‘Everything is Unlimited’: Ole earns Jeff Ubben Fellowship

When Abnazer Abadi ‘27 found out he had been selected as one of only five students in the country to receive the Jeff Ubben Fellowship, he was in disbelief.
“Honestly, I was surprised when I found out I made it into the initial pool of 200,” Abadi says. “Even though I had a strong GPA and had taken on many leadership roles, I still had doubts throughout the process. It wasn’t until I made it to the finalist round, the last 25, that it really hit me: ‘Oh my God, after this it’s just the winners—it might actually be possible.’ And then I was informed I won.”
The Jeff Ubben Fellowship, sponsored by the Posse Foundation, is a highly selective opportunity awarded to students who show tremendous academic and leadership capability. Chosen scholars receive a $10,000 stipend and the chance to intern directly with a CEO of a major U.S. company. This summer, Abadi is shadowing Neil Blumenthal, the Co-Founder and a Co-CEO of Warby Parker (a lifestyle brand that offers customers designer-quality glasses, contacts, eye exams, and vision tests), at the company’s New York City headquarters.
Each week, Abadi joins Blumenthal in the office Tuesday through Thursday for a packed schedule of meetings, store visits, and strategy discussions. On Mondays and Fridays, he works remotely, which gives him time to reflect, work on side projects, and explore the city. Though he’s a pre-dental chemistry major, Abadi says the experience of working in the eyewear industry has been unexpectedly formative.

“I shadow [Blumenthal] in various meetings,” Abadi says. “My first day, I tried to sit in a corner, because I didn’t want to accidentally sit on somebody’s seat and the room was already packed—Neil kind of waved me over, and had me sit literally right next to him. So there I was, at the head of the table, which is just amazing to experience at such a young age.”
Blumenthal’s leadership style has left a strong impression on Abadi, who says he aspires to build a career rooted not just in clinical excellence, but in meaningful connection.
“I don’t know if I got lucky, I don’t know if God is on my side, but [Blumenthal’s] an amazing CEO,” Abadi says. “Working with Neil has been very eye-opening—you can do good and be good, because you can see him doing it. You see him helping, you see his initiative and programs helping so many, while also shepherding a leading, well-known brand.”
Outside of the office, Abadi is embracing the rhythm of New York life. He’s averaging 30,000 steps a day and seeking out thrift stores, matcha cafés, and scenic spots around the city. One of his favorite places to hang out is Dumbo, the Brooklyn neighborhood with trendy restaurants and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline.
One of the most memorable moments of the summer (so far) was when Abadi’s mother came to visit.
“My mom came to the office, and Neil took time out of his day to meet her, tell her how proud he is of me, and make her feel welcome,” Abadi says. “She is my number one supporter, and to have her there in conversation with this person who has been so involved in my professional development this summer—that moment meant the world to me.”

Abadi is a scholar with the Posse Foundation, a merit-based program that supports cohorts of students with full-tuition scholarships and mentorship. He credits the program, and especially its partnership with the Piper Center for Vocation and Career, for encouraging him to apply for the Jeff Ubben Fellowship in the first place.
“Initially, I wasn’t feeling it at all,” Abadi says. “I’m lowkey a huge overthinker, and sometimes I need a little push to do stuff. [Piper Center for Vocation and Career Director] Kirsten Cahoon was that push. When I told her about it, she was like, ‘no, you have to do this.’ She helped me with my resume, my writing, and my interviews. She was a part of the process every step of the way.”
Cahoon remembers the weeks of work vividly.
“[Abadi] stopped by during my drop in hours with a simple question, and it led to so much more,” she says. “His leadership potential, positive energy, boundless enthusiasm and ambition make Abi an incredible candidate for the Jeff Ubben opportunity. That said, we spent countless hours reviewing his application materials, essays, and making connections in the community for the video portion of the application.”
She also emphasizes that the Piper Center is built to support students in exactly these kinds of pursuits.
“We help students identify opportunities, and we help them develop and tailor application materials to the various employers,” Cahoon says. “We connect them to alumni within the organizations and industries of interest to them. Internship funding for unpaid or underpaid opportunities is also available to all St. Olaf students through the Piper Center Grant.”

Beyond the day-to-day meetings and projects—including creating a video-based customer experience report and exploring AI applications in the field—Abadi is building a growing professional network. He’s now in conversation with Steve Bilt, CEO of Smile Brands, and exploring how lessons from Warby Parker’s business model might one day modernize dentistry.
“Doors are opening left and right, and it’s like nothing I would have ever imagined,” Abadi says. “Five months ago, I would’ve told you I wanted to become a dentist and run a clinic. Now, it’s less of that and more of a desire to revolutionize dentistry. When you’re surrounded by innovative people—they think how I would hope to one day think. And that’s something I think is also true of being at a liberal arts college, because you meet and engage with fascinating people who think differently than you do.”
Abadi plans to return to campus in the fall, energized and ready to support his peers.
“I want to be someone students can come to for advice, encouragement, and help,” he says. “The way that so many people have believed in me, I want to believe in someone else.”
Cahoon hopes that Abadi’s story will encourage other Oles to seek out competitive learning experiences.
“St. Olaf students should be bold in pursuing opportunities—whether it’s internships, research, or leadership roles—because these experiences can open unexpected doors,” Cahoon says. “You may not know if you’ll get the position, but one thing’s certain: you won’t get it if you don’t apply. I hope Abi inspires others to follow their curiosities and take the next step—whatever and wherever that might be.”
That sense of possibility underpins Abadi’s outlook as he reflects on the chances he has received—and the responsibility he feels to pursue them fully.
“I know I have been given opportunities, and will be given opportunities to do more, so why limit myself when everything is unlimited?”