In the spring of 2003, three R. H. Smith School of Business students founded the Smith School Women’s Society (SSWS) to help university women prepare for the workforce and achieve professional success.

SSWS quickly gathered members and support from the University of Maryland student body; the group received recognition as a student organization from the UMD Student Government Association and the Smith Undergraduate Student Association in December 2003.  SSWS leaders and members have since continued to nurture and promote the career aspirations of women at UMD.