Learn about the members of the Fall 2026 Dashney Women's Leadership Accelerator cohort.
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY‘S ELI BROAD COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
DWLA DASHNEY WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP ACCELERATOR
FALL 2026 EDITION
Expanding opportunities for women in business.
Established in the Fall of 2023, The Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator (DWLA) is critical to the success of the Broad College of Business in developing global and transformational leaders. Thanks to a game-changing gift from beloved alum, Priya Balasubramaniam, the Broad College launched the Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator to provide select undergraduate students with experiential learning opportunities and coaching, preparing these DWLA Scholars to begin their professional lives with the ability and confidence to make an immediate impact.
Priya Balasubramaniam VP of Operations at Apple (MBA ’01) She hopes the DWLA will guide other women students. She said this endeavor is all about “making sure young women are geared up to be intentional and have purpose in what they do, and then taking what they learn and achieve and give it back to society. They can be a force multiplier.” -Priya
*The DWLA is open to all Broad-admitted students who are rising juniors.
Vision
The Accelerator’s long-term goal is to increase the number of Broad College alums in senior leadership and C-suite positions. In the short term, our focus is on equipping DWLA Scholars with the tools to navigate the transition from college to the business world prepared and eager to pursue leadership positions.
The Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator will propel its scholars on their leadership journey by building professional development skills combined with subject matter knowledge for success in career progression. Scholars will hone their skills through experiential individual and group opportunities. Mission
SCHOLARS Fall 2026
ALLANA KIMMERER
Studies: Marketing, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: MSU Marketing Association (Co-President), Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity (Member) “I admire leaders who lead through encouragement, action, and empathy. Small statements of support can go a long way in someone’s life and leave a lasting impact, helping them achieve their full potential. The leaders who have impacted me most are those who make others feel seen, valued, and confident in themselves. They take action to do what is right and support those around them. I especially admire leaders who are passionate about empowering others and actively work to create positive change, which I strive to emulate in my own leadership journey.” -Allana
ALLIE VAN ANTWERP
Studies: Accounting, Fall 2027
Campus Involvement: Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity (Vice President of Alumni Relations), Students Consulting for Non-Profit Organizations (Consultant), Accounting Student Association (Member), Residential Business Community (Member) “I admire a leader who sees potential in others before they see it in themselves, one who instills confidence and curiosity, and meets people where they are to help them grow. The most meaningful leaders understand that lifting others up doesn’t diminish their own achievements but multiplies impact. I admire a leader who not only pushes others to reach their goals and aspirations but also holds themselves to the same standard. I strive to embody these traits, showing up as the kind of leader who makes others feel confident in their capabilities. ” -Allie
BRECCAN SCHECK
Studies: Marketing, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: MSU Women’s Volleyball (Team Culture & Engagement Leader), Athlete to Athlete (Education & Development Mentor), Michigan State Volleyball Camps (Coach & Mentor), MSU Marketing Association (Member) “The traits I admire most in leaders are authenticity, empathy, curiosity, and the ability to build genuine relationships with others. I respect leaders who create environments where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to lean into their strengths and continue growing. I also admire those who remain open to learning and intentionally invest in the development of others. To me, impactful leadership is about creating trust, bringing people together, and helping others recognize their own potential. I hope to embody these qualities in a way that allows me to positively influence and empower those around me.” -Breccan
BRIDGET MILLER
Studies: Finance, Wealth Management Minor, Spring 2028 Campus Involvement: Women in Finance (Co-Director of Events), Wealth Management Association (Spartan Journal Podcast Host), Finance Association (Member) “I admire leaders who demonstrate passion, humility, and integrity. Passion permeates into everything a leader does; it motivates one’s own work ethic and inspires the team to pursue ambitious goals. Humility amplifies a leader's impact through guiding the team, uplifting members, and prioritizing the group’s best interest. Successful team performance requires trust in their leader, which is built by a leader consistently exhibiting integrity. I seek to embody these qualities as they make a leader worth following and ultimately drive team success.” -Bridget
