has endeavored to serve her city as a public servant focusing on the nexus between federal government and the City, most recently serving as Baltimore City Regional Director for United States Senator Chris Van Hollen. She is now continuing that work as Senior Advisor for State and Federal Affairs for Mayor Brandon M. Scott.

Sydney King, '19, '20

Learn More About Sydney King

Sydney is an AI Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman where she manages AI use cases and develops frameworks for responsible AI to align with organizational values. During her time at Maryland, she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Robert H. Smith School of Business and was a member of several student organizations, including Resident Life, Omega Honor Society, and Kappa Phi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she served as Chapter President. Sydney remains committed to meaningful community outreach and professional development through employee resource groups at Northrop Grumman, while also having served on the Robert H. Smith Alumni Board and The Business Academy, and as a Hugh O'Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY) volunteer.

Yoni Klausner, '19

Learn More About Yoni Klausner

Yoni graduated from the University of Maryland in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and works as a Software Engineer at Amazon. Yoni lives in Boston with his wife and two daughters. In his spare time, Yoni enjoys playing and watching sports, staying involved in the community, and cheering on the Terps!

Joshua Liu, '24

Learn More About Joshua Liu

A 2024 finance and marketing graduate of the Robert H. Smith School of Business, Joshua currently works for the Washington Wizards as a member of the game presentation team and will join KPMG as an advisory associate this spring. During his undergraduate career, Joshua was inducted into Omicron Delta Kappa, interned for the Big Ten Network, was a tour guide, and served on leadership for his business fraternity and numerous clubs/organizations, including the Sports Business Society. He also played an integral role in the launch and growth of the new Schanwald Sports Management Program at UMD, where he now serves as an adjunct instructor for the program's capstone course. A proud Maryland Basketball superfan, Joshua is also a part of the executive leadership team for Shell Shock, Maryland's alumni basketball team competing annually in The Basketball Tournament (TBT).

Ellis McKennie III, '18, '20

Learn More About Ellis McKennie III

Former Maryland Football offensive lineman and captain, Ellis is a huge supporter of everything Terps! After graduating from the University of Maryland, he went to law school and is now an attorney at Venable, LLP. Ellis is a board member for two non-profits, Harlem Lacrosse Baltimore and The Jordan McNair Foundation, as well as a Terrapin Club donor. He is also a proud season ticket holder for Maryland Women's Basketball where his little sister, Ava McKennie, is a freshman guard for the #21 Terps.

Bridget Celena Pacheco, '17

Learn More About Bridget Celena Pacheco

Bridget has been with Fannie Mae since graduation from the Robert H. Smith School of Business and is a senior Portfolio Manager. She also is on the leadership team of the Hispanic Employee Resource Group (ERG), a role she has served in since 2023. In her free time, she fosters dogs and is an event lead and fundraising coordinator for LOVEPAWSPG, an animal rescue committed to helping the underdogs and cats in under-served homes and shelters in our community, with a focus on the Prince George's pit bulls targeted by the County-wide breed ban. Bridget is a dog mom of two as well as an Ice Skating coach. Bridget is a proud Marylander and a lifetime member of the Alumni Association with strong ties to the Latinx Alumni Network.

Sharita Ray, '18

Learn More About Sharita Ray

Sharita is a proud University of Maryland alumna whose journey was transformed by the support and opportunities she received through the Incentive Awards Program. Committed to paying it forward, she actively mentors Robert H. Smith School of Business students, supports the Women Empowerment Institute, and returns to campus to create career opportunities for aspiring professionals. As a leader in Tech Risk at a "Big 4" accounting firm, she is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, serving on the boards of multiple Business Resource Groups and contributing to the National Association of Black Accountants to empower the next generation of professionals.

Jermaine Rowley, '19

Learn More About Jermaine Rowley

Jermaine is a communications specialist for Montgomery County Public Schools, where he amplifies the district's voice by crafting compelling stories through articles, videos, and other creative content across digital platforms. A proud graduate of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism, he has made an impact in the media industry, reaching millions by creating engaging content at AMC Networks and producing stories that resonated with younger viewers at FOX43 in Pennsylvania. Jermaine is a mentor with the Bernie Scholarship Awards Program, where he is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and deputy secretary of UMD's Journalism Alumni Network Board.

