Perla Correa Arellano: ASU (Barret Honors College) - W. P. Carey; Full-Ride Merit Scholar
My journey began in Zacatecas, Mexico, where I was deeply involved in my family's cattle business. From a young age, I was immersed in the financial intricacies of managing livestock, closely observing how my parents made crucial decisions regarding investments and responded to market fluctuations. This early exposure ignited my interest in finance, as I recognized the profound impact that strategic financial planning could have on the success of any venture. When my family relocated to the United States in pursuit of better opportunities, I was determined to excel academically, despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. My passion for finance and leadership flourished during high school, where I was accepted into a concurrent honors program through the University of Cambridge, earning both the Cambridge International AICE Diploma and the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) with Distinction. Simultaneously, I pursued college credits through Mohave Community College, graduating with an Associate of Arts: Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) and completing high school as valedictorian with 64 college credits, all while earning a 4.7 GPA. Additionally, I served as President of the National Honor Society, the Student Body, and my school's Finance and Management Services Program, where I was honored as the Preeminent Senior of my class. These achievements, coupled with my involvement in various extracurricular activities, earned me a multitude of merit scholarships that amount to a full-ride to Barret, the Honors College at Arizona State University, where I am currently pursuing a degree in Finance. As a first-generation college student, this journey reflects my deep commitment to seizing the opportunities before me, driven by a passion for finance that was sparked in my earliest years.
Since beginning my college journey at Arizona State University (ASU), I have been deeply committed to academic excellence, community involvement, and professional development, all of which have paved the way toward my goal of breaking into Investment Banking. As a Finance major in Barrett, the Honors College, I have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while managing a full honors workload. My dedication to academic excellence has been recognized with multiple merit scholarships, collectively amounting to a full ride, allowing me to fully immerse myself in both my studies and extracurricular activities. My involvement on campus has been integral to my growth. I serve as the Vice President of Finance & Operations for Scholars of Finance, where I work closely with the National COO to develop strategies that have improved our chapter’s efficiency and surpassed our fundraising goals. Additionally, I serve as an Associate Financial Consultant in the TAMID Group, where I have applied my academic knowledge to real-world business scenarios, particularly through industry analysis and market research for Israeli startups. These experiences have further solidified my passion for finance.
Professionally, I have actively sought out internships and programs aligned with my goal of pursuing a career in Investment Banking. This summer, I am interning as a Venture Capital Associate at EdgeCase Capital Partners, focusing on early-stage software startups in the AI and FinTech sectors. My previous financial consulting roles with VeinWay Ltd. and Apeiros: Equity Pooling through TAMID have allowed me to hone my skills in market analysis, investments, and acquisitions, critical skills in the fast-paced world of finance. Moreover, my participation in programs such as SEO Career and the Goldman Sachs Insight Series has provided me with extensive training specifically tailored to Investment Banking, deepening both my technical and professional skills and preparing me for the challenges ahead. These experiences naturally led me to Project Wall Street (PWS), a program whose mission deeply resonates with my own journey. As someone from a historically underrepresented background, I have faced challenges in navigating the competitive landscape of finance. PWS offers the mentorship, resources, and community support necessary to overcome these barriers and succeed on Wall Street. My goal in Investment Banking is to leverage my analytical skills, leadership experience, and multicultural perspective to make a meaningful impact in the financial sector, and PWS is the perfect platform to help me achieve this ambition.
Kaleb Amiel Berns: Emory University - Goizueta Business School
From a young age, I found myself drawn to finance because of its complexity and potential to affect the world. I worked hard academically, which led to a 4.56 GPA in high school and a 34 ACT score. These efforts contributed to my acceptance into Emory University, where I’ve been able to pursue my passion for finance and continue learning with the support of my family and mentors. This journey has fueled my desire to eventually make a positive contribution to the field of finance.
At Emory University, I have maintained a 3.8 GPA while immersing myself in various leadership roles and extracurricular activities. I hold the position of Executive Vice President at the Scholars of Finance club, where I contribute to shaping the next generation of ethical leaders in finance. My passion for finance has also led me to become a fund analyst at both the TAMID Group and the Goizueta Investment Management Group, where I apply my analytical skills to real-world investment scenarios. I've also worked two summer internships in both investment banking and wealth management, and am now working a private equity internship. These experiences have solidified my goal of pursuing a career in finance. My journey has been driven by a desire to contribute to the finance industry, leading me to seek opportunities with Project Wall Street - and a successful career in finance.
