Brenna Yingling

Bucknell University, Freeman College of Management

“A passionate and involved leader striving to make a positive impact on those around me.”

Fun fact about yourself: In the Spring of 2023, I studied abroad in the fashion capital of Milan, Italy. During Milan Fashion Week I saw Kim Kardashian outside of a Dolce & Gabbana event!

Hometown: Hanover, PA

High School: Delone Catholic High School, McSherrystown, PA

Major: Management & Organizations (MORS)

Minor: N/A

Favorite Business Course: My favorite business course was Entrepreneurship with Professor Bill Meek. This course forced me to think outside of the box about my long-term life and career goals. Over the course of the semester, we were challenged to come up with a tangible business idea and “pitch it” to a group of Small Business Development judges. I pitched a sustainable fashion brand, combining two of my passions in a meaningful way.

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

Awards and Honors:

• Dean’s Scholar
• Alpha Lambda Delta First Year Honor Society
• Beta Gamma Sigma Management Honor Society – Inducted as a member into the National Honor Society for undergraduates in the top 10% of their class

Activities and Leadership Roles:

• President, PRME Ambassadors
• Student Leader, Management & Organizations (MORS) Department
• Student Advisory Board Member, Freeman College of Management
• Director of PR, Alpha Delta Pi
• Gamma Chi, Bucknell Panhellenic Council
• Editorial Director, Spoon University Club

Where have you interned during your college career?

• Excess Casualty Underwriting Intern, AIG (Summer 2023)
• Retail Casualty General Insurance Intern, AIG (Summer 2022)
• Coordinating Intern, PRME Department, Bucknell University (2022-2024)
• Underwriting Intern, Glatfelter Healthcare Practice (Summer 2021)

Where will you be working after graduation? After graduation, I will be working for AIG (American International Group) as a Retail Casualty Analyst in New York City!

Who is your favorite business professor? Dr. Neil Boyd is my favorite management professor. I’ve had the pleasure of taking several of his classes over the years and have worked closely with him as a MORS leader on various projects. Dr. Boyd is hardworking, dedicated to his students, and brings his expertise to the MORS curriculum. I am very grateful to him for all he has taught me and am truly inspired by his constant professionalism and kindness.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I gained from studying business is the importance of maintaining your network and building relationships. As cliche as it sounds, getting to know your professors and getting involved in clubs has huge positive implications for your long-term success and can lead to great career opportunities and personal fulfillment.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? I would emphasize the importance of seeking out leadership opportunities in business-related clubs and organizations that are truly meaningful to you and that will allow for a long-lasting commitment. It is one thing to be involved in many different clubs, but it is another to be actively involved in a few things that mean a great deal to you. Instead of spreading yourself too thin, pick a few clubs or organizations that you can commit yourself to fully in order to have the best experience.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? The extracurricular achievement I am most proud of is being the president of the PRME Ambassadors Group in the Freeman College of Management. In this role, I worked closely with Dr. Melissa Intindola to reshape the organization and recruit new student ambassadors. Recently, Bucknell was named as one of only three business schools in the United States to have earned the title of a PRME Champion by the United Nations. In my time working with this organization, I have been able to recognize the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their real-world implications in business, society, and beyond. It is especially intriguing to see the work that universities all across the world are putting in towards this effort, and it is truly an honor to be part of such a unique organization.

Which classmate do you most admire? The classmate I most admire is Bella Fratto, a recent Bucknell graduate from Pittsburgh, PA. Bella graduated a semester early and is now working full time as a business development manager for CPS Construction Group. During her time at Bucknell, Bella was very involved with the markets, innovation and design (MIDE) major and was the president of the Bucknell Real Estate Club. One of my favorite memories is attending the Real Estate Club’s golf events to support Bella while brushing up on my skills at the same time.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? There is no one I need to thank more than my parents for my success over my four years at Bucknell. As an only child, I have always been close to my parents and have looked up to them both as role models in life and in their careers. My dad, Shawn Yingling, has worked in the insurance industry for his entire professional career and is the inspiration behind my post-graduate career choice. My mom, Patty Yingling, is the marketing director at a retirement community and has always inspired my creative side while encouraging me to pursue my passions beyond just professional endeavors. My parents have always pushed me to be the best version of myself, both academically and otherwise, and their commitment to my success has truly led me to where I am today.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? The top two items on my professional bucket list are to eventually pursue a higher degree, whether that is within the insurance industry or in the form of an MBA. Additionally, I hope to be able to return abroad for a period of time in my career and work alongside professionals from around the world.

What made Brenna such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Brenna is the kind of student who doesn’t flinch when given an assignment. She has a calm and confident demeanor that is paired with excellence in the outcome, and I admire all of those qualities about her. I have watched her in a variety of settings, and in each one she displays those characteristics, and once displayed, it puts others at ease. I also admire her ability to say YES to so many leadership roles in the Freeman College of Management, and in the Management and Organizations Department, while juggling the demanding coursework at Bucknell. She is an exemplary citizen of our College, and I am extremely proud of what she has accomplished, and very grateful for her service to our community.”

Professor Neil Boyd

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