Meet our Board

Welcome to our USWIB community! Use these short bios to help decide who to coffee chat!

Please note that these coffee chats are different from our USWIB Mentorship Program.

We are excited to meet you!

executive board

Kate Hegland

Co-President

Major: Finance and Data Science
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Graduation: 2026

When Kate arrived at NYU Stern, she fell in love with USWIB's uplifting energy and mission to professionally empower women. She is super excited to meet all the new members this year and give back to this amazing community! She loves reading and experimenting with new baking recipes in her free time.

Nicole fan

Co-President

Major: Marketing and Data Science
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil
Graduation: 2026

Nicole has been passionate about USWIB since joining NYU. Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, she is proud to be part of this empowering, female-led community and eager to contribute with her unique international perspective. During her semester abroad at NYU Madrid, she had the opportunity to travel across Europe and gained invaluable experiences interning in a foreign language. She’s excited to connect with even more ambitious and dedicated USWIB members and build lasting relationships!

Amrita hemchand

Vice President

Major: B.S. in Business
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Graduation: 2026

Amrita joined USWIB because of the warm and inclusive environment and its supportive community of women. She is excited to plan fun events this semester that will create strong connections between members and enrich the community experience! Outside of USWIB, Amrita loves traveling and adventure, exploring new restaurants, and live concerts!

Sveta Chintakayala

Secretary

Major: Economics and Global Public Health
Minor: Business Studies
Hometown: Tampa, FL
Graduation: 2026

I joined USWIB in search of a community that supported my interests as much as it challenged me to pursue them! Throughout the challenges of recruiting, networking, and skill-building, this inclusive environment has and continues to provide resources and coherence both personally & professionally. After a long semester abroad from my favorite city, I am so excited to return to an organization that gives back what you put in. USWIB has taught me that when you are genuinely committed and apply yourself, your efforts are multiplied in your returns.

Mehar Karnani

Treasurer

Major: Finance and Management
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Graduation: 2026

Mehar feels most at home around the USWIB community of confident and supportive women who have inspired her to be involved in club activities since her freshman year. She is excited to pay this experience forward to the underclassmen while strengthening friendships with the current girls! Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, exploring the city with her friends, vibing to Bollywood music, and indulging in new-found food spots!

General Board

Kate Hegland

Conference Director

Major: Finance and Data Science
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC
Graduation: 2026

Kate was super excited to be a part of USWIB when she came to NYU Stern. The uplifting energy and professional support within the community are unparalleled. She looks forward to contributing to the conference team this year!

Laura Brandwein

Conference Corporate Relations Chair

Major: B.S. in Business with concentrations in Finance and Entrepreneurship
Minor: Film
Hometown: Englewood, NJ
Graduation: 2026

Laura joined USWIB because of the welcoming and supportive atmosphere it fosters. In USWIB, Laura found a community that not only shares her passions, but also provides opportunities for growth and empowerment. She looks forward to growing closer with the USWIB community and board members!

Anshu Reddy Gondi

Conference Liason

Major: BS in Business with a concentration in Accounting
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Graduation: 2027

Anshu joined USWIB because of the supportive and empowering community. She is eager to foster the same welcoming atmosphere for new members, emulating the encouragement she received from her own mentors. Anshu is also enthusiastic about her role in organizing the annual Conference and seeing familiar faces at the General Meetings!

Mehar Karnani

Conference Logistics Chair

Major: B.S. in Business with concentrations in Finance and Management
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Graduation: 2026

Mehar feels most at home around the USWIB community of confident and supportive women who have inspired her to be involved in club activities since her freshman year. She is excited to pay this experience forward to the underclassmen while strengthening friendships with the current girls! Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, exploring the city with her friends, vibing to Bollywood music and indulging in new-found food spots!

Laura Lu

Conference Branding & Marketing Chair

Major: B.S. in Business with concentrations in Marketing and Management
Minors: Interactive Media and Design
Hometown: Queens, New York
Graduation: 2027

Ever since joining USWIB through the Freshman Liasion Program in Fall 2023, Laura felt a strong connection towards everyone in the club. She hopes to continue building a supportive community and expand membership throughout all NYU schools. Conference is one of USWIB's largest events, and she is so excited to be in charge of marketing this semester.

lauren kei

Mentorship Co-Director

Major: Honors Mathematics
Minor: Business Studies
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Graduation: 2027

Coming from outside of Stern, USWIB has been an incredibly welcoming and supportive community. As Mentorship Co-Director, I’m excited to foster strong connections and create fun bonding moments. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, working out, exploring coffee shops, and listening to music.

