Four Seniors Honored with Duke Financial Economics Center’s Leadership Award

The Duke Financial Economics Center (DFE) has announced the recipients of its 2025–2026 Leadership Award: Vipul Nadimpalli, Lilla Timperman, Athena Yeung, and Michael Zhou. The annual award recognizes seniors who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and a sustained commitment to peer mentorship within DFE programs and the broader Duke finance community. 

This year’s winners came to finance from diverse starting points and have pursued a wide range of personal, professional, and service interests. Together, they reflect the collaborative, student-driven culture that defines undergraduate finance at Duke.
 

Vipul Nadimpalli ’26 
Economics Major with a Finance Concentration from Morrisville, NC

Duke activities/involvements: CEO of Bull City Beds, Scale & Coin Business Society, FMKT 256 Practical Financial Markets teaching assistant, DFE Student Advisory Committee member, Duke Football student manager
Job after graduation: J.P. Morgan investment banking, M&A group
Something not on my résumé: I really enjoy playing trivia. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had an interest in learning about random topics across all disciplines. This longstanding desire influenced my decision to join a generalist investment banking group. 
Best Duke memory so far: Duke Football’s win over Clemson in 2023. I was a student manager for all four years, and it was great to see the program’s effort from the spring and summer pay off with an upset and field storming to start the season.

What originally sparked your interest in finance?
DFE’s Demystifying Finance event held in the spring of my freshman year. Other organizations helped establish a base, but DFE upperclassmen catalyzed my interest by clearly articulating the various paths you can take in the finance world. John Caccavale and Emma Rasiel reinforced that it was the right path for me through ECON 370 Global Financial Markets and FMKT 256 Practical Financial Markets in my sophomore year.

Can you describe a specific moment when you made an impact on another student or the Duke finance community?
As a TA for FMKT 256, I enjoyed being able to help students with whatever finance-related questions they had. My conversations with students ranged from helping them understand the mechanics of financial models to brainstorming trade pitch ideas for competitions to advising them on exploring finance further. I enjoyed knowing that students left my office hours knowing a little bit more than when they entered.

If you could talk to your freshman self, what would you tell him? 
Stop solely focusing on the end result and focus on loving the process instead. I would get so stressed out about needing to reach a goal, whether it be passing an exam or landing an internship, to where I’d become paralyzed and procrastinate on taking the necessary steps needed to get there. Focusing on the process, while allowing yourself to enjoy the little aspects of the limited time you have at Duke, is the best way to develop true understanding and slowly compound your way towards a successful outcome.

What's the top piece of advice you give younger students wanting to go into finance?
Do your research and make sure that whatever path you choose truly interests you. It’s easy to succumb to mimetic desires at Duke and follow the crowd, but if you actually take the time to figure out what niches within finance genuinely spark your interests, you’ll set yourself up for a much more engaging learning experience and be less likely to burn out.

DFE Executive Director John Caccavale says: "I have had the pleasure to know Vipul since the first semester of his sophomore year. He is not only a great student but has also been extremely helpful to other students. His concern and desire to help translated into many connections with other students over the past three years. He has been a key contributor to many of DFE’s successful programs."

Junior Thomas Henry says: "Not only does Vipul have one of the most impressive work ethics that I've seen, but he also manages to find the time to help anyone, regardless of the need. He has helped me with mock interviews, answered every ridiculous question I've had, and talked me through major decisions."

Lilla Timperman ’26
Political Science Major with a Financial Economics Minor from Charlotte, NC

Duke activities/involvements: Dzialga Women in Finance Fellow, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Duke Impact Investing Group, Duke Opera Theater, Duke Musical Empowerment
Job after graduation: Goldman Sachs Investment Banking (FIG), New York City
Activities/hobbies that have given you work/life balance while at Duke: Solidcore (I have 250 classes!)
Something that’s not on your résumé: I’m a classically trained opera singer.
In 10 years I hope to be…building something meaningful, whether that’s within my career or through a passion project, and continuing to build momentum in both my professional and personal life.

