João Ferla

Conducted exploratory analysis of support ticket datasets using Python and Pandas in Jupyter Notebook, identifying patterns and synthesizing findings into business insights. Concluded the internship with a presentation to the Data and HR teams on misleading data, interpretation pitfalls, and their implications for business decisions.

ACADEMICS

• IB Diploma Candidate: Mathematics AA HL, Economics HL, and Computer Science HL; Business Management SL, English A SL, and Spanish B SL; additional AP Physics 1 coursework.

• GPA: 4.0/4.0 unweighted; 4.68/5.0 weighted.

• Honors: National Spanish Exam Gold Medal; Spanish Honor Society President; Mu Alpha Theta member; Headmaster's list.

LEADERSHIP

• Elected President, Spanish Honor Society: Lead five officers in coordinating cultural events and service opportunities throughout the year for a selective society recognizing achievement in Spanish and academic excellence. Organize initiatives promoting Hispanic cultures and member involvement in community service.

• Co-President, Brazilian Culture Society: Lead seven officers in organizing cultural events, and service activities sharing Brazilian culture across campus.

• Selected Boarding Prefect, Laker House: Lead one of the school’s boarding houses, supporting residential staff and helping students navigate boarding life. Authored an orientation handbook to help incoming boarders adjust to their new community.

• 11th Grade Representative, Student Government: Elected by fellow students during my first semester at the school following a public campaign speech. Served as SGA’s only boarding student, represented student concerns, and helped organize events connecting boarding and day students.

• Treasurer, Economics Club: Managed funds and helped organize meetings, competitions, and events on markets and economic policy.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SERVICE

• Founder, Coinnect Hub: Built a financial literacy initiave; published X posts across Tiktok and Instagram; built a 23K+ community on Tiktok; developed and delivered personal finance workshops for middle school students.

• Co-Founder, First Touch: Launched an AI soccer training platform that analyzes uploaded videos to provide personalized performance feedback and training plans. Developed the venture through LaunchX, taking the product from concept to market and securing paying customers within five weeks.

• Volunteer Youth Basketball Coach, Astel, Brazil: Contributed 200+ service hours at my hometown basketball club, giving back to the community where I learned to play. Applied experience gained playing in the United States to teach fundamentals, lead drills, and mentor younger players.

RESEARCH & ENRICHMENT

• IB Extended Essay, Business Management: Developed a 20-page research paper with graphs examining DOT Digital Group’s competitive position in Brazil’s corporate education technology market. Analyzed market growth, expanding AI adoption, and personalization strategies using company research, industry reports, and academic literature.

• LaunchX Entrepreneurship Program: Completed an intensive five-week program focused on venture creation, product development, and business strategy. Applied entrepreneurial concepts to develop and launch a startup, working with teammates and a mentor to bring a business idea to market.

• Oxford Scholastica, Business & Enterprise: Studied business strategy and delivered a Coursera investment pitch during an online summer program.

ATHLETICS

• Varsity Lacrosse: Advanced from beginner to starting defensive midfielder; received a Brazilian national team call-up in April 2025.

• Taekwondo: Black belt at age twelve; earned state, national, and Pan-American competition awards.

• JV Basketball: Joined mid-season in 10th grade and adapted to U.S. basketball.