I come from a family where resilience isn’t a buzzword—it’s a way of life. As a second-generation immigrant, I grew up watching my parents build a life in a country where every system—from language to education—was unfamiliar. They worked hard, often sacrificing personal dreams to give me access to opportunities they never had. That silent strength shaped me. It taught me to lead with both grit and gratitude. From a young age, I knew I wanted to create things that made people feel seen, supported, and uplifted. In high school, I started a small custom cake business called Fourteen Candles. What began as a creative outlet soon became a crash course in entrepreneurship. With no funding and no formal experience, I learned to navigate everything from pricing to branding on my own. I sold cakes to classmates, teachers, and community members—each one a labor of love and a lesson in perseverance. More importantly, I saw how something as simple as a personalized dessert could bring joy, celebration, and connection to others. That experience sparked a deeper interest in using business as a force for good. Today, I’m pursuing a degree in Business Administration at UC Berkeley, with the goal of becoming a socially conscious entrepreneur and ethical strategist. I’m passionate about building businesses—and supporting others—that prioritize equity, sustainability, and wellness. One long-term vision of mine is to create a wellness brand focused on nutritional health and self-empowerment, particularly for communities that lack access to affordable, nourishing options. This vision was inspired by research I did in high school on spirulina as a sustainable food solution, and it continues to evolve through my studies in public health, global markets, and community development. I also believe deeply in access and representation. As someone who had to figure out how to start a business, apply for college, and seek funding largely on my own, I know firsthand how isolating and overwhelming those processes can be. That’s why I hope to co-create a campus initiative that mentors and funds student entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. We need more young founders who aren’t just chasing profit—but who are building ventures rooted in purpose and equity. Every step of my journey so far—from watching my parents overcome barriers, to launching a business from my kitchen, to navigating the halls of a top university—has taught me that success isn’t about having a head start. It’s about having a vision, doing the work, and bringing others along with you. My passions, whether in food, business, or community-building, all revolve around one core belief: that we are stronger when we invest in each other. I’m not just earning a degree—I’m building a toolkit to uplift others, to lead with intention, and to create a future where more people, especially women and youth from underserved communities, get to write their own stories. That’s the journey I’m on. And I’m just getting started.

Being a Billie Eilish fan means more than just loving her music—it's about connecting to a rawness and honesty that most artists shy away from. Billie has never tried to be anyone but herself, and that unapologetic authenticity has made me feel less alone in my own struggles, fears, and aspirations. Her music is moody, sharp, beautiful, and deeply human. Picking just three songs is hard, but these are the ones that have stayed with me the longest. 1. “everything i wanted” This song is like a quiet scream—soft in sound but enormous in emotion. When I first heard it, I felt like someone had put words to the kind of invisible weight I’d been carrying. It speaks to the pressure of high expectations, the haunting fear of failure, and the complicated relationship we often have with our dreams. The lyric “I had a dream / I got everything I wanted / Not what you'd think” hit especially hard. As a high-achieving student and aspiring entrepreneur, I’ve often chased success without pausing to ask whether it's fulfilling—or even mine to begin with. Billie’s vulnerability in this track reminds me that it’s okay to admit when things feel heavy, even when they look good from the outside. 2. “idontwannabeyouanymore” This one feels like a conversation with your own reflection—a confrontation with your insecurities and self-doubt. When I was struggling with imposter syndrome and burnout, this song felt like someone finally saw through the mask I was wearing. The way Billie delivers lines like “If I love you, was a promise / Would you break it, if you're honest?” made me reevaluate how I speak to myself. This song taught me that internal pain deserves compassion, not just silence. It’s been a companion on days when I’ve felt not “enough”—and a reminder that even the most put-together people sometimes fall apart inside. 3. “my future” This is my anthem of hope and independence. Billie wrote this song during a turning point in her life, and listening to it during my own transitions—especially leaving high school and stepping into college—felt like a form of emotional guidance. “I’m in love with my future / Can’t wait to meet her” is such a powerful affirmation. It shifted how I view uncertainty—not as something to fear, but as a blank canvas for possibility. It’s also an important reminder that loving yourself doesn’t mean you’re alone; it means you’re building a relationship with who you’re becoming. What makes Billie Eilish special is how she doesn’t try to inspire by being perfect. She inspires by being real. Her music has helped me feel less pressure to be polished and more courage to be present. In a world that often rewards filters over feeling, Billie reminds us that softness is strength, and honesty is healing. That’s why I’ll always be a Billie fan—not just of her music, but of the truth she shares through it.

