Standing before economists and peers at the Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland, Diletta Mungo felt her heart pounding. As a junior economics major and member of the PennWest California tennis team, she was about to present original research on a topic with deep personal significance: female leadership and company performance. This moment, presenting on a prestigious stage, stemmed from a journey that began in an econometrics class when she sought a research topic she felt passionate about. She looked close to home for inspiration. "Female leadership is a topic very close to me both because my mom is a CEO herself," Mungo shares, "and seeing her lead her company has shown me also what women in leadership can do." This connection provided a powerful foundation for her academic exploration.

Her professor recognized the quality of her work and encouraged Mungo and a classmate, Wayeera Robertson, to submit their research proposals to the undergraduate research conference hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank. Being accepted was thrilling, but the experience of presenting as a session opener in the main auditorium was initially daunting. "Oh, it was nerve-wracking. I felt my heart beating out of my chest," she recalls. Yet, the environment itself was stimulating. "It was amazing just to... be surrounded by so many smart people like every minute of the day I felt like I was learning something new."

Presenting involved more than just delivering her findings; it included a critique from an assigned discussant and a Q&A session with professional economists and peers. While the questions were challenging, pushing her to consider aspects she hadn't previously thought about, she recognized their value. "You're challenged to answer things that you may have not considered... but it's also what makes you grow." The entire conference, from security checks at the Federal Reserve to structured sessions and networking opportunities, provided a taste of the professional academic world. Sharing LinkedIn profiles and discussing future goals with economists and fellow students broadened her horizons.

Now entering her senior year, Mungo is looking ahead with clarified ambition. The research experience solidified her interest in international business. "One of my biggest goals is to build a career with a global reach that allows me to travel and... keep learning from every experience," she states. She plans to explore graduate programs that align with this vision. Her journey at PennWest, combining athletic commitment with challenging academics and empowering research opportunities, demonstrates how the university helps students connect their passions to purposeful pursuits, building confidence and putting global ambitions within reach.