Motor City Moguls
Jay Yunas ’22 was selected to attend Forbes' four-day 30 Under 30 summit in Detroit.
When Jay Yunas ’22 applied for the Forbes Under 30 scholarship last summer, he didn’t think he’d actually be chosen to attend the program’s four-day summit in Detroit, Michigan, alongside the likes of tennis star Serena Williams, AOL co-founder Steve Case and a long list of the world’s most influential entrepreneurs, inventors, athletes and movie stars.
But in a welcomed surprise, Yunas was selected as part of an exclusive group of 1,000 scholars from across the U.S. to participate in the summit’s events, which include lectures led by international business leaders and celebrities, networking events with potential employers and investors and a variety of industry-specific field trips throughout the Detroit area. The scholarship, which provides free access to the summit, is part of Forbes’ Under 30 program that identifies the most talented students and young professionals under the age of 30 each year in a wide range of fields.
“I honestly did not expect to get selected, but I am thrilled about this incredible opportunity to meet and learn from a diverse group of innovative thinkers and problem-solvers,” said Yunas, an international student from India majoring in computer science and economics with a minor in finance.
“I’m especially looking forward to interacting with other scholars and professionals who are passionately working toward purpose-driven business, and to connect that knowledge with the work I’m doing at Conn, particularly within the framework of the Entrepreneurship Pathway.”
The summit will convene young, diverse and innovative scholars and professionals from more than 70 countries to share ideas, network and collaborate. Detroit was chosen to host the summit because of the city’s rich history of innovation and entrepreneurship that make for an ideal setting.
“This is a very prestigious event and a terrific opportunity for Jay to meet other young scholars who share his passion and to receive advice from top leaders in their respective industries,” said Carmela Patton, associate dean of the College, dean of the sophomores and international student adviser. “We’re very proud of Jay and excited that he will be representing Connecticut College
at this summit.”
Yunas says he’s humbled to represent Conn on a global level and can’t wait to share what he learns with his fellow students when he returns.
As for the speakers he’s most enthusiastic about hearing from?
“I can’t wait to hear Serena Williams and (NBA player) Kevin Durant speak,” he says. “As a sports fan, especially when it comes to basketball, having this opportunity to learn from two of the world’s greatest and most influential athletes is a dream come true for me.”