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Ambitious students have always been drawn to UCLA, seeing it as the perfect launching pad for their hopes and dreams. Endowed fellowship giving is a powerful way to support students who have a clear idea of what they want to do after graduation. Students like Amira D., M.B.A. ’25.
Lining up her shot
Even as a child, Amira aspired to become Commissioner of the Women’s National Basketball Association. Her singular focus on this position is born out of her deep love of sports, which is matched by her head for business and her strong desire to effect meaningful change on behalf of underrepresented populations. This is a priority Amira has in common with UCLA.
After completing her undergraduate studies in her home state of Georgia, Amira began looking for an M.B.A. program that would both nurture and challenge her while providing a global perspective.
“UCLA checked all my boxes,” she says. “Not only is the UCLA Anderson School of Management extremely well regarded, but the university also boasts a vibrant and passionate sporting culture. It also offers opportunities to gain important experience in the world of media and entertainment, which has a great deal of overlap with that of sports.”
MVP: Making valuable progress
Amira was aware that the cost of living in Los Angeles was high. She was delighted to find that financial aid was available. In fact, upon her acceptance, she was awarded the Jenessa Shapiro Fellowship, which honors and advances the legacy of the late professor of management and organizations at UCLA Anderson, who held a joint appointment in the UCLA College Department of Psychology.
The impact of this endowed fellowship on Amira is undeniable. “I’m able to remain present with my classmates and professors, giving my full self to the program,” she says.
Moreover, the fellowship carries special significance for Amira. “When I first read the description of Professor Shapiro, I cried. I felt such kinship with her,” she recalls.
“At each step of my career, I have grounded my work in increasing access and opportunities for underrepresented communities in technology, sports and education,” Amira says. “Professor Shapiro shared my commitment to addressing marginalization and ending discrimination and prejudice. Even though I will never get to thank her in person for the difference she made, I am truly proud to be continuing her work in my own way — with the goal of changing the culture of sports and entertainment, reshaping professional spaces so that they can be homes for historically underrepresented folks, people like me.”
Give now to support the Jenessa Shapiro Fellowship Fund and students like Amira.
