Southwest Investment Advisors Scholarship

$4,000
1st winner$2,000
2nd winner$1,000
3rd winner$1,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 1, 2025
Winners Announced
Aug 1, 2025
Education Level
Undergraduate
1
Contribution
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Four-year undergraduate student
Gender:
Female-identifying
Field of Study:
Finance

The tide is changing in many career fields, but it remains difficult for women to break into traditionally male-dominated fields, especially those such as finance.

Many young women are passionate about the world of finance but don’t receive the encouragement they need to stick it out. When peers, professors, and mentors are overwhelmingly male, many young girls don’t have anyone to look up to or seek advice from as they pursue their goals.

This scholarship aims to empower women to join the finance field so they can boost representation and make a difference in the industry.

Any female four-year undergraduate student who is pursuing a finance-related major may apply for this scholarship opportunity, but applicants who have taken the SIE examination are preferred.

To apply, tell us more about yourself, your passion for the field, and how you can help improve the system.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published February 4, 2025
Essay Topic

Please tell us more about yourself and your passion for this field. Explore thoughts that you have on ways to improve the system and how you could be a part of that solution.

400–600 words

Winning Applications

Arrabayle Pierre
Western Governors UniversityBedford, NH
Giselle Alexander
University of California-Santa BarbaraMerced, CA
The world of finance was foreign to me when I first entered UC Santa Barbara last year as an Economics major. Coming from a low-income background in the Central Valley, California, I had yet to discover the opportunities that lay ahead. My journey led me to join the Strategic Investors Program and subsequently, the prestigious Dean's Investment Group. Motivated by my professor's dedication, I founded the Financial Literacy Club to provide knowledge and inclusivity. I aim to continue improving the financial system by advocating for policies that promote financial inclusion and transparency, especially for women in finance. As a first-year student I immersed myself in technical and theoretical finance classes. The Strategic Investors Program ignited my passion for investing, and I found myself captivated by the complexities and opportunities within the financial world. My curiosity led me to excel in the program and deepen my understanding of financial analysis, risk management, and investment strategies. One of my most pivotal experiences was joining the Dean's Investment Group. Under the mentorship of my inspiring professor, who significantly shaped my understanding and enthusiasm for finance, I gained hands-on experience managing a $500,000 portfolio. Collaborating with my peers, I conducted in-depth sector and stock analyses, performed detailed DCF analyses, and applied both micro and macroeconomic perspectives to our investment decisions. This experience solidified my commitment to a career in finance and honed my analytical and decision-making skills. I decided to take my passion a step further by founding the Financial Literacy Club, aiming to provide students from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the financial landscape. By organizing workshops, guest speaker events, and peer-to-peer mentoring sessions, the club fostered a supportive community where students could enhance their financial literacy and gain confidence in managing their finances. My thoughts on improving the financial system have been practically implemented through the creation of this club. I recognized the importance of accessible financial education and sought to address the knowledge gap that often exists among students from underrepresented backgrounds. . One area where I see room for improvement is in bridging the gap between financial institutions and underserved communities. Many individuals lack access to basic financial services and education, which hinders their ability to build wealth and achieve financial stability. By leveraging technology and collaborating with community organizations, we can create innovative solutions to provide financial education and resources to those who need it most. The Financial Literacy Club has already made strides in this direction by partnering with local non-profits to offer workshops and financial counseling to low-income families in our community. Moreover, I am passionate about advocating for policies that promote financial inclusion and protect consumers. Ensuring transparency in financial products and services, addressing predatory lending practices, and expanding access to affordable credit are crucial steps toward creating a more equitable financial system. As someone who has experienced the challenges of limited financial resources firsthand, I am committed to being a part of the solution by working towards systemic changes that benefit all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background. In conclusion, my journey in finance began with a spark of inspiration from a high school class and has grown into a deep-seated passion for financial education and inclusion. Through my experiences in the Strategic Investors Program, Dean's Investment Group, and the Financial Literacy Club, I have developed a strong foundation in finance and a commitment to making a positive impact. I am eager to continue my journey, contribute to improving the financial system, and empower others with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial success.
Emma Munden
Indiana University-BloomingtonGreenfield, IN

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 1, 2025. Winners will be announced on Aug 1, 2025.