Alix Earle Scholarship Welcomes Two New Recipients | Newswise – Newswise
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Left to right: New scholarship recipient Jimmy Ayash, along with alumna and influencer Alix Earle, and second scholarship awardee Kaleab Bekele at the University of Miami.
Newswise — Students walking across the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus a few weeks ago were treated to an unexpected sight: social media sensation, entrepreneur, and alumna Alix Earle strolling toward Miami Herbert Business School.
Earle, who graduated in 2023, returned to campus to personally meet the new recipients of the scholarship she created just two years ago.
Inside the business school, Earle sat down with senior Kaleab Bekele and junior Jimmy Ayash, the 2025 Alix Earle Scholars. The students described their gratitude not only for the financial support but also for the mentorship that comes with it.
“My hope for the Alix Earle Scholarship is to build a strong network among the recipients,” Earle said. “I grew very close with last year’s scholars, and I want to continue fostering those relationships. Any way I can be a resource or support—that’s exactly what I’m here for.”
Bekele recalled learning about the scholarship on his last day of the spring semester.
“It was enlightening and inspiring, especially holding a title like ‘Alix Earle Scholar,’” he said. “It motivates me to want to give back in the future.”
For Ayash, the award was just as meaningful.
“The first thing Alix thought of after graduating was to give back, and it truly makes a difference,” he said. “It’s a big help for me and my family, especially given my entrepreneurial goals. I really want to represent Alix and the business school well.”
Giving back has always been central to Earle’s decision to establish the scholarship.
“I created the scholarship because I felt so supported by the University of Miami at a pivotal moment when my career was beginning to take off,” she said. “My professors and courses, especially in marketing, gave me the tools I needed to succeed. I don’t think I’d be where I am today without UM, so it was really important for me to give back.”
Since graduating, Alix Earle has become one of the most recognized voices of her generation. She launched the chart-topping podcast Hot Mess, and her impact as a leading creator has been recognized by leading publications, including TIME, Forbes, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Rolling Stone, among others. Dubbed “Gen Z’s savviest pitchwoman” by The Wall Street Journal, her business acumen has fueled partnerships spanning equity investments to marquee campaigns.
In 2024, she became an investor and partner in Poppi, the prebiotic soda brand later acquired by PepsiCo, and helped launch its first-ever paid internship program for college students. The following year, she joined SipMARGS as an investor and creative partner, contributing to its relaunch and expansion into new markets, while also appearing in Super Bowl campaigns for Poppi, Carl’s Jr., and Hellmann’s.
Beyond those deals, she most recently relaunched her philanthropic initiative, Serving in Heels, supported by the Caesar-Iglesias Family Foundation and in partnership with Major Food Group’s kitchens, preparing thousands of meals for Miami communities in need—with plans to expand into more cities and bring on additional sponsors over time.
Even as her star rises globally, Earle remains grounded—still focused on giving back, mentoring students, and encouraging other alumni to support the next generation of ’Canes.
“For anyone considering giving back, I can’t emphasize enough how rewarding it is,” Earle said. “To see the impact on students’ lives, to know you’re helping them pursue their goals, that’s been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career so far.”
Bekele and Ayash join a growing circle of scholars. Last year, Leslie Diaz and Elias Noah Rivera became the first two recipients. Both have since graduated and are pursuing their careers with the continued guidance of Earle.
And just as she invests in her alma mater’s students, Earle is preparing to take on a new challenge of her own. This fall, she’ll appear on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” which premieres Sept. 16. Her dancing may capture national attention, but for students at Miami Herbert, it’s her generosity and mentorship that truly stand out.
The broader University community will also be cheering her on with a campus-wide watch party at The Rathskeller planned for opening night. Details to follow.
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