Nick Calucchia: Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Gies James Scholar
Hi, my name is Nick Calucchia, I am from Springfield, Illinois and I attended Sacred Heart Griffin High School. I had a 4.0182 unweighted and a 4.9273 weighted GPA, and a 30 on my ACT. I was in the top 10% of my class based on GPA, and was named an Illinois State Scholar (top 10% of Illinois high schoolers based on GPA and ACT). I was the VP of National Honors Society, an AP Scholar, and made Academic All-Conference as a high school student-athlete. I wrestled on the varsity team my freshman year, and had the third most pins as a freshman in school history. I was on the varsity golf team all four years and named captain my senior year; the same year we won conference, regionals and sectionals. During the summers, I worked at Bunn Golf Course as a park ranger and a golf camp leader at Illini Country Club. Because of its in-state tuition, proximity to home, and excellent business program, I decided to attend University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where I am in the Gies College of Business studying Accountancy and Finance
I have maintaining a 4.0 GPA, and received distinction as a Gies James Scholar (honors program accredited to the top 5% of each class within the business school). On top of being President of my social fraternity, I joined a business fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi, as 1 of only 27 selected from 200+ applicants. Summer 2024, I worked as a Business Development intern at Peerless Cleaning and Restoration. My goal, however, is to pursue a career in Investment Banking. I applied to the PWS Fellowship Program to help bridge the cultural and knowledge gaps resulting from my nontraditional track and school - as well as the opportunity to connect with industry professionals that may otherwise have been unreachable.
Christopher Chan: University of Nottingham; Robert Enticott Scholarship
My name is Christopher Chan and I am from a rural part of Wales. After graduating top of the class in 2022, I decided to pursue an Economics degree at the University of Nottingham, with the aim to learn more about economics. I was then awarded the Robert Enticott Scholarship, which aims to support students from a low-socio economic background as a result of my achievements so far. By raw coincidence, I came across Project Wall Street and really resonated with its values. I come from a low socio-economic family and the first of my generation to go to University. In order to afford the things I have, I have continuously worked part-time jobs during my education. For example, I was a Corporal Cadet in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and have 3+ years of experience in retail and hospitality. Through conversations with Jordan Burick, the founder of Project Wall Street, I knew right away that the Fellowship Program truly aims to address and support the challenges that disadvantaged students like myself have experienced throughout our lives. I have come to understand that things have definitely been more difficult and inaccessible for myself compared to my well-off peers, such as the opportunity to have better education and resources, but this has never stopped me from striving to achieve my goals.
So far in University, I am predicted to graduate with first class honors and was awarded the Robert Enticott Scholarship. I’ve been associated with multiple clubs and societies, I have been accepted into multiple selective groups with a ~10% acceptance rate such as the Corporate Finance Team at one of the largest finance student societies in the UK, Nottingham’s Economics and Finance Society. Now, I am the Vice-President of Nottingham’s Economics and Finance Society, where I oversee a committee team of over 40+ members and a student society with over 4000 members. I have conducted 5 internships ever since the start of University: Search Fund, Investment Banking, Business Brokerage, Corporate Finance and in M&A Advisory. Of course, none of my successes have come easy. I have put hundreds, if not thousands of hours into work and have faced hundreds of rejections. All of this experience and relentless endeavor to surpass my social disadvantages and reach my desire to become a better person has led to my admittance into the Project Wall Street Fellowship Program to assist my unwavering goal to pursue a career in Investment Banking.
Madhuriha Chinta: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Hi! My name is Madhuriha Chinta and I am a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill. Coming from a long history of STEM education, I - for most of my life - planned to pursue medicine. Later in high school, I geared most of my work towards the intersection of economics and environmental sustainability, writing and publishing for the Oxford University journal. As I slowly became more interested in business and finance as it applied to my personal interests, I took courses with the HBS to further my education and solidify my interests. I finished in the top 5% of my class with a 35 ACT and a resume that set me up for a business education. Being a local in NC, I always wanted to be a Tar Heel growing up, so UNC and the Kenan-Flagler Business program was a no-brainer for me when deciding where to go to school!
