Meet the fellows
Introducing the fresh new faces of finance.
2022 ATLAS Fellows
Fordham University
German Ortega
German Ortega
I became an ATLAS Fellow as a way to express my gratitude to my mother. My single mother, who has raised four boys on her own, sacrificed her dream of becoming a biomedical engineer, in order to support my brothers and me in our goals and aspirations. Her support, love, and sacrifices fuel me to succeed in my endeavors and passions. Additionally, I want others from similar backgrounds as mine to know that pursuing their passions and achieving their goals is possible. Despite the setbacks, challenges, or hardships we may face, we can and will succeed as long as we find the right resources and seize opportunities. For me, that passion is finance and with the help of ATLAS, I will be able to immerse myself into a field where I can help my family, my community, and myself.
New York University
Grace Gorreja
Grace Gorreja
As the daughter of Albanian immigrants who sacrificed so much to provide a better life for me, I understand the importance of taking advantage of amazing opportunities. In the future I want to be in a position where I can have an impact on those who grew up similarly to me in immigrant households facing countless struggles every day. With all this in mind, I became an ATLAS Fellow to strengthen my future, expand my understanding of the finance field, and immerse myself with new experiences as I chase my career with my parent’s values instilled in me.
Howard University
Bryce Perkins
Bryce Perkins
I became an ATLAS Fellow because I want to reach my career goals as fast as possible. I want to make a more significant impact on the world than what I can on my own do now. Being an ATLAS Fellow will propel me to the top of the finance industry, allowing me to give back to my community and pay my success forward. The ATLAS Fellows program has given me a spark of confidence that I will use to light the way towards my bright future.
University of Illinois-Chicago
Subhi Kittaneh
Subhi Kittaneh
I joined ATLAS Fellows because of its ability to propel me towards a successful future. Well, what is a successful future? For me, as the son of Palestinian immigrants, a well-developed professional career, establishing generational wealth, and opening the door for Arab-Americans in finance define my goals and image of a “successful future.” ATLAS’s resources and support is a clear gateway for me to push towards my goals and enable me to give back to the very community that supported me in my journey.
University of Chicago
Andy Xie
Andy Xie
I became an ATLAS Fellow because I believe I have agency in controlling the direction of my life. As an immigrant from China and a low-income, first-generation college student, I have always strived to better my and my family members’ lives. My inspiration has always been to make my parents proud, especially considering how much they have supported me throughout my journey thus far. I also want to inspire my younger brother and prove to him that our lives can change for the better. ATLAS has accelerated these goals, providing both financial support and invaluable exposure to the finance industry. With ATLAS, I can make a difference.
DePaul University
Cortez Davis
Cortez Davis
Success had never seemed like an option for me growing up because there were never any role models showing me the way. I became an ATLAS Fellow to become that example for those who have none. I want to bring change to the community that I was raised in and show others that there are other paths to travel down. I want others to know they can dream bigger, bigger than the rundown apartment buildings they live in, bigger than the violence they’re exposed to, bigger than the jail cells that hold so many close family and friends in our community. I will become somebody to show others what is possible.
Baruch University
Natalia Ostapowicz
Natalia Ostapowicz
I became an ATLAS Fellow to prove to myself that I am capable of being successful in a career in finance. While I respect and cherish my parents for immigrating to America in search of a better future for me, breaking into the finance industry without any contacts or connections makes it even more challenging than it already is. ATLAS provides the necessary resources to not only help me be the first college graduate in my family, but also gain the necessary experiences, from yearly summer internships to networking opportunities with a wide variety of individuals, to thrive and flourish in professional settings. Because of how committed ATLAS is in making different financial opportunities more equitable to people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, finding professional success in the future has become a reachable target rather than a once thought of dream for me.
Lafayette College
Michelle Islas Escamilla
Michelle Islas Escamilla
I chose ATLAS not only to improve my chances of a good career in finance, but to demonstrate to my parents that the sacrifices they have made have been worth it. My parents came to the US from Mexico at the age of 18 for a better life. Learning and growing is important not only for me but for my family as well. I can show my younger siblings that no matter how difficult something may seem, nothing is impossible if you are tenacious enough to climb over any barriers. I am a first-generation college student striving to break that generational cycle of lack of exposure to various sectors in finance.
Babson College
Matthew Frazier
Matthew Frazier
I am motivated by a pursuit of freedom and a legacy. I work to overcome situations that evoke the feeling of a lack of control over my destiny, and I believe in myself. I continuously question my productivity and think about my future because I know there is a better life through a career in finance. ATLAS provides a fertile environment for me to grow, and I am extraordinarily grateful for ATLAS.
