Biography: Claire Ding is a second-year student from China pursuing a B.A. in Business Economics with a minor in Accounting. As the first in her family to study abroad, Claire is highly motivated in her academics, maintaining a high GPA and actively engaging in campus organizations such as Beta Alpha Psi and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. After taking introductory accounting classes and participating in VITA, helping residents and international students prepare their tax returns, Claire discovered her professional passion for public accounting, particularly in tax. In addition to her professional interests, Claire is an avid music lover. She sings classical voice and serves as a co-music director for a UCLA a cappella group. She is also passionate about social impact and education, which she pursues by working as a learning assistant at UCLA. 

 

Future Plans: During her junior year summer, Claire will intern at Ernst & Young (EY) in their Los Angeles office as a Diversified Staff Group Tax Intern. Upon graduation, she hopes to return to EY as a full-time staff member, become a CPA within the first few years, and specialize in tax, most likely international tax given her background. Claire is also interested in consulting and plans to network with professionals from different sectors during her internship to explore opportunities at EY. Additionally, she is eager to participate in EY’s social service organization, helping to empower youth through financial literacy education. 

 

What this scholarship means to me: I am extremely excited and honored to be the recipient of the Gumbiner Savett Inc. Endowed Undergraduate Prize. I am very thankful for the donor’s generosity. This scholarship not only relieves a part of my financial burden but also serves as recognition for my hard work in maintaining an outstanding academic record while actively engaging in school activities. It also motivates me to continue striving in my career path and to give back to my school and community in the future.