At UNC, I quickly pivoted out to Finance after deciding that was where my skills and interests lie. Now, backed by a strong STEM education and growing experience with IB and PE, I have geared my extra curricular and academic work towards integrating these areas. I am an analyst on UNC’s Portfolio Management Team which manages the student endowment fund, as well as an analyst on the Carolina Investment Group and Impact Investing Club. Additionally, I serve as the Diversity Coordinator for UNC’s Undergraduate Finance Society, Career Development Chair for the Undergraduate International Business Club, and the Internal/External Affairs Director and Cohort Fellow for BlueBridge Partners — a joint business/finance initiative between UNC and Duke. Over the course of my freshman year, I was a member of the UNC representative team for the annual William & Mary Stock Pitch competition, won 3rd place at UNC’s Venture Capital Investment Competition, and 1st place at the Undergraduate Alpha Competition in the credit sector. This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern full-time at QHP Capital, a private equity firm in Raleigh that operates in the pharmaceutical services industry. Aside from school, I am on UNC’s Bhangra Elite and am the manager of the UNC’s Women’s tennis team!
As a historically underrepresented minority within the financial industry, both as a woman and person of color, navigating a way to carve out space for myself within this field is challenging. My primary motivation to be a part of the PWS program is to gain access to valuable mentorship from industry professionals to establish connections with like-minded peers, who are not only driven towards the same goals, but come from diverse backgrounds. In being a part of the PWS community, I look forward to driving success in my career through my own capabilities and a genuine focus on learning more, catalyzing my growth and establishing myself within banking and beyond!
Dheeraj Danthuluri: University of Pennsylvania; National Merit Scholar
Born in a rural village in Andhra Pradesh, India, my journey to Newark, DE, in the United States embodies the spirit of ambition and resilience. Immigrating at a young age, I was inspired by my father, whose dream of a medical career was curtailed by financial constraints, leading him instead to engineering. This narrative fueled my early determination to pursue a career in healthcare.
My pivotal experience came during a lab internship, where I conducted in-depth research into microbiome-based therapeutics targeting autoimmune diseases. I identified promising probiotic candidates and isolated a novel strain of Faecalibacterium, spearheading in-vitro studies that demonstrated a 40% reduction in inflammatory markers in preliminary trials. This experience expanded my vision from direct medical practice to the broader biopharma landscape, recognizing the profound impact that business and Investment Banking could have in advancing healthcare. Investment Banking emerged as a powerful conduit through which I could facilitate significant healthcare advancements, merging my profound interest in medical sciences with strategic financial initiatives.
In school, my academic prowess shone brightly. I graduated as valedictorian with a 4.7 GPA and a SAT score of 1560 out of 1600. My leadership extended beyond the classroom as I presided over multiple clubs and was one of the senior captains on the varsity basketball team, demonstrating my versatility and commitment to team dynamics. I was the President of the HOSA Future Health Professionals Club, placing top 10 internationally in the epidemiology competition, and founded the Future Medical Professionals Club, educating over 100 students weekly about diverse medical fields. My scholarly achievements were recognized as I became a National Merit Scholar, a U.S Presidential Scholar Candidate, and a published biotechnological researcher.
At the University of Pennsylvania, my academic journey continued with distinction. Pursuing dual majors in Computational Biology and Economics with a minor in Healthcare Management from The Wharton School, I maintained a 3.7 GPA. My role as an Investments Analyst at the Wharton Undergraduate Healthcare Club allowed me to dive deep into the financial dynamics of the biotech sector, assessing the economic impacts on healthcare outcomes. My involvement with the Wharton Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Club led to organizing a significant biotech panel, further cementing my interest in healthcare innovation.
Beyond academic confines, I gained practical experience in the field as a Venture Scout with LvlUp Ventures and an intern for HP Tech Ventures, focusing on healthcare AI and VR technologies. My insights into alternative fuel companies during my tenure as an Asset Management Intern at Colton Alexander in New York provided me with a broad perspective on innovative business strategies and market positioning, culminating in multiple strategic investment recommendations.
My diverse background and achievements are not just personal milestones, but stepping stones towards a broader goal. Specifically, Investment Banking in the Healthcare space allows for strategic mergers, acquisitions, and investments that can lead to breakthroughs in treatment methods and drug development, ultimately having the potential to improve the lives of millions worldwide. My alignment with Project Wall Street’s mission—to make the finance industry accessible based on merit rather than background—is crucial given my background as an immigrant with no family or relatives in finance. Recent studies indicate that people of Indian descent constitute only a small fraction of the total financial workforce, highlighting the significant barriers that still exist in the sector. This program will provide me with the mentorship, networks, and resources that are often inaccessible to those without pre-existing connections in finance, allowing me to create a profound impact on global healthcare.
