27 Students Selected for Premiere Venture Capital Internship Program
SALT LAKE CITY — The Sorenson Impact Institute at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business proudly announces its 2025–2026 Impact Investing Student Cohort — a highly competitive, experiential venture capital program.
This year, 27 students were selected, representing less than 10% of all applicants. The cohort continues a legacy of immersive, student-led investing that has evolved at the Institute for more than a decade.
While most participants are University of Utah students, the program accepts applicants from across the country. This year, participants come from diverse fields of study and six higher education institutions, including Bowie State University, Brigham Young University, Miami Dade College, University of California–Berkeley, and the University of Miami. For the second consecutive year, the program includes a partnership with Bowie State University and Miami Dade College, aimed at helping to broaden the talent pipeline for the impact investing field.
“Venture capital is a rather exclusive career path, often reserved for students from more elite institutions,” said Smit Naik, Senior Director of Venture Capital at the Sorenson Impact Institute and head of the student internship program. “As a result, it is vital for us to create opportunities for ambitious students who may not have equitable access to this opportunity. By expanding the Sorenson umbrella to these two schools, we can live in alignment with our values and fundamentally change the VC environment at large.”
Unlike traditional academic programs, the Institute’s approach is deeply experiential. Students are directly engaged in real-world venture capital work that produces measurable results with real capital invested in real companies around the world. Over 75% of the internship is dedicated to dealwork, while the remaining 25% focuses on cohort training and professional development.
To date, the program has deployed over $45 million in more than 100 mission-driven companies worldwide, spanning sectors such as healthtech, fintech, clean energy, and sustainable agriculture. Each deal offers an unparalleled level of ownership and insight into the investment process.
Beyond technical skills, students sharpen their presentation and networking abilities throughout the internship. “They have the opportunity to present their research and due diligence to investment committees, showcasing the work they’ve contributed to active deals in front of a broader audience,” said Shannon Segale, Program Manager. “They also interact with founders and other individuals in the impact space, which allows them to start developing their own network.”
More than 500 alumni have graduated from the program, entering careers in finance, technology, media, medicine, and more—bringing with them the perspective that business can serve as a powerful tool for both profit and purpose.
Students in the cohort:
Dasha Hill – Bowie State University
Melissa Mercado-Garcia – Bowie State University
Tomisin Laniyi – Bowie State University
Jacob Hunter – Brigham Young University
Mitchell Ballif – Brigham Young University
Nicole Dini – University of Miami
Daniela Vazquez Palacios – Miami Dade College
Jean-Pierre Neira-Pinzon – Miami Dade College
Fernanda Roman – Miami Dade College
Uyen Hoang – Miami Dade College
Katy Sheridan – UC Berkeley
Nikita Damle – UC Berkeley
Sean Paton – University of Utah
Camilla Kenning – University of Utah
Fern McManus – University of Utah
Isaac Middlemas – University of Utah
Jacob Zicherman – University of Utah
Maddie Osborn – University of Utah
Mike Genecov – University of Utah
Savannah Jordaan – University of Utah
My Bui – University of Utah
Annika Hayes – University of Utah
Lillian Sharp – University of Utah
Matthew Timpa – University of Utah
Ricardo Spiegel – University of Utah
Samson Davis – University of Utah
Jake Bauman – University of Utah
About the Sorenson Impact Institute
At the Sorenson Impact Institute, we know capital can be a force for good. Proudly housed at the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, we are a team of expert practitioners with a mission to expand the market for impact investing. We connect capital to positive social and environmental outcomes, conduct applied research, drive innovations in impact, and equip future leaders. Our headquarters, the Impact & Prosperity Epicenter, is a pioneering live/work ecosystem that fosters a shared vision for the betterment of people and the planet. Learn more about our student program here.