Bobo Lyu

Mentorship Co-Director

Major: B.S. in Business with concentrations in Finance & Data Science
Minor: CAMS
Hometown: Vancouver, Canada
Graduation: 2027

Coming from an all-girls high school, USWIB has been a source of love and support for Bobo. This year, she looks forward to all the fun mentorship bonding events and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals. Outside of USWIB, she finds joy in painting, running, and immersing herself in nature.

 

olivia zhou

Mentorship Co-Director

Major: Business
Hometown: Arlington, VA
Graduation: 2028

Olivia joined USWIB to foster meaningful connections and create opportunities for growth and empowerment within a supportive community. As Mentorship Co-Director, she is eager to contribute to USWIB by connecting with others through engaging events. In her free time, Olivia enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, playing guitar, and spending time with friends!

Prashansa Gour

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Director

Major: B.S. in Business with concentrations in Finance and Marketing
Minor: Dance
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Graduation: 2027

Prashansa has been involved in USWIB since her freshman year and is thrilled to join the incredible women of the USWIB board. She is delighted to be part of such a supportive group, where care and encouragement flourish in both personal and professional realms. As co-director for DEI, she looks forward to promoting a safe and welcoming environment for every community member. Outside of her duties, Prashansa enjoys dancing, singing, and watching movies.

Eva Ruemmler

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Director

Major: Finance and Marketing
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Saratoga, California
Graduation: 2027

Eva joined USWIB because she was drawn to the uplifting and welcoming USWIB community. USWIB has been a great way for her to build close friendships and explore her various professional interests at Stern. She looks forward to growing closer with the USWIB community and encouraging open discussion in DEI dialogues!

Sahana Inteti

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Co-Director

Major: B.S. in Business with concentrations in Finance and Marketing
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Portland, OR
Graduation: 2025

Sahana joined USWIB her sophomore year to meet more women in business after returning from the FYLO program in London. The empowering community engaged her in DEI work at USWIB and NYU Stern. She has developed meaningful connections with USWIB peers through mentorship, socials, and board bonding.

Odette liu

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Liaison

Major: Finance
Minor: German
Hometown: Plainsboro, NJ
Graduation: 2028

Odette joined USWIB to find community and build meaningful connections in an incredibly supportive and encouraging environment. Being in USWIB has meant so much to her because she's been able to form amazing friendships while also discovering various career paths. She is thrilled to help strengthen USWIB's inclusive culture through DEI events and is beyond excited to further her connection with other USWIB members!

kimberly diaz

Professional Liaison

Major: Business and Political Economy
Minor: German
Hometown: Paramus, NJ
Graduation: 2028

Kimberly is thrilled to contribute to USWIB, which she sees as more than a club– a comforting community that truly empowers women in Stern. She participated in the mentorship program during her freshman fall, where she not only gained valuable insights but also made many supportive friends. Now, she hopes to serve as a leader and work closely with the e-board to continue USWIB’s success. For fun, she enjoys going on walks around the city, studying at cafes, and spending time with friends!

Emma Checo-Leckova

Operations Liaison

Major:
Minor:
Hometown:
Graduation:

Emma’s bio

sneha deepak

Social Co-Director

Major: Finance and Statistics
Hometown: Princeton, NJ
Graduation: 2027

Sneha joined USWIB her freshman fall and was immediately drawn to the supportive and empowering community. She is grateful to have gained so many amazing friends and mentors through the club. She is excited to further her involvement and continue growing such an incredible community!

anshu gondi

Social Co-Director

Major: Accounting and Finance
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Graduation: 2027

Anshu has been an active member of USWIB since her freshman year, drawn to the club’s supportive and warm community. She is eager to foster the same atmosphere for new members, emulating the encouragement she received from her own mentors. Anshu is very enthusiastic about her role in organizing the annual Conference and planning engaging social events. She looks forward to seeing both new and familiar faces at the General Meetings!