Why I’m a Fan of Sabrina Carpenter and How Her Career Has Impacted Me By Eliana Harel I’ve been a fan of Sabrina Carpenter not just because of her music, but because of the way she owns her voice—literally and figuratively. From her early days on Girl Meets World to the fierce, emotionally layered artist she is today, Sabrina has grown in front of our eyes while staying unapologetically true to herself. Watching that evolution has taught me that reinvention doesn’t mean losing yourself—it means finding new ways to be seen. Sabrina’s career has helped me feel more confident in my own journey. As someone pursuing entrepreneurship with a social mission, I’ve often felt pressure to “pick one path” or fit into a certain mold. But Sabrina has shown me that you can be multi-dimensional—you can be sweet and sharp, glamorous and grounded, vulnerable and bold. Her lyrics, especially in songs like “because i liked a boy” and “emails i can’t send,” speak to the complex emotions we often feel but don’t always know how to express. Through her storytelling, she’s reminded me that honesty is a form of power. Beyond her talent, what really inspires me is how she’s handled public scrutiny with grace, humor, and resilience. Being in the spotlight at a young age, especially as a woman, isn’t easy—but Sabrina has turned criticism into creativity. That’s something I admire deeply. It reminds me to turn challenges into momentum and to stay true to my values, even when it’s uncomfortable. Sabrina Carpenter doesn’t just make music—she makes people feel seen. And for that, I’ll always be a fan.

Finding My Place in Higher Education as a Second-Generation Immigrant By Eliana Harel As a second-generation immigrant, the journey into higher education has felt like entering a world built in a language I had to teach myself to understand. My parents came to the United States with hope in their hearts but little familiarity with the systems that define success here. Their sacrifices created a foundation for me, but navigating the path forward—especially in education—has often felt like walking through a maze without a map. Growing up, I knew college was the goal, but I didn’t always know how to get there. While some of my peers came from families where attending elite universities was the expectation, I came from a household where that process was unfamiliar and sometimes intimidating. My parents valued education deeply, but they couldn't guide me through SAT prep, financial aid applications, or choosing the “right” extracurriculars. Instead, I had to rely on public resources, community mentors, and a strong sense of self-direction. In the process, I learned how to ask questions, advocate for myself, and create opportunities where none seemed to exist. One of the most formative examples of this was starting my own small business in high school—Fourteen Candles, a custom cake venture. With no generational wealth or business background to fall back on, I had to learn everything through trial, error, and research. Yet this experience taught me more than just entrepreneurship; it showed me that resilience and resourcefulness could compensate for lack of access. It also planted the seed for what would become my future goal: to build businesses that create access and opportunity for others, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. Being the child of immigrants has shaped not only how I move through education but also why I pursue it. I’m not earning a degree just for myself—I’m doing it for my family, my community, and everyone who was never handed a roadmap. My parents gave me a powerful sense of responsibility, not through pressure, but through example. They worked long hours, navigated language barriers, and faced discrimination with dignity and persistence. Their journey taught me that education is more than a personal achievement—it’s a tool for justice, growth, and impact. Still, I carry concerns with me. I sometimes feel the weight of imposter syndrome in academic spaces where legacy and connections seem to open doors I never knew existed. I worry about balancing financial stress with academic pressure and about finding mentors who understand the nuance of my background. But my hope outweighs my fear. I believe in building new systems, not just succeeding within the old ones. I want to use my business education to launch ventures that prioritize wellness, sustainability, and equity—particularly in immigrant communities that too often go unseen. Higher education is not just a destination for me; it’s a stepping stone toward becoming the kind of leader I never had growing up. One who understands what it means to be an outsider—and who builds bridges so that others no longer have to be.