BROOKLYN SCHOTTKE
Studies: Supply Chain Management, Spanish Minor, Spring 2028 Campus Involvement: Supply Chain Management Association (Director of External Relations) “One of the traits that I admire most in a leader is the ability to commit to the success of others. The greatest leaders that I have encountered have not only focused on their own accomplishments, but they have worked to help others achieve their goals. I believe that this is a key part of leadership. Encouraging others and creating opportunities for people to grow is essential in developing a strong team. As I grow as a leader, I hope to embody this trait by uplifting others and helping those around me
succeed.” -Brooklyn
BRYNLEE HASS
Campus Involvement: Women in Finance (Vice President of Events), Broad College Women’s Leadership Case Competition (Planning Committee Member), Undergraduate Learning Assistant (Accounting 855), Transaction Services Organization (Member) Studies: Finance, Spring 2028 “I admire leaders who have strong, defined values that they emulate daily. The old ”leading by example” saying is essential in any group, establishing a mutual trust and respect. A leader A leader welcome and free to share their thoughts and creativity. In my opinion, the best leaders don’t aim to intimidate, but view those around them as equals. Everyone on a team has their own strengths and roles to contribute, and when that can be effectively utilized, a leader has done their job well.” -Brynlee should establish a collaborative environment where everyone feels
EMILY REYNOLDS
Campus Involvement: Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Fraternity (Director of Operations), Broad Analytics Association (External Vice President) “I admire empathetic leaders who empower those around them and create environments built on trust and mutual respect. I am inspired by leaders who invest in genuine, lasting relationships and consistently show up for their teams. To me, leadership is not defined by a title but by the impact you leave on people, the consistency of your actions, and how you support others over time. I value those who lead with integrity and purpose while encouraging both personal growth and collective success.” -Emily Studies: Supply Chain Management, Environmental & Sustainability Studies Minor, Spring 2028
HADYN GORDON
Studies: Finance, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Fraternity (Director of Membership), Broad College Women’s Leadership Case Competition (Planning Committee Member) “I admire leaders who lead with grace. The ability to stay calm, patient, and grounded, especially in high-pressure or imperfect moments, is something I’ve really come to value. I’ve seen how powerful it is when someone can hold high standards while still treating people with intention and respect. Grace creates trust and it sets the tone for how a team shows up. It’s something I’m actively working to embody, especially as I take on leadership roles where how I show up matters just as much as what I accomplish.” -Hadyn
JAHLA BANKS
Campus Involvement: Multicultural Business Students (External Vice President), Residential Business Community (Undergraduate Learning Assistant, Student Coordinator of Community Service, Mentor), East Neighborhood Black Caucus (President) Studies: Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor, Spring 2028 “I admire a leader who is close to their members and creates bonds with them. I’ve found that many projects tend to go smoother when personalities are understood between leader and group members rather than hopping into a project with strangers. As being a member role in the past I believe it shows caring and understanding that a leader would like to get to know me before working together. Whenever conflict arises I’ve found that people are less standoff-ish when they are closer to their team and more understanding of where the leader is coming from.” -Jahla
JO BRAGG
Studies: Accounting, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: Women in Business Students' Association (Director of Programming) “I am drawn to leadership styles rooted in empathy and accountability, and I believe that leading by example sets the standard for others to succeed. Effective leaders not only prioritize individual success but also challenge those around them to step outside their comfort zones and develop confidence in their own leadership abilities. The most memorable leaders I have encountered are those who have made a lasting impact on their organizations. Consequently, I value creating meaningful change in every project I contribute to and strive to set an example for others to follow. -Jo
KRISTIN LOSEY
Campus Involvement: Financial Markets Institute (Junior Leadership Team), Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Fraternity (Chapter Liaison), 180 Degrees Consulting (Consultant) Studies: Finance, Computer Science Minor, Spring 2028 “The trait I most admire in leaders and hope to embody is the ability to inspire confidence in others. In competitive environments, it can be easy to doubt yourself, which is why leaders who genuinely believe in their people stand out. I value leaders who set high expectations, treat everyone equally, and push individuals to reach their full potential. By combining discipline with encouragement, they create an environment where people feel motivated to grow. I strive to lead this way by empowering others and helping them realize they are capable of more than they think.” -Kristin
