Meet Debora Fajer-Smith ’81, political science. Debora is a lawyer with over 40 years of experience, who has received numerous honors for her community involvement, mentoring, and leadership. She was twice named one of the Top 100 Women in Maryland by The Daily Record, honored with the Leader in Law award, and has consistently been voted as a Best Lawyer in the personal injury category by her peers. In summer 2025, she started a new position as Partner at the law firm of Price Benowitz LLP. Earlier in the year, Debora also published her first novel, “Pieces of Gold,” under the pen name Leah Kelly, which was named a “must read” by Naptown Scoop. Debora is also an avid Retriever supporter, establishing the Fajer-Smith Some One Cares (SOCS) Scholarship in 1998. Take it away, Debora!
Q: What initially brought you to UMBC?
A: I chose UMBC because I wanted to go to a small honors college in the Maryland system. I am a graduate of the class of 1981 and lived on campus in what was then Dorm 2. In my first semester, I ran for student body senate and never looked back. Since that moment, with everything I have done, I have tried to give back to UMBC.
I was a pre-law, political science major, and was nominated from UMBC for the Harry S. Truman Scholarship. I eventually went on to the University of Maryland School of Law, and I have practiced law for over 40 years. I have loved helping injury victims who were hurt and needed help to prosper on their own again. I served on the Maryland Senate House Oversight Committee as an appointed member, as well as the Maryland State Bar Association Judicial Nominating Committee.
Q: How have you given back to UMBC?
A: It is a gift when you look back at your life and realize how much your university helped shape your goals and prepare you for a wonderful future. UMBC did that for me. Looking back, everything I did in my career, I tried to give back to UMBC or partner with UMBC students. First, I endowed the Fajer-Smith Some One Cares (SOCS) Scholarship in 1998—which supports high school graduates from my hometown community who wish to attend UMBC—because I want my contribution to be a permanent support to the university long after I’m gone. Next, I started the UMBC Law Society, which brings together graduates who became lawyers. Most recently, I worked with the Alex. Brown Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to grant students an opportunity to gain equity in a new venture called Amron Home and Health, LLC, a brand to help support CPAP users when traveling.
Partnering with UMBC on Amron Home and Health has truly been an honor and a privilege. How special to take students interested in launching a company, winning pitch competitions, and working together for several years to build a company that would not only be profitable but bring about change in people’s lives who suffer from sleep apnea.
“I always say you can do good while doing good.
Q: What is your favorite part of Retriever Nation?
A: Retriever Fever never goes away! I stay close with many of my friends and classmates.
Q: Can you tell us about your book?
A: I was always a writer, but I recently had the opportunity to write a children’s book series under the pen name Leah Kelly. In 2025, I published my first adult novel, Pieces of Gold, set in my hometown of Annapolis, Maryland. The book, which has been named a “must read” by Naptown Scoop, centers around four female friends who attended UMBC together. Each woman is distinct from the other, but nothing can break their bond. Melody holds the group together. Kate is the adventurous attorney who explores life after divorce. Dahlia is the proud Latina professional juggernaut. And you’ll root for Winifred, who struggles with her African American family expectations and her deep desire to conceive a baby.
Pieces of Gold is a delicious romp and a fast, exciting read that sees these women traveling to different parts of the world. It tugs on your heart strings, then brings you into dangerous and very intimate moments. Hold on, especially when Kate learns to fly a small plane with a handsome instructor!
You can learn more at LeahKellyBooks.com.
Photo right: Leah Kelly book signing event at Parole Town Center.
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Tags: donor, Meet a Retriever, Political Science, Pre-Law, Retriever Authors