Hali Jama

University of Wisconsin School of Business

“The main character in a coming-of-age movie, but with a LinkedIn addiction.”

Fun fact about yourself: I have double-jointed shoulders so as a kid, I could jump rope with my arms.

Hometown: Eden Prairie, Minnesota

High School: Eden Prairie High School

Major: Marketing & International Business

Favorite Business Course: Marketing 437: New Product Innovation with Mike Judge

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work, and Leadership Roles During College:

Somali Student Association – Co-founded UW-Madison’s first Somali student organization and served as Events Coordinator for two years.
The Vault: Business Behind Fashion – Co-founded UW-Madison’s first business and fashion club and served as Financial Director for nearly two years.
GLAM Squad – Events Coordinator for this women’s organization, fostering an inclusive and supportive space for Black women on campus.
Interfaith Fellows – Participated in discussions on religious diversity, sharing experiences, and learning about different faiths.
Content Creation – After struggling to navigate corporate America as a first-gen student, I started sharing career advice on social media. My first video reached over a million views, leading to an audience of over 110,000 followers. I became a mentor and older sister figure to thousands of students worldwide, which led to the creation of Success Sessions.
Success Sessions – A mentorship program I launched to provide career guidance on LinkedIn branding, résumés, interviews, etc. I met with over 130 students worldwide but quickly became overwhelmed by demand—I was booked out four months in advance. Seeing the impact, I co-founded EmpOUR with another career content creator, Nia.
EmpOUR – A mentorship initiative aimed at providing structured support for students navigating career development. I’m currently leading this program and managing a team of interns.

Internships & Programs During College:

Freshman Year:

BEL Intern
Wisconsin Sea Grant – Podcast Producer & Co-Host | Marketing & Communications Intern

Sophomore Year:

Business Connect Residential Advisor
Undergraduate Research Assistant
ADM Immersive Summit
Kohl’s Emerging Talent Summit
Alpha Phi Sorority
L’Oréal Diverse Future Leaders Fellow
IBM Accelerate Program

Junior Year:

TruStage – Marketing & Communications Intern
Orion – Technical Product Writer Intern
Google – Product Inclusion & Equity Summit Scholar, Sunnyvale, CA
Steve Brown Apartments – Resident Assistant
IBM – Operations & Strategy Intern, Raleigh, NC
Nestlé Diversity Leadership Symposium

Senior Year:

SEO Hire Scholar
ARF WIDE Scholar
UW-Madison – OMAI Events Intern | WIDA Intern
Forté Career Readiness Program

Where Will You Be Working After Graduation? Research Analyst at Nielsen/NielsenIQ

Who is your favorite business professor? Kelly Newbold (Boudreau) – Her energy, passion, and investment in her students are unmatched. She doesn’t just teach, she mentors, empowers, and pushes students to think critically and creatively. When I shared my vision for EmpOUR, she didn’t just listen – she took action. She connected me with valuable resources, sent opportunities my way, and continuously checked in to see how she could support my work. She believes in her students and actively helps them bring their ideas to life. Having a professor who not only educates but also champions her students’ success has been an invaluable part of my business school experience.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I’ve learned from studying business is that true success is measured by the impact you leave behind. It’s not just about climbing the corporate ladder or securing prestigious titles—it’s about giving back to the communities that shaped you. At UW-Madison, I’ve seen alumni dedicate their time, resources, and mentorship to students who are now walking the path they once did. That sense of responsibility and community is what makes a lasting difference. Success isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about using what you’ve gained to uplift those who come after you. Whether it’s mentoring younger students, opening doors for those who might not have the same access, or creating opportunities for the next generation, legacy is built through service.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? Your college experience will be exactly what you make of it. What you put in is what you get out. When you’re standing in your cap and gown, looking back at your time in college, I hope you feel proud—not regretful.

So, take the leap. Chase that seemingly wild business idea. Go to networking events and actually talk to people. Build genuine relationships. Use your university’s resources, even the ones you think you don’t need. Apply for the internship you think you’re unqualified for. Put yourself in rooms where you feel a little intimidated, those are the spaces where you’ll grow the most.

Your future self depends on the work you put in now. So bet on yourself, invest in yourself, and show up for yourself. You won’t regret it.

What Would You Do Differently in Business School? I would have been more involved as a freshman. As a first-gen student, it was easy to feel intimidated by upperclassmen and the unknowns of college. I wish I could tell my younger self that my perspective was valuable and that being the least experienced person in the room is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Which Classmate Do You Most Admire? Habeeb Afolabi. Since freshman year, I’ve watched Habeeb thrive, adapt, and push himself beyond expectations. He’s not just incredibly driven, he actively lifts others up, offering guidance and encouragement in ways that create real impact. Whether it’s helping students navigate career opportunities or sharing resources that open doors for others, Habeeb embodies the definition of a leader. He leads with integrity, intelligence, and an unwavering commitment to bettering the spaces he’s in. Watching his journey has been inspiring, and I have no doubt that he will continue to make a profound impact wherever he goes.

Who Would You Most Want to Thank for Your Success? I would most want to thank my parents. Their unwavering support, sacrifices, and belief in me have been the foundation for everything I’ve accomplished. They have always reminded me of the power of resilience, the value of hard work, and the importance of staying true to my purpose. As first-generation immigrants, they built a life from the ground up, showing me firsthand what it means to dream big and persevere. Their encouragement has given me the confidence to navigate spaces where I often feel like I don’t belong, and their love has been my constant source of strength. Every milestone I reach is a testament to their sacrifices, and I’m beyond grateful for them.

Top Two Items on Your Professional Bucket List:

Build and scale a mentorship program that bridges the gap for underrepresented students navigating corporate spaces.
Lead an innovative marketing campaign for a major global brand, shaping the industry’s approach to inclusivity and storytelling.

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

“Hali cares deeply about maximizing her learning opportunities as well as supporting others. She has engaged with various experiential learning opportunities like AfroTech, the Advertising Research Foundation’s Workplace Initiative for Diversity & Excellence, the Forte Foundation and programs UW offers like the study abroad program to Vietnam where I got to know Hali more deeply. Her intellectual curiosity was evident both in our structured learning experiences as well as in her personal time as she had to understand the local culture and business practices at every turn.

Hali supports other first-generation college students through mentoring and sharing resources to ensure that others can find as many opportunities as possible for learning and growth like she has. I am proud Hali is a Badger and see a very bright future for her – she immediately was my recommendation for your ‘Best and Brightest’ feature.”

Kristin Branch
Distinguished Lecturer
Marketing Department
Wisconsin School of Business
University of Wisconsin-Madison

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