 

Ditika laya kashyap

Social Co-Director

Major: Finance and Data Science
Minor: Studio Art
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Graduation: 2027

Ditika joined USWIB to become part of its empowering and inclusive community of women. As Social Co-Director, she’s passionate about fostering the same welcoming environment that made her feel supported when she first arrived on campus after spending her first year studying abroad in London. Outside of USWIB, Ditika loves drawing, playing the drums, staying active outdoors, and discovering new places to eat.

Priyanka Palayekar

Operations Co-Director

Major: Finance
Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA
Graduation: 2027

Priyanka has been involved in USWIB since her freshman year after hearing so much about the club from her OL's. Since then, she has been on the Content Committee and now holds a position as Operations Co-Director. She really wanted to be part of something greater at Stern, and she is super excited to help even more underclassmen along the way.

virginia liang

Operations Co-Director

Major: Economics
Minor: Business Studies
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Graduation: 2028

Virginia joined USWIB her freshman year because of the organization’s welcoming and supportive community. She found USWIB to be an empowering environment where she could connect with other motivated and driven women interested in business. She is excited to contribute to and foster the same welcoming environment for new members!

 

Deeksha Prabhu

Operations Co-Director

Majors: Finance and Data Science
Hometown: Lyndhurst, NJ
Graduation: 2027

Deeksha joined USWIB because of the very supportive and welcoming community of women. This club has helped her meet many new friends and mentors, and explore her professional interests. She looks forward to getting more involved and contributing to the wonderful community!

Kaitlin Tan

Marketing Co-Director

Major: Finance and Accounting
Hometown: New York
Graduation: 2028

Kaitlin is excited to join a community of supportive women in USWIB as she continues to navigate NYU Stern. She hopes to be able to contribute to this community and further her involvement with USWIB. Outside of school, she loves to read, watch dramas, and cook!

Milly Wong

Marketing Co-Director

Major: B.S. in Business with concentrations in Finance and Marketing
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Harrison, NY
Graduation: 2026

Milly joined USWIB her freshmen year and immediately knew it was one of the communities she wanted to be part of and contribute to. USWIB had everything she was looking for professionally and socially. From the mentorship program, to the wellness and social events, Milly was not only able to explore and learn about different career opportunities, but she also cultivated many strong and amazing relationships with like-minded women, who are now some of her best friends. USWIB provided her with an uplifting, welcoming, and empowering community and environment to thrive and succeed!

 

Lekhya Kantheti

Marketing Co-Director

Major: Marketing and Management, Psychology
Hometown: Hyderabad, India
Graduation: 2027

Lekhya joined USWIB her freshman year for its warm and welcoming environment and has since loved the sense of empowerment and support. She's super excited to talk to, learn from and grow with passionate friends and mentors in the club. She enjoys reading, art, photography, learning new languages, and being a part of USWIB!

Elyse Ladia

Content Co-Director

Major: Economics
Minor: Data Science and BEMT
Hometown: Chantilly, VA
Graduation: 2025

Elyse joined USWIB her freshman year and was met with a welcoming community of like-minded women. Elyse is excited to continue learning and expanding her career while meeting new people and is looking forward to furthering her involvement to continue building a supportive community and helping to make members feel as welcome as she did.

Georgina bern

Content Co-Director

Major: Data Science and Sustainable Business
Minor: Film
Hometown: Panama City, Panama
Graduation: 2025

Hi, I’m Georgina! I love reading, anything related to the arts, the color blue, traveling and running :)

I’m feeling super nostalgic going into my last semester, but also so grateful for all the memories and excited to be with USWIB until the end <3 Please feel free to reach out for anything! 💙

 

Nicole CHeng

Content Co-Director

Major: Accounting
Minor: BEMT
Hometown: Sag Harbor, NY
Graduation: 2025

Nicole attended her first USWIB meeting during her freshman year and was immediately drawn to the strong community of like-minded, passionate women. Since then, she's met her closest friends and gained invaluable mentorship. Outside of USWIB, Nicole loves watching films/TV.

Siena Schaller

Content Committee

Major: B.S. in Business
Hometown: Fredericksburg, VA
Graduation: 2028

Siena loves the inclusive and supporting community that USWIB has created. Through the variety of social, networking, and professional events, anyone can find a place here. She is excited to continue growing while contributing to such a wonderful community!

