Meet the 2022-23 Berkeley Scholars
Since 2021, the Michael J. Berkeley ’85 Business Excellence Program within the Providence College School of Business has helped the professional and academic development of students from groups underrepresented within the business school. The scholars receive personalized mentorship and advising, skill development workshops, alumni networking and pre-registration for PCSB courses. Get to know the Berkeley Scholars in the Class of 2026 and learn what they have gained from the program.
First-year business majors can now apply to join the next cohort of Berkeley Scholars. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 3, at noon.
Apply now: berkeley scholars
Natasha Biah ’26
Major: marketing
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Involvement: Friars Club, Women Empowered
“As a Berkeley Scholar I feel empowered and motivated being a part of this group of scholars. I am also really proud of the people inside the program and their endeavors.”
Aaron Diaz ’26
Hometown: East Providence, Rhode Island
Major: accountancy
Involvement: Friars Club, Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS), African American Society (Afro-Am), National Association of Black Accountants (NABA)
“I’ve gained a new perspective on the business school and feel like I can excel even more with all these new resources and support from staff.”
Dariana Gonzalez ’26
Hometown: Lawrence, Massachusetts
Major: marketing, sociology minor
Involvement: Believer of Words (BOW), Sophia Academy community work-study, Feinstein Public Office Worker, Board of Multicultural Students (BMSA)
“I have gained important insight from PC alumni that have given me better direction of what I want to do after I graduate with a marketing degree.”
Lenyandra Lopes ’26
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Major: marketing
Involvement: Motherland Dance Group, Student Activities work-study, Transitions dream coach, Horizons mentor
“I have gained more information from business employees about how the lifestyle of a business worker is. More about resources around campus that could help me throughout my academic career. Creating more relationships.”
Elijah Osagie ’26
Hometown: Randolph, Massachusetts
Major: quantitative finance
Involvement: Student Led Asset Management (SLAM) Program, PC club soccer, PCSB Diversity Committee, intern at Redwood Investment
“One thing I have gained from being a Berkeley Scholar is being a part of a multicultural community within the PCSB. It has also been helpful in having pre-registration benefits.”
Jaden Perryman ’26
Hometown: Santa Cruz, Trinidad and Tobago
Major: business management
Involvement: men’s soccer
“One thing I have gained from being within the Berkeley Business Scholar Program is the variety and detailed insight to life and careers I can pursue after college.”
Roseline Tavarez ’26
Hometown: Providence, Rhode Island
Major: finance
Involvement: Motherland Dance Group, Transitions Dream Coach, Volunteer at First Generation Investors.
“As a POC business major, Berkeley Scholars has provided me with excessive opportunities. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with PC Alumni, community leaders, and other guest speakers at professional conferences, which has helped me develop my networking abilities. Furthermore, I’ve received consistent support from PC personnel throughout the school year, which has been really beneficial! Overall, Berkeley Scholars has been an immense asset to me during my college years!”
Penelope Tejada ’26
Hometown: East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Major: accountancy
Involvement: Resident assistant, Association of Latino Professionals in America (ALPFA), PCSB DEI Committee, International Business Club, NABA
“I have been able to gain access to external learning opportunities through the Berkeley Scholars program and have been able to connect with distinguished alumni. I am grateful for this because I have been able to explore different career opportunities and gain a better understanding of what I would like to do in the future.”
Jimmy Zhao ’26
Hometown: Malden, Massachusetts
Major: marketing
Involvement: Berkeley Scholars
“Being a Berkeley Scholar has provided me with another valuable source of network and resources. It has afforded me the opportunity to connect with a new community of individuals who share similar interests and has facilitated mutual learning among each other. On a personal level, I am very thankful for the support I’ve received through this program. If I hadn’t taken the initiative to enroll in this program, I would have missed out on the chance to meet some of these remarkable individuals. What I find particularly valuable is the networking aspect, as they offer extensive assistance with career development and strive to provide maximum exposure in the specific field you wish to pursue. They genuinely offer all the necessary resources to help you succeed.”
