IVCA Feature: Profiles of the 2025 IVCA Scholars Participants, Part Two
August 6, 2025
All through the summer of 2025 the IVCA Scholar Program has been up and running with twenty participants in a diverse and multi-college/university force. The IVCA reached out to the Scholars, to get an idea of their experiences, interactions with firm sponsors and possible future within the Venture Capital/Private Equity industries.
The 2025 IVCA Scholar Program provides undergraduate students, – primarily from underrepresented communities – experience that could lead a possible career in the Venture Capital/Private Equity industries. The 10-week program is a deep dive, and upon completion the students will receive a $10,000 scholarship.
The Investor firms hosting a 2025 Scholar are Avathon Capital, BPOC, Exposition Ventures, Frontenac, Growth Catalyst Partners, HPA, Hyde Park Venture Partners, Linden Capital Partners, OCA Ventures, ParkerGale Capital, Prairie Capital, Pritzker Private Capital, RoundTable Healthcare Partners, Sandbox Industries, Victory Park Capital, Water Street Healthcare Partners and Wind Point Partners.
The following three questions were asked of all the Scholars. Part One is accessed by clicking here. Part Two is below …
ZAYD GONZALEZ … School: University of Chicago, Firm: Exposition Ventures
IVCA: What was your goal in initially applying to the IVCA Scholars program, and how does it connect to your academic interests?
Gonzalez: I applied to the IVCA Scholars program to learn more about the Venture Capital industry because the concept of working with the next generations of companies interested me. I had taken a couple of business and entrepreneurial classes in college but wanted to see the other side of investing and all the work that goes into supporting these founders and great ideas.
IVCA: What have you learned or experienced at your host firm that expanded your understanding of the Private Equity or Venture Capital industry?
Gonzalez: Working with Exposition Ventures, my host firm, has taught me a lot about market research. They have given me exposure to a variety of industries from software to industrial manufacturing, which I’ve appreciated a lot, but more importantly they have taught me how to do that research and familiarize myself with different sectors which will be incredibly helpful for me as I look to enter a career in Private Equity or Venture Capital.
Anyone can learn how to build financial models online, but having the framework for thinking critically and knowing what to look for as you conduct that research on a company or market will make a huge difference in your success.
IVCA: How has this experience shaped your thinking about your future, whether in terms of career goals or what you want to focus on when you are back at school?
Gonzalez: Working with Exposition Ventures through the IVCA Scholars Program has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in PE/VC. I’m so glad to have met with the different partner firms through the IVCA Scholar firm visits as it has informed me about the different investments strategies firms may take up so I know what type of firm will be best suited for me given my own experience and interests. This program has also been incredibly beneficial in helping me map out that trajectory as I enter a career in finance, so I don’t just have a goal, but an actual game plan to achieve it.
MERWAN NUR … School: University of Michigan, Firm: Pritzker Private Capital
IVCA: What was your goal in initially applying to the IVCA Scholars program, and how does it connect to your academic interests?
Nur: My goal initially applying to the IVCA scholars was to gain my first experience in the Private Equity industry. I had an interest in PE but found it difficult to get an internship in the sector … until i found out about the IVCA program.
As a business major with a concentration in finance, the exposure to many different types of PE and Venture Capital firms has allowed me to realize these are industries in which my knowledge from classes and investment clubs I am involved in at Michigan would be transferable, and I could have a genuine interest in the work that is done day to day.
IVCA: What have you learned or experienced at your host firm that expanded your understanding of the Private Equity or Venture Capital industry?
Nur: At PPC I have had the ability to sit in on investment committees as well as have conversations with senior individuals to hear firsthand how decisions are made and how investors are thinking about the moves being made at these firms. I have also had to ability to further my understanding of thinking strategically within the PE space and the lifecycle of the process that happen during deals. I also think being able to dive into the financial models and get financial modeling experience through the Wall Street Oasis course – and my summer project – has helped me develop analytical skills.
IVCA: How has this experience shaped your thinking about your future, whether in terms of career goals or what you want to focus on when you are back at school?