Carnegie Mellon University
David Melo
David Melo
I am the son of Dominican immigrants who came to the United States for a better life. Neither of my parents attended college. Therefore, when I found my passion for finance and wanted to apply to college, I did not have much guidance or knowledge. However, when I found the ATLAS Fellows program, I found people my age from many different backgrounds who also were interested in finance. Not only did I get to be in a place where I pursue my passion of finance, but I also found a community where I belong. As a first-generation college student trying to navigate a whole new environment, ATLAS Fellows is preparing me not only for college but for my career.
New York University
Darren Blaylock
Darren Blaylock
It is one of my goals to become a successful software engineer—one who brings networks of communities together through technology. I believe that becoming an ATLAS Fellow will allow me to do this by broadening my knowledge and skillset in computer science to encompass the financial sector and by becoming part of a community of like-minded individuals who share my ambitions.
Howard University
Anyiah Chase Mayfield
Anyiah Chase Mayfield
As an African American woman entering a white male dominated industry, it’s imperative to seize every opportunity that leads to the next step in my career. When I encountered the ATLAS Fellows program, I saw a glimpse of what my possible future could be because of the number of doors that would open from this opportunity. Given the chance to connect with professionals from a plethora of fields, having the chance to chat with CEOs from Fortune 500 companies, and exploring the financial field with like-minded peers gave me the tools I needed to further build myself. It is my mission to create a better future for the following generations and to provide opportunities for diversity in finance. I am a MASSIVE leap closer to my aspirations because ATLAS Fellows decided to take a chance on me.
Fordham University
Fahad Khan
Fahad Khan
I come from a small village in Pakistan full of poverty. My parents left everything behind to ensure a brighter future for me. I want to ensure that their sacrifices were worth it. I’ve been given an opportunity in life not many get, which is to join a prestigious program like ATLAS. I want to be an example for others so that they know the circumstances of your birth do not determine where you can go.
Cornell University
Aryan Ruparel
Aryan Ruparel
Becoming an ATLAS Fellow allowed me to take the foundational basics of finance and apply them to a professional environment. I hope to motivate others with my experiences to show that your age shouldn’t limit the opportunities you can take. With this plethora of internship, networking, and scholarship opportunities, I aspire to make the people who’ve supported me on my endeavors proud. It’s truly a privilege to become a member of this community!
Baruch University
Jonathon Han
Jonathon Han
As a first-generation college student and child of immigrants, I knew that achieving my goal of having a career in the financial services industry would be no easy task. I became an ATLAS Fellow to overcome these obstacles by gaining exposure to the finance industry through the unique career and social experiences that define the ATLAS experience. But most importantly, I wanted to be alongside a community of students from similar backgrounds with aspirations like mine. Choosing ATLAS has been one of the best decisions I have made, and I hope to extend the ladder to the future generations of ATLAS Fellows!
Rochester Institute of Technology
Chenxin Wang
Chenxin Wang
I became an ATLAS Fellow because as a child raised by a single mother, I want to become a strong independent woman and bring back success to the community that was always supportive of me. As an immigrant in the United States, I want to achieve a better life and a better education. As someone learning English as a second language, I want to achieve better communication skills and strive to make closer connections. The ATLAS program is helping me lay the foundation for my life’s purpose. I can’t wait to shine with the other ATLAS Fellows, not just improve the financial industry, but to make the world a better place!
Cornell University
Anmol Singh
Anmol Singh
ATLAS Fellows does everything we need to bridge the gap between young people like me and the financial field. Born to a Punjabi immigrant family in Chicago, all I know is hard work and gratitude. ATLAS looks for high schoolers like me and provides us all the resources and opportunities we need to change the quality of life for ourselves and our families. ATLAS leaves no stone unturned, allowing us to immerse ourselves in finance to ensure our success. I chose to become an ATLAS Fellow because I thought this program would change my life – and it has.
Northwestern University
Richard Kim
Richard Kim
I became an ATLAS Fellow because the program is an incredible opportunity to effectively start my career in finance. Through this program, I will acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed in the finance industry through valuable work experiences and meaningful networking connections as well. In the grand scheme of things, I hope to have a successful career so that I can pursue and achieve my goals in life and make my parent’s hard work and sacrifices pay off.
DePaul University
Damaris Mejia
Damaris Mejia
I have always enjoyed working with numbers but after seeing distant family members build their businesses, I was inspired to get closer to the financial field. As a daughter of immigrants, I have grown up with the push and goal of a better life in this country through hard work. ATLAS Fellows provides the support necessary to help me accomplish and grow my career in finance and make lasting connections. I am excited to continue challenging myself through this career with the support of ATLAS.