LILY GUMBER
Studies: Finance, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: Broad Student Senate (Director of Events, Undergraduate Programs Committee Director, College Advisory Committee Director), Women in Finance (Women's Leadership Case Competition Director) “I admire leaders who are passionate about their work and driven to identify gaps and create meaningful change. When someone genuinely cares about what they do, it shows through their energy, their dependability, and the culture they cultivate around them. A leader's intrinsic motivation for change and a commitment to uplift their community are characteristics that can't be replaced. I’m grateful to have witnessed this level of passion firsthand, and I hope to embody these traits in my own leadership journey so I can contribute to a positive, motivated environment in any space I enter.” -Lily
LOGAN WILSON
Studies: Finance & Political Science, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: Broad MBA/EMBA Programs (Research Assistant), Women’s Health Advocacy Club (Director of Fundraising), MSU Office of Finance (Audit Assistant), Residence Hall Association (Chief of Staff) “I admire the ability to see the value in everyone. A good leader recognizes the strengths each person can bring to the table. They give them the platform to contribute effectively and feel a sense of purpose. This mindset fosters confidence, builds trust, and encourages collaboration among diverse individuals. It allows teams to grow stronger, innovate freely, and achieve meaningful, lasting success together. Such leadership creates inclusive environments where people feel seen, heard, and motivated to do their best work.” -Logan
NANDANA NAIR
Campus Involvement: Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Fraternity (Pledge Success Manager), Students Consulting for Non-Profit Organizations (Team Lead), Residence Hall Association (Finance Associate) “The kind of leader I admire has vision and takes initiative. They take charge of situations rather than waiting for change to occur, they make decisions based on solid principles, and they push others toward growth and progress. I truly look up to the ability to lead with determination and purpose, whether that's inspiring confidence in others, making difficult decisions, or creating meaningful impact. That same drive is something I wish to emulate: being a leader who is resilient and unafraid, while still creating an environment that allows the people around me to succeed.“ -Nandana Studies: Supply Chain Management, Information Technology Minor, Spring 2028
NORA ROLISON
Campus Involvement: Supply Chain Management Association (Vice President), Broad College Women’s Leadership Case Competition (Planning Committee Member), Department of Supply Chain Management (Marketing Intern) Studies: Supply Chain Management, Environmental & Sustainability Studies Minor, Spring 2028 “I admire leaders who treat others with respect and create an environment where those around them feel valued and motivated to contribute. I hope to be the kind of leader who trusts their team and empowers them to take initiative on their own. Strong leaders are approachable and encourage collaboration and honest communication among their team. I believe that true leadership is about promoting everyone’s strengths while making them feel capable and trusted. -Nora
PRASHANTHINI NANDAKUMAR
Studies: Supply Chain Management, Economics Minor, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: 180 Degrees Consulting (Consultant), Broad Student Senate (Events Director), College Capital Committee (Director) “The traits I admire in a leader are empowerment, connectivity, and relationship building. The leaders who have impacted me most created environments where people felt valued, supported, and confident in their abilities. They encouraged collaboration, listened intentionally, invested in others’ growth, and prioritized connectivity. I hope to embody those same qualities by being a leader who builds true relationships with the people around me, uplifting others, and fostering connectivity. To me, effective leadership is not only about achieving goals, but also about creating a positive and motivating environment where everyone can succeed and grow together.” -Prashanthini
SANJANA DONGA
Studies: Supply Chain Management, Information Science, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: SPARK (External Vice President), Broad Student Senate (Director of Events), Phi Gamma Nu Professional Business Fraternity (DEIB Chair), Residential Business Community (Undergraduate Learning Assistant) “I admire leaders who lead with empathy and make others feel comfortable being themselves. Approachable leaders create environments where people feel heard, valued, and supported, which strengthens trust and collaboration within a team. I hope to embody these qualities by being someone others can rely on for guidance and encouragement while remaining open-minded and understanding of different perspectives. I also value leaders who communicate clearly and genuinely connect with people, because strong leadership is not only about achieving goals, but also about uplifting and empowering those around you.” -Sanjana