Nur: I think this opportunity has really helped me gauge whether the PE career and lifestyle is something that I see myself doing down the path mainly through the conversations I’ve had. I want to keep developing my technical abilities and to focus on staying in touch with my connections and performing in my next experiences to increase my likelihood of ending up in a PE associate role in a few years.
I have also really understood the importance of working under people that are willing to invest in you and at a firm that has a great culture, so I will continue to look out for these qualities when recruiting for roles during my career.
FIONA CHARLTON … School: University of Chicago, Firm: ParkerGale Capital
IVCA: What was your goal in initially applying to the IVCA Scholars program, and how does it connect to your academic interests?
Charlton: When I applied to the IVCA Scholars Program, I was looking for a way to step outside the classroom and get exposure to what investing looks like day to day. At UChicago, I study Economics and Psychology, and I’ve always been drawn to how people make decisions … how they weigh tradeoffs, handle uncertainty, and build something over time. Private Equity felt like a space where those questions show up constantly, and I wanted to learn from people who were doing that kind of thinking in real time.
Going into the summer, I knew I wanted to explore different parts of finance more seriously and learn how firms create value. I had a strong sense that this was the kind of work I wanted to do long term, but I also recognized how much I still have to learn. I was looking for an environment where people were genuinely excited to teach, where asking questions was encouraged, and where I’d be expected to contribute meaningfully from day one.
That’s what stood out to me about IVCA. It wasn’t just about getting placed at a firm. It was about being part of a bigger experience that included exposure to different corners of the industry, thoughtful programming, and a community that genuinely cares about helping students figure out where they fit. The chance to work at firms like ParkerGale felt like exactly what I was hoping for. I had heard from past scholars that the program gave interns real responsibility and treated them as part of the team, which made me feel like this could be the kind of challenge I was looking for.
Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful I took the leap and applied. IVCA gave me the structure, support, and real-world exposure to explore investing in a way that felt both challenging and rewarding. It’s shaped how I think about my path going forward and made me even more excited about where it might lead.
IVCA: What have you learned or experienced at your host firm that expanded your understanding of the Private Equity or Venture Capital industry?
Charlton: I had read about Private Equity before, but this summer was the first time I had the opportunity to engage with it in a hands-on, meaningful way. My time at ParkerGale gave me a much deeper and more nuanced understanding of what the work actually involves. While I had previously thought of private equity primarily as identifying promising companies and executing investments, I quickly realized that the real value is created after the deal closes. Supporting a company’s growth involves close collaboration with management, a thoughtful approach to operations, and long-term strategic thinking across all aspects of the business. It’s a much more involved process than I expected with everyone on the team stepping up to play a different role depending on what’s needed. Seeing that up close made the work feel powerful and it’s what made me even more excited about being part of it in the future.
One of the best parts of this summer was how much responsibility the team gave me, while also encouraging me to pursue my own goals and interests. From the start, I was layered into the day-to-day work at ParkerGale and treated like a real member of the team. I had the chance to build out a full investment thesis on digital evidence management software, a space I hadn’t even heard of before the internship. I led market research and worked to understand what made the space so defensible and sticky. The team was always there when I had questions, but they also gave me the independence to explore and take ownership of the work. That kind of responsibility and ownership pushed me to grow in a real way.
ParkerGale’s focus on software as a service has also been a huge value add. It gave me exposure to a vertical I probably wouldn’t have explored on my own, and it completely shifted the way I think about the world around me. Now when I walk into a business or use an app, I immediately start thinking about the back-end systems that make everything work but often go unnoticed. It’s made me more curious, more analytical, and more excited to keep learning about this space.
The culture also stood out to me at ParkerGale. People here are incredibly smart and analytical, but also kind, collaborative, and generous with their time. Everyone is always sharing ideas, challenging each other to think more critically, and recommending helpful resources. I’ve had the chance to sit in on portfolio company reviews, strategy conversations, and product brainstorms, and I’ve seen firsthand how much thought goes into building strong relationships with management teams. Watching that play out in real time gave me a much deeper appreciation for the human side of private equity. Relationships and Culture matters. And when you combine that with a skilled team and a long-term mindset, you can build something that actually lasts.