From launching a small business to leading a dance team, my experiences have taught me the values of discipline, responsibility, and service—qualities that naturally draw me toward a military career. My name is Eliana Harel, and I’m an 18-year-old incoming Business major at UC Berkeley. While I’ve never worn a uniform in JROTC or ROTC, I’ve built my life around values that align with military service: commitment to excellence, leadership under pressure, and a drive to contribute to something larger than myself. I’ve always believed that true leadership means stepping up and staying steady—especially when the stakes are high. As the founder of Fourteen Candles, my custom cake business, I did much more than bake. I was responsible for every facet of the company, from product development to branding and customer satisfaction. Balancing this business with academics taught me time management, resilience, and accountability—skills I believe are crucial for a successful military career. Entrepreneurship requires strategic thinking, adaptability, and grit, which mirror the qualities needed for military service in today’s complex global landscape. As captain of my high school dance team, I led with a focus on unity and discipline. I made it my mission to ensure that every team member felt both supported and challenged. I learned to manage group dynamics, plan practices with purpose, and lead by example—often training long after others had left. I found purpose not just in personal performance, but in pushing my team to succeed together. These leadership experiences helped me realize that I thrive in environments that require both physical stamina and emotional intelligence. My commitment to service goes beyond the classroom and stage. I’ve earned the Gold Presidential Community Service Award three years in a row, driven by a deep belief in civic responsibility. My interest in global nutrition led me to cultivate spirulina during a trip to Uganda and write a research paper on how its production could help alleviate food insecurity. This project showed me the power of applying scientific innovation to global challenges—something the military also does through humanitarian missions and sustainable development efforts around the world. Additionally, I’ve explored my passion for communication and cultural awareness through writing for my school newspaper and engaging in artistic roles such as fashion marketing and costume design. Being fluent in both English and Hebrew has given me a global outlook and a deeper understanding of the importance of diplomacy, cross-cultural competence, and international cooperation—skills that are increasingly important in today’s military. I’ve chosen a military path because I want to lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and contribute to something greater than myself. The military’s emphasis on discipline, leadership, and service mirrors the values that already shape my daily life. I’m eager to grow through rigorous training, form lasting bonds through teamwork, and serve my country with pride. Whether in uniform or as a civilian leader, my mission remains the same: to lead with courage, serve with compassion, and make a lasting impact.

My name is Eliana Harel, and I am currently a first-year student at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Business Administration through the Haas School of Business. I chose this major because I believe in the power of entrepreneurship and ethical business practices to drive real, sustainable change in the world. From launching my custom cake business, Fourteen Candles, at age fifteen to leading my high school dance team as captain, I’ve always been passionate about creating, leading, and uplifting others. During high school, I also completed a research project on spirulina production as a solution to food insecurity, which sparked my interest in how business can intersect with sustainability and social justice. These experiences have shaped my goal of building a career focused on impact—supporting ventures that prioritize community wellness, innovation, and equity. This scholarship would greatly support my academic journey by easing the financial burden of attending a top university and allowing me to focus more deeply on my studies and professional development. With your support, I’ll be able to pursue internships, join leadership organizations, and take advantage of research opportunities that strengthen my foundation in finance, entrepreneurship, and social impact. Ultimately, I hope to use my education to launch or invest in businesses that empower underrepresented communities, promote wellness, and create access to opportunity. This scholarship would not only help fund my education—it would be an investment in a future leader committed to using business as a force for good. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students who are passionate about making a difference.

