FirstGen Presidential Fellows

Brenda's signature work project explored internship and study abroad experiences to show how innovation, sustainability, and inequality shape daily life, and how businesses and individuals can help create more inclusive, responsible communities worldwide. Joining Bentley through the FPF program was a life-changing experience for Brenda. FPF provided more than financial assistance; it offered a strong sense of community, meaningful mentorship, and the confidence to pursue opportunities she once believed were out of reach. With the support and encouragement of FPF, she learned to believe in her potential and successfully earned an internship in accounting. 

For this presentation, Rey focuses on the connection between Quality Education (SDG 4) and Gender Equality (SDG 5) through personal and academic experiences at Bentley University. The presentation explores how access to education creates pathways to empowerment, particularly for women pursuing careers in business. Reflecting on college experiences, Rey highlights how education shaped confidence, skills, and long-term career goals. The presentation also emphasizes how Bentley fosters gender equity through academic resources, leadership opportunities, and professional development. By connecting individual experiences to global development goals, Rey demonstrates how higher education can serve as a powerful driver of equality and prepare students to create meaningful impact in their communities and future careers.

Jackie deepened her passion for photography through Student Programs & Engagement, served the community with Bentley Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, and connected with her Latin culture through La Cultura Latina, all while earning a degree she truly enjoys. Jackie also built strong leadership skills as a Program Manager for BSLCE, Vice President of FPF during her junior year, and SP&E HYPE Director in her final year. Her presentation connects these experiences to the sustainable development goals: Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, and Reduced Inequalities, highlighting pathways toward a more equitable future.

Bryan's Signature Work Presentation focused on three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Quality Education, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Reduced Inequalities. In his SWP presentation, he shared his experience studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, which allowed him to experience a new culture and see the difference in Quality Education firsthand, which is a high priority for the country of Spain. Bryan ended his SWPpresentation reflecting on his Bentley education and how it has prepared him to take on a career in IT as he also prepares to start his graduate program at Boston University, pursuing a Master’s in Computer Information Systems.

Growing up in Philadelphia, I never imagined I’d get a call from Bentley University offering me a full scholarship through the FPF program. That moment changed everything. FPF gave me more than access to an incredible education but also gave me a second family. I found lifelong friends and mentors who believed in me, especially during tough times. With FPF’s support, I earned my degree in Business Economics with a Public Policy minor and even had the confidence to apply to grad school. This fall, I’ll be attending the University of Chicago for my Master’s in Public Policy. Thank you, FPF, for everything.

I'm Abby, a Marketing major with minors in Spanish for Business and Experience Design. At Bentley, I’ve taken on leadership roles as an Orientation Leader, a member of Off the Clock, and studied abroad in London and Argentina. A highlight has been the friendships I’ve built through FPF and connections with mentors who’ve supported my journey. I'm currently a Digital Media intern with FORJ, a nonprofit in Newton, MA. Post-grad, I’m moving to LA to continue my internship remotely while pursuing opportunities in media and entertainment. I'm excited to return to the west coast after eight years in Massachusetts!

Nereyda majored in Marketing with a minor in Management, where she actively participated in leadership and diversity initiatives. She was part of the Mosaic Experience and served as a Navarra Summer Coordinator. Nereyda held several executive board roles in student organizations, including co-treasurer, freshman liaison, events coordinator, and graphic designer. Her senior capstone project focused on UN Sustainable Development Goals of quality education and reduced inequalities, reflecting her commitment to social impact and global equity. 

My name is Kendrick Agyapong, a proud Bentley University graduate from Waltham, MA. During my time at Bentley, I served as Co-Vice President of the Mankind Movement, participated in service-learning at the Waltham boys and girls club, and broadened my global perspective through study abroad programs in Madrid and Panama. These experiences thanks of FPF had shaped my passion for leadership, culture, and community. I’m excited to begin the next chapter of my journey at J.P. Morgan, where I will be joining the Private Bank full-time. I look forward to continuing to grow, give back, and pave the way for others as I move forward in this new career.

Being part of FPF has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at Bentley. I found a family and mentors who encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone. My Senior Work Project focused on sustainable communities and the responsibility corporations have in reducing environmental harm, supporting the idea of planet over profit. At Bentley, I explored the intersection of technology and business, learning how data, design, and systems thinking can drive impact. Working with systems that connect business needs to technical solutions showed me how technology can be a powerful tool for efficiency, insight, and social good. After graduation, I look forward to applying these lessons in my role at JPMorgan Chase in the Commercial and Investment Bank as a Software Engineer.

Hello I’m John, originally from Atlanta, Georgia. My SWP focused on economic growth and quality education, two areas I’m interested in. Being part of the FPF program has been an incredible experience for me, both personally and professionally. I have had the chance to connect with an amazing mentor and take part in opportunities, like studying abroad in Milan, Italy, in the spring of 2024. The best part has been growing and learning alongside my cohort, who have become close friends. After graduation, I’m excited to start my career as a Corporate Tax Accountant for a private international company.

After graduation, Avery will be joining UBS in New York City, working in Global Wealth Management. His senior presentation, titled Expanding Perspectives: The Role of Cultural Exposure in Driving Positive Change, explored how global experiences can inspire meaningful impact. He focused on three UN Sustainable Development Goals: quality education, responsible consumption and production, and peace, justice, and strong institutions. Avery emphasized the importance of cultural exposure by sharing his experiences traveling to several countries, immersing himself in diverse cultures, and learning from others to broaden his worldview and promote positive global change. 

The FPF program has been an important part in shaping my college experience, not only through its investment in my education, but by helping me find my first true sense of community far from home. Through Bentley and FPF, I was able to land my first job at the IT Help Desk, study abroad in Singapore and South Africa, complete two internships in New York, travel to the border in Arizona, volunteer with the BSLCE, earn my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and so much more. I had no idea how profoundly my life would change when I accepted FPF as a high school senior. Now, as a college graduate, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities this program has given me. It has truly been a blessing to grow alongside my cohort and meet the dedicated people who run the program. From the moment I arrived on campus, they welcomed me with open arms and have continued to show me love and support through the last four years. Because of this, I was able to become the person I am today!

Chris’s Signature Work Project explored the power of cultural immersion to broaden one’s worldview and foster understanding. He shared his first-hand experience moving outside his comfort zone both through study abroad and even by attending college in Massachusetts. Without the FPF program, Chris shared that he might never had left his home state of Illinois for school and become the man he is today. After graduation, Chris will be joining JP Morgan Private Bank full-time in Chicago and plans to continue exploring the world through travel.