Jasmine Tan

Content Committee

​Major: Finance and Data Science
Minor: Computer Science
Hometown: Manila, Philippines
Graduation: 2028

Jasmine joined USWIB to connect with like-minded women who empower one another and celebrate growth together. She is excited to contribute her skills, foster meaningful connections, and understand USWIB’s values of support and ambition. Jasmine looks forward to growing alongside her peers and leaving a lasting impact on the community.

Julia Jacobsen

Content Committee

​Major: Business and Political Economy
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Graduation: 2028

Julia joined USWIB for its comforting and empowering community of women who share a passion for business. She hopes to continue fostering this sense of community for new members through her role on the Content Committee. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring new coffee shops!

Rebecca Patrizio

Content Committee

​Major: Biology
Minor: BEMT
Hometown: Guilford, CT
Graduation: 2026

Rebecca is so excited to return to USWIB this semester and can't wait to meet more people! She first joined USWIB in Fall 2023 and quickly fell in love with how welcoming and nice everyone was. She just came back from Madrid and LOVED it, so feel free to ask her any study abroad-related questions.

Aishwarya Borra

Study Abroad Co-Director

Major: Business and Political Economy
Hometown: Tampa, Florida
Graduation: 2027

Aside from the amazing community she’s found in USWIB, Aishwarya is really excited to be a part of a space that emphasizes opportunities for women and underrepresented groups, especially in the business world. USWIB's weekly meetings are seriously amazing breaks during the middle of each week, and they also gave Aishwarya the opportunity to learn more about the professional world. She can't wait to see more of these sort of events this year!

Tamara Benjamin

Study Abroad Co-Director

Major: Econometrics and Quantitative Economics,
Minor: Psychology and Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Graduation: 2026

Tamara joined USWIB to find a welcoming and supportive environment at Stern where she could feel like she belonged. She’s met some incredible mentors and friends through USWIB who have helped her navigate her way through college. Outside of school, Tamara can be found reading, shopping, traveling, and binging old shows!

 

Isabella Ji

Study Abroad Liaison - Paris

Major: Finance and Marketing
Minor: BEMT
Hometown: Holmdel, NJ
Graduation: 2026

Isabella joined USWIB because of its inspiring sense of community. She is grateful to have met many mentors and friends through USWIB and is excited to continue doing so. Currently, she is studying abroad through IBEX at Université Paris Dauphine. This year, Isabella is excited to have more mentees from the mentorship program and from meeting underclassmen :) Outside of school, Isabella likes trying new coffee shops, shopping, reading, and traveling.

Sasha Beck

Study Abroad Liaison

Major: Finance and Marketing
Minor: Global Public Health
Hometown: Arlington, MA
Graduation: 2026

Sasha joined USWIB to foster stronger connections among her peers within the strong community USWIB is known for! Going from DEI Co-Director to Study Abroad Liaison, she is excited to take USWIB to Florence but also be there for everyone whenever needed. In her free time, she loves to play tennis, meet new people, and always says, "phone eats first!"

 

Adhya Singh

Study Abroad Liaison - Paris

Major: Finance and Math
Hometown: Johns Creek, GA
Graduation: 2026

Adhya joined USWIB in the fall of her freshman year because she wanted to be surrounded by other women with the same passions and interests as her. She has been able to meet some of her closest friends and mentors through USWIB and can't wait to give back! She loves to yap about Kpop, books, opera/classical music, and pilates, so feel free to reach out!

Sneha Rao

Study Abroad Liaison

Major:
Minor:
Hometown:
Graduation:

Sneha’s bio

Laura Lu

Study Abroad Liaison - Florence

Major: Marketing and Data Science
Hometown: Queens, NY
Graduation: 2027

Since joining USWIB in her freshman fall, Laura has built meaningful connections with the intelligent and supportive members of the club. She is passionate about fostering a welcoming community and creating an uplifting space for other women pursuing business. As the 2025 Conference Marketing Director, she is thrilled to make USWIB's largest event come to life. Laura will also be studying abroad Spring 2025 in Florence, and she is excited to share her experience!

