JPMorgan Chase is a longtime supporter of Florida A&M University (FAMU), its students and its programs. Over the years, the Wall Street giant has invested in student success, internships, financial literacy, professional development and other FAMU initiatives.
The company is in the middle of a five-year gift, which will result in funding for freshmen and sophomores as well as upperclassmen that will reap benefits for generations to come.


“JPMorgan Chase is a true corporate partner for FAMU. The company’s programs and scholarships enrich the lives of our students and open doors for our graduates,” said Donald E. Palm, Ph.D., FAMU chief operating officer and interim vice president for University Advancement/executive director of the FAMU Foundation.

With its training programs and visible presence at the FAMU School of Business and Industry (SBI) Forums, the company is a natural destination for FAMU graduates who want to work in the financial sector.

“The strong contingent of FAMU alum at JPMorgan Chase and the financial gifts only tell a small part of the story of our mutually beneficial relationship. Long may it continue,” Palm added.

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Arian Simone, co-founder, president and chief executive officer of the Fearless Fund, is a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, angel investor, and public relations and marketing specialist. The Florida A&M University (FAMU) School of Business and Industry (SBI) graduate believes in giving back to her alma mater and investing in future generations of Rattlers.

“When I got the letter that said I would have an Arian Simone Fearless Fund Endowed Scholarship fund for those looking to apply to SBI, that just made me so proud,” Simone said. “I've achieved many things in my life, but this definitely takes the cake.”

In fall 2024, despite the challenges she faced with lawsuits that sought to derail her mission of financing the dreams of African American women, Simone fulfilled her $100,000 pledge earning her a place on the FAMU SBI Big Board.

During her plaque installation speech, Simone reflected on the challenge of creating a venture capital fund led by Black women, for Black women, and the joy of giving back to the University that helped shape her. She also shared the story of the three years and more than 300 meetings it took to launch her fund, while facing rejection 90 percent of the time. Simone also spoke about how meaningful it was to gain the support of the FAMU Foundation Board of Directors and the obstacles posed by those who sought to undermine the Fearless Fund.

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