DWLA Scholars Fall 2025 Cohort

The Fall 2025 DWLA Scholarship Cohort

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY‘S ELI BROAD COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

FALL 2025 EDITION

Expanding opportunities for women in business.

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 Broad-admitted students who are rising juniors.

Vision

Mission

SCHOLARS

SOFIA POULOS

Broad Involvement: Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity (Director of Member Wellness), Student Consulting for Nonprofit Organizations (Consultant) Studies: Supply Chain Management, Economics and Information Technology Minors, Spring 2027 “I admire leaders who take action. They don’t just recognize when change is needed, they initiate it. They don’t retreat in the face of adversity, they confront it. They don’t dwell on hardships, they look for hope within them. I believe this style of leadership requires empathy, determination, curiosity, and positivity. I strive to embody these qualities by practicing them intentionally day-by-day. In doing so, I hope to become the kind of leader who makes change possible.” -Sofia

ANEESHWA CHITTANURI

Broad Involvement: Spectrum Consulting Group (Consultant), Residential Business Community (Member) Studies: Supply Chain Management & Data Science, Spring 2027 “The leaders I admire the most are the ones who are inspiring yet approachable. I wish to embody those who are down to earth and make you feel like greatness is within your reach too. Sometimes we see exceptional leaders and feel worlds apart from them, but the ones I look up to remind us that we’re all human and that we all start somewhere. They guide without dominating, allow room for mistakes, and are genuinely invested in your growth. I hope to model that same humility, supportiveness, and belief in others as I grow into leadership roles myself.” -Aneeshwa

MEGAN PILARSKI

Studies: Finance, Leadership of Organizations and Insurance & Risk Management Minors, Spring 2027

Broad Involvement: Women in Finance (Vice President), Gamma Iota Sigma (Vice President of Recruitment)

“I admire when leaders have strong communication and invest in the growth and development of others. Leading with empathy and understanding is a leadership trait I wish to embody because it helps to build relationships and understand where the other person is coming from. Active listening is another leadership trait I admire. One of my favorite quotes by Indra Nooyi is, "We have two ears and one mouth, we should do twice the listening as the talking." I am working to embody these skills and traits as I advance in my

career.” -Megan

LINDSAY FARRALL

Broad Involvement: Wharton Center Student Marketing Organization (Professional Development Chair), Wharton Center (PR Intern), Phi Gamma Nu Business Fraternity (Scholarship Chair) Studies: Marketing, Writing and Leadership of Organizations Minors, Spring 2027 “I admire any leader who sees the potential in others before they see it in themselves. The person I am today is the result of great leaders instilling confidence in me and encouraging my growth. I wish to embody a similar type of leadership, not only providing a good example, but helping others go above and beyond their potential. The encouraging leaders are the ones that have always stood out to me and have inspired me. There are a lot of facets that make leadership what it is, but confidence in and compassion for others are especially important.” -Lindsay

SYDNEY IGNASH

Broad Involvement: MSU Marketing Association (Member), Future Leaders in Sports and Entertainment (Member) Studies: Marketing, Sports Business Management Minor, Fall 2026

“Two traits I admire in leaders are empathy and resilience. Empathy is key to building true trust and connection, fostering inclusivity and inspiring positive change. An empathetic leader creates positive change in not only organizations, but in people's lives. Resilience enables leaders to successfully navigate uncertainty and setbacks, motivating others to stay optimistic and focused. I wish to embody these traits in my own leadership so I can drive meaningful impact and change, even when there are challenges.” -Sydney

AINSLEY MILLER

Studies: Finance, Insurance and Risk Management Minor, Spring 2027

Broad Involvement: Phi Gamma Nu Business Fraternity (Engagement Chair), Gamma Iota Sigma (Member), Women in Finance (Member)

“Clarity, empathy, and confidence are te leadership traits I admire most. My favorite leaders have demonstrated these traits, creating a welcoming, collaborative environment where people feel empowered to grow. I wish to embody these qualities by having a clear vision, recognizing individual strengths, and communicating the purpose behind our work. Beyond that, I admire decisiveness - not just making quick decisions, but thoughtful ones made with long-term success in mind. I believe this style builds trust, and as a leader, I hope to use it to drive meaningful progress.” -Ainsley

DANIELLE GOODMAN

Broad Involvement: Broad Student Senate (President), Broad Champion (Member), SPARK (Member) Studies: HR Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Leadership of Organizations Minors, May 2027 “I admire and wish to emulate servant leadership qualities. I really respect when a leader is able to get to the level of their team and meet them where they’re at. I like when a leader prioritizes their team. When the team is successful, we’re all successful. It’s about getting to a common goal

together.” -Danielle

GRACE HENSLEY

Studies: Marketing, Spring 2027

Broad Involvement: VIM Magazine (Director of Marketing), MSU Digital Marketing Organization (Marketing Strategist), MSU Marketing Association (Member), MSU Corporate Retail Association (Member) “The traits I admire most in leaders are drive, empathy, and balance. Being a hard worker is something I have always prioritized in any role. It truly takes a lot of effort to lead in a productive and successful way, and that is not something that happens without initiative. On the other hand, a leader must also care deeply, not only about the cause but also the team under their belt. I admire a balance of both of these traits to make a team feel aligned, supported, and motivated to accomplish their

goals.” -Grace

LEILA EDDY

Broad Involvement: Women in Business Students’ Association (External Vice President), Intercultural Aide Studies: Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor, Spring 2027 “I deeply admire leaders who lead with compassion and kindness. The ability to stay grounded while uplifting others is something I strive to emulate. I also value adaptability and resilience, qualities that leaders in my life have shown to be invaluable. As I continue to grow in my leadership journey, I hope to be a strong advocate for those around me and someone my peers can look to for support, inspiration, and integrity.” -Leila

