2023 Whitman Scholars

Whitman Scholars are chosen from the senior class each year through a competitive selection process. To be considered, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.65 and a demonstrated history of engagement and leadership at the Whitman School and Syracuse University. On the following pages, the 2023 Whitman Scholars share their thoughts on their experiences and the skills they gained at Syracuse University.

Mira Berenbaum

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Majors: Accounting and Public Relations (NEW)

Future Plans: International Tax at Deloitte

“Whitman is unique because we learn hard skills in the classroom and soft skills outside the classroom. Whether it’s attending a Dress for SUccess event to learn how to dress for the professional environment or an etiquette dinner to learn how to navigate a business lunch, these skills, combined with the accounting I learned in the classroom, have helped me to stand out among other candidates. I feel prepared to enter the workforce, thanks to everything I’ve learned and all the professors who have taught me along the way.”

Nathan Black

Hometown: Rochester, New York

Majors: Finance and Supply Chain Management

Future Plans: Trader Development Program for BP

“I have bled Orange my whole life, so much so that Syracuse was the only school I applied to. Whitman has been everything I wanted and more from an education. I have had the opportunity to become involved in student organizations and other extracurriculars. One that stands out to me is the Orange Value Fund (OVF). OVF has given me invaluable exposure to many hands-on experiences that have supplemented my coursework. I have been able to collaboratively manage millions of dollars, helping me bridge the gap between the classroom and the trading floor.”

Isabella Castelli

Hometown: Smithtown, New York

Majors: Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises; and Finance

Future Plans: Incoming Risk Management Analyst at Citi 

“As my time at Syracuse University and Whitman comes to an end, I have a lot to be grateful for. Whitman has instilled in me the importance of building and maintaining relationships. Whether it be professors, colleagues or alumni, everyone is willing to help you thrive. Through these relationships, I have found immense opportunities and passions that will prepare me for my postgraduate life. For that, I am forever grateful to be a Syracuse alumna. Go Orange!”

Christina Coco

Hometown: Scarsdale, New York

Major: Accounting

Future Plans: Strategic, Defense and Shareholder Advisory Analyst at Evercore

“Whitman has been an incredible journey. From the moment I stepped onto campus, I was embraced by a supportive community, friends and devoted professors who, along with my family, helped me navigate challenges and set me on the path toward success. A highlight has been the opportunity to take courses that expanded my critical thinking skills and broadened my perspective on the world. This has helped me become more confident, independent, well-rounded and poised to take on challenges of the business world with a sense of purpose and a commitment to making an impact.”

William Ducott

Hometown: Scarborough, Maine

Majors: Business Analytics, Finance; Economics and Psychology (A&S)

Future Plans: Workforce Advisory Consultant, People Advisory Services at EY

“My time at Syracuse University has been full of realizations. I thought I would follow a path right into investment banking but soon found that I had no passion for that. My passions really revolved around people and the behavioral side of things. I started focusing my studies on aspects related to that, something my time here has allowed me to pursue. Whitman has helped me grow from having a 2D perspective to a broad, interconnected worldview. I will graduate with four majors and valuable connections I would have never considered possible.”

Luke Eckel

Hometown: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Majors: Finance; and Television, Radio and Film (NEW)

Future Plans: Pursuing opportunities to integrate finance and media

“While Syracuse University provided me with the opportunity to combine my passions and interests in business and communications through the Whitman/Newhouse dual degree program, Whitman and all the amazing people there gave me the support system to dive in and never look back. Whitman has taught me the value of saying yes to all the incredible opportunities that come my way and the importance of creating new opportunities for myself. The phenomenal Syracuse University community I am surrounded with has guided and supported me throughout my college journey; for that, I am forever fortunate.”

Mary-Katheryn Egger

Hometown: Seattle, Washington

Majors: Accounting and Retail Management

Future Plans: Audit Associate at EY

“My high school did not offer business-related courses, but my natural interest and outstanding experience at the Whitman Leadership Scholar dinner showed I was on the right path. The most important thing I’ve learned at Whitman is to put myself out there, accept risks and take on challenges. So many experiences have proved that the risk is worth the reward. As I venture forward, I will never be scared to try something new. I look forward to being part of the Orange alumni family and giving future students the same opportunities I’ve been presented with.”

Leah Ford

Hometown: Oakmont, Pennsylvania

Majors: Accounting and Finance

Future Plans: Client Service Analyst at BNY Mellon Wealth Management

“On top of the academic excellence the Whitman School has imparted upon me, I have become a resourceful student full of curiosity and self-confidence. Four years ago, I knew nothing about business as a nervous first-year student. I realized the only way to grow was to push myself outside my comfort zone fearlessly. Since then, I have immersed myself in the countless opportunities Whitman offers, from being a peer mentor to attending the Whitman on Wall Street experiential learning trip to studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. I cannot thank the Whitman community enough for their guidance.”

Marin Grillo

Hometown: San Diego, California

Major: Entrepreneurship and Emerging Enterprises

Future Plans: Business Development Representative at Figma

“If I could summarize my college experience in one word, it would be growth. Since I arrived on campus, the students and faculty at Syracuse University have consistently encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and challenge myself as a leader. These opportunities have shown me my strength and, more importantly, the strength of the Syracuse community. Four years later, I can confidently say that I feel prepared, excited and supported as I embark on my career journey.”

Samantha Oates

Hometown: Pearl River, New York

Majors: Supply Chain Management; and Information Management and Technology (IST)

Future Plans: Technology Consulting at PwC

“Though I may not recall all of the topics I learned in my classes at Syracuse University, I will never forget the lessons I gained. From the hours spent in team rooms to the joys of celebrating successful presentations with my groupmates-turned-friends, I was cultivating confidence in myself, trust in my support system and the ability to adapt to any challenge. I am grateful to Whitman for providing me with a welcoming environment to learn about myself and my passions, as well as make meaningful connections that will last a lifetime.”

Maya Padula

Hometown: New Hartford, New York

Majors: Finance, Supply Chain Management; and Policy Studies (MAX)

Future Plans: Finance Product Sales and Analytics at Bloomberg

“From my first day at Whitman, I was shown the importance of connecting with peers, professors, mentors and alumni — people who will push you to pursue opportunities and be the best version of yourself. We can all live to our fullest potential when we feel a sense of belonging and raise each other up. I credit much of my success in my career exploration and internship search to the Whitman alumni network, and I am excited to stay involved in the Orange community as I move to the next phase of my life.”

Emily Steinberger

Hometown: Burlingame, California

Majors: Management; and Photography (NEW)

Future Plans: Pursuing opportunities in photojournalism and visual storytelling

“Though my true passion is photojournalism, I would not be where I am today without the support of the Whitman School, including my professors and classmates. Because of my dual management and photography majors, I have gained a deeper understanding of how to be a leader and best support the organizations I am a part of, especially as editor-in-chief of The Daily Orange. I am grateful for Whitman’s support and investment in me, and I am confident my Whitman education has set me up to become a respected leader in the future.”

University and Whitman Scholar:

Michaela Walsh

Hometown: Florham Park, New Jersey

Majors: Finance; and Public Relations (NEW)

Future Plans: Finance Management Program at GE Gas Power

“Syracuse University has offered me endless opportunities to develop my personal and professional interests further. Whitman has supplied me with the connections and knowledge I need to enter the professional world confidently, and for this, I could not be more grateful. As a four-year Syracuse University women’s soccer team member, I have learned the valuable lessons of accountability, self-discipline, teamwork and time management. I actively practiced these skills through Whitman’s challenging academic environment, and I now feel confident applying them to my future endeavors.”