Leigh Walters
Wake Forest University School of Business
“Driven go-getter, optimistic learner, passionate runner, faithful spirit, and outdoor enthusiast.”
Fun fact about yourself: I enjoy hiking and hiked my first 14er this summer!
Hometown: Franklin, Tennessee
High School: Fred J. Page High School
Major: Finance
Minor: Mathematics and Entrepreneurship
Favorite Business Course: Intermediate Finance
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
Wake Forest NCAA Division 1 Cross Country and Track and Field Team
Run Your City Winston-Salem – Treasurer
Wake Forest School of Business Finance Club Analyst and Dow Jones Club Member
Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society
Mortar Board National College Honor Society
Dean’s List (All semesters)
All-ACC Academic Honors
Where have you interned during your college career?
JPMorganChase – Middle Market Banking and Specialized Industries Summer Analyst – Denver, CO – 2024
Nexcore Group – Finance Intern (Healthcare Real Estate) – Denver, CO – 2023
Where will you be working after graduation? JPMorganChase Commercial & Investment Bank Middle Market Banking Analyst
Who is your favorite business professor?
Professor Mark Johnson is one of the most engaging and insightful professors in the business school. Not only does he prioritize teaching relevant financial analysis concepts and research methods, but he also emphasizes important personal financial success practices, effective communication, and a growth mindset. He gave our class the opportunity to actively manage a ~$900,000 investment fund and present multiple stock pitches, as well as provided valuable and practical teachings and pieces of life advice that will continue to remain with me!
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? I have learned the importance of both critical thinking and communication skills. Business is truly similar to a team sport – our work is to solve problems well and create value, which involves collaborating and communicating well with colleagues and adapting to change. It is not solely strong technical and analytical skills that make great businesses, but also strong relationships. Business involves understanding broader financial markets and industry trends, and employing various analytical tools. At its core, organizations are made up of people, and meaningful relationships drive success. The power of relationships is incredibly strong in business and is one of the most rewarding and engaging aspects!
What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? You get out of it what you put into it. No matter your background or where you start from, don’t underestimate the power of hard work, genuine curiosity, and a commitment to learning. If you are interested in business or finance, there are so many opportunities to grow your skill set, and so many people are willing to help! I would recommend speaking with others to learn more about their experiences and discover what aligns with your strengths and interests. Don’t back down from a challenge, and continue seeking opportunities to grow. A business education is so valuable and encompasses a broad range of skills from analytical skills, to strategic thinking, to effective teamwork. It is applicable to numerous industries, enabling you to make an impact and find what you are passionate about.
Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? Find a way to get involved within the business school earlier! It wasn’t until my sophomore fall that I discovered my interest in Finance, which was a result of taking a Financial Accounting course, attending informational events provided by the business school, and engaging with other students in club meetings. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of financial markets and the financial services industry, which sparked my passion for Finance. If I could do it again, I would invest more time upfront in exploring various options and stay open to all opportunities of interest.
What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What is one insight you gained from using AI? Several of my classes in the business school have incorporated AI into our projects and presentations for aspects like idea generation and creative design elements. In my Principles of Marketing class, we also had “AI Mondays” in which we learned about new AI-based innovations in the world, which was both interesting and eye-opening. A key insight that I have gained from using AI is that the output is only as good as the input provided. While AI is powerful in improving efficiency and creativity, human thought and interaction still drive the final result of many business solutions, demonstrating the continued need for quality human work to understand and utilize AI optimally to obtain these enhanced solutions.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am most proud of my contribution to the Cross Country and Track Team, specifically my junior and senior years. In cross country season my junior year, I was returning from an injury the prior year. I was incredibly dedicated to the process in training to not only return to my previous level of racing, but exceed it and make a positive impact on the team’s success that season. The resilience and consistency in my preparation the year leading up to it resulted in some of my strongest performances that season. It also spurred personal and athletic growth, which helped me contribute to our team having one of the best seasons our team had in years. Since then, our team has continued to elevate. Despite facing a second injury my senior year, I was able to continue supporting the team’s success and culture of growth, while working hard to rehab my injury to get back out there with my teammates (which I am happy to say I have!). Being a collegiate runner involves a high level of commitment. For our team, we are in-season year-round, often train twice per day, run 40-50 miles per week, cross train, lift, and put time into recovery. I have performed all of these alongside academic pursuits. It has been a joy to dedicate myself to this sport and experience the growth in the process!
Which classmate do you most admire? There are so many bright and motivated students whom I have had the pleasure of being classmates with during my time at Wake Forest! If I had to pick just one, it would be my friend and teammate Elizabeth Whaley. Elizabeth is an incredible example of what it looks like to pursue excellence in both business and track. She is not only incredibly driven and hardworking, but also always brings a positive attitude and enthusiasm to what she does. I am constantly impressed with her commitment to empowering others, as she brings out the best in those around her and makes a positive impact in all she does.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My mom and dad – my parents have offered their unwavering support throughout my life and have shaped who I am today. My mother immigrated to the U.S. by herself at the age of 16, and my father has always been there to share his wisdom and humorous energy. They have inspired me to do the right thing, give my all, and boldly pursue my biggest goals with heart and determination. They are the first to provide encouragement, offer a greater perspective, and emphasize that it’s not what happens to you but how you respond to it that matters. Of course, they are always there to celebrate the wins as well. I’m incredibly grateful for both of them and all they have taught me.
What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?
- Become a leader in my field and give back to and invest in the community.
- Start my own business focused on solving a meaningful problem — I would love to integrate my passion for health, wellness, and running with innovative solutions.
What made Leigh such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?
“As a student in my Equity Investments course at Wake Forest University, Leigh demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, and a strong work ethic. She approached financial concepts with confidence, applying rigorous fundamental analysis to stock recommendations and pitches to the class. Her ability to evaluate investment opportunities combined with her strong problem-solving skills set her apart as a top performer.
Leigh’s contributions extended beyond technical expertise – she was a highly collaborative class member with her classmates, demonstrating strong leadership in team-based projects. Her combination of financial acumen and mathematical proficiency makes her a truly outstanding candidate for this recognition. I have no doubt that Leigh will make a meaningful impact in the financial services industry after graduating from Wake Forest University.”
Mark A. Johnson
Investments and Portfolio Management Fellow
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