Biography: Joel Santiago is a 4th year Business Economics major, minoring in Accounting. He was raised in Anaheim, California and is a first-generation student in college pursuing a career in the business industry. Joel became fascinated by the art of entrepreneurship and accounting from a young age and is always looking for innovative ways to succeed through business while also helping his family and community in the process. In his spare time, Joel makes music with his bandmates and enjoys teaching others about several different subjects, always trying to find a way to entertain others and hoping to make a positive impact.

Future Plans: After graduating, Joel plans to work at an accounting firm while also pursuing to become a CPA and eventually obtaining a Master’s in Accounting. This is all to gain the experience needed to eventually start his own business to help others and his family live a better life. One day he hopes for him and his dad to start a non-profit in Mexico to help those in need and truly make a difference where it matters the most.

What this scholarship means to me? I am extremely honored to have been selected for the Donald Edward Bragg & Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship. I am truly grateful for this opportunity since now I don’t have to stress out about my financial situation, and instead put my full attention into pursuing academic greatness and search for opportunities that will enhance my career in the future. This scholarship truly inspires me to keep moving forward and overcome any obstacle placed in front of me and reminds me of how proud I am to be at UCLA. I really appreciate the support, and I’m extremely thankful for the scholarship and the Economics Department for all their help.