2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholars

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Sponsored by Moody’s, this scholarship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate Black students enrolled in an accredited four-year college pursuing a degree in a business or STEM-related field.

This scholarship is open to rising sophomores.

Adina Aaron

College/University: University of Southern California
Major: Business Administration
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Adina Aaron is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in the Marshall school of business at the University of Southern California. Adina has interned at the Breakthrough Sacramento summer program as a math teacher for the past two summers. As a math teaching intern, Adina was responsible for preparing, altering, and teaching lesson plans. She would also assign and review homework assignments to ensure that all students understood and learned from each lesson. During high school, Adina participated in three 40-hour internships with Sacramento Youth Works and Breakthrough Sacramento. In these internships she gained professional experience, work skills, financial literacy knowledge, and entrepreneurship and design thinking training. Adina was recently recognized as a Deans Scholar in the Marshall School of Business due to having a GPA higher than 3.5.

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Jaelen Clyburn

College/University: Howard University
Major: Business
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Jaelen Joy Clyburn is an honors finance major, Spanish minor at Howard University from Maplewood, NJ. She prides herself on having maintained a 4.0 last semester while being a part of the School of Business Executive Leadership program and actively contributing to service-learning efforts at Harriet Tubman elementary school. She is a member of an array of different organizations, Scholars of Finance, the Good Girls Movement HU Chapter, and the College Hall North Stroll Team, which allows her to continue to cultivate all aspects of her life.

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Christopher Cole

College/University: Howard University
Major: Business Management
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Christopher Cole is an ambitious management major enrolled in the School of Business at Howard University. He actively participates in the 21CAP program, where his team is sponsored by Deloitte. During high school, he received eight consecutive semesters on the honor roll, highlighting his consistent academic excellence. Additionally, he is a two-time recipient of the Comatitus award, which is bestowed upon the most well-rounded student by class. Currently maintaining a commendable 3.67 GPA, Christopher's academic achievements and dedication have opened doors for him in the professional world. Christopher is actively seeking internship opportunities to gain practical experience and further develop his skills in a professional setting.

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Paris Hamilton

College/University: Howard University
Major: Finance
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Paris Hamilton, a finance student in the School of Business at Howard University, is focused on acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive as a leader in the finance and business industry. In addition to her academic pursuits, Paris is also an entrepreneur as the owner of Hoku Beauty, a lash extensions and hair business based in Washington, D.C. As Paris continues her studies at Howard University, she is equipping herself with the necessary expertise and skills to excel in the corporate world by expanding her network and advancing her academic pursuits.

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Cailee Jackson

College/University: Georgia Institute of Technology
Major: Business Administration
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Cailee Jackson is a student at Georgia Tech pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Information Technology Management and minoring in Computing and Business through the Denning Technology and Management program. Throughout her experiences, she has seen how business and technology intersect to foster innovation. In high school, she learned multivariable calculus and Python in Carnegie Mellon University's Computer Science Scholars program. As a college freshman, Cailee has explored ways to improve student life and Tech Square through Georgia Tech's Freshman Student Government Association, the Tech Square Committee, and as the committee chair of the Tech Dining Committee in Student Government Association. Overall, Cailee strives to further her professional development and serve her community.

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Langston Jackson

College/University: Morehouse College
Major: Business
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Langston Jackson is a Morehouse College Business Administration major from Houston, TX. He is a very involved student on campus where he holds roles in the Student Ambassadors Program, Student Government Association, Morehouse Business Association Program, Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Scholars, Morehouse Protégé, Chase Bank Emerging Leaders Program, & Graves Stroll Team. During Summer 2022, Langston completed an internship at Occidental Petroleum, Houston, TX, as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern. Langston recently accepted a Summer 2023 intern position with Ernst and Young Parthenon, New York City, as a Strategy and Transactions Consultant. Some of Langston’s recognition's include Top Ranking Scholar, Morehouse College Honor Roll and Deans List.

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Amare Leslie

College/University: Southern Methodist University
Major: Economics
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Amare Leslie is a pre-business major at Southern Methodist University. On campus, Amare is an active member of the Undergraduate Real Estate Club, a member of the Private Equity and Venture Capital Club, a university attendee of the Urban Land Institute, and a team member of the Cornell International Real Estate Competition. In addition to maintaining an A average in all business classes, Amare has been an avid participant of Bain Capital's Investors of Tomorrow Summit. Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Amare enjoys poetry, riddles, and museums. Amare's intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, determination, and innovation continue to grow throughout his experiences.

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Mekhi Lewis

College/University: University of Maryland, College Park
Major: Computer Science
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Mekhi is majoring in Computer Science at the University of Maryland. Mekhi is from Owings Mills, Maryland. Mekhi has set his sights on pursuing a career in either cybersecurity or software engineering, where he plans to apply his skills and contribute his best efforts to upcoming projects and work. Mekhi has gained valuable experience through his role as an IT Intern, allowing him to develop practical skills and knowledge in the field. Mekhi has shown strong leadership abilities during his time in college. He has held leadership roles in various organizations, including SSLC (Student Success Leadership Council), CSS (College Success Scholars), FIRE (First-Year Innovation & Research Experience), and RHA (Residence Hall Association).

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Philip Omo-Taiga

College/University: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Major: Business Administration
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Philip Omo-Taiga is a business management student with a concentration in administration at the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State. He is from Prince George s County, Maryland and has had a passion for the business and financial industry. This past semester he had the opportunity to intern for Project Destined and sharpen his skills of teamwork and leadership while also learning about asset management and real estate. Being well involved on campus, he holds two executive board positions for two community service-based organizations. He is also an ambassador for the Black Male Initiative at A&T, which is a program sponsored by the Executive Leadership Council for students in the business college. Philip is determined to continually gain experience, expand his professional network, and build upon the skills he has to be successful in the future.

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Brandon Singletary

College/University: North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Major: Information Systems
Award: 2023 Moody’s Ray McDaniel Scholarship

Brandon Singletary is an honor student majoring in information technology at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Brandon is a resourceful and dedicated student interested in Cyber security and computer programming. While on campus, Brandon is a member of Aggies in Technology and volunteers with the Honors College and the village mentoring group. Brandon made the Dean's list this year, and he commutes home twice a month to work part-time at Home Depot. He is a well-rounded student and leader dedicated to continuing academic pursuits. In addition, Brandon enjoys building computers and gaming. Brandon was born in Philadelphia, Pa., and relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina, when he was twelve.

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