NextGen Councils

Marya Smith, Class of 2021, studied Community and International
Development with a minor in Anthropology. During her time at UVM, she
was involved with the University Program Board, Club Swim, Dewey House
for Community Engagement, DREAM, and study abroad programs in Nepal
and South Africa. These experiences shaped both her personal and
professional interests and sparked a passion for building connections
across communities and cultures.

After graduation, Marya built her career in international exchange,
public diplomacy, and event management, working with organizations
including the Vermont Council on World Affairs and the Institute of
International Education. Through her work supporting U.S. Department
of State-sponsored programs such as the International Visitor
Leadership Program and Fulbright, she managed programs and events that
fostered cross-cultural understanding and brought together
participants from around the world. Following five years in
international education and public diplomacy, she recently
transitioned into the private sector as an Event Manager at
streamlinevents in Washington, D.C., where she brings her global
engagement and program management experience to conferences, executive
events, and large-scale corporate programs.

As a UVM Next Gen Chapter Leader in the D.C. area, Marya is excited to
help fellow Catamounts build community, expand their networks, and
stay connected to UVM. Outside of work, she enjoys running and biking
through Rock Creek Park, cheering on local sports teams, traveling,
exploring new restaurants and coffee shops, and exploring the D.C.
area with her best friend and fellow UVM Next Gen co-chair, Abby Rhim.

Sophie Meyer is the Executive Operations and Investor Relations Manager at Sublime Systems, a low-carbon cement manufacturing start-up based in Somerville, MA. In her role, she supports fundraising, board and investor relations, market research, and strategic initiatives across the organization. Prior to her role at Sublime, Sophie found her passion for commercializing climate technology at The Engine Ventures, a venture capital firm spun out of MIT that invests in deep-tech climate companies.


Sophie graduated from the University of Vermont in 2021 with a BA in Psychological Science and Environmental Studies, with a minor in Behavior Change Health Studies. While at UVM, she was an active member of the Student Alumni Association (SAA), leading the organization as President during COVID, and serving as Director of Campus Programming and Marketing in previous years. She was also a member of Delta Delta Delta and served her chapter as the Alumnae Relations Chair.


Sophie serves as the Alumni representative on the UVM Board of Trustees' Budget, Finance, and Investment Committee, as well as the Alumni Association's Career Committee. Sophie comes from a long line of UVM Catamounts and lives in the greater Boston area. She spends her weekends outside golfing, walking, cross-country skiing, and swimming – season permitting!

Favorite Study Spot on Campus: Howe Library group study rooms
Favorite Coffee Spot on Campus/in BTV: Barrio Bakery or Speeder and Earl's Pine Street Cafe
Club Involvements: UVM Outing Club, UVM Cycling, Dewey House for Community Engagement, Residential Advisor, and Travel Study/Abroad programs (Austria and Ecuador)
Advice for New Grads Moving to the City: D.C. isn't only about politics and government! You will find people who have similar interests and hobbies as you, whether that is work oriented or not. If there is an activity or cause you are excited by, you can find groups that share those interests and build community simply by showing up.

After graduating undergrad in 2017, I spent the next year at UVM getting my Masters in Accounting. Upon graduating the MAcc program in 2018, I moved to Boston, MA where I began my career in Accounting at RSM.

Kate is Senior Manager of Strategic Communications at Vrge, a communications firm for innovators in civic tech and AI. She spent four years at public affairs agencies in London, building coalitions across media, government, and industry on issues from voting rights and renters' rights to equitable investment and technology adoption. She helps organisations navigate complex political, regulatory, and media landscapes, and tell stories that drive trust and change. She has an MS in Public Policy from the University of Bristol and a BS in Community & International Development from the University of Vermont. She lives in Brooklyn, NY.

I played soccer in Spain and worked for an impact investor in Uganda in my first year out of school. Since then I have worked at PG&E in various roles related to operations, finance, bankruptcy, and power shutoffs.