Royal Ezemeka Eze: University of Maryland, College Park
A child of African immigrants, I come from a hard-working, entrepreneurial family. A majority of weekends throughout childhood were spent working in flea markets with my family to make ends meet. Growing up heavily involved in business and managing finances made me want to pursue it as a career. As someone who is big on family and cost savings, I wanted to go to a quality college that was as close to home as possible. Attending the University of Maryland, College Park, checked all the boxes: financial aid, location, and perceived prestige.
Since the beginning of my freshman year, I’ve joined and participated in multiple student-run finance clubs and cultural organizations. I also like to occasionally volunteer at the blood cancer awareness non-profit that I’ve been with for 3 years now, called There Goes My Hero. I also gained experience through a search fund internship during my spring semester. I managed to earn 48 credits in addition to the credits that I came in with while maintaining a decent 3.73 GPA. Being first-generation and a state school student, I have a lot fewer connections and resources to break into the finance industry than others would. Being at this disadvantage, when I came across Jordan and Project Wall Street on social media, and I learned how they help students get over the hurdles that impact people with diverse backgrounds like mine, I knew that this program was exactly what I was looking for.
JT Goodman: University of Pennsylvania; Student-Athlete
Growing up, I dealt with my fair share of adversity. In my first year of high school, my athletic career was halted after a devastating ACL injury, sidelining me for the entire football season. I then had to navigate the unfamiliar waters of changing high schools, insurmountable without the unwavering support of my grandpa. My grandpa, my number-one fan and a constant presence at every game, was suddenly taken from me by lung cancer. The void of losing the one person who never missed a moment of my journey was almost too much to bear, but I emerged from these trials with more drive, determined to honor my grandpa and make him proud, no matter the obstacle. I ended my high school career with a 4.0 GPA, an undefeated season, and my commitment to the University of Pennsylvania.
My first year in college was nothing short of a success. I maintained a 3.9 GPA, was named Rookie Player of the Week twice, and earned a scholarship that represents less than 1% of all Phi Delta Theta nationwide. I also joined the Wharton Undergraduate Finance Club and the Wharton Private Equity & Venture Capital Club. I spent my summer working remotely for a Private Equity firm in Miami, FL, named Watsons Bay Capital. I became increasingly interested in Investment Banking; I was learning and absorbing as much as possible. Eventually, I discovered Jordan Burick and followed him for the knowledge he shared. When I heard about Project Wall Street, I knew immediately that it was the perfect opportunity to satisfy my natural curiosity and become a better version of myself. By joining this powerful community, I hope to learn from those who come from different backgrounds yet share the same passions that I do.
Liam Hagerty: New York University; Student-Athlete, Merit Scholar (Davidson)
Growing up in Severna Park, Maryland, a middle-class suburban community, I balanced rigorous academic demands with a commitment to sports, becoming a state champion in Cross Country and Track and Field. I graduated from Severna Park High School Magna Cum Laude with a 4.22 GPA and earned a spot on the Division 1 Cross Country/Track and Field team at Davidson College. With additional academic achievements such as a Leadership Institute and National Honor Society Scholar, combined with the athletic honor of All Metropolitan Boys Track Runner of the Year, presented by The Pigskin Club of Washington, Inc., I earned multiple merit-based scholarships, further fueling my ambition to succeed.
At Davidson, I channeled the motivation and perseverance I had developed through sports into the Davidson community. I joined the Davidson Investment and Finance Association (DIFA), where I constructed stock pitches for companies like Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS) and Atkore Inc. (ATKR). These experiences not only deepened my understanding of financial analysis and modeling but became the foundation for my passion for Investment Banking. In addition, I served as a Student Representative for the Activity Tax Council and was recognized on the Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll, continuing my commitment to leadership and academic excellence that started in high school. After my freshman year, I decided to transfer to New York University with a 3.7 GPA to pursue my goals further, continuing to compete as a member of the Varsity Men’s Cross Country/Track and Field team and build on my knowledge of finance in the economic capital of the world.
My journey has now led me to Project Wall Street, where I see the perfect alignment of my passion for finance and for something larger than myself. PWS offers the mentorship, training, and network needed to guide me through the competitive nature that is apparent in the Investment Banking industry. Through PWS, I am confident that I will achieve my goal of breaking into this industry and thriving in a career that demands the same resilience, strategic thinking, and relentless work ethic that have driven me in academics and athletics.