University of Denver
Omar Allende
Omar Allende
I joined the ATLAS Fellows program because the program allows me to unlock my full potential. As a first-generation student, college didn’t look like a possibility due to the massive costs. The massive costs would have created an extreme hardship financially on my family, which is the last thing I would want for them. Another reason why I joined is because of the professional development offered by the program. ATLAS Fellows opens doors to a financial industry that is difficult to access. The opportunity for a freshman year internship in the financial industry is something that no other program offers and has a huge impact on my professional career. ATLAS is a life-changing program that truly creates a difference for me, my family, and my future.
University of Pennsylvania
Yan Xiu Chen
Yan Xiu Chen
Helen Keller’s inspiring quote, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”, captures the reasons why I joined ATLAS. I’ve always longed to be part of a diverse community of bright, ambitious peers who represent the future of finance. ATLAS Fellows not only provides generous four-year scholarships, outstanding mentorships, networking opportunities and intensive internships, but also an invaluable community of people who build each other up as we navigate the challenges of college and career. As a first generation American from a low-income background, I’ve observed the many sacrifices my parents have made to provide me with greater access to opportunities. It inspires me to be part of the change I hope to see in the finance industry and the world, and I hope to give back by inspiring young girls like myself to pursue a career in finance.
Washington University - St. Louis
Andy Ochoa
Andy Ochoa
I became an ATLAS Fellow because I’ve never missed an opportunity that would help propel my career and life goals. This program has motivated me to be even more optimistic of reaching my goal of becoming a person that helps those who come from similar backgrounds. Through this opportunity, I will actively participate in the finance industry, learn from professionals in the industry with years of experience, and be a part of a community filled with smart and open-minded individuals. Overall, becoming an ATLAS Fellow was an opportunity that I will always be grateful for.
Tulane University
Yoselyn Waterhouse
Yoselyn Waterhouse
I joined ATLAS Fellows because the program offered everything I required to not only succeed academically but also professionally. Coming from an immigrant family, I know the sacrifices that have been made for me to be where I am now, and I want to make the most of it by effectively using all the resources available to me. Not only does ATLAS provide me with professional, monetary, and academic support, but it also offers me a chance to be a part of the growth in diversity and representation of women within finance.
All Fellows
University of Denver
Omar Allende
Omar Allende
I joined the ATLAS Fellows program because the program allows me to unlock my full potential. As a first-generation student, college didn’t look like a possibility due to the massive costs. The massive costs would have created an extreme hardship financially on my family, which is the last thing I would want for them. Another reason why I joined is because of the professional development offered by the program. ATLAS Fellows opens doors to a financial industry that is difficult to access. The opportunity for a freshman year internship in the financial industry is something that no other program offers and has a huge impact on my professional career. ATLAS is a life-changing program that truly creates a difference for me, my family, and my future.
New York University
Darren Blaylock
Darren Blaylock
It is one of my goals to become a successful software engineer—one who brings networks of communities together through technology. I believe that becoming an ATLAS Fellow will allow me to do this by broadening my knowledge and skillset in computer science to encompass the financial sector and by becoming part of a community of like-minded individuals who share my ambitions.
University of Pennsylvania
Yan Xiu Chen
Yan Xiu Chen
Helen Keller’s inspiring quote, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much”, captures the reasons why I joined ATLAS. I’ve always longed to be part of a diverse community of bright, ambitious peers who represent the future of finance. ATLAS Fellows not only provides generous four-year scholarships, outstanding mentorships, networking opportunities and intensive internships, but also an invaluable community of people who build each other up as we navigate the challenges of college and career. As a first generation American from a low-income background, I’ve observed the many sacrifices my parents have made to provide me with greater access to opportunities. It inspires me to be part of the change I hope to see in the finance industry and the world, and I hope to give back by inspiring young girls like myself to pursue a career in finance.
DePaul University
Cortez Davis
Cortez Davis
Success had never seemed like an option for me growing up because there were never any role models showing me the way. I became an ATLAS Fellow to become that example for those who have none. I want to bring change to the community that I was raised in and show others that there are other paths to travel down. I want others to know they can dream bigger, bigger than the rundown apartment buildings they live in, bigger than the violence they’re exposed to, bigger than the jail cells that hold so many close family and friends in our community. I will become somebody to show others what is possible.
Babson College
Matthew Frazier
Matthew Frazier
I am motivated by a pursuit of freedom and a legacy. I work to overcome situations that evoke the feeling of a lack of control over my destiny, and I believe in myself. I continuously question my productivity and think about my future because I know there is a better life through a career in finance. ATLAS provides a fertile environment for me to grow, and I am extraordinarily grateful for ATLAS.
