Catchin' Up With a Cookie: Jenny Ha

Jenny Ha

2018 College Scholar, University of Southern California

Can you introduce yourself to the Cooke community and share a bit about your academic and professional journey so far?

After changing my major five times, I finally graduated from the University of Southern California in 2022 with a degree in Sociology and minors in Consumer Behavior and Communications. The next day after I walked the stage at graduation, I took my last chance to study abroad in undergrad and was on a flight to teach English in Italy for 6 weeks. When I returned to the U.S., I interned at Spotify as a Sound Up Intern to support their podcast accelerator and education program that provides resources to underrepresented BIPOC podcast creators. 

When I reflected on my career goals, I realized my passion for social impact was a non-negotiable. I hope to continue exploring careers involving education, purpose-driven marketing, diversity and inclusion, and corporate social responsibility, specifically in industries that will influence pop culture, audio, film, and tech. My experiences as a Vietnamese-American, first-generation graduate from Oklahoma City have made me determined to curate accessible spaces for all people. I have always been eager to help empower others, amplify underrepresented voices, and build meaningful communities.

After my internship, I worked as a Social Impact Research Coordinator for a boutique social impact consulting firm. Last month, I just started a new role as an Account Partnerships and Marketing Manager for an education non-profit that supports women-identifying entrepreneurs from traditionally underresourced backgrounds.

What does being a Cooke Scholar mean to you?

Since I've been a Cooke Scholar, I've realized the true meaning of community. Knowing that I had the endless support of my peers who value education and the JKCF Staff who wanted us to succeed helped me overcome any challenges I faced throughout my educational journey. I felt comforted by the connections I've made within the Cooke Community and can't wait to continue seeing it grow each year. 

Tell us about a memorable moment in undergrad.

My favorite moments in undergrad are the times I would run into my friends on the way to class, at the dining hall, or while studying. As an extroverted person, these brief moments of interaction really gave me the energy to continue in my academic and extracurricular work. Everyone in college felt so busy all the time, and it meant a lot to me that someone would stop to say hi and check in--even if it was for a quick minute. 

What is ONE THING YOU DID TO HELP TRANSITION TO YOUR FIRST YEAR OUT OF COLLEGE?

Now that it has been officially 1 full year of post-grad, I have begun to consider graduate school and what programs would benefit me most. The community I've built throughout my undergraduate experience helped me tremendously in transitioning out of college. I had to find new ways to nurture my existing relationships while cultivating new ones. I kept a routine and made an active effort to balance my work, social, and relaxation time. I also learned to be patient with myself--since life does not always go as planned on the timeline you thought it would. 

What was the last book you read, movie/show you watched, or podcast you listened to that you really enjoyed and highly recommended?

I just watched Past Lives in theaters. It’s a drama about two people who used to love and know each other and now their lives have taken different routes. It was filmed beautifully and represented how it feels to grieve the potential paths you could have taken throughout your life.

If you were to create your own cookie, what would it consist of and what name would you give it?

I've been obsessed with earl grey tea-flavored desserts lately--so definitely a lavender earl grey tea cookie. I would name it something quick and catchy like the EGT...