What originally sparked your interest in finance?
Working in the finance department of an opera company, where I first saw how financial decisions directly impact organizations I care about.

What other finance-related experiences have made you the most excited about the career path?
The Girls Who Invest Summer Intensive Program and the incredible community of women I’ve met through it.

What motivates you to keep leading, even when you are stressed or facing challenges? I genuinely enjoy watching people start to “click” with concepts, especially when I’ve been able to play a role in helping them get there.

If you could talk to your freshman self, what would you tell her?
Don’t be scared to reach out to upperclassmen. The relationships you build will shape your entire experience.

Can you describe a specific moment when you made an impact on another student or the Duke finance community?
I was with a junior mentee I had been helping since their freshman year when we met with a new freshman for a coffee chat. I watched my mentee step into the mentor role and share the same advice and guidance I had once given them, allowing me to step back. In that moment, I saw the ripple effect of mentorship and how impact can extend far beyond a single relationship.

When you look back over your involvement in the Duke finance community, what makes you most proud?
I’m proud to be the first student ambassador of the Dzialga Women in Finance Initiative, in which I’ve had creative freedom in planning initiatives like a group trip to NYC while mentoring younger students throughout the recruiting process, and, most importantly, helping shape what the role can become.

What's the top piece of advice you give younger students wanting to go into finance? My biggest piece of advice is to build genuine relationships with upperclassmen early and take initiative in creating your own opportunities. At Duke, where support is driven by student organizations and peer mentorship rather than a formal business school, you’re not handed a set path. Instead, you have the opportunity to build your own, and in doing so, shape a version of yourself that reflects your unique interests and strengths.

DFE Executive in Residence Linsey Hughes says: “Lilla is a remarkable young woman with a bright future! She’s smart, hard-working, and has an incredibly mature demeanor. She was easy to mentor and then turned into one of the best mentors I’ve seen. The time and energy she gives to underclassman is unmatched. She has supported and guided many, many Duke students. I’ve been lucky enough to work with her throughout her time at Duke and her presence will be missed by all, especially by me!”

Sophomore Angel Guo says: "Since I met Lilla through AKPsi freshman year, she has been such a supportive mentor and friend. She always ensured that I felt prepared during my finance recruitment journey, whether through weekly check-ins or mock interviews. I’m so grateful for all her guidance over these past two years."

Athena Yeung ’26 
Double Major in Biology and Economics with a Chinese Minor from Hillsborough, CA

Duke activities/involvements: DFE Student Advisory Committee, Dzialga Women in Finance Fellow, Duke Presidential Ambassadors, BIO/NEURO 268 Undergraduate Learning Assistant, Duke Rec & PE cycling instructor, Duke Asian Leadership Initiative, Scale & Coin Business Society
Job after graduation: Private Equity Analyst at Stone Point Capital
Something that’s not on your résumé: Nothing brings me more joy than bringing family and friends together over food. Hosting dinner parties and exploring the culinary arts has excited me since I was young.
Favorite Duke class: BIO 268 Mechanisms of Animal Behavior and FECON 451 Housing and the Economy

What originally sparked your interest in finance?
I actually came to Duke intending to study biology and global health and pursue a career as a cancer researcher. I participated in the Genetics and Genomics FOCUS program and started working in a lab early on, which I really valued, but I realized that the slower pace of wet lab research did not align as well with my personality. Through conversations with upperclassmen, I was introduced to the Dzialga Women in Finance Initiative and joined Scale & Coin during the spring of my freshman year. Those experiences opened my eyes to the world of finance. When I learned about investing, I was drawn to how it blends critical thinking about businesses with quantitative analysis, while also aligning with my social nature, since finance is ultimately a relationship-driven field.

When you look back over your involvement in the Duke finance community, what makes you most proud?
While my formal roles in the DFE Student Advisory Committee and Scale & Coin have allowed me to contribute at a larger scale, what makes me most proud are the more personal, informal relationships I have built with younger students. It has been so rewarding to hop on late-night phone calls or run mock interviews over Zoom and then see those same students succeed and land opportunities they are excited about. Being able to play even a small role in their journeys has been the most meaningful part of my experience in the Duke finance community.

