Full-Time MBA Students Celebrate Women’s History Month at Empowerment Event

The event, called Leaders of Ross Celebrate Women Empowerment, was held on the evening of March 21 via video conference. Kira Farris, MBA ’24, moderated the discussion, which was between panelists Brysan Porterfield, MBA ’25, Diya Rambhatla, MBA ’25, Dominique Downs, MBA ’24, Livia Lucena, MBA ’24, and Syleste Davis, MBA ’25.

The student panelists, who each hold leadership roles in empowering clubs like Michigan Business Women and the Black Business Students Association, discussed their leadership roles and post-graduation plans and explored various aspects of being a woman in business, from what motivates them to experiencing imposter syndrome.

To learn more about what drives these hardworking Michigan Ross students, we asked some of the panel participants to share their insights from the event.

Diya Rambhatla, MBA ’25

Incoming MBA Council president

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
For me, empowerment means helping women find their own superpowers. As an Indian-American growing up in the Bay Area, the only functions I was exposed to were engineering and technology. My growth and evolution began when I realized that just because I was not STEM-minded didn’t mean I didn’t have my own superpower. I empower myself by exploring and pushing myself and those around me to discover what brings them joy and use that to their advantage.

What advice do you have for women who may be interested in pursuing their graduate degree in business at Ross or the next generation of female leaders?
Don’t give up. The MBA admissions process and grad school in general is tough — but that’s because it’s supposed to be. It’s not for everyone, and that's the whole point. But if you have done the research and decided it’s for you, then please don’t give up. You will end up exactly where you are supposed to be — that goes for grad school, the workplace, and beyond.

Why did you participate in the Leaders of Ross Celebrate Women Empowerment event? 
I wouldn’t be in this position if I hadn’t been surrounded by opportunities where women empowered women at every step of my journey. If I can give even an ounce of that back and make an impact on even one life, that’s more than enough for me.

Have you participated in any events or programs at Ross aiming to support or celebrate women business leaders? If so, which ones and what did you take away from those experiences?
Definitely. I’m a Forté fellow and was lucky enough to attend the Forté conference this past year, which led to my internship offer before I ever stepped foot into Michigan Ross as a student. Through my future employer, I’ve been able to engage in various women in leadership initiatives, including a conference with women MBAs from all over the United States.

At Ross, I’m a proud board member of Michigan Business Women, through which I’ve gotten to participate in a variety of initiatives, including the Women in Leadership Conference, Women’s Preview Weekend, and so many more. Through these events, I’ve been able to cultivate and nurture my own mentees but have also been lucky enough to engage with Ross alums who occupy senior leadership positions across industries, and all share a story of authenticity and tenacity to get where they are now.

Brysan Porterfield, MBA ’25

Co-president, Black Business Students Association
Consortium Fellow
Management Leadership for Tomorrow Fellow

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I empower myself and the women around me by filling our individual dreams and aspirations with positivity and offering support in any way possible. In a society where we are frequently faced with rejection, having our existence minimized, and being told how to manage our bodies, it is crucial to continually remind ourselves and each other that we are capable of achieving anything we set our minds to, and to offer support along the journey. This is why I strongly emphasize the importance of speaking positively about others' dreams, encouraging perseverance, providing any available resources, and creating space for us to share laughter, tears, and experiences to acknowledge their validity and significance.

What advice do you have for women who may be interested in pursuing their graduate degree in business at Ross or the next generation of female leaders?
My advice is never to be afraid of speaking up. As women, we often feel like we're imposing when we voice our opinions, especially in environments where we feel overlooked. Yet, it's crucial to continually remind ourselves that we deserve to be in every room we enter and that our contributions are valuable to every discussion. Building this confidence can be challenging, especially without prior experience. However, I'm grateful that at Ross, women are frequently given platforms to practice advocating for themselves. This preparation not only paves the way for their success as professionals but also boosts their confidence. Seeing women succeed is inspiring, so never hesitate to make your voice heard.

