2020 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

 

Biography: Siena Villegas (she/hers) was born and raised in the Bay Area, where she first developed an understanding of diverse identities, a passion for empathetic leadership, and a love for math. She is graduating from UCLA in 2021 with a B.A. in Business Economics and Minor in Accounting. In her time at UCLA, Siena has been a student leader in Samahang Pilipino and a Resident Assistant. Siena also currently serves as the Chair of Associated Students UCLA Board of Directors, the largest student association in the country. Her work on the ASUCLA Board has enhanced the non-profit organization’s development and fundraising efforts, communication to students and other key stakeholders, commitment to sustainability and ethical labor, and relationship-building with university, local, and state governments.

Future plans: Siena is passionate about the ways identity intersects with and impacts finance and access to resources. After graduation, Siena plans to combine her background in business with her passion for serving the community. She is interested in both non-profit and client-serving work, with an emphasis in financial resources. Siena hopes to eventually give back to the community spaces at UCLA by providing mentorship and guidance to others.

What does the scholarship mean to me? I have been very dedicated and involved in student organizations throughout my undergraduate experience. It wasn’t until this year that I really started to build community within the Economics Department. Receiving this scholarship is a huge honor, and the perfect way to end my last year at UCLA. I am so grateful to the Donors of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship, my professors, and my colleagues for making my time as a Business Economics and Accounting student so worthwhile. I will cherish all the memories I have made here.