2018 Donald Edward Bragg & Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Jennifer Ma is a third year Business Economics and International Development Studies double major. Hailing from Massachusetts, she decided to attend UCLA to experience and learn in a new environment on the other side of the country. Through her double major, she has been able to explore her interest in global development from a financial and economic standpoint and in applying theories to real world cases of development. Since coming into UCLA, Jennifer has also taken on leadership positions in student organizations such as Bruin Asset Management, Undergraduate Business Society, and Synthesis Dance Theatre.

Future plans: This upcoming summer, Jennifer will be interning in the Investment Banking division at Credit Suisse in New York. From this internship, she hopes to hone her technical skills, financial knowledge, and general business acumen. Upon graduating, she plans on pursuing a career in investment banking in New York for the opportunity to advise blue chip companies and work on some of the largest transactions in today’s markets. After gaining some experience in the field, Jennifer plans to transition to the buy-side, specifically to venture capital to invest in start-ups and ultimately transform the future business landscape. Eventually, she hopes to ascend to an executive or partner level of a firm and champion female representation in the boardrooms of financial institutions.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am incredible honored to have been chosen for the Donald Edward Bragg & Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship award and would like to thank Mr. Bragg and his family for the generous contribution that made this award possible. Their support alleviates the financial burden of a college education and allows me to focus on my academic and career goals. In addition, this scholarship acts as a recognition of my hard work in the past few years and my dedication to not only my studies and professional goals, but also my commitment to the UCLA community. I am very grateful for the Bragg family’s support and am motivated to strive to uphold the standards of this award.