SARAH REYNOLDS
Campus Involvement: Phi Chi Theta Professional Business Fraternity (Member Wellness Chair), Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence (Member) Studies: Supply Chain Management, Environmental & Sustainability Studies Minor, Spring 2028 “I believe the best leaders anchor their confidence in empathy and humility. I wish to embody the traits and qualities of those who earn trust, respect, and admiration by prioritizing this type of confidence. Creating an environment where team members feel genuinely valued leads to impactful initiatives that positively impact the people around them. By learning to lead with empathy and humility, I hope to inspire meaningful collaboration and build strong relationships that empower myself and others to reach their full potential.“ -Sarah
SOPHIE LIN
Studies: Finance, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: Undergraduate Business Law (Executive Board Assistant), NIL Business Teams (Evaluation Intern), Multicultural Business Students (Community Service Committee) “The most influential leaders in my life not only inspire through their actions, but through their intentionality in doing so. We lead to bring something new into existence; to create a spirit of resilience and empathy in the individuals around us so that our purpose to serve might be paid forward. How one leads is an expression of how they treat themselves, the people around them, and the work at their hands. I aspire to lead with kindness and to leave a path others are inspired to follow.” -Sophie
SYDNEE FERNANDES
Studies: Marketing, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: MSU Marketing Association (Director of Finance and Operations), Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity (Member) “I admire leaders who lead with empathy, authenticity, and kindness. A great leader creates an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves, sharing their ideas, and growing with confidence. Leadership rooted in compassion and genuine support leaves a lasting impact and inspires others to recognize their own potential. I believe that the most impactful leaders are the ones who uplift others, lead by example, and create a sense of belonging for everyone around them. These are the qualities that continue to shape the kind of leader I want to
become. -Sydnee
SYDNEY MCELROY
Studies: Marketing, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: Multicultural Business Students (President), Multicultural Business Programs (STT 200 Tutor) “I admire when leaders are honest and show integrity. I also appreciate when leaders take the time to get to know their team and recognize that their power/position should be used to further contribute, not to ego-trip. I hope to lead an honest career that is built on the empowerment and collaboration of others as a result of kindness. I want others to feel valued. Overall, I hope to be seen as a fair and hardworking leader in all aspects of life!” -Sydney
THERESE PRINCE
Studies: Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor, Spring 2028
Campus Involvement: Broad Student Senate (HR Director), Students Consulting for Non- Profit Organizations (Consultant) “I admire leaders who listen deeply and lead with resilience and empathy. Truly listening means understanding the full picture, meeting people where they are, and honoring the perspectives and ideas they bring. A resilient leader models how to move through change with grace, giving their team the confidence to do the same. Together, these qualities cultivate an environment where people feel seen and empowered to grow. I hope to embody these traits by building genuine connections and fostering a positive, inclusive atmosphere in my leadership at MSU and beyond.” -Therese
Helen Dashney Director of DWLA
I am grateful to Priya for her support of the Broad College, our students, and my work on behalf of both. Priya was a terrific student – her ability, work ethic and can-do attitude foretold the many contributions she has since made at Apple. There is no higher honor than having a former student support today’s Spartans and the work I do with them. I also want to thank the incredible students featured in this booklet for becoming DWLA Scholars and embracing their role in shaping the Accelerator for future participants. They are committed to sharing their experiences with friends and colleagues, demonstrating Priya’s “multiplier effect” in action. I offer special thanks to Khadija Kapuswala for designing the DWLA logo and to Nora Rolison and Brynlee Hass for compiling this booklet. I look forward to the time when DWLA alums are impacting business as Priya has done while continuing to participate in the growing community of DWLA Scholars. With much gratitude, Helen
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