New York University
Grace Gorreja
Grace Gorreja
As the daughter of Albanian immigrants who sacrificed so much to provide a better life for me, I understand the importance of taking advantage of amazing opportunities. In the future I want to be in a position where I can have an impact on those who grew up similarly to me in immigrant households facing countless struggles every day. With all this in mind, I became an ATLAS Fellow to strengthen my future, expand my understanding of the finance field, and immerse myself with new experiences as I chase my career with my parent’s values instilled in me.
Baruch University
Jonathon Han
Jonathon Han
As a first-generation college student and child of immigrants, I knew that achieving my goal of having a career in the financial services industry would be no easy task. I became an ATLAS Fellow to overcome these obstacles by gaining exposure to the finance industry through the unique career and social experiences that define the ATLAS experience. But most importantly, I wanted to be alongside a community of students from similar backgrounds with aspirations like mine. Choosing ATLAS has been one of the best decisions I have made, and I hope to extend the ladder to the future generations of ATLAS Fellows!
Lafayette College
Michelle Islas Escamilla
Michelle Islas Escamilla
I chose ATLAS not only to improve my chances of a good career in finance, but to demonstrate to my parents that the sacrifices they have made have been worth it. My parents came to the US from Mexico at the age of 18 for a better life. Learning and growing is important not only for me but for my family as well. I can show my younger siblings that no matter how difficult something may seem, nothing is impossible if you are tenacious enough to climb over any barriers. I am a first-generation college student striving to break that generational cycle of lack of exposure to various sectors in finance.
Fordham University
Fahad Khan
Fahad Khan
I come from a small village in Pakistan full of poverty. My parents left everything behind to ensure a brighter future for me. I want to ensure that their sacrifices were worth it. I’ve been given an opportunity in life not many get, which is to join a prestigious program like ATLAS. I want to be an example for others so that they know the circumstances of your birth do not determine where you can go.
Northwestern University
Richard Kim
Richard Kim
I became an ATLAS Fellow because the program is an incredible opportunity to effectively start my career in finance. Through this program, I will acquire the knowledge and skills to succeed in the finance industry through valuable work experiences and meaningful networking connections as well. In the grand scheme of things, I hope to have a successful career so that I can pursue and achieve my goals in life and make my parent’s hard work and sacrifices pay off.
University of Illinois-Chicago
Subhi Kittaneh
Subhi Kittaneh
I joined ATLAS Fellows because of its ability to propel me towards a successful future. Well, what is a successful future? For me, as the son of Palestinian immigrants, a well-developed professional career, establishing generational wealth, and opening the door for Arab-Americans in finance define my goals and image of a “successful future.” ATLAS’s resources and support is a clear gateway for me to push towards my goals and enable me to give back to the very community that supported me in my journey.
Howard University
Anyiah Chase Mayfield
Anyiah Chase Mayfield
As an African American woman entering a white male dominated industry, it’s imperative to seize every opportunity that leads to the next step in my career. When I encountered the ATLAS Fellows program, I saw a glimpse of what my possible future could be because of the number of doors that would open from this opportunity. Given the chance to connect with professionals from a plethora of fields, having the chance to chat with CEOs from Fortune 500 companies, and exploring the financial field with like-minded peers gave me the tools I needed to further build myself. It is my mission to create a better future for the following generations and to provide opportunities for diversity in finance. I am a MASSIVE leap closer to my aspirations because ATLAS Fellows decided to take a chance on me.
DePaul University
Damaris Mejia
Damaris Mejia
I have always enjoyed working with numbers but after seeing distant family members build their businesses, I was inspired to get closer to the financial field. As a daughter of immigrants, I have grown up with the push and goal of a better life in this country through hard work. ATLAS Fellows provides the support necessary to help me accomplish and grow my career in finance and make lasting connections. I am excited to continue challenging myself through this career with the support of ATLAS.
Carnegie Mellon University
David Melo
David Melo
I am the son of Dominican immigrants who came to the United States for a better life. Neither of my parents attended college. Therefore, when I found my passion for finance and wanted to apply to college, I did not have much guidance or knowledge. However, when I found the ATLAS Fellows program, I found people my age from many different backgrounds who also were interested in finance. Not only did I get to be in a place where I pursue my passion of finance, but I also found a community where I belong. As a first-generation college student trying to navigate a whole new environment, ATLAS Fellows is preparing me not only for college but for my career.
Washington University - St. Louis
Andy Ochoa
Andy Ochoa
I became an ATLAS Fellow because I’ve never missed an opportunity that would help propel my career and life goals. This program has motivated me to be even more optimistic of reaching my goal of becoming a person that helps those who come from similar backgrounds. Through this opportunity, I will actively participate in the finance industry, learn from professionals in the industry with years of experience, and be a part of a community filled with smart and open-minded individuals. Overall, becoming an ATLAS Fellow was an opportunity that I will always be grateful for.
