Sophia Maria Rachel Papados, (Flex, Online) | President spapados@umd.edu
Sophia serves as President of the Part-Time MBA Board, where she is dedicated to ensuring online students receive a rich and engaging program experience. She brings a unique perspective to the cohort, combining her scientific background with a passion for healthcare innovation. A graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Neuroscience, Sophia currently works in the healthcare sector and is pursuing her MBA to strengthen her understanding of the intersection between healthcare and business.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Sophia finds fulfillment in teaching and sharing knowledge with others eager to learn. She is actively involved in volunteer work and is passionate about creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. Sophia also cherishes the quality time she spends with family and friends. A unique aspect of Sophia's background: her years as a competitive Irish dancer taught her the discipline and dedication she applies to every challenge she takes on.
Sabrina LaBold (Flex, DC) I Executive Vice President slabold@umd.edu
Sabrina is an MBA candidate at the DC campus and a proud Double Terp, having earned her bachelor’s degree in government and environmental policy from the University of Maryland. She currently serves as a Program Manager in academic and student affairs at UMD’s College Park campus, where she supports an undergraduate leadership and experiential learning program. Originally from New Jersey, Sabrina has enjoyed building her life in Maryland and is excited to deepen her involvement within the Smith community. Outside of work and school, she loves to travel, explore the DMV, and spend quality time with family and friends.
Corinne Lovett (Flex, Online) | Chief of Staff clovett@umd.edu
Corinne Lovett holds a Master of Public Health from the University of Maryland and has spent more than a decade working across healthcare, public health, and health policy. She is currently a Health Policy Intern at MITRE and has previously served in leadership and policy roles with the Baltimore Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services, the University of Maryland Baltimore’s JACQUES Initiative, United Way of Delaware, the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, and Cecil County Government. She is pursuing her MBA to strengthen her leadership, finance, and strategy skills and help build more effective, sustainable healthcare systems that improve outcomes for patients and communities.
Afina Karapetyan (Flex, Shady Grove) | Chief Financial Officer akarapet@umd.edu
Afina Karapetyan is an MBA candidate at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and a proud "Double Terp." Coming from a family of Maryland graduates, they are thrilled to continue the tradition. Afina holds a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience, an academic foundation that led her to careers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. In their professional life, they focus on data analytics, statistics, and clinical sample testing, where they have built a reputation for being meticulous, detail-oriented, and highly skilled in regulatory documentation.
As your incoming Chief Financial Officer, Afina is eager to apply that same rigor to the PTMBAA budget. She is committed to ensuring funds are allocated fairly to maximize student value. While new to the financial side of student government, she is excited to learn the ropes and support the "behind-the-scenes" work that powers our success. Her goal is to ensure every Smith student gains as much as possible from their networking and learning opportunities this year.
Outside of the classroom and the office, you can usually find Afina swimming, getting lost in a good fantasy novel, or working on their own creative writing. They also have a soft spot for quiet spaces to catch up and giggle with friends—even where they probably shouldn't be laughing quite so loudly. They are honored to join the board and cannot wait to help make this an impactful year for the entire community.
Veronica Hill (Flex, DC)| Chief Officer of Special Events vhill5@umd.edu
Veronica Hill is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Washington, DC and Maryland with more than a decade of experience advancing behavioral health, care coordination, and community based services for underserved populations. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Fayetteville State University in Criminal Justice before completing her Masters of Social Work at Howard University in 2017. Throughout her career, Veronica has worked across several dynamic industries including child welfare, school based mental health, community behavioral health, and managed healthcare, building a reputation for combining clinical expertise with systems level thinking to improve access to quality care.
Currently pursuing her MBA at the DC Campus, Veronica is passionate about bridging the gap between social impact and business innovation. During the 2025–2026 academic year, she served as her cohort's MBA Track Representative, advocating for students and strengthening communication between the student body and university leadership. She now serves as Chief of Special Events for the Part-Time MBA Association, where she leads the planning of networking, professional development, and community building experiences that enrich the MBA student experience and strengthen connections across the Smith community.
Beyond her professional and academic pursuits, Veronica is deeply committed to entrepreneurship and community impact. Her long term vision is to build mission driven businesses that create sustainable economic opportunities, improve access to behavioral health services for all individuals and invest in underrepresented communities. Whether through clinical practice, business leadership, or community engagement, she is dedicated to empowering others and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Jillian Waxman (Flex, Baltimore) I Chief Marketing Officer jjwaxman@umd.edu
Jillian is a second-year MBA student and a proud double Terp, having earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. She currently serves as an Operations & Events Manager at GrillMarX Restaurant Group, where she leads daily operations, manages large-scale events, and oversees high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment. Her professional experience also includes roles in state government, engineering research, higher education, and human services, reflecting her passion for leadership, operations, and community engagement.
As Chief of Marketing & Communications for the PTMBA Board, Jillian is excited to strengthen connections within the Smith community by promoting student engagement and showcasing the experiences that make this PTMBA program so unique. In her previous work with the University, she worked on DEI initiatives, educating the community, and promoting outreach for first-gen students and students with disabilities. Outside of work and school, she considers herself a DMV foodie, frequents pilates and pickleball, volunteers at local causes, and occasionally still models!