 

Sneha Tripathy

Study Abroad Liaison - Florence

Major: Marketing and Data Science
Hometown: Plainsboro, New Jersey
Graduation: 2027

Sneha has truly cherished the USWIB community during her time here at Stern. She has enjoyed getting to meet some of her closest friends through the club as well as learning from inspiring upperclassmen. She is excited to continue her USWIB journey from Florence!

Andrea Lui

Study Abroad Liaison - Paris

Major: Finance and Computing & Data Science
Minor: BEMT
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Graduation: 2026

Andrea fell in love with USWIB after having struggled to find community at Stern her freshman year. She truly feels like USWIB is her home and has a deep appreciation for the club’s incredible network of women leaders. In college and beyond, she hopes to continue championing female spaces in the workplace. At NYU, Andrea is also an Admissions Ambassador and the Culture Editor of the Washington Square News!

Mira Dasgupta

Study Abroad Liaison - London

Major: Economics
Minor: Business and Politics
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Graduation: 2026

USWIB's strong community of supportive women is what made me want to join USWIB. The events, general meetings, and mentorship program have really helped me explore opportunities on and off campus and create some really special memories. I hope to help foster the same environment for incoming students and build new relationships!

 

Camila Vazquez

Study Abroad Liaison - South Korea

Major: Marketing and Computing and Data Science
Minor: Social Entrepreneurship
Hometown: The Bronx, NYC
Graduation: 2026

Camila joined USWIB because she fell in love with its supportive and uplifting community. As the first Stern club she joined, USWIB introduced her to inspiring women and endless opportunities for growth. Having served as Study Abroad Co-Director, Camila loved capturing members’ global experiences and fostering connection across borders. Now, she’s ready to embrace her role as Study Abroad Liaison once again, representing USWIB in South Korea for Spring 2025!

Saumya Poddar

Study Abroad Liaison

Major: Finance and Data Science
Minor: Public Policy & Management
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida
Graduation: 2027

I've been a part of USWIB since first semester freshman year, and it's been the most supportive and fun community of women! I'm excited to share my experiences with other USWIB members and overall help foster a supportive community, and bond with my fellow USWIB women! Outside of USWIB, I love traveling, exercising, and all things coffee!

Kirsten Nowak

Study Abroad Liaison - Shanghai

Major: Economics
Minor: Chinese Language
Hometown: Libertyville, IL
Graduation: 2026

For me, USWIB has been a welcoming and supportive environment from the start. Having little background in business before joining, this community has inspired me so much and I am incredibly grateful for all the support it provides. I'm so excited to be joining this semester as a Study Abroad Liaison at NYU Shanghai! Outside of school, I love to travel, read, and drink coffee.

Naina Sharma

External Relations Co-Director

Major: Finance and Data Science
Hometown: Mumbai, India
Graduation: 2026

Naina felt like she belonged at Stern the minute she walked into a USWIB General meeting. She is looking forward to continuing the tradition of making USWIB a welcoming environment for all the talented and incredible women at Stern. She is very excited to give back to all the incoming members and make them feel a part of the community. In her free time, she loves going out and trying new cafes and cuisines in New York. She also loves a good walk around the city, pier or the park!

Estelle Shen

External Relations Co-Director

Major: B.S. in Business
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Graduation: 2028

Estelle joined USWIB after experiencing and loving its wholesome and strong community. She was able to learn so much from USWIB’s meetings while also forming meaningful relationships. She is super excited to contribute to such an empowering community at Stern!

Riya Khosla

Professional Co-Director

Major: Finance & Econometrics
Minor: Anthropology
Hometown: Frisco, TX
Graduation: 2027

Riya joined USWIB because of the community it builds within Stern and NYU, and how it has made her feel so welcome. She is looking forward to becoming more involved with the professional aspect of USWIB and build new relationships!

Anusha Khandpur

Professional Co-Director

Major: Finance and Data Science
Minor: Math & Computer Science
Hometown: Afton, MN
Graduation: 2027

Anusha joined USWIB because she wanted to be part of a supportive, empowering community and learn from those around her. She has formed many meaningful connections and is grateful for all the wonderful friends and mentors that she has met through this club. She is excited to further her involvement and help grow this incredible community as Professional Co-Director this semester :)