2024 Peter DeSimone Scholars
Overview:
The Peter DeSimone scholarship was first launched in 2015 giving recipients the opportunity to learn more about sustainable investment. Since its inception, US SIF, in collaboration with our annual sponsors, has been able to support several undergraduate and graduate students to attend the annual US SIF Conference every year.
This year the US SIF’s Annual Conference will be held in Chicago, June 24-26th, 2024.
Our Peter DeSimone Scholarship Sponsors:
About Peter DeSimone:
Peter DeSimone was a US SIF staff member for several years. He inaugurated the position of Policy Director, and helped launch the first US SIF conference. He was a 20-year veteran of the sustainable investment community and a highly respected member of our network.
The Scholarship grew out of a US SIF initiative on diversity and inclusion with the intention to both introduce students to sustainable investing and to enhance the diversity of the sector. The initial scholarship was created in 2013 and was renamed in Peter’s honor in 2015 following his passing.
We welcome applications from anyone passionate about sustainable investing. Especially those from diverse backgrounds, including people of color, individuals across the gender spectrum, and members of indigenous communities, to apply.
This Year's Scholars:
We are incredibly excited to announce this year's scholars. These accomplished young professionals come from a variety of life experiences, professional backgrounds, and academic studies. We are proud that they will be joining us at this years FORUM and that these scholars are among the next generation of sustainability professionals.
This year's pool was an extremely competitive field of applicants, and we are appreciative of everyone who applied. We hope that you'll apply in years to come, and that we may get to extend an invitation to you in another year. We know that the field is in good hands with the passion, professionalism, and impressive nature of this year's applicants.

Aakriti Dhital
Masters in Finance (MIT Sloan)
BA Economics (Bryn Mawr College)
BA Math (Bryn Mawr College)
Aakriti is a master of finance student at MIT with a strong interest in sustainable finance and ESG research. She is passionate about leveraging finance to promote sustainable growth.
Prior to her studies at MIT, Aakriti worked as an analyst at the World Bank, specializing in data analytics and static data maintenance for bond issuances.
Yici, Angela Wang
MPP (University of Chicago)
Graduate Certificate in Finance (University of Chicago)
BA International/Global Studies (University of Richmond)
BBA (University of Richmond)
Angela is a Consultant at International Finance Corporation (IFC) and an Investment Associate at the Tarrson Impact Investment Fund. Angela specializes in investment sourcing, diligence, and impact management, with a focus on clean energy, affordable housing, and fintech solutions. Prior to joining IFC and Tarrson, Angela spent two years in management consulting and with United Nations agencies to advise multinational corporations and foundations on strategic decision-making.
Angela holds a BA in Business Administration and International Relations from the University of Richmond as well as a Master of Public Policy and Finance from the University of Chicago.
Kwaku Ofori
STEM MBA Quantitative Finance and Entrepreneurship (Babson Graduate School of Business)
Ba.Comm. (University of the Cape Coast)
Kwaku, an MBA candidate at Babson College, specializes in Quantitative Finance and Entrepreneurship, driven by his Ghanaian upbringing's awareness of unsustainable business practices. With a Bachelor's from the University of Cape Coast and experience in finance, he excels in financial analysis and sustainability reporting.
Kwaku, a Chartered Management Accountant and pursuing the US CPA designation, aims to drive positive change in investment by integrating sustainability. Active in Babson's sustainability programs, he advocates for aligning financial interests with social responsibility. Kwaku aspires to lead in impact investment or finance, directing capital to environmentally and socially responsible projects. He aims to leverage his multicultural background and financial skills to tackle global challenges and create enduring value for investors and communities.
Luxi, Lucy Jiang
MPP (University of Chicago)
Bachelors in Politics, Economics, and Philosophy (Beijing Normal University)
Luxi (Lucy) Jiang is a Master of Public Policy candidate at the University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy, specializing in energy and climate policy. With experience as a researcher and policy analyst on sustainable investment in both China and the U.S., she has developed expertise in climate governance among institutions and stakeholders worldwide.
Lucy actively contributes to her community through involvement with Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Defender Charities, and the National Employment Law Council, where she focuses on public budgeting and fundraising. Leveraging her strong background in research, data analysis, and policy, Lucy is dedicated to driving positive change and addressing global challenges in sustainable development.
Maxwell, Max Ramirez
BS Business Administration and Management (UC Irvine)
Maxwell Ramirez is a third year Business Administration major at UC Irvine. Max is highly interested in sustainable investing and has been looking to learn more about it through networking and school clubs. This summer he will be interning at UBS as a wealth management intern in Newport Beach. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, surfing, and cooking. Max is excited to have this opportunity to attend!
Morgan Olenski
MBA (Northwestern University)
BS Finance (DePaul University)
Morgan Olenski is a dynamic Community Engagement Manager at Morningstar. She is responsible for curating and implementing programs that harness the unique talents and assets of Morningstar to benefit the communities in which the firm operates as well as developing the firm’s corporate giving strategy. Morgan is currently an MBA candidate at Kellogg School of Management in the Evening and Weekend program, where she serves as the Student Association Vice President of Community Impact.
She is also the Co-Chair of the Young Leaders Fund of the Chicago Community Trust and a Board Member and Secretary of Holiday Heroes. In her free time, Morgan enjoys traveling, competing in triathlons, and spending time with family and friends. She is dedicated to volunteering and is passionate about giving back to her community in meaningful ways.”
Ramya Polavarapu
MBA (University of Chicago)
BCom Business/Commerce (Christ University Bangalore)
Ramya Polavarapu, a recent MBA graduate from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, is deeply committed to environmental conservation and sustainability. As an Associate at the Steven Tarrson Impact Investment Fund since 2022, she actively worked on sourcing and due diligencing sustainability startups, honing her investing skills.
Ramya represented UChicago at COP28, engaging with startups and industry leaders to explore green financing and its future. Last summer, she worked with the green hydrogen strategy team at AES Clean Energy. Before pursuing her MBA, Ramya strengthened her operational and financial acumen as the General Manager at an Environmental Consultancy Firm in Dubai. Her passion lies in leveraging finance as a catalyst for positive change, aligning with ESG principles, and contributing to a more resilient world. At the US SIF Conference, she hopes to deepen her understanding of ESG factors, learn about innovative investment strategies, and connect with like-minded professionals.