URVI DODDAMREDDY

Broad Involvement: Financial Markets Institute (Teaching Assistant), Private Equity at Broad (Vice President of External Operations), Phi Gamma Nu Business Fraternity (Budget Chair) Studies: Finance and Economics Majors, Law, Justice & Public Policy Minor, Spring 2027 “I aspire to embody leaders who balance confidence with empathy, those who command a room not with force but with grace, and those who have a strong determination to achieve shared goals. I admire leaders whose actions speak louder than their words and who earn respect through calm, consistent communication and by actively contributing to their team’s long-term vision. The leaders I strive to emulate are active listeners who understand their team’s needs, lead with compassion, and foster a hardworking and driven environment.” -Urvi

NIYATHI MANIVANNAN

Broad Involvement: RBC Student Engagement (Team Lead), Interdisciplinary Supply Chain Research Organization (Researcher), Supply Chain Management Association (Member) Studies: Supply Chain Management Major, Environmental & Sustainability Studies Minor, Fall 2026 “The top two traits I admire in leaders and wish to embody are continuous learning and resilience. Continuous learning is essential to improving and innovating to stay ahead of the curve. It not only fosters personal growth but also encourages teams to progress. Resilience is equally important because it allows leaders to bounce back quickly from setbacks and learn from the challenges they faced. Together, these traits help leaders become stronger and more impactful. They create a foundation for leading with adaptability, perseverance, and a forward-thinking mindset that inspires others to grow alongside you.” -Niyathi

BROOKLYN GEIGER-BECK

Broad Involvement: Women in Finance (VP Operations), MSU Finance Association (Member) Studies: Finance, Financial Planning & Wealth Management Minor, Spring 2027 “I admire leaders who bring positive energy into a room and make people feel comfortable being themselves. I want to be someone others feel safe talking to— someone who encourages curiosity and open conversation. It’s important to stay open to different ideas, perspectives, and experiences. It is valuable to trust others to lead, push them just outside their comfort zone, and help build their confidence. When conflict arises, I strongly believe in hitting hard on the problem, not the person; because real growth comes from feeling challenged and supported, not shut down.” -Brooklyn

NUPUR SHAH

Broad Involvement: The Broad Care Center (Student Wellness Ambassador), Residential Business Community (Mentor), MSU Marketing Association (Member) Studies: Marketing, Financial Planning & Wealth Management Minor, Fall 2026 “The traits I wish to embody are integrity, perseverance, and vision. Leaders who act with honesty build trust, while their steadfast determination drives progress even when faced with obstacles. Their clear sense of purpose inspires others, turning challenges into opportunities. The most profound leaders adapt under pressure. I aim to unite teams under shared ambitions, fostering strong relationships built on the pillars of respect and collaboration. I strive to embrace these traits, combining strength with humility to lead with meaningful and lasting impact.” -Nupur

JADE MCLELLAN

Broad Involvement: Broad Student Senate (Vice President of Operations), Venture Launch/Student-Made (Creator), Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity (Member), SPARK (Ambassador) Studies: Business Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor, Spring 2027 “I admire an empathetic leader who strives to empower those around them. They foster confidence and purpose within their group. The most inspiring leaders I've known also embrace growth and understand what they don't know yet. I also admire an advocate who stands up for not only themselves, but for others who may need it. I think that there is a beautiful balance between courage and confidence that builds an amazing leader, and I hope to embody these qualities!” -Jade

ANVI THAKUR

Broad Involvement: Phi Chi Theta Business Fraternity (Professional Chair), 180 Degrees Consulting (Project Manager), Sustainable Initiatives Consulting (Development Chair) Studies: Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Minor, Spring 2027 “I admire those who lead with authenticity, compassion, and courage. They show up as their true selves, creating space for others to do the same. Compassionate leaders listen, support, and uplift the people around them, building strong, trusting teams. Courage allows them to face challenges, speak up for what’s right, and take bold steps forward. I strive to embody these traits by being honest, caring, and resilient — especially when it matters most. These values help me build meaningful relationships and contribute to a positive, purpose-driven environment wherever I go.” -Anvi

ANJALI ISAAC

Broad Involvement: Broad Student Senate (Internal Audit Co-Director, Marketing Committee Member), SPARK (President) Studies: Supply Chain Management, Leadership of Organizations Minor, Spring 2027 “I admire leaders who lead with authenticity, confidence, and empathy. These traits create environments where trust, connection, and empowerment can thrive. I especially hope to embody empathy in my own leadership by centering people, meeting them where they are, and making space for vulnerability. Empathetic leaders inspire growth through not only direction, but also understanding and support. Passionate about creating inclusive spaces, I believe empathy is the foundation of people- centered decision-making and community building. It allows leaders to uplift others and lead with purpose.” -Anjali

Helen Dashney Director of DWLA

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