Sai Hejmadi: Bentley University; Presidents List Scholar & Dean's Scholar
Growing up in Canada as an only child of immigrant parents from rural India, I learned to navigate many aspects of life independently. My parents made significant sacrifices to provide me with a better lifestyle, instilling in me resilience and a strong work ethic from a young age. However, this independence also brought unique challenges, particularly in building my own support networks. To connect with others, I developed strong interpersonal skills, which have been instrumental in my personal and professional life. I pursued tennis for 15 years, culminating at a national level despite not having siblings to practice with. This experience taught me commitment, discipline, and the importance of resourcefulness. I traveled long distances for training and matches, creating my own opportunities to succeed. However, my tennis career was cut short by a rotator cuff injury, forcing me to step away from the sport I loved. During this time, I discovered a new passion: graphic design. I started on social media, gradually amassing a following and beginning to freelance for clients. This was my first experience serving clients, and I quickly realized the importance of doing right by them. Starting with local businesses in need of representation, I eventually landed an opportunity to work with the NBA for a summer, which led to a return offer for their NBA Europe group. This experience taught me the value of taking risks and seizing opportunities.
After graduating high school as a trilingual Summa Cum Laude graduate with leadership experience as the Varsity Tennis captain and philanthropic involvement in the Best Buddies Club, I decided to step out of my comfort zone once again by moving to the States for college. I chose to attend Bentley University, drawn by its tight-knit culture of like-minded individuals who supported each other's growth.
As a first-generation student of color from another country, the transition was challenging, but I adapted quickly, excelling academically and becoming actively involved on campus. I double majored in Finance and Accounting with a concentration in Capital Markets, achieving a 3.75 GPA and earning placement on Bentley’s President’s List. I joined the Bentley Investment Group (BIG), the largest organization on campus with 1,400 undergraduate members, and made my strongest connections within the Financial Institutions coverage group. I applied to be an analyst there and after rigorous interviews, I secured the sole placement in this sector. Here, I learned the intricacies of industry and company research, financial modeling, and valuation, pitching twice to the organization’s general body. My performance as an analyst led to my election to the executive board of BIG, where I was one of seven members by the end of my freshman year. This motivated me to pursue other leadership roles, such as helping found Bentley’s Scholars of Finance (SOF) chapter, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting character and integrity among future finance leaders. I now serve as Vice President of Outreach, where I oversee the recruitment process and inspire ethical finance in our chapter. This summer, I interned at MD Global Partners, a boutique Investment Bank, where I was staffed on multiple live deals despite the virtual environment. My previous experience in client service and industry research proved valuable, allowing me to lead a team in creating a CIM for a surgical practice seeking acquisition. This internship reinforced my interest in Investment Banking, which is an intersection of my previous experiences supporting clients and working in teams. I resonate with Project Wall Street’s mission to mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds, as it mirrors my journey as a first-generation student and emerging professional in the financial services industry.
Kaspar Jokisch: Columbia University
Being born and raised in London to Nigerian and German parents, it is safe to say that my childhood is not similar to the "typical" Ivy League student. Living in London and being the only black person at the private school I attended wasn't odd to me while growing up. I was always used to being the only black kid, and I never really gave it a second thought - that is, until I grew up. I started to learn more about life and how some industries are historically dominated by certain demographics. As I finished up my secondary school (high school) in the UK, being academically driven my whole life, I knew I wanted to use my grades and insights to aim for the stars and move to the US for University; specifically, NYC: the hub of the finance world. With a predicted IB (international baccalaureate) score of 45/45, I applied to only one university, Columbia. I found that If I wasn't in NYC, I would better be suited for Oxford or Cambridge. Fortunately, I was accepted to Columbia and received a score of 42/45 in my IB, (equivalent to A*A*A*A at A-level) a score which put me into the 98th percentile world-wide and above the average Ivy League student's score. I knew I belonged.
Entering into Columbia, an environment where 99% of the people share the same drive and assertiveness that you do, is a daunting and humbling experience. I knew I needed to get involved in as much as possible to make use of the endless opportunities available. The US system, in terms of grades and attainment, is vastly different to the UK. At first, I found it a little difficult to understand this system with an "everything counts" attitude. Essentially, in the UK, only final grades of the year are what ultimately count. However, in the US, one must keep up with the class and the teacher; although new to me, I think this system is better when approaching real life, especially Investment Banking, as the consistent work is more conducive to an office working environment.
