KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Trial and error—It is one of the best methods of learning. And Rianna Clay-Valdez, a senior from Kalamazoo, has found exploration to be the key to her educational success at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. She first considered studying medical research and computer science before finding that her capacity to work with numbers was an inroad to a future in finance.
“Entering Western, I was not prepared for the level of focus and self-awareness I needed to pick my educational path for the next four years and my career beyond the college years. Like many others, I found myself sampling a variety of fields of study, but my skills in analysis and math, paired with my passion for uplifting my community for generational change, led me to declare a finance major.”
The experiences that Clay-Valdez has on the horizon for this year are exciting and dovetail with her talents and aspects of her identity. She has accepted an internship for summer 2024 at a Fortune 500 company. She says she hopes to gain a better understanding of the corporate financial environment, while also paving the way for more women and people of color in the industry.
She also plans to study abroad in the Dominican Republic prior to graduation. There, she will study the country’s economy while immersing herself in a shared culture.
“I feel this trip will be a high point in my education as an Afro-Latina,” she says. “I will be studying a history related to my own and taking advantage of opportunities to study the connections between culture and finance.”
The most important trend in the financial industry from Clay-Valdez’s perspective is access to financial expertise for Black and Latino communities, a lack of representation of those communities in executive roles in business and the overwhelming challenges they face to build generational wealth in the spaces that allow for building wealth.
“I was raised in a middle-income household, and I recognize the privilege and disparities of my childhood. As I grew in my understanding, I learned that less than 20% of those working in the financial industry are of Latino or African American descent, and the same holds true for women. My goal is to grow in my knowledge and professionalism to be able to provide resources and clear a path for Black and Brown communities to build generational wealth.”
Helping Clay-Valdez on her path to self-discovery has been Danielle Field, director of the Student Professional Readiness Series which is a required co-curricular program in the college.
“I have never met someone as intent as Danielle on providing positive support and mentorship. Anything I have needed; Danielle has been there. Her energy, nurturing and the commitment she has to all the students at the Haworth College of Business is greatly appreciated,” says Clay-Valdez.
Clay-Valdez has pursued her education while working full time for a nonprofit and maintaining a full course load. Working for Rootead Enrichment Center, an organization in Kalamazoo that centers the lived experiences of BIPOC by providing connection and support through birth justice, youth empowerment and community healing, her role as the youth enrichment coordinator allows for many collaborations with organizations at WMU.
“The Bronco African Student Association is one of the strongest connections we have made at Western. Each year I have had the pleasure of performing and interacting with the association and its community at its annual Africa Night. I hope to foster growth in this relationship and others within WMU!”
With less than a year until graduation, Clay-Valdez is focusing on taking the steps to building a future that focuses on seeing others while also being seen. She plans to find an entry-level position in finance that allows the work-life balance and flexibility needed to continue her education. Planning to enroll in WMU’s MBA program in fall of 2024, she aims to prepare for future financial management roles where she will position herself as a powerful resource for communities of color.
“I envision a life of pouring from an abundantly full cup, serving my community, my family and myself with authenticity,” she says.
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