Valeria Surkovaite '14 visited Blue Spark Capital Advisors in NYC and had a meeting with Founder, CEO & WMA Alumna Maura Griffin. Valeria says "It was extremely nice to meet a fellow alumna and although our graduation years are quite far apart, we were able to relate to each other by sharing similar experiences. Her story inspired and encouraged me to continue working hard and committing to my dreams." Valeria is working hard and receiving some special applause. An International Maritime Business major at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Valeria was one of more than 1000 students from Massachusetts public colleges and universities, and only the second MMA cadet, to present a paper at the UMASS Undergraduate Research Conference. "The Repeal of Crude Oil Ban: Its Necessity and Possible Outcomes" earned special praise from the Chair of the conference's oral presentation session.