1.) I am currently enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Business Administration through the Haas School of Business. I expect to graduate in June 2028. My career interests lie at the intersection of entrepreneurship, social impact, and ethical finance. During high school, I held several hands-on roles that built my foundational understanding of business and marketing, including a fashion marketing internship at Avalon Apparel, a costume design and coordination role at Kairos Music Academy, and a marketing assistant position at El Caballero Country Club, where I helped promote events. While these were not finance internships, they gave me invaluable early exposure to branding, project management, and client relations—skills I plan to strengthen further through targeted finance internships during college. 2.) In the short term, I plan to explore careers in alternative investments, impact investing, or venture capital, particularly focusing on early-stage companies that center sustainability, community wellness, or ethical consumerism. I’m passionate about using capital not just to generate returns but to solve problems, empower entrepreneurs, and rebuild trust in financial systems. Long term, I hope to launch a firm or fund that supports women- and minority-led ventures with scalable, socially responsible business models. What excites me about alternative investments is the flexibility and creativity they allow—unlike traditional public markets, they provide space to back bold, transformative ideas that might not yet have institutional validation. I believe the future of finance will belong to firms that balance innovation with integrity, and I want to help lead that shift. 3.) To ensure funding access for asset managers of all identities and backgrounds, we need both structural and cultural reform. First, capital allocators—especially large institutions—must adopt equity-based mandates that require a minimum allocation to emerging managers from underrepresented groups. These policies should be transparent, measurable, and tied to long-term accountability metrics. Second, expanding mentorship pipelines, co-investment networks, and LP education programs can help diverse managers build credibility, navigate gatekeeping, and gain early traction. Lastly, we must redefine the risk narratives around race, gender, and geography in investing. Talent is everywhere, but capital is not. Leveling the playing field requires not just access to funding—but a shift in how we define value and who we trust to create it. 4.) If I could shadow any investor for a year, it would be Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital. As a Black, queer woman who built a venture capital firm from scratch with no formal finance background, Hamilton exemplifies radical innovation in a traditionally exclusive industry. I would want to learn how she assesses early-stage companies for impact and scalability, navigates bias in fundraising conversations, and balances risk with her mission to back underestimated founders. I’m especially curious about how she builds trust with founders and how she reframes investing through a social equity lens. Her work resonates deeply with my own belief that smart investing should be inclusive, bold, and unapologetically values-driven. 5.) If I weren’t pursuing a finance career, I would continue growing my entrepreneurial journey by expanding my small business, Fourteen Candles—a custom cake company I started in high school. Through that experience, I discovered my love for brand-building and customer engagement, and I saw how business can be a form of art and connection. Alternatively, I would consider working in sustainable development or youth education, helping to teach financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and wellness to girls in underserved communities. The values that guide these choices—equity, creativity, service, and empowerment—are the same ones that guide my interest in finance. Regardless of the field, I want to make a career out of creating opportunities and helping others realize their potential. At the heart of all my aspirations—whether in finance, entrepreneurship, or education—is a desire to shift the narrative around who gets to lead, build, and thrive. I believe that expanding access to capital is one of the most powerful ways to drive systemic change. Through my education at Berkeley, my lived experiences, and my growing interest in alternative investments, I hope to become a connector—bridging vision with resources and helping reshape finance into a field that truly serves the many, not just the few.

My name is Eliana Harel, and I’m an 18-year-old first-year student at the University of California, Berkeley, majoring in Business Administration. I’m a creative thinker, entrepreneur, and community-minded leader who believes in building with purpose. Whether I’m designing custom cakes for my clients, leading a team of dancers, or researching sustainable food sources, I bring passion, resilience, and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact. One of the most defining experiences of my life was starting my own business, Fourteen Candles (fourteencandles.com), at age 15. What began as a personal passion for baking turned into a growing custom cake business. I taught myself how to create a website, fulfill orders, manage finances, and connect with customers. The experience not only gave me firsthand insight into entrepreneurship—it also taught me the value of serving others with creativity, reliability, and heart. I realized that success isn’t just measured in sales, but in the moments you help create for other people’s lives. While I developed my entrepreneurial skills in the kitchen, I explored my academic interests through research. I wrote a 10-page paper titled “Spirulina Production to Help Alleviate Food Insecurity,” inspired by my experience cultivating spirulina in Uganda. I studied how this nutrient-rich algae could be used to fight malnutrition in underserved communities. That project opened my eyes to how science, sustainability, and business can intersect to solve urgent global issues—and showed me that I want to be part of that change. My leadership experiences have also shaped who I am. As captain of my high school dance team, I learned how to uplift a group, communicate through challenges, and lead with both vision and empathy. I also served as Head Costume Director for a youth music academy, coordinated events through internships, and wrote articles on fashion and environmental topics for my school’s newspaper. These diverse experiences taught me how to balance creativity with responsibility, and how to bring people together around shared goals. I believe I should be selected for this scholarship not only because of what I’ve accomplished, but because of how I plan to use those experiences to help others. I’m committed to creating businesses and initiatives that serve communities—especially youth and women—through mentorship, access to resources, and education. I want to use my platform to promote ethical business, wellness, and sustainability. My long-term goal is to work in social entrepreneurship or strategic marketing, supporting brands and projects that make a difference while creating opportunities for others. I am also proud to have earned the Gold Presidential Community Service Award for three consecutive years and to be a member of the National Honor Society. These honors reflect my commitment to service, scholarship, and character—values that I will continue to carry with me throughout my college journey and career. In everything I do, I try to lead with purpose, integrity, and compassion. This scholarship would not only support my academic and career goals, but also help amplify the positive impact I strive to make in my community and beyond. I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story and hope to continue growing into a leader who inspires others to create boldly and give back generously.