At Columbia, I have been involved in two finance clubs: BlackGen Capital - a student fund - as well as Columbia's Sustainable Finance Group; both of which have given me invaluable insights into the industry. I am more eager than ever to learn about finance, specifically Investment Banking. To further my interests, I worked at a brokerage and consulting firm in Madrid, Spain this past summer (2024). While I learned a lot, having hands-on experience in many different realms of finance has made me fully confident that I am more interested in Investment Banking than any other path, and Project Wall Street have given me the opportunity to make my dream of being an Investment Banker a reality. In essence, Project Wall Street appealed to me because of its focus on lowering the barriers for all to break into whatever realm of finance they feel suited for. For me, I spoke to the Founder, Jordan, about my dream of making big M&A deals at an executive level at some point in my life. Now, we're working to make that dream a reality - and for that I am immensely grateful.
Tanuj Jujaray: New York University - Stern School of Business
As a high school student at a magnet school placed in the International Baccalaureate program, I adapted to competition. While I always had my parents’ backing for my education, most of my peers' resources, compared to mine, were night and day. But I persevered, taking the same rigorous courses as these hyper-intelligent students, maintaining a 4.0 GPA through my senior year with an SAT score of 1510. Although competing against more privileged students was challenging, it taught me how to overcome certain hurdles through determination and hard work, eventually leading to my acceptance to New York University’s Stern School of Business, my dream school.
Going into freshman year, I was surrounded by even more talented individuals who were the best of the best. But I continued to work hard, maintaining a competitive GPA, starting the first fintech society at NYU’s London campus, and participating in UCL’s Rethinking Economics chapter as a First-Year Representative. By building my achievements, I started applying to internships to broaden my work experience, eventually landing internships for business development at two tech startups and working as a junior analyst for a VC firm. While these experiences helped pique my interest in career paths in the finance industry, my end goal was always Investment Banking. However, I was pretty new to the recruitment process and needed help. Scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon Jordan and Project Wall Street, a program to help students like me break into Investment Banking. Through Project Wall Street, I can compete with those brilliant children and earn the right to call them my peers.
Aiko Levine: Dartmouth; Rufus Choate Scholar, National Merit Scholar
In high school I learned how economics ties into every day society. I created an organization called Takeout Turnaround that worked with restaurants to switch to more sustainable takeout materials with reasonably priced alternatives. I also wrote a published research paper comparing waste management systems and discussed the relationship between the environment, politics, and the economy. I embarked on these projects while maintaining a 4.69 GPA in high school with an SAT score of 1560, and receiving the National Merit Scholarship.
I currently have a 4.0 GPA at Dartmouth College, earning the Rufus Choate Award for being in the top 5% of students. I am currently engaged in two clubs at Dartmouth, one being the Dartmouth Investment and Philanthropy Program, where I collaborate with a team to do a complete financial and cumulative analysis of a NASDAQ company. I am also the Operations Manager of DartUp, where I help organize a social entrepreneurship curriculum and pitch competition for fellow students.
I plan to pursue a career in IB after college. I was immediately drawn to Project Wall Street because they offer a community of driven peers and knowledgeable mentors from all kinds of backgrounds, so you don’t have to blindly go through the recruiting process alone.
Justin Lim: University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business; Brisben Family Scholar
My name is Justin Lim and I am currently a sophomore at the University of Southern California studying business administration with an emphasis in finance and a minor in artificial intelligence.
Arriving at USC Marshall as a first-generation college student without any familial ties to corporate America, I set a clear and ambitious goal for myself: to cultivate a comprehensive business skill set. This pursuit was driven by my commitment to excel across multiple dimensions—market research, industry analysis, financial analysis, and the art of concise, high-level communication. I discovered that the Marshall Case was the best place to train this; where we present actionable and evidenced based strategies to fortune 500 companies at international case competitions.
During a series of competitions, a pivotal realization struck me: even the most innovative ideas fall short without the necessary financial backing. This understanding underscored the critical role of financial feasibility—not just for winning competitions but for real-world success. Intrigued by this insight, I embraced the role of finance lead on my case team, dedicating myself to understanding how businesses secured the capital needed to transform their visions into tangible successes. Since then, I’ve had my eyes set on the investment banking industry, where I can contribute to turning ideas into achievable realities.