Randy Estrin
Incoming MBA and MSF Candidate (Bentley University)
BS Business Administration (Haskell Indian Nations University)
Randy Estrin was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, and is a member of the Ketchikan Indian Community and the Central Council of Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA). Randy graduated from Haskell Indian Nations University with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and is currently working in the tourism industry as a tour company business owner and operator.
This Fall he will be attending Bentley University to pursue master’s degrees in business administration and financial analytics. He is also an executive council member for CCTHITA, a will be serving a one-year term that focuses on supporting the efforts of the tribe’s present and vice-presidents. “I am interested in finding the most effective ways to help Native Tribes, whether it be through finance, education programs, or a mix, this is what motivated me to continue my education.”

Tam Kemabonta
PhD Candidate Sustainable Energy (Arizona State University)
MSc Electrical Engineering (University of St. Thomas)
B.Eng. Electrical and Electronics Engineering (Covenant University)
Tam Kemabonta is a PhD candidate in the Sustainable Energy program at the School of Sustainability in Arizona State University. He is also an Energy Systems Specialist in the Laboratory for Energy and Solutions (LEAPS) in Arizona State University. He has extensive work experience in the North American and Sub-Saharan Africa electricity markets. His research and career interests include energy access, renewable energy project development, energy finance, grid resilience, and electricity markets.
Trish Nguyen
BA Multi/Interdisciplinary/General Studies (Sciences Po)
BA Political Science and Government, and Human Resource Management
(Rutgers University)
Growing up in Washington State, Trish Nguyen’s passion for environmental preservation has
metabolized into an interest in sustainable investing. She hopes to marry her experience within net-metered solar, and her love for interior design with her learning in policy-forward finance to pursue a career oriented around ESG analytics and investment management. She will be finishing her undergraduate education at Sciences Po, culminating research on energy citizenship and civic engagement. She hopes to obtain her J.D. in environmental law, incorporating best practices into business decision-making.