What's the top piece of advice you give younger students wanting to go into finance?
The biggest piece of advice I would give is to be proactive about learning as much as possible. Take advantage of DFE sessions and classes, and don’t hesitate to reach out to upperclassmen. They genuinely want to help and are one of the most valuable resources on campus because they were recently in your shoes! Building those relationships early can make the process much more approachable and help you navigate finance with more confidence.

DFE Program Director Jennifer Valentyn says: “In the past few years of interacting with Athena through DFE programs, I have seen her lead with calm confidence and kindness, often being the first to take initiative while making space for others to lead alongside her. She is a rock – if Athena has taken the lead on organizing a panel discussion or a mentorship event, you know it will deliver! Her humility and ‘we got this’ attitude bring out the best in the folks around her.”

Sophomore Kiki Henry says: “Athena has been an incredibly impactful mentor in finance; she’s consistently generous with her time and advice, and even when she’s busy, she always makes time to be thoughtful and present. Her perspective and support have played a major role in how I approach challenges and develop my confidence.”

Michael Zhou ’26 
Economics Major with a Finance Concentration from Cornelius, NC

Duke activities/involvements: Investment Club, Duke Partnership in Service, Duke University Union, Intramural sports, FMKT 256 Practical Financial Markets teaching assistant
Job after graduation: Wells Fargo Structured Products Group in Charlotte, NC
Something that’s not on your résumé: I like to cut hair.
Favorite Duke class: Improvisation with Jody McAuliffe
Activities/hobbies that have given you work/life balance while at Duke: jogs around Durham, listening to music, playing poker
Best Duke memory so far: Helping to plan LDOC concerts and meeting the performers backstage

What originally sparked your interest in finance?
My dad is an international banker, and I got to see him travel the world and meet people from many different backgrounds, so I wanted to follow his path and be able to expand my worldview.

What finance-related experiences have made you the most excited about the career path?
I really enjoyed my junior summer internship at Wells Fargo as I was able to get really close with my co-interns as well as all the full-time employees in my group. I got to learn a lot from the fast-paced environment, and I’m looking forward to hitting the desk in July. 

Where have you seen the most growth in yourself during your college years?
I feel like I’ve matured a lot over the years and have learned how to better connect with different kinds of people, whether they are part of the Duke community or not. 

What motivates you to keep leading, even when you are stressed or facing challenges? Consistency is a core value for me. I take pride in being the person who stays the course when things get messy.

Can you describe a specific moment when you made an impact on another student or the Duke finance community? 
As I served as a teaching assistant for FMKT 256, there were many students who approached me for help with the finance competitions. I am glad I was able to provide advice to them and help them craft compelling presentations for the class. 

What relationships have been most inspiring to you as you have pursued a career in finance?
I am truly appreciative of the older friends I have made who have helped me immensely when I was recruiting for a finance internship. They gave me great advice and guidance throughout the process and even after I received my internship offers. 

What's the top piece of advice you give younger students wanting to go into finance?
Finance is a broad industry. Try to find something specific you are truly passionate about in the world of finance and don’t be afraid to really pursue that passion!

DFE Teaching Director Emma Rasiel says: “Michael was an outstanding head TA for FMKT 256. He guided the other TAs and advised endless numbers of sophomores, several of whom specifically mentioned how much they appreciated his help. He also facilitated recruiting events on campus with the investment bank that he will be joining after graduation. We look forward to staying in contact with him!”

Sophomore Isaac Lief says: “Michael was an invaluable mentor to me this year, providing insightful guidance throughout the finance recruiting process while serving as a very helpful head TA for Financial Markets. His constant support and positive attitude made him a standout leader within the Duke finance community.”

Learn even more about these exceptional Dukies and the impact they have had on their peers in this video, made by Class of 2027 students on DFE's Student Advisory Committee.