Christine Mui (Flex, Shady Grove) I Student Engagement & Communications Manager cmui@umd.edu
Christine Mui is a Lead Project Coordinator at the National Institutes of Health, where she leads teams and cross-functional initiatives focused on process improvement, organizational effectiveness, and service delivery. Her experience spans healthcare, project management, stakeholder engagement, and the development of practical solutions to complex business challenges. Christine is pursuing her MBA, with interests in business strategy, organizational transformation, and management consulting. As Student Engagement & Digital Communications Manager for the Part-Time MBA Association, she works to strengthen community connections, increase student engagement, and elevate the part-time MBA experience. Christine is also an avid fantasy reader and she enjoys seeking out new challenges and experiences, from board games and escape rooms to digital puzzle games.
Melissa "Mel" Mendez (Flex, Baltimore) I Content Creator mmendez1@umd.edu
As a 1st generation American working in higher education for nearly a decade, community engagement and student advocacy have always been important values of hers.
Mel comes from a technical background with a Bachelor's in Information Technology conferred from Towson University. Since 2019, Mel has been involved in the day-to-day operations of the Robert H. Smith School of Business's Baltimore campus. She manages everything non-academic from IT/AV support, campus operations and facilities, faculty support, event coordination, and supporting Part-Time MBA Association events local to Baltimore City.
With her well-rounded technical and non-technical background, Mel hopes to pursue opportunities revolving around community building, student and alumni relations, student outreach and advocacy, strategic planning and partnerships and eventually bridging the gap through partnerships with non-profits, small local businesses, student-owned businesses, and private companies. A secondary focus is to work closely with non-profit organizations or public university outreach programs to promote more WOC/BIPOC in STEM and in leadership.
Outside of work and school, Mel volunteers at local Baltimore City organizations, practices photography, and is involved in the exotic pets/reptile breeding industry.
Farhanaz Nowshin (Flex, DC) | Vice President of Washington, DC fnowshin@umd.edu
Farhanaz Nowshin is an MBA candidate at the University of Maryland with a focus on technology management. After serving as the elected DC Student Track Representative for Fall 2025, she now serves as the 2026 DC Campus Vice President. With a background in psychology and brain sciences, along with years of experience as a business analyst at Booz Allen Hamilton, Farhanaz has seen firsthand how essential business acumen is especially in highly technical and scientific spaces. For her, the MBA is not just a step toward professional goals, it is a cornerstone in building a career of service and transformation. Farhanaz is passionate about supporting and empowering others, and she believes in the power of collective growth and progress. As VP, she brings that same mindset to representing her cohort: fostering connection, amplifying student voices, and advocating for both the DC campus community and the broader Smith graduate program. Outside of work and school, Farhanaz is a daredevil outdoors. She also values practices that support personal growth and deepen introspection, like reading and meditation, and she loves traveling, cooking, spending time with loved ones, exploring her creativity, and seeking out new experiences.
Jessica Begue Ellis (Flex, Shady Grove) | Vice President of Shady Grove jbegue@umd.edu
Jess Begue Ellis serves as the Vice President of the Shady Grove campus for the Part-Time MBA Association. Her favorite part of being in the Flex program is the diversity of experiences and passions that each student brings to the classroom. She enjoys that this role lets her create opportunities for connection and foster a lasting sense of community among cohorts. Originally from Ohio, Jess is a first-generation college student who earned her BSBA in Marketing from The Ohio State University, with minors in French and Legal Foundations of Society. She began her career in political organizing and nonprofit communications before transitioning to the travel industry, where she currently works as a Marketing Project Manager. Jess lives in North Bethesda with her husband, Paul. In her spare time, she enjoys knitting, running, and reading nonfiction.
Corey Williams (Flex, Baltimore) | Vice President of Baltimore cwilli84@umd.edu
Corey Williams is a multi-certified IT solutions expert with over 15 years of experience
working in several industries that include hospitality, finance, healthcare, military, and
academia. As an MBA candidate through the Baltimore Flex program with the University of Maryland, Robert H. Smith School of Business, his focus is to expand his expertise in leadership, strategy, and innovation. Alongside the program, Corey is pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Technology Management to integrate his technical knowledge with business strategic decision-making. Being a first-generation American born and raised in the Bronx, NY, a proud financial member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and a veteran from the U.S. Air Force, Corey has a fighting spirit, and passion for serving in his community. When not at work or school he is either reading, working out,or spending time with his girls, dogs, and/or plants.
Sarah Figueroa, (Flex, Online) | Vice President of Online sarahfig@umd.edu
Sarah Figueroa is a second-year student in the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business Online MBA Program. A Forté Fellow and first-generation college graduate, she brings more than a decade of experience in healthcare project management, clinical operations, perioperative services, corporate strategy, and healthcare IT across large, multisite health systems.
Driven by a desire to create impact across the broader healthcare ecosystem, Sarah pursued a deliberate career pivot into consulting. She accepted a Summer 2026 MBA internship with EY's Health practice, where she applied her operational and strategic background to client-facing consulting work across the provider landscape.
Outside of her professional roles, Sarah serves as Chair of the Western North Carolina Healthcare Executives Committee under ACHE of Greater Charlotte, bringing executive programming and professional development to healthcare leaders across 18 counties in Western North Carolina. Sarah is committed to bridging healthcare strategy and operational execution at the executive level, shaping how health systems grow, transform, and serve their communities.