When I launched my baking business, Fourteen Candles, at fifteen, I thought I was just making cakes. What I didn’t realize then was that I was also learning to build something meaningful from the ground up. With every birthday, graduation, or celebration I baked for, I learned how personal impact can come from something as simple as showing up and creating with care. That experience shaped not only how I view business—but how I want to use it to empower others. Now, as an 18-year-old incoming Business Administration major at the University of California, Berkeley, my mission is clear: to use my education and personal experiences to drive change through ethical, sustainable entrepreneurship. I believe that business can be one of the most powerful tools for addressing real-world problems—from food insecurity to gender inequality—if we focus on purpose, not just profit. My experience writing a research paper titled “Spirulina Production to Help Alleviate Food Insecurity” pushed me to think critically about how business and science can work together to fight hunger in underserved communities. Inspired by my firsthand experience cultivating spirulina in Uganda, the project combined my interest in nutrition, sustainability, and community-based solutions. It opened my eyes to the potential of business models that prioritize public good—especially when built around real data, lived experience, and cross-cultural collaboration. In addition to entrepreneurship and research, I’ve held leadership roles that taught me how to guide others with empathy and vision. As captain of my high school dance team, I led with inclusivity, working to ensure every team member felt seen and supported. I also worked as Head Costume Director for Kairos Music Academy in Berkeley, coordinating creative direction and managing an assistant. These roles taught me that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about listening, lifting others up, and creating space for everyone to succeed. After earning my degree, I plan to start or join a company focused on socially responsible business practices—particularly in wellness, sustainability, or education. Whether I’m working with startups or nonprofits, I want to use my knowledge of branding, communication, and consumer psychology to help organizations that prioritize equity and empowerment. I also hope to mentor other young women in business, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, and help break down barriers that have historically kept them out of leadership roles. I’m especially passionate about working with youth to promote financial literacy and entrepreneurship as tools for self-sufficiency. I know firsthand how confidence grows when you learn to take ownership of your ideas and turn them into something real. I want to help others access that same feeling—whether through a workshop, a mentorship program, or a social enterprise that reinvests in the communities it serves. In short, I plan to use my business degree not only to create, but to uplift. My goal is to build ventures that reflect compassion, innovation, and impact—and to empower others to do the same. With a strong foundation in education and the drive to keep learning and giving back, I’m committed to shaping a career that is both successful and deeply meaningful.

When I was fifteen, I spent hours in the kitchen perfecting a red velvet cake for a neighbor’s birthday. By the end of the week, I had filled five new custom orders—and accidentally started a business. That spontaneous passion project became Fourteen Candles (fourteencandles.com), a custom cake business I built from scratch and still run today. What started as a simple act of kindness turned into my first lesson in entrepreneurship: when you care about what you create, people respond. Now, as an 18-year-old incoming Business Administration major at UC Berkeley, I’m pursuing a degree that builds on the creative, leadership, and problem-solving skills I’ve already begun to develop. I chose business because I see it as a tool for meaningful change. Through Fourteen Candles, I’ve learned how to manage time, communicate with customers, market a brand, and adapt under pressure. I want to take those real-world experiences and use my education to create something even bigger—ventures that are not only successful but socially impactful. Beyond entrepreneurship, I’ve also developed a strong interest in global sustainability and nutrition. In 2023, I wrote a 10-page research paper titled “Spirulina Production to Help Alleviate Food Insecurity,” drawing from my personal experience cultivating spirulina in Uganda. The project showed me how science, innovation, and community-focused business can come together to fight hunger and malnutrition. It inspired me to think about how I can use my business degree to support initiatives that prioritize both profit and purpose. While I greatly admire those who serve in the military, I do not plan to pursue a career in the U.S. Air Force or any other branch of military service. That said, I deeply respect the values instilled by military service: discipline, resilience, leadership, and integrity. These same values have been central to my life as a student leader, especially in my role as captain of my high school dance team. Leading a group of talented dancers taught me how to motivate others, navigate challenges, and stay focused on a shared goal—lessons I will carry into any future career path. After graduation, I plan to expand my work in entrepreneurship by focusing on socially responsible business development. I’m particularly interested in sustainability-focused brands and startups that promote wellness, ethical practices, and innovation. Whether launching my own venture or working in strategic marketing, I want to support businesses that make a difference—especially those that empower young women, promote nutritional equity, or create opportunities in underserved communities. Ultimately, I believe business is about more than numbers and strategies—it’s about people. Through my education and career, I want to keep building things that matter: businesses that bring people joy, create jobs, address real challenges, and reflect strong ethical values. My goal is not just to be successful, but to use my success to lift others up. That red velvet cake was just the beginning.