Paulo Pereira Filho - University of Massachusetts, Amherst

This past year has been eventful and incredibly busy since starting in the Securitized Products Group (SPG) at Morgan Stanley slightly over a year ago. As I have gotten more acclimated to my role, I have been able to take on more responsibility, lead, and sign off on a number of projects and deals rolling up to senior management within SPG and Morgan Stanley, more broadly. Outside of work, Morgan Stanley offers many programs for employees to volunteer and give back to surrounding communities and beyond. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to partake in a mentorship program where several colleagues and I volunteered as mentors to the students, many of whom come from minority backgrounds, at the Business of Sports School in midtown Manhattan. The mentorship program is structured as several sessions each semester, focusing on a core theme most relevant to the students. The past fall semester, we focused on helping the junior students with their college essays and applications. I am eager to continue volunteering as a mentor in the program when it kicks off again in the spring. Morgan Stanley also offers countless opportunities to donate to charities and support different causes, which has been an enlightening experience to learn more about and contribute to charities and causes other colleagues also care about. All in all, it has been a year filled with new experiences and tons of learning. I am grateful for every part of it and look forward to the development of my career as the years progress. None of this would have been possible without the help and support of MVYouth and its donors. Thank you again for everything you have done and continue to do for the community on MV!