Why did you participate in the Leaders of Ross Celebrate Women Empowerment event? 
I absolutely love seeing women thrive, especially given the hurdles we keep overcoming in society. We deserve to be celebrated and should continue empowering each other in every way we can. Honestly, I couldn't have gotten this far in my journey without the incredible women who've had my back. So, by being part of this event, I'm hoping to pay it forward to future generations.

Have you ever felt imposter syndrome, and if so, how did you navigate your way through it?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, I sometimes still experience imposter syndrome. It can be quite intimidating, especially when I feel less qualified for a new opportunity, role, or task. However, there are a few strategies I keep in mind and practice to combat these feelings. The first is to speak positively about myself. It might sound cliché, but positive self-talk can genuinely transform your experiences, boost your confidence, and improve outcomes. It may take some getting used to, and you might feel somewhat delusional at first because you might not fully believe in what you're saying. However, with enough practice, you'll significantly reduce feelings of not belonging or being undeserving, ultimately becoming the most confident version of yourself.

Secondly, I engage in deep self-reflection. It may be challenging at first to understand, but there's a reason you find yourself in spaces you didn't think you were qualified for. Taking time to reflect on all your achievements, no matter how minor, helps validate your hard work and reaffirm that you are exactly where you need to be.

Lastly, I share my feelings of imposter syndrome with others. You'd be surprised how many people experience similar feelings. By opening up about these feelings, you realize you're not alone. This not only helps you feel more connected with those around you but also allows for a deeper connection based on shared experiences.

Livia Lucena, MBA ’24

Vice president of wellness, MBA Council 
Vice president of education, Michigan Business Women
Vice president of events, Brazilian Business Student Association
Consulting recruiting lead, Consortium

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I believe in the power of women's friendship. Cultivating strong ties with women around me has been the most important step to learning how to empower myself and others. It has been through these friendships that I learned how to create safe spaces and foster a sense of belonging and mutual understanding. Female friendship has taught me how to prioritize my needs, aspirations, and well-being. For me, this means setting boundaries, recognizing my worth, and supporting others to do the same.

What advice do you have for women who may be interested in pursuing their graduate degree in business at Ross or the next generation of female leaders?
I suggest really understanding what their ultimate goal is — for business school, leadership, and beyond. With a clear goal, it’s easier to follow the steps of the process. Grad school can be difficult. Listening to others' perspectives, creating connections with women who have been through the same process, and doing research can help with the journey, especially if the end goal vision is clear.

Why did you participate in the Leaders of Ross Celebrate Women Empowerment event? 
I believe that I have so much to give back to the Ross community for all the support I received throughout my MBA. Participating in this event is just a small way of trying to show the amazing community that we have here.

What benefits have you received from your leadership experiences? At Ross or in your industry?
I believe in surrounding myself with amazing leaders and learning as much as possible from them. I’ve been fortunate enough to have had leaders who taught me how thoughtful leadership can have a positive impact on a company, employees, peers, and the community around them. At Ross, I benefited from my roles in club leadership. Specifically in Michigan Business Women, where I acted as director, and then vice president of education. I learned from different perspectives on my team, how to lead with kindness, and that you don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room to be heard (shout-out to my co-vice president, Carley). For more tactical experiences, I benefited by learning how to communicate and reach out to C-suite executives, lead meetings and events, and be comfortable with sharing my opinion in public spaces.

Kira Farris, MBA ’24

Vice president of prospective students, Michigan Business Women
Vice president of events, Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital Club
Vice president of operations, MTrek
Nonprofit board fellow, Business+Impact
Venture capital peer coach, Career Development Office
Student investment associate, Zell-Lurie Commercialization Fund

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I really try to make the women around me feel seen, heard, and supported, and remind them that they have someone in their corner rooting for them. Sometimes obstacles and challenges do arise since most business schools (and corporate United States as a whole) have not yet reached gender parity. This makes it even more important to enable, empower, and uplift the women that we cross paths with. Even the smallest thing can make a positive difference, like sending a quick ‘great job!’ text to a classmate after she gives a presentation in class. Lastly, I try to empower myself by showing up authentically, communicating honestly, and being cognizant of my capacity and energy levels.

