Grace Gao
Grace is currently a junior studying Finance, Math, and CS at Stern. She previously was a Fixed Income Trading intern at Morgan Stanley and will be interning at a prop trading firm this summer. Outside of keeping up with markets and working on Startup Week, you can find her at a cafe or bakery around campus or exploring the city with her friends!
Background
2025
Startup Week Lead
2024
Startup Week Committee
Why tech@nyu?
Tech@NYU has been one of the most supportive and genuinely collaborative communities on campus, allowing me to not only hone in on my interests but also explore more broadly about the tech and startup space, all while being surrounded by top talent and my best friends.
What do you look for in program members?
For Startup Week, we look for highly driven and growth-minded people, who are always looking for the next challenge and new ways to improve. We also look for individuals that can communicate effectively and positively, as we operate on a fast-moving timeline.
What’s your favorite app?
My all–time favorite app is Notion, but recently I’ve been getting into Obsidian more! Notion currently houses my entire life, from my todos to the TV shows that I’ve watched. But I’m approaching Obsidian more as a knowledge management system, where I can house evergreen concepts in a life-long environment and actively look back on it.
Favorite tech@nyu event of all time?
As I’m partial to Startup Week events, I absolutely loved the panel we hosted with Z-Fellows Baylor Adams (Chief of Staff) and Ali Debow (past Z-Fellow, NYU Alum, co-founder of swsh), where they shared more about the Z-Fellows accelerator program and various founder success stories. The session also shed light on the realities and memorable moments that come with starting a startup.
What an integral part of your mindset?
One aspect of my mindset that defines me is my drive to continuously grow and improve. I am always on the hunt for ways I can show up 1% better today than I did yesterday, whether it’s to be a more curious student or a more uplifting friend. And I’m always looking for reasons to be happy and laugh more!
Advice to your younger self
Don’t underestimate consistency and finding joy in the process will get you further than you realize.