Dominique Samuels, '17

Learn More About Dominique Samuels

A Kinesiology graduate from the School of Public Health, Dominique currently serves as an occupational therapist for District of Columbia Public Schools where she assists elementary-aged students with disabilities to improve their fine motor skills, sensory processing skills, and daily living skills. At the University of Maryland, Dominique was a member of the W.E.B Du Bois Honor Society and Tau Sigma National Honor Society and worked at Nyumburu Cultural Center. After graduating from UMD, Dominique obtained her Master of Occupational Therapy degree from Trinity Washington University in 2021. At the start of her OT career, Dominique served the geriatric population through home therapy and subacute care, but her love for children took over, which led her to work for DCPS.

Zach Smith de la Cuesta, '17

Learn More About Zach Smith de la Cuesta

Dr. Zach Smith de la Cuesta is currently a resident physician in Radiology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He graduated from University of Maryland with a degree in Physiology and Neurobiology. He attended medical school at the University of Vermont, Larner College of Medicine, and completed his internship at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. Outside of his clinical work, Zach has been heavily involved in medicine and clinical research mentorship and has served in multiple leadership positions within radiological professional organizations. Zach is a lifelong, passionate Maryland Basketball fan who enjoys cheering on the Terps in his free time.

Jasmine Sullivan, '18

Learn More About Jasmine Sullivan

Jasmine Sullivan, M.S., CASP+, CSM, is a published researcher, real estate agent, and cybersecurity expert specializing in scanning weapons and detecting vulnerabilities in systems to ensure passenger safety during flights and beyond. As the founder of Kingdom Rentals, she provides quality housing while giving back through mentorship, donations, and initiatives supporting minorities in technology fields. Beyond academia, she actively contributes to the Maryland community through mentorship programs, donations to undergraduate students, and outreach efforts supporting the homeless, including meal services and support programs.

Danielle Starr, '17

Learn More About Danielle Starr

Danielle, a 2017 graduate of the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School, is a Senior Manager at KPMG, where she serves global clients across industries. Selected as the lead for the firm's India Experience rotation, she spent time in Bangalore, India, guiding a diverse cohort while driving strategic initiatives. Her unwavering commitment to innovation, mentorship, and service makes her a true leader and catalyst for change. She remains deeply connected to the University of Maryland, actively recruiting and mentoring current and past Terps to help foster the next generation of leaders.

Nahom Tekle, '17

Learn More About Nahom Tekle

Nahom is a dynamic leader with experience across finance, nonprofits, politics, and government, dedicated to advancing economic development, policy, and community engagement. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, where he co-founded the Smith Business Academy to support underrepresented students through mentorship, leadership development, and career advancement. To expand this mission, he later co-founded The Business Academy, Inc., a nonprofit that now oversees and provides scholarships to both the Smith Business Academy at the University of Maryland and the Stern Business Academy at New York University. As an executive director of multiple nonprofits, he has led initiatives that promote educational equity, economic opportunity, and social impact.

Malik Walters, '18

Learn More About Malik Walters

Malik, a pediatric dentistry resident at the University of Illinois Chicago, graduated from the University of Maryland in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health Science. As a dentist, Malik frequently applies his background in public health to his career, focusing on prevention and education as key components of patient care. During his time at UMD, he was involved in and held multiple leadership roles, including president of the Student Empowerment Project (STEP), Student Success Leadership Council, Caribbean Student Association, and the Global Dental Brigades, and the University of Maryland Black Alumni (UMBA) Network as a mentor for pre-health undergraduate students.

Root Woldu, '20

Learn More About Root Woldu

Root Woldu, a proud University of Maryland alumna with an MPH from Harvard, has worked domestically with the CDC and internationally with startups, NGOs, and multilaterals like the World Health Organization, focusing on vaccine access, HIV prevention, and market shaping. Now a Senior Project Manager at Merck, she drives strategic partnership development at the intersection of digital health, HIV, and oncology to advance health equity and access. Through her work in health equity, corporate social impact, and mentorship, she continues to create meaningful change while inspiring future public health leaders.

Omar Youssef, '19, '23

Learn More About Omar Youssef

Omar served as an Info Sci Ambassador, Senator, and Senior Marshall before graduating from the University of Maryland in 2019. Now, as a manager at Deloitte, Omar specializes in driving human-centric change, culture transformation, and organizational efficiency. Outside of work, he founded a digital media agency, collaborating with prominent influencers. Most recently, he launched Yalla Run Club, a DMV Arab running group that has rapidly created a new community, partnered with local businesses, and raised thousands for refugees.

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