Fisher takes on the 2023 New England Fed Challenge

Since 2019, Fisher students have participated in this national team competition for undergraduate students.

José Aybar Martinez, Moshe Mesika, and Maybelline Machucha acted on behalf of Fisher as members of the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee and presented an analysis of the current state of the economy. Their committee focused their analysis on a forecast of the current economy and its financial conditions, and the significant risks to the economy that need attention when formulating monetary policies. Their presentation, alongside a defense of their approaches, was placed in front of a panel of judges.

Presenting virtually, the students were ready for the challenge, and the competition hosted numerous schools from the region, which included Harvard, Yale, Boston University, and 22 more.

“Students enhance their knowledge and understanding of how the economy works and what steps the Federal Reserve can and should make in managing the economy,” said Assistant Professor and Program Director for the Finance Concentration, Dr. John Hogan. “Students gain more experience and confidence in their presentation skills.”

While Fisher’s team did not move on to the regional qualifier, each one of these students came out of this competition with new knowledge and experience about how our government system works.

“It was great to get together with a group of guys who share the same passion for finance and represent the school in the Fed Challenge," said Jose Aybar Martinez.

Overall, the competition was a success for the Fisher students as they practiced teamwork and expanded their knowledge and financial experience outside the classroom. “The team members actively listened to their other team members, respected their ideas, and understood that the team's success is their own success,” said Dr. Hogan.

 

Olivia Dawson is a third-year Communication and Media studies major at Fisher College. She can be reached by email: odawson@fisher.edu