What advice do you have for women who may be interested in pursuing their graduate degree in business at Ross or the next generation of female leaders?
I encourage women to invest in themselves and choose what’s best for them. When you’re figuring out your next steps professionally and academically, definitely do your research, seek out a wide variety of perspectives, and weigh all the pros and cons. With that preparation, it’s then up to you to follow your intuition and your heart to take the path that most resonates with you and sets you up for future success.

Why did you participate in the Leaders of Ross Celebrate Women Empowerment event? 
I am honored to participate in this important event. Of course, women’s empowerment is a personal passion of mine, but I have also greatly benefitted from all the women who came before me and who have chosen to invest in me and my success. Several Ross alumnae originally encouraged me to apply to Ross, and these alumnae, as well as the women in the Ross admissions team, supported me through the MBA application process.

I ultimately ended up choosing Ross because of the strong women leaders in every single class prior that I met through Ross events and still look up to today. During my time at Ross, I couldn’t have made it this far without the support of and collaboration with my women classmates as well as the awesome women leaders in the program office.

Have you participated in any events or programs at Ross aiming to support or celebrate women business leaders? If so, which ones and what did you take away from those experiences?
I really enjoyed the annual Forté conference for Forté fellows before school started, and being on the Michigan Business Women board, we organize a wide range of incredible programming and events tailored to women business leaders. I’m especially excited for our upcoming MBW retreat, where a large group of MBW members are heading to a house on Lake Michigan to celebrate women in leadership and invest in our female friendships.

Another impactful event I enjoy attending is the annual Women Who Fund Forum hosted by the Zell Lurie Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Michigan Ross. This event brings together investors, startup founders, and students across the venture capital, private equity, and entrepreneurial communities to drive education and address gender disparities across the ecosystem.

Dominique Downs, MBA ’24

Consortium Fellow
Forté Fellow

How do you empower yourself and the women around you?
I empower myself and the women around me by emphasizing the importance of self-care and well-being. This includes setting boundaries, practicing self-compassion, and prioritizing both mental and physical health. By prioritizing our own well-being, we ensure that we have the energy and resources to support ourselves and others effectively. Sometimes, we find ourselves working harder than others to prove ourselves, which can lead us to neglect the things that keep us at our best. However, when we take care of ourselves, we're better able to show up as our best selves and achieve everything we desire.

What advice do you have for women who may be interested in pursuing their graduate degree in business at Ross or the next generation of female leaders?
My advice is to actively develop connections with other women who have or will also be going through the process. Even though it can be nerve-wracking to put yourself out there, don't hesitate to reach out, share experiences, and seek support from fellow women in your field. By building a network of support, you can receive invaluable guidance, encouragement, and insights as you navigate your academic and professional journey. The collaboration and connection you will receive allows you to tap into the experiences of those who have walked similar paths before you, which can significantly help you as you navigate your own journey.

Why did you participate in the Leaders of Ross Celebrate Women Empowerment event? 
I'm participating in this event because I want to give back to other women by sharing the resources and insights that have helped me along my personal and professional journey. Many women have supported and guided me to where I am today, offering valuable advice and perspectives that have truly made a difference in my life. I am excited for the opportunity to pass on that support and knowledge to others.

How can small changes be measured toward success/goals challenges with goal setting?
I once came across a book that highlighted the concept of focusing on improving by one percent each day. Since reading this, I have embraced this concept throughout my life, and I have found that it offers the perseverance necessary to help me stay on track and accomplish my goals. Although the immediate impact of this small daily progress may not be obvious, over time, these incremental changes add up and lead to significant results as you work toward your goals. Setting goals can be challenging, especially when progress is slow or not immediately noticeable.

However, by breaking down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, you can maintain momentum and avoid feeling discouraged or losing motivation. Celebrating these small achievements on a daily basis creates a constant sense of accomplishment and keeps you focused on the bigger picture.