University of Tennessee, Haslam College of Business

“Finance lady by day, musician by night, clicking between spreadsheets and smooth beats.”

Fun fact about yourself: Despite having a mom who teaches piano, our unique teaching styles resulted in me teaching myself by ear.

Hometown: Memphis, TN

High School: Houston High School

Major: Finance

Minor: Business Analytics (collateral)

Favorite Business Course: FINC 420 – Financial Statement Analysis

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

Co-President – Diverse Organization of Business Students (2024-Present)
Advocate – Community Advancement Program (2023-Present), Office of Access & Community Connections program
Inaugural Cohort Member – Volunteer Impact Academy (2021-Present), Scholarship-based leadership and service academic program
McClain Torch Fund Manager – Torch Funds (2024), Student-managed investment fund
Secretary – Diverse Organization of Business Students (2023-2024)
Event Planner – Asian American Intervarsity (2023)
6x Dean’s List recipient
Bloomberg Master: Acknowledged in Equities, Fixed Income, Forex, and Commodities

Where have you interned during your college career? 2024 – J.P. Morgan in Jersey City, NJ – Corporate and Investment Bank Payments Summer Analyst, Real Time Payments

Where will you be working after graduation? J.P. Morgan in Jersey City, NJ – Payments Rotational Analyst

Who is your favorite business professor? Dr. Ryan Farley is my favorite professor. I am incredibly grateful to him for taking a chance on me and selecting me for the Torch Fund program while I was still in the early stages of my finance studies. As the director of the Torch Fund program, he has provided me with countless opportunities to deepen my technical knowledge in finance while also helping me develop and strengthen the soft skills that have been invaluable during my internship and beyond. Dr. Farley’s genuine interest in student success is evident in the care he places in his instruction, his thoughtful guidance and feedback, and the way he advocates for his students.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? My advice to a student considering a business major would be to actively network and have conversations with professionals across various industries and disciplines. Each area of business offers its own charms. By listening, asking thoughtful questions, and learning from the experiences of others, you can gain insight into which paths might resonate more with you. Even if a particular area of business does not seem like the right fit, the conversations you have and the people you meet could point to a direction that brings you closer to discovering what truly excites you.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Looking back, I wish I had gotten more involved earlier in my college career. When I started college, I was hesitant to commit to career-specific organizations or programs because I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do. In hindsight, I realize that exploring a wider range of opportunities earlier on would have helped me better understand my interests and the resources available to pursue them. I also wish I had utilized support systems like the Office of Access and Community Connections much sooner. I am forever grateful for the network I’ve built at Haslam, especially through the Office, and I only wish I had more time to engage with them and support other students.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? I believe our business school has done a great job of empowering us to explore AI in an ethical, responsible, and innovative manner. In our business analytics courses, we are encouraged to engage with this technology while being mindful of the current limitations of large language models. One key insight I have gained is that, since AI is built on human knowledge and input, it is crucial for us as users to both develop AI competency and recognize the role we play in shaping its impact.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of my leadership of the Diverse Organization of Business Students at the University of Tennessee. This role gave me the opportunity to learn how to fulfill the mission of an organization, while building and uniting a team of talented, ambitious student leaders. Our organization’s mission is to empower and foster the professional, academic, and social development of diverse business students. It has been an honor to be part of the organization’s growth story, and I am thrilled to see how DOBS will continue to serve and impact future generations of business students at Haslam.

Which classmate do you most admire? While there is so much incredible talent in Haslam, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my close friend, Nicholas Hoang. Nicholas is a Business Analytics, Economics, and Data Science triple major. He is heavily involved in the college as a member of the Heath Integrated Business and Engineering Program, as well as a leader in the Business Analytics Society. Although we’re studying different programs, I have always found his passion for learning to be contagious. His example has motivated me to become a better student and to never shy away from an academic challenge. He has cheered me on through the most intense parts of my finance journey, and I’m excited to see where his hard work will take him.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would like to thank my dad, Maurice Clark, for encouraging me to pursue business and finance. Even before I began college, he helped me map out a strategy, shared insights based on his experiences, and guided me in carving my own path towards success, even as my goals evolved. He has provided me not only with love and support, but also with resources, guidance, and mentorship that have helped me navigate both college and the early stages of my career with confidence. I am incredibly lucky to have a role model who has always believed in me and recognized my potential. Without his support and guidance, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? First, I aspire to build a portfolio career, where I can leverage my finance skillset to open doors towards diverse positions and impactful roles in leading companies across various industries. Second, I would love the opportunity to be in a position where I can hire a University of Tennessee student, giving back to both a fellow Vol and the school that has prepared me for an exciting career.

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

“Diamond is an exemplary student who embodies academic excellence, leadership, and impactful involvement both within the college and the broader campus community.

Academic Excellence: Diamond has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance, maintaining a GPA of over 3.8 and earning a place on the Dean’s List for six semesters. Her academic prowess is further highlighted by her role as an excellent steward of the McClain Fund, one of the four portfolios within UT’s Torch Fund program. Diamond’s innovative and profitable investment ideas have significantly contributed to the fund’s success, showcasing her analytical skills and financial acumen.

Leadership and Engagement: Diamond’s leadership qualities are evident through her role as Co-President of the Diverse Organization of Business Students (DOBS). In this capacity, she has spearheaded initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within the business school, fostering a supportive environment for all students. Additionally, Diamond is an inaugural member of the Volunteer Impact Academy, where she has further honed her leadership skills and commitment to service.

Professional Development: Diamond’s dedication to her professional growth is exemplified by her successful conversion of an internship into a full-time position at JPMorgan Chase in their Jersey City office as a FinTech analyst. Her participation in prestigious programs such as the Marsh & McLennan Global Finance sophomore summit, Sumitomo Mitsui sophomore summit, Diversity Advancement Program, and Inclusive Leadership Development Program further underscores her commitment to continuous learning and development.

Campus Involvement and Personal Character: Beyond her academic and professional achievements, Diamond is an active member of the Asian American InterVarsity group, where she explores the intersection of ethnic identity and faith. Her involvement in this group reflects her dedication to personal growth and community engagement. Diamond’s character is marked by her integrity, empathy, and innate potential to make a positive impact on those around her.

In summary, Diamond Clark is a remarkable student whose academic achievements, leadership, and involvement make her an ideal candidate for the Poets & Quants Best and Brightest Award. Her contributions to the Haslam College of Business and the broader campus community have been profound, and I am confident that she will continue to excel and inspire others in her future endeavors.”

Ryan Farley, Ph.D.
Torch Fund Program Director and Clinical Assistant Professor

“Diamond has been a member of the Diversity Advancement Program (DAP) since 2023-2024 academic year. Since she became an advocate, she has shown diligence, professionalism, and commitment to the organization. She is always willing to participate and go above and beyond her duties to ensure tasks are being met. Outside of DAP, Diamond also serves as the president for the Diverse Organization of Business Students (DOBS), where she has increased membership and led the organization to new partnerships and collaborations across various business organizations. Her work does not stop in the college of business, as she has been part of the Volunteer Impact Academy which leads and empowers Vols in the community. Her academics speak for themselves as she has managed to stay above a 3.8 GPA every semester. Despite her involvement, she has remained committed and disciplined in her academic achievements which have helped her solidify internships in the financial sector in the competitive landscape of New York City. Diamond has been exceptional to work with and I know that her future is super bright. She would be a phenomenal recipient of this recognition.”

Pamela Sanchez
Coordinator of Retention & Education

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