Brook T. Smith Launchpad

Operations Manager
magdag@clemson.edu
864-656-5882

B.A. Political and Social Sciences, Rafael Landivar University
English-Spanish Translation Certificate, University of Massachusetts

Maggie Guerra-Ayala is a former diplomat and specializes in international agreements, global partnerships, and multilateral international negotiation. Born in Guatemala, she speaks 5 languages, and she is a certified ENG-SPA translator.

Maggie joined Clemson University in 2018, working at the Office of Global Engagement where she was able to apply her international experience to foster and maintain international partnerships and agreements of different types, as well as developing customized programs and events for diverse audiences. She later worked at the Watt Family Innovation Center, where she had a central role to facilitate high-tech collaborative spaces for students, faculty and staff, as well as supported the daily operations and HR needs of 9 different teams within the Watt.

Before coming to Clemson, Maggie served in the Guatemalan Foreign Service for over 11 years, where she represented her home country in several countries including Guatemala, Mexico, Italy, Argentina, and the U.S. She coordinated and was the chair of international committees related with development, foreign and budgetary affairs.

Maggie joined the Brook T. Smith Launchpad in November 2024, bringing her experience and problem-solving nature, to help build bridges between the diplomatic/government, academic and entrepreneurial environments. 

In her free time, Maggie enjoys traveling, learning different languages (currently, Japanese), crochet, knitting, trying new and exciting dishes, and boat rides with her husband and two dogs.

Operations Manager
gilders@clemson.edu
864-656-7898

M.P.A. Clemson University
M.B.A. College of William and Mary
B.A. Print Journalism, Gonzaga University

Mary Gildersleeve joined the Brook T. Smith Launchpad in April 2026 after working three years in Clemson’s Advancement Division as the Manager of Gift Administration and Operations, a position where she met with Planned Giving donors, coordinated the Legacy Society, and ensured all matured bequests were appropriately distributed. Prior to coming to South Carolina, Mary’s experience included work as a business manager for a non-profit, a director of enrollment management for a private school in Northern Virginia, a K-8 computer science teacher in Raleigh, a strategic analyst for Delta Air Lines in Atlanta, and an event planner/coordinator for a corporate-membership international trade group in Washington D.C.

Mary earned an M.P.A from Clemson, an M.B.A from the College of William and Mary, and a B.A. in Print Journalism degree from Gonzaga University. In her spare time, she enjoys empty-nesting with her husband, Rick, now that their eight adult-aged children are set off on their career paths. She also enjoys heading to the nearby mountains, traveling in Europe, visiting family and friends, and continuing her side hustles of hand-knit designs and freelance writing.

Project Manager
mnavis@clemson.edu
864-656-5874

B.A. Elementary Education, Clemson University

Michelle Navis, a native of Easley, SC, has been a die-hard Clemson fan since birth. Driven by a passion for helping others, her career began as an elementary school teacher in GA and WI for nearly a decade. After that time, she served as PTSO president, responsible for fundraising, financial management, community engagement, and event organization.  

Michelle's organization, communication skills and passion for making a difference and helping others led her to become an office manager/mentor with the Spiro Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership. She continues to provide guidance and support and cultivate a love for entrepreneurship among the students with whom she works. She enjoys being a part of this exceptional opportunity at Clemson to serve a diverse population of students across all colleges. 

Office Manager
sorohan@clemson.edu
864-656-4793

B.F.A. Visual Arts, Clemson University

Susan Sorohan joined the Brook T. Smith Launchpad in August 2025 after serving as the Business Manager in the Performing Arts Department since 2007.

An artist with a knack for numbers, Susan has always worked in finance and pursued creative endeavors simultaneously. With extensive experience in Clemson University’s financial and human resource systems along with organizational, leadership and problem-solving skills, she brings a combination of professional expertise and creative expression to support the Launchpad. She enjoys welcoming people and is eager to help set them on a path to success in their entrepreneurial journeys.

Outside of her professional life, Susan is a ceramic artist whose work explores the natural landscape, nostalgic themes and functional sculptures. She has exhibited her work in several local shows and has sold numerous pieces at college sponsored sales and local community events. She has partnered with the Lee Gallery to curate exhibits in the Brooks Center Lobby for over a decade. 

Community Outreach Coordinator
ams26@clemson.edu
864-656-5868

B.S. Communications, Clemson University

Ariel Smith is a Greenville, South Carolina native and Clemson University alumna with a passion for meaningful connection, storytelling, and community engagement.

After earning her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Clemson University in 2023, Ariel gained experience in digital marketing, working with teams to strengthen brand presence, enhance organizational reputation, and support business growth. In May 2026, she joined the team at the Brook T. Smith Launchpad, where she brings creativity, enthusiasm, and strong communication skills to support entrepreneurial education and outreach initiatives.

Outside of her professional role, Ariel is an actress who enjoys performing in both theatre and film. She also loves spending time with her husband and their golden retriever, and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures of her own, including teaching swim lessons and helping small businesses elevate their branding and social media presence.