IVCA: How has this experience shaped your thinking about your future, whether in terms of career goals or what you want to focus on when you are back at school?
Charlton: This summer gave me clarity on which of the many paths I want to take in finance. I went in knowing I was curious about private equity and came out feeling certain that I want to stay close to this kind of work. I love the mix of strategic thinking, people-first problem solving, and the chance to make a real impact and being at ParkerGale helped me see what that can look like at its best.
When I look back on my past internships, I can see how each one has helped build a different part of the foundation I want for my career. In summer 2024, I interned in wealth management at Morgan Stanley, where I learned to think about investing from the client’s perspective. Through the IVCA Scholars Program in 2025, I shifted my focus to the company level at ParkerGale, where I got to engage with portfolio strategy and long-term value creation in a much deeper way. Next summer, I’ll be joining Perella Weinberg Partners, TPH, as an energy investment banking intern in Houston. I see that experience as a way to bring everything together and sharpen my technical skill set while working in a fast-paced, deal-driven environment. Having seen companies through both client and operator-focused lenses, I feel more prepared to ask better questions and contribute in a more thoughtful, informed way.
Going back to school, I’m more motivated than ever to keep building the skills that matter in this space. I plan to take more classes in strategy, behavioral economics, and organizational decision-making, and I’ll continue leading teams in my consulting club, where I’ve worked with both nonprofit and corporate clients. That hands-on work has pushed me to think across industries and approach challenges from different angles, which has been a great complement to what I’ve learned through internships.
I’m incredibly thankful for everything I’ve learned this summer and all of the amazing people I have met along the way. The team at ParkerGale made me feel both supported and challenged, and the IVCA community introduced me to a network that cares deeply about the next generation of talent. I feel lucky to have been part of this experience, and I know it will continue to shape how I think about my future and the kind of teammate and leader I want to become.
GRACE ENERSON … School: University of Chicago, Firm: Linden Capital Partners
IVCA: What was your goal in initially applying to the IVCA Scholars program, and how does it connect to your academic interests?
Enerson: I applied to the IVCA Scholars program to gain immersive exposure to Private Equity and better understand how financial and strategic principles are applied in real transactions. This aligned closely with my academic interests at the University of Chicago, where I study economics and have a strong focus on finance.
IVCA: What have you learned or experienced at your host firm that expanded your understanding of the Private Equity or Venture Capital industry?
Enerson: At Linden Capital Partners, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the operational focus that underpins healthcare investing and how disciplined diligence drives investment decisions. Working alongside professionals on live deals and industry research expanded my perspective on the nuances of value creation in Private Equity.
IVCA: How has this experience shaped your thinking about your future, whether in terms of career goals or what you want to focus on when you are back at school?
Enerson: This experience has affirmed my interest in pursuing a career in Private Equity, particularly in roles that combine analytical rigor with strategic thinking. It’s also shaped how I plan to approach my remaining time at the University of Chicago, encouraging me to pursue more opportunities that sharpen my financial modeling skills and deepen my understanding of how businesses create long-term value.
GISELLE MARQUEZ … School: University of Illinois Chicago, Firm: The Vistria Group
IVCA: What was your goal in initially applying to the IVCA Scholars program, and how does it connect to your academic interests?
Marquez: When I applied to the IVCA Scholars program, my goal was to gain first hand exposure to private equity and better understand how the industry drives innovation and business growth. As a student with academic interests in finance and data science, I was eager to move beyond the classroom and engage directly with professionals evaluating deals, supporting portfolio companies, and driving growth. More than just gaining exposure, I hoped the experience would help me connect my coursework to real-world impact and provide a clearer sense of where I want to take my career.
IVCA: What have you learned or experienced at your host firm that expanded your understanding of the Private Equity or Venture Capital industry?
