About Leigha

Hometown:
Wall, NJ

University Partner:
University of Pennsylvania

Degree:
B.S. in Economics, 2005

Grant Partner:
WABC/WPLJ Radio

Senior Mentor:
Mitch Dolan, President

"Steamboat Foundation not only provided me with the opportunity to learn from a wide range of inspirational people, but also gave me an incredible support system throughout my internship. I always felt particularly refreshed and more confident after dinners with the other Scholars and the Foundation's consultant, Dr. Inck. The experience absolutely contributed to the refinement of my career goals. No matter where my career path takes me, I now know what kind of work I enjoy and what kind of working environment I thrive in."

Scholar Background

At the age of 14, Leigha and her best friend made a pact to one day start their own radio station. When it came time to pick colleges, her friend chose to pursue the communications side at Syracuse and Leigha chose the business side at the University of Pennsylvania, creating an “unstoppable combination.” The valedictorian of her high school class, Leigha also graduated summa cum laude and Beta Gamma Sigma from UPenn's Wharton School. While at Penn, she was the recipient of several named scholarships for her academic achievements (Robert C. Byrd Scholarship, Edward J. Bloustein Distinguished Scholar, and President’s Student Service Scholarship) and was on the Dean’s list throughout her college career. Despite her academic load and work as a statistics tutor, Leigha found time to feed her passion for radio by hosting a show for WQHS, the student-run radio station, and getting one step closer to fulfilling her dream.

Internship Highlight

Leigha attended record company meetings to assess new music presented to WPLJ; managed a new online database that directed assignments to the radio group’s four general managers; and was interviewed on air during the “Scott & Todd in the Morning” show, which enjoys one of the largest radio audiences nationwide. Leigha didn’t expect to have the opportunity to go on-air at WPLJ and was understandably apprehensive. “I wasn’t sure I’d have the confidence to speak, but it ended up being fun,” she says. “I would not have been able to do it without having learned so much during the internship.” Leigha was thrilled when she met WPLJ listeners who’d heard her radio debut and inquired enthusiastically about her Steamboat Foundation experience.

Where are they now?

After working as an Associate Consultant with Bain & Co. in New York City for three years, Leigha transitioned into her current role as a Project Manager for the Wall Street Journal Digital Network.