Ledia Hoxhaj

“My YPIE College Advisor changed my life forever. I would not be where I am today without her guidance and without YPIE.”

• Lincoln High School

• Union College, Mathematics (2025)

• Associate, Matrix Asset Advisors, White Plains, NY

• YPIE Mentors: Stephanie Russo (College Advisor), Jaclyn Cooke (College Success Advisor)

When did you first start working with YPIE?

I came to America with my family after completing 9th grade in Albania. Until then, I had lived there my whole life. My grandparents are both teachers who highly value education, so I always had a strong desire to earn a college degree.

When I arrived at Lincoln High School, I met Stephanie Russo, my YPIE College Advisor. She was the first person to explain financial aid to me. She helped me with the college application process and introduced me to schools like Union College. Stephanie played a crucial role in my life, and I ended up going to Union because of her. I am very grateful to her and the YPIE community. 

How did YPIE support you in college?

I enrolled at Union College as a pre-med student, but I soon realized my strengths were in math. I changed my major to Mathematics and added a minor in Financial and Actuarial Mathematics.

Throughout college, Jaclyn Cooke, my YPIE College Success Advisor, continued to guide me. She shared opportunities and resources, helped me think about career paths, and encouraged me to position myself for life after graduation. She also emphasized the importance of networking and using the resources around me.

“Ledia was always open to pursuing the opportunities and resources I sent her way. We explored career paths aligned with her interests, particularly as she considered how to position herself post-graduation.” — Jaclyn Cooke, YPIE

How did you begin your career?

During my junior year, I attended a networking event with Union College alumni. They were so willing to help, connect me with business contacts, and open doors for me, similar to the YPIE community.

That experience led to a summer internship with Matrix Asset Advisers in their research group. After graduating, I joined the company full-time in July 2025.

Now I work in research, operations, and marketing. Because it’s a small company, we all work together, and I can make an impact across different departments. This is a great job to have, especially starting out. It has introduced me to many different departments, it has shown me what working a professional job entails, and for that, I’m very thankful.

What are your goals for the future?

I’ve always been a very driven person and want to succeed in the financial industry. While working, I’m studying for the CFA exam to become a Chartered Financial Analyst. I want to be financially free and able to support my parents in retirement.

Once I’m done with the CFA, I want to give more time to my community. 

I believe in paying it forward by volunteering at YPIE or other educational organizations. Helping students get to college or a job is something I’m definitely going to do. I’m going to make the world a better place.