Women Inspire
For the eleventh year, Women Inspire showcased Maryland Smith’s fearless alumnae leaders excelling in business. This annual event celebrated female empowerment that inspired attendees and challenged them to realize and reach their full potential.
The 2022 Honorees, Maryland Smith alumnae Margo Thomas, PhD, MS ’90, Founder and CEO of Women’s Economic Imperative, and Audrey Awasom ’18, Founder and CEO of Noble Uprising, Inc., were celebrated during a moderated discussion held at the Samuel Riggs IV Alumni Center on Maryland’s College Park campus. Smith professor Nicole Coomber served as the moderator for the discussion.
For additional insights about women in leadership, check out the following videos:
- Working in a Multicultural Environment with Margo Thomas, PhD, MS ’90
- Starting Out as a Social Entrepreneur with Audrey Awasom ’18
For questions about the event, please contact the Smith Office of Alumni Relations 301-405-4095 or maf31@umd.edu.
Dr. Margo Thomas is a thought leader and catalyst for inclusive economic growth focusing on private sector development, business ecosystems, entrepreneurship and competitiveness. In her current role of Founder and President of the Women’s Economic Imperative, Dr. Thomas serves as a catalyst for initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for the economic empowerment of disadvantaged and under-represented groups globally.
L. Audrey Awasom, or Audrey Awesome as many affectionately call her, is the Founder and CEO of Noble Uprising, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves, educates, and empowers women to overcome hardship through socially-responsible programs and resources necessary to enhance their overall quality of life. As an anti-poverty advocate, Audrey has pioneered various initiatives that provide essential resources to women. She has collaborated with several community organizations including the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center, Lakeview Apartments, and Interfaith Works to help execute her vision of a society where every woman has access to good health, affordable housing, and sustainable employment.