Morgan Stanley's Wealth Management business partnered with the African American Men of Westchester to host the annual AAMW Youth Business Skills Competition.
The event, which is co-sponsored by Wealth Management’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Multicultural Employee Networking group, is designed to encourage students to consider careers in business. It's the fifth consecutive year that the Firm has worked with the African American Men of Westchester to host the event, held at Wealth Management's headquarters in Purchase, N.Y.
The day-long competition challenged over 100 high school juniors and seniors from more than a dozen Westchester area schools to work collaboratively to solve theoretical business problems. Volunteers from across the Firm were paired with student teams to help facilitate this year’s case study, based on how companies use the H-1B visa program and how it affects American workers.
In her welcome remarks to the students, Managing Director Cheryl Palmerini encouraged the students to begin networking with the many people they would meet that day, especially the volunteers from Morgan Stanley, and to take chances with their careers. “You are going to have to take risks,” she said.
The remarks were followed by a breakout session, during which the students worked on the case with their Morgan Stanley facilitator. The day closed with the student groups making four-minute presentations in front of a panel of judges who selected the winners.
Each team was judged on how they:
- Examined the issues related to the H-1B visa program
- Analyzed the process for issuing the visas
- Evaluated the true impact of H-1B visas on American high-tech workers
The winners were:
- 1st place, Peekskill High, Peekskill, N.Y.
- 2nd place, Yonkers Middle High School, Yonkers, N.Y.
- 3rd place, Valhalla High School, Valhalla, N.Y.
In addition to gifts from AAMW, the winning teams will be invited to join Wealth Management’s National Diversity & Inclusion Council for a celebratory dinner, where they will also learn about the Firm’s internship opportunities.
In his closing remarks, Private Banking Group Executive Director Andwele Lewis told the students that “We, as a Firm, are very passionate about giving back, giving our time, investing in the community.”
Lauren Ziadie accepted an award that was presented to the Firm for its generous contributions and enduring commitment to the AAMW Youth Business Skills Competition. Nameeta Kamath organized the event, and Morgan Stanley volunteers supported the competition throughout the day.
Morgan Stanley employees who served as judges were: Kalena Griffin Costa, Terri Ferri, Mickey Perez, Lori Perillo, and Michael Peterson.
Morgan Stanley employees who greeted the students upon their arrival in the morning were: Kemar Bennett, Gina Chiovetta, Rasonn D'Merritt, Vishwant Drepaul, Jasmine Fletcher, Melissa Johnson, Chris Tidwell, Emmanuel Urena, Caulleen Worrell, and Yvette Wynn
Morgan Stanley employees who served as facilitators were: Allison Andrews, Mamie Atuahene, Grace Basile, Elizabeth Cardelli, Earl Crockett, Loredana Denardo, Nadia Guirand-Jean, David Littles, Tom Moore, Robert Newman, Osarumwense Pat-Osagie, Steven Santos, Kevin Walker, and Chris Wong.
The event was held on February 16. To learn more about the African American Men of Westchester, visit their website here.