Marquez: At Vistria, I had the opportunity to work on several projects that gave me a much deeper understanding of the Private Equity process. The LBO modeling exercise introduced me to the technical side of evaluating deals, while the portfolio company case study pushed me to think like an investor, writing diligence questions, analyzing business fundamentals, and ultimately deciding whether or not to pursue the investment.
I also contributed to the KLS Operating Partner Bio Book, which helped me see the value of strong leadership networks in creating value post-investment. One of the most impactful parts of the internship was the lunch-and-learn sessions. These gave me the chance to meet and hear directly from professionals across different teams, from investment strategies team to the debt capital markets team. Each person offered a unique perspective on how their role contributes to the overall success of Vistria. Those conversations helped me see the bigger picture and better understand how diverse skill sets come together to drive results in this industry.
IVCA: How has this experience shaped your thinking about your future, whether in terms of career goals or what you want to focus on when you are back at school?
Marquez: This program has significantly clarified my interest in pursuing a career in private equity or investment-related fields. I now have a clearer sense of what it takes to succeed in this industry, both technically and interpersonally. When I return to school, I plan to take more advanced courses in finance and strategy. Long-term, I hope to work in a role where I can help grow companies and make informed data-driven investment decisions that create meaningful impact.
LINDSEY WANG … School: Duke University, Firm: Victory Park Capital
IVCA: What was your goal in initially applying to the IVCA Scholars program, and how does it connect to your academic interests?
Wang: My initial goal in applying to IVCA was to gain exposure to the private equity and venture capital space in Chicago and to explore potential future career paths that interested me. After taking several finance courses at Duke, I appreciated the opportunity to apply the skills I learned in the classroom to real-world settings.
IVCA: What have you learned or experienced at your host firm that expanded your understanding of the Private Equity or Venture Capital industry?
Wang: Victory Park Capital has been instrumental in helping me understand the world of esoteric credit, specifically asset-backed deals. Whether it’s completing due diligence on portfolio companies, sourcing potential investments, or researching new investment strategies, it’s been valuable to gain insight into all the research and discussion that goes into every investment.
IVCA: How has this experience shaped your thinking about your future, whether in terms of career goals or what you want to focus on when you are back at school?
Wang: Through visiting different firms, attending conferences, and hearing from various speakers, this experience has been incredibly eye-opening in helping me think through future opportunities. Back at school, I’m excited to continue this learning journey, deepen my understanding of buy-side roles, and further explore different investment processes.
GRACE HOUSEY … School: Boston College, Firm: Roundtable Healthcare Partners
IVCA: What was your goal in initially applying to the IVCA Scholars program, and how does it connect to your academic interests?
Housey: I applied to the IVCA Scholars program to gain hands-on experience in private equity, understand how investment decisions are made, and explore whether it’s a path I want to pursue long term. As a finance and accounting major, the program offered a valuable way to connect my coursework with real-world investing and broaden my understanding of the financial services industry.
IVCA: What have you learned or experienced at your host firm that expanded your understanding of the Private Equity or Venture Capital industry?
Housey: At RoundTable, I’ve learned how much thought and detail go into every stage of the investment process. Watching the associates work gave me a clearer understanding of how deals are sourced, analyzed, and executed. I also saw how closely they collaborate with the operations team, whose hands-on industry experience plays a key role in supporting portfolio company growth.
This experience showed me how important collaboration and strong partnerships are to driving successful outcomes. I also gained a deeper appreciation for the impact private equity can have, especially when supporting healthcare companies that can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
IVCA: How has this experience shaped your thinking about your future, whether in terms of career goals or what you want to focus on when you are back at school?
Housey: This experience has significantly shaped my career goals and reaffirmed my interest in pursuing a future in private markets. Next summer, I’ll be interning in investment banking, using this experience as a foundation to grow my technical skills and expand my understanding of the investment process.
Sign up for the upcoming Legislator Luncheons, taking place in Chicago (open to IVCA Investor Members only) on September 3rd, 11th and 16th, 2025. For details and location click here.