Through my first year, I was awarded a quarter tuition scholarship, made the dean’s list every semester, and competed in seven national case competitions, placing top 3 in two and becoming a finalist in four. I have completed internships in diverse sectors including a tech startup, corporate venture capital, and the aerospace and defense industry, with my most notable position being a Supply Chain Contracting Intern at The Boeing Company. Additionally, I've engaged in finance and consulting extracurriculars, working with LinkedIn as an innovation consultant and leading a user interface redesign project for Caruso Signature. Currently, I am interning at Centerstone Capital as an Investment Banking Analyst, where I am developing the core skill sets necessary for a career in Investment Banking.
David Liu: The Wharton School - UPenn; National Merit Scholar, National Elks Most Valuable Student
David Liu grew up as the oldest child in a single-parent family, residing in the semi-rural area of Glenwood, MD. With his direct and indirect family all working in fields unrelated to finance, David sparked his passion for finance by first beginning to look into his household’s finances. Starting by being naturally drawn to foundational concepts such as investing and compounding, David saw bringing this knowledge to his family as his way to contribute. To him, he looked to save any time or stress he could for his mom. Going into high school, David maintained this passion for finance, garnering international accolades at finance competitions as the 2022 National Personal Finance Challenge 1st Runner Up (two-time national finalist and two-time state champion), and pursuing internships in various financial fields. At school, David maintained this same high level of performance in academics, with a 4.90 weighted GPA and a 1580 SAT in his first attempt. In high school, he was also Maryland FBLA Vice President, National Honor Society President, Debate Team Captain, a Math Team Officer, and a Varsity Football athlete. David became the first in his high school to receive numerous awards including championing international debate tournaments to qualify for the Gold Tournament of Champions, and being named a National Elks Most Valuable Student, Bank of America Student Leader, National Merit Scholar, US Presidential Scholar Semifinalist, and Coca Cola Scholar Semifinalist. Ultimately, David graduated high school and entered into his top-choice college—The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Now a sophomore at Wharton, David is pursuing a degree in Finance, Legal Studies, and Math to eagerly enter the field of Investment Banking. He maintains an impressive 3.99 GPA, while having concurrently led campus organizations and obtained professional experience. David serves as the VP External of the Violet Quaker Group, Penn’s leading student-run L/S investment fund, while also being on the investment teams of the Wharton Undergraduate Distressed Investing Group and the Wharton Undergraduate Finance Club’s Special Situations Group. During his freshman year, David interned for Avalerian Capital, a software PE firm, where he worked under the deal team and eventually went on to lead the intern program. He followed up this experience with his most recent summer internship at AvantGarde Capital. At the Jakarta-based leading boutique investment bank, David worked in sector-agnostic M&A advisory, producing work product for the firm’s live deals. Fully confirming that Investment Banking was his field of interest after the summer, David sought advice from individuals in the field. Without the ability to refer to any family or family friends, David was ecstatic to find Project Wall Street. As the first American-born member of his family, David finds immense value in the insightful mentorship from and examples set by the Project Wall Street team, instilling lessons ranging from career planning to proper decorum.
Keerthana Madhu: University of Florida (Honors College); Florida Academic Scholar (Full-Ride)
Keerthana Madhu is a sophomore studying Finance at the University of Florida, originally from Coral Springs, FL. In high school, she was deeply involved in the speech and debate team, which provided her with the opportunity to speak with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch and First Gentleman Doug Emhoff. She also held several leadership positions, including Class Vice President, President of the Debate Team, and President of HOSA, and graduated in the top 3% of her class. In addition to her academic and leadership pursuits, Keerthana is an international performer of Indian Carnatic Music, with performances in India, Canada, and the United States. She has received several international awards for her accomplishments in this field and gave her first solo concert at the age of 7. Keerthana chose to attend the University of Florida after receiving the Florida Academic Scholars scholarship, which covers 100% of her tuition, and being accepted into the UF Honors Program. Additionally, she wanted to stay close to home due to health concerns within her immediate family.
In college, she has been actively involved in Florida’s Future Leadership Program and Gators of Tomorrow, both of which identify the top 25 freshman student leaders and empower them to develop their academic and professional skills. Additionally, she is a dancer on Gator Tufaan, an Indian Bollywood Fusion dance team. She volunteers with Florida Community Innovation, a non-profit focused on developing public service projects that address key issues for Floridians, where she is currently responsible for conducting a cost-benefit analysis to quantify the impact of the organization's projects. Keerthana also serves as the Director of Congressional Debate for the Florida Blue Key Speech and Debate tournament, the largest student-run forensics competition in the country. Exploring her passion for finance, Keerthana is an analyst in The Founders Fund, a student-led fund that manages a long-only equity portfolio across nine sectors at the University of Florida. Following a 2024 summer Search Fund internship and an increasing passion for M&A, along with an upcoming internship at an M&A shop in Singapore (AVARY Group) with a focus on Southeast Asian company acquisitions, Keerthana knew that she wanted to pursue Investment Banking. Upon learning about the mission of Project Wall Street to break down barriers for people from underrepresented backgrounds, along with the technical training and opportunity to make connections with incredibly accomplished Wall Street professions, Keerthana knew it would be a great opportunity to better position herself for success in the industry.
