Empowering Voices: Maisha Smart ’90 on Leadership and Confidence

When Maisha Smart ’90 reflects on her journey — from Baldwin classrooms to her role as Senior Capital Markets and Securities Specialist for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Atlanta Region — she describes it not just as a career, but as a calling rooted in purpose and empowerment. “What truly defines my journey isn’t just my credentials,” she says, “it’s my commitment to empowering others.”

 

With more than 15 years of experience in capital markets and risk management, Maisha has built a reputation for transforming complex data into meaningful insights. At the FDIC, she monitors economic and industry trends, advises stakeholders, and delivers tailored training that connects the evolving regulatory landscape to practical application. “I’m known for my ability to transform data into insights and for cultivating collaborative, learning-focused teams,” she explains.

 

But Maisha’s foundation for leadership and inclusion was laid decades earlier, at Baldwin. “My career has been shaped by Baldwin’s academic excellence and lessons in critical thinking, leadership, and resilience,” she recalls. “Baldwin taught me that I have a unique perspective, the ability to speak up against injustice, and a say in what happens next.”

At Baldwin, Maisha discovered the confidence to use her voice — and to encourage others to use theirs. “Often, I’m one of few women and the only African American in the room,” she shares. “Because of Baldwin, I don’t attempt to blend in as an apology for my differences. I offer my perspective without fear of presenting potentially unpopular or challenging ideas.”

 

Her inclusive leadership philosophy is built on empathy, collaboration, and curiosity, and it reflects the teamwork she honed as co-head of Baldwin’s debate and basketball teams. “Serving as co-head of those teams definitely shaped my teamwork capabilities,” Maisha says. “But it also came from everyday class discussions where we were encouraged to embrace different points of view. That’s where I learned diplomacy, persuasion, and emotional intelligence — traits that are invaluable in my work today.”

For Maisha, Baldwin’s influence extends beyond academics. “What I love most about Baldwin is that the students are considered holistically — for what they need today, in college, and beyond,” she reflects. “For me, a seed was implanted for 360-degree leadership, and it’s constantly blooming, expanding, and improving.”

 

She credits Baldwin for instilling self-leadership — “the ability to chart my own path, to self-correct, to rebound quickly, and to try again with little or no self-doubt.” These qualities, she says, have helped her navigate both corporate and regulatory environments, where adaptability and integrity are essential.

Maisha fondly remembers the creative influence of art teachers Ruth Fackenthal and Jan Pethick, who showed her that leadership can also mean self-expression. “I found my voice through the mediums of clay, oil, charcoal, wood, and watercolors,” she says. “In their classes you could literally see the way each student processed the same stimuli in a different manner — same assignment, vastly different outcomes.” That understanding of perspective, she adds, continues to guide her collaborative approach today.

While studying for her MBA at Drexel University, Maisha became fascinated by the intersection of finance and innovation. “In 2006-07, there was a lot of discussion about financial derivatives and the lack of structural transparency, which prevented accurate analysis,” she recalls. “I became fascinated by the potential impact to banks as corporate entities and wanted to learn more about financially engineered products.”

 

Today, she channels that curiosity into mentorship and advocacy — especially for women entering finance. “I want young women to know that they belong in every room where decisions are made,” she says. “Whether presenting to senior executives or mentoring early-career professionals, I foster collaborative environments where complex financial insights become accessible, actionable, and impactful.”

 

Maisha’s approach to leadership is as intentional as it is inclusive. She believes collaboration flourishes when structure, transparency, and access are prioritized. “I implement a regular meeting schedule and standard agenda to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute and receive feedback,” she explains. By calling on team members in random order, she creates balance in discussions and prevents any one voice from dominating. Outside of meetings, she encourages open dialogue — “I want team members to feel comfortable discussing findings or concerns with me directly. It removes bottlenecks and builds trust and confidence for sharing results at the next meeting.” She also champions growth and exposure for emerging talent, ensuring that even high-stakes projects include junior team members. Regular stakeholder updates, she adds, complete the cycle of collaboration by fostering shared accountability and continuous feedback.

As Vice-Chair of Baldwin’s Alumnae Leadership Council (ALC), Maisha continues to strengthen the bonds among Baldwin graduates. “The value proposition of the council is driven by those we serve,” she explains. “It’s important to understand what alums want and what the Baldwin community needs from its alums.” Her vision for the future includes “increased connection between current and future alumnae across interests — industry, goals, and life stages.”

For all her achievements, Maisha measures success not in accolades, but in impact. “Within my profession, I hope to leave a legacy of excellence in topical knowledge,” she says. “But most important, I hope those I encounter recall positive interactions — that I was forthcoming and patient in imparting knowledge, in helping them to understand a lesson or recognize an emerging trend.”

 

At Baldwin, she hopes her continued service inspires others to stay connected. “Baldwin is a unique lifelong experience that most people don’t have,” she reflects. “My time as a student provided a solid foundation, and I recognize the many benefits I continue to experience as a graduate. I invest time mentoring students and young professionals because I want to foster the kind of future I hope to see.”