Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremonies

2025 Student Speakers 

Ceremony #1

Ana Sofia Paz 

Ana Sofia Paz is completing a dual degree in Economics and International Relations at the University of Maryland, College Park. During her time at University of Maryland, Ana has been actively involved with the College Democrats of Maryland, where she served as Vice President and contributed to drafting organizational by-laws. She also served as an at-large representative on the Dean's Student Advisory Council (DSAC) for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, working to narrow the opportunity gap within the Department of Economics. 

Ana has accumulated five years of professional experiences through various roles that have honed her skills in administration, strategic communication, and operations management. She interned with the Maryland Democratic Party, supporting administrative tasks and coordinating campaign efforts. Currently, she works as the Assistant Director of Retail with The CALPRO Group, where she oversees food and beverage operations at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and supports business development, particularly with DC Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs).

Following graduation, Ana plans to continue to gain professional experience in order to make a more informed decision about pursuing graduate school. Her advice to fellow graduates is to embrace new opportunities, even when they seem unexpected. Building a career path isn't always linear, and the experiences you gain along the way will shape your journey in ways you might not anticipate. 

Ceremony #2

Anna-Kaye McDonald

Anna-Kaye McDonald is completing a dual degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and Government and Politics, with minors in Law in Society and Public Leadership at the University of Maryland, College Park. During her time at University of Maryland, Anna-Kaye was actively involved in several student organizations, including Kappa Omega Alpha Public Policy Fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, the Caribbean Students Association, the Black Student Union, and the Black Pre-Law Students Association. 

Anna has gained hands-on professional experience through multiple internships across legal and policy spaces. She served as an intern with the Maryland General Assembly, where she supported legislative research and outreach. She also interned with the Undergraduate Legal Aid Office and has worked as an Election Protection Intern with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, focusing on voter access and legal advocacy. Additional roles included a Democracy and Diplomacy Internship with Learning with Living Life, a Domestic Violence Internship at the Montgomery County Family Justice Center, and volunteer work as a Citizenship Tutor with Solutions in Hometown Connections.

Following graduation, Anna will be attending Duke Law School to pursue her Juris Doctor and continue her journey toward a career in law and public interest work. Her advice to fellow graduates is not to rush to have it all figured out. The world will try to convince you that success has a deadline, but the truth is, your timeline is your own. Embrace detours, rest without guilt, and remember that uncertainty is often where growth begins. Keep showing up, even when the path isn't clear-because clarity comes through movement, not perfection.