ST. PETERSBURG — The University of South Florida Muma College of Business has recognized two exceptional students, João Vitor Dalla Zen and Sebastian Castro, as the 2026 recipients of the Dean’s Advisory Board Leadership Award.
The honor recognizes outstanding scholars and leaders within the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance.
“Our advisory council, with these leadership awards, recognizes and supports the next generation of business leaders,” said Gary Patterson, dean of the business and finance school.
Both juniors have distinguished themselves not only through impressive academic performance, but through their ability to build communities, expand opportunities and elevate the student experience at the USF Muma College of Business.
Honorees receive an award of up to $2,500 and are selected by a special committee. To be eligible, applicants need a minimum 3.5 GPA and major in either finance or personal financial planning. They also serve in leadership roles either in classes, clubs, volunteer organizations or at the university.
João Vitor Dalla Zen
For João Vitor Dalla Zen, leadership is rooted in creating systems that last.
An international student from Brazil pursuing dual degrees in finance and econometrics and quantitative economics, Dalla Zen has transformed the Investment Club at USF into a nationally competitive organization. As president, he oversees one of the largest student-run organizations on campus, leading more than 80 analysts and organizing large-scale events that connect students directly with top financial institutions.
Among his most notable accomplishments is helping establish a first-of-its-kind partnership between a student-led organization and a $750,000 investment fund through the USF Foundation. The initiative provides students with hands-on portfolio management experience, an opportunity rarely available at the undergraduate level.
He also launched a structured placement program that has already helped students secure internships and full-time roles at leading financial firms, reinforcing USF’s growing reputation as a pipeline for top talent.
“Leadership, to me, is measured not by titles but by systems built, opportunities created, and standards elevated,” Dalla Zen said in his application materials.
Beyond campus, his professional experience reflects the same level of rigor. He currently works as an investment intern with the USF Foundation, contributing to asset allocation strategy for a $1 billion portfolio, and previously completed internships in credit and mergers and acquisitions in Brazil. This summer, he will join Goldman Sachs in New York City as a sales and trading intern.
Sebastian Castro
Sebastian Castro’s leadership journey is equally defined by impact, but grounded in mentorship, resilience, and community.
A finance and global business double major, Castro serves as president of Phi Chi Theta business fraternity, where he leads more than 100 members and a 17-person executive board. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its professional programming, strengthened corporate partnerships and increased its philanthropic footprint, raising thousands of dollars for local nonprofits.
Castro also plays a key role in shaping the next generation of finance students as a teaching assistant for the Finance Talent Pathway program. In this role, he mentors underclassmen navigating the highly competitive recruiting process for careers in finance, offering both technical training and personal guidance.
“As the son of Colombian immigrants, I’ve seen firsthand the power of opportunity and education,” Castro said.
His commitment to excellence extends into his professional pursuits. After being selected for the highly competitive J.P. Morgan Summer Fellowship, chosen from more than 18,000 applicants, he will return this summer to join J.P. Morgan as an asset management summer analyst, focusing on international equities.
As they continue their journeys into the finance industry, both Dalla Zen and Castro carry forward a shared goal, to create access, elevate others and leave a lasting impact well beyond their time at USF.