Andrew Maghak: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; Carolina Global Launch Scholar
Growing up as a first-generation American, I was deeply influenced by my parents’ journeys as immigrants from the Philippines and Lebanon. In search of better living conditions and as an escape from military drafts, they first entered the country through New York, culminating in my upbringing in Miami, Florida. Their unique stories have instilled in me a robust sense of responsibility to pursue opportunities they once dreamed of. Leveraging my platform, I’ve worked relentlessly to pursue a career in finance, serving as president of my high school’s Future Business Leaders of America Club and earning a state finalist title in business communications. With a 5.39 weighted GPA and a 1500 SAT, I was granted the opportunity to study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As a part of UNC’s Global Launch cohort, I resided in Scotland for my first semester, where I studied international business.
Throughout my college journey, I’ve committed myself to exploring career opportunities in finance. My academic achievements thus far include maintaining a 4.00 GPA at UNC, where I’ve joined numerous finance and venture capital clubs. Overseas in Scotland, I contributed to a student-managed investment fund and competed in global trading challenges, expanding my knowledge of international markets. Earlier this year, I was admitted to the Grata Scholars Program, where I developed a comprehensive investment thesis and engaged in live M&A crash courses focused on private equity deal sourcing. My professional journey includes a wealth management internship at Janney Montgomery Scott and a role as an investment banking analyst with The Amazing Group, which both equipped me with technical and interpersonal skills. Furthermore, my admission to the MetLife Investment Management externship and numerous insight programs allowed me to network with individuals across multinational finance, investment banking, and alternative investments. This fall, I’ll be interning at Prudent Growth, a real estate private equity firm, within their finance division. These experiences have culminated in my pursuit of a career in investment banking, leading me to search for opportunities to gain technical and analytical skills. This drive ultimately led me to Project Wall Street, where I am eager to continue developing the expertise necessary to succeed in such a competitive field. The dynamic and challenging nature of investment banking, coupled with the ability to advise on industry-shaping transactions, has solidified my determination to excel in this industry. As a service-oriented individual who has gone on international mission trips and led a family foundation, aiding companies in navigating critical financial decisions aligns perfectly with my passion for fueling meaningful impact.
Thembeka Nelo Mnguni: Dartmouth - Tuck School of Business
[WIP]
Rohan Namboothiri: UCLA, Merit Scholar
My name is Rohan Namboothiri, and my journey into finance began unexpectedly at 10 years old. My dad handed me a small amount of money, and I bought a single share of Apple. Watching that share grow ignited my passion for numbers and the markets which would mold my future. Throughout high school, I nurtured this passion by excelling academically, achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA, a 1550 SAT, and distinctions like the Illinois State Scholar and AP Scholar with Distinction. I also explored my love for mathematics through tutoring at Mathnasium, where I developed crucial communication and collaboration skills. My entrepreneurial spirit led me to start my own retail company, where I learned to navigate revenue streams and sharpen my quantitative abilities. These experiences, and unrelenting drive, earned admission into UCLA with a merit-based scholarship, affirming my commitment to academic and financial success.
At UCLA, I’ve continued to build on my early experiences, maintaining a 3.96 GPA while pursuing a double major in Economics and Mathematics. Joining Bruin Capital Management, I’ve deepened my understanding of portfolio management and market research, applying my passion for finance in bi-weekly stock pitches. My leadership roles, such as campaign manager for my school district, have honed my communication and organizational skills. I was honored to be a runner-up in the Houlihan Lokey Financial Restructuring Competition, where I applied my strategic thinking in a challenging environment. Currently, I’m balancing my studies with an IB Analyst internship at a boutique Investment Bank, where I’ve contributed to significant client successes. My journey from that single share of Apple to where I am now is an unequivocal testament to my relentless drive, aligning perfectly with the Project Wall Street mission of breaking down barriers and making merit the key to success - despite not coming from the most "traditional" of backgrounds.