A profile of InfoSci alum Waleed Akram
Waleed Akram, InfoSci '22
Waleed Akram’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a deep appreciation for diversity. Born into a multilingual immigrant family, Waleed and his family moved to the United States from Pakistan at the age of seven. Growing up as the youngest of four brothers in a household that spoke four languages, he learned early on the value of intercultural understanding. “Growing up in an immigrant household taught me to be innovative, attuned to my environment, and eager to excel,” he reflects. His formative years in the DMV area, attending a predominantly minority high school, further enriched his perspective. “Being exposed to African American and Hispanic cultures—whether through cuisine, history, or dance—taught me that differences often reveal how similar we are. That intercultural dialogue has been a big theme in my life.”
A Career Rooted in Problem-Solving and Global Impact
Waleed’s career path reflects his passion for solving complex problems and leveraging technology to drive innovation. He graduated from the University of Maryland College of Information (INFO) with a BS in information science in 2022. During his senior year, he interned at Geico as a software engineer, where he was selected for the prestigious Emerging Leader program. Although the program was paused due to organizational changes, Waleed saw it as an opportunity to pivot toward a role that aligned more closely with his aspirations.
Today, Waleed is a senior business analyst & team lead at Transaction Network Services (TNS), where he reports directly to the head of the department. “TNS appealed to me because it offered exposure to a wide range of challenges—from financial data architecture to Mergers and acquisitions and business processes,” he explains. His role involves working on global, organization-wide projects that span multiple time zones, giving him a unique perspective on how technology and business intersect on an international scale. “Working across five time zones at once has been an incredible learning experience,” he notes.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Innovation
Beyond his corporate role, Waleed is a partner at Metro Management, a multifaceted company with a focus on facilities management, hospitality, food, and construction. What began as a restaurant group evolved significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The restaurant industry was hit hard, and we were forced to innovate” he recalls. This led to the creation of new business models, including contract fulfillment for federal organizations like the National Guard, National Institutes of Health, Smithsonian Institutions, and Homeland Security. “We realized we needed to see ourselves as problem solvers, not just restaurant operators,” he says. This shift allowed the company to expand into non-traditional restaurant spaces, such as stadiums, convention centers, and large-scale events. Most recently, Metro Management has ventured into facilities management and construction, securing a major contract with the Capital One Arena. “We’re leveraging our partnerships and expertise to grow steadily in both the private and public sectors,” Waleed adds.
A Commitment to Social Impact
Waleed’s entrepreneurial spirit extends to his philanthropic efforts. A few years ago, he founded the Hunger Relief Foundation, a nonprofit that has distributed over 750,000 meals to date. “We’re expanding globally, with chapters in Pakistan and plans to open in India, Bangladesh, El Salvador, and Canada,” he shares. The foundation’s work reflects Waleed’s belief in using innovation and collaboration to address pressing social issues.
INFO’s Influence
Waleed credits his time at INFO with shaping his approach to problem-solving and leadership. “The program’s holistic, real-world focus exposed me to diverse ways of thinking—technical, design, business, and operations,” he says. Courses in data analysis, human-centered design, and project management left a lasting impact. “Understanding data isn’t just about looking at it; it’s about massaging, analyzing, and engineering it to draw a solution,” he explains. The concept of human-centered design, in particular, has become a cornerstone of his work. “Everything is a product with a design behind it, and that design must consider how it interacts with the human on the other side. That mindset influences everything I do, whether it’s a project at TNS or an entrepreneurial venture or initiatives at HRF.”
A Vision for the Future
Waleed’s career and personal endeavors are united by a common thread: a commitment to innovation, problem-solving, and intercultural understanding. “Technology is a tool to solve almost every problem, and it’s becoming increasingly central to every industry,” he says. Whether he’s tackling global business challenges, expanding Metro Management Group’s reach, or addressing food insecurity through the Hunger Relief Foundation, Waleed’s work is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact. “I’ve always been drawn to leadership, entrepreneurship, and the idea of using technology to create solutions that improve lives,” he reflects. “That’s what continues to motivate me every day.”