Slate of Nominees for New Alumnae Officers

Earnestine Benford ’79

Treasurer, AASC, 2025–29

Following a career in corporate brand management with Fortune 100 companies, Benford became a qualitative market research entrepreneur and is now a digital nomad. While living in countries across Central and South America, she has been conducting qualitative research for clients as part of a five-year global experience.

Lisa Daniels ’12

Director, AASC, 2025–29

A UNCF staff member pursuing a doctoral degree at American University, Daniels has a decade of experience in the sectors of education, civic engagement, and Black history. She’s committed to promoting impactful community learning opportunities for Alabama’s 7th U.S. Congressional District.

Zaineb Hamdan ’15

Director, AASC, 2025–29

Hamdan is the founding attorney of Hamdan Law Firm PLLC in New York City. She also serves as co-executive chair of Human Rights First’s Emerging Leaders Advisory Board. Hamdan previously served as president of the Smith College Club of New York City.

Nancy Earnshaw Kallusch ’91

Director, AASC, 2025–29

Throughout her career, Kallusch has led extended workforce programs across the financial services, biopharmaceutical, and technology industries. Chief architect of extended workforce solutions at NVIDIA and founding board member of The Mom Project, she previously served as president of the Smith College Club of San Francisco and Marin.

Maria Wood AC ’18

Director, AASC, 2025–29

Wood’s career has included stints in nonprofit leadership, music, and politics. She managed a Grammy-nominated children’s band; co-founded the National Children’s Music Project; and writes about the arts, the environment, and civic issues. Wood serves as executive director of the Historical Society of Kent County in Chestertown, Maryland.

Claire Stein-Ross ’10

Member, Nominating Committee, 2025–28

Stein-Ross runs a consulting firm, advising nonprofits and political organizations on their operations and strategy. For Smith, she serves as a class treasurer, an admissions volunteer, and on the Committee on Regional Participation.

Nita Williams Walker ’84

Member, Nominating Committee, 2025–28

Walker serves as senior medical director for Aledade. She is an experienced physician leader who helps improve the access and quality of medical treatment through value-based care. Walker is one of four sisters who attended Smith across a single 10-year period.

Colleen Wilson ’87

Member, Nominating Committee, 2025–28

Wilson has led initiatives to improve digital experiences at PBS and NPR, collaborated with federal agencies to enhance service accessibility, and now supports innovation with the Big Ten Academic Alliance. She also serves as Reunion co-chair for her Smith class.