Chanel Wilson, BBA '26
Chanel Wilson, BBA ’26, pursued a degree at the Ross School of Business to better understand how the business world operates, recognizing that the movement of capital shapes our everyday experiences. She wanted to deepen her understanding of how the system works so she could share that knowledge and help others navigate it more effectively. Through student organizations and action-based learning projects, she has developed practical skills she’s using to drive impact — bridging gaps and creating pathways for those without the same opportunities.
At its core, my interest in business is rooted in a simple idea: access should not be exclusive, and knowledge should not be gatekept.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross? What made this program different from others?
I chose Michigan Ross because of the energy around possibility. There are so many different programs and pathways, and what stood out to me most is that if something does not exist, students are actively creating it. That kind of environment challenges you to think beyond what is given and imagine what could be built. What truly set Ross apart for me was the alumni network. Ross alums are everywhere, doing incredible work. There is genuine pride in being part of this community. Whenever you mention Ross to an alum, there is an instant connection. It is more than a shared experience; it is a shared identity. And there is something powerful about being part of a community that continues to show up for you long after you leave.
Can you describe the community culture and the kind of support you received?
I found my sense of community at Ross through the Black Business Undergraduate Society. It started with small moments, like having a familiar face in the hallway to wave to or someone willing to sit down and help me refine my resume. But over time, it became something much deeper. Through BBUS, I found people who understood my experience and were willing to guide me through it. I gained a mentor who helped me navigate challenges and reminded me of what I was capable of, even in moments of doubt. I also found community in unexpected places, like my Advanced Presentations class. As the semester went on, walls came down, and we grew more comfortable with one another. What started as a classroom turned into a space of trust and connection, and by the end, we were creating memories beyond it. Ross taught me that community is not something you stumble upon; it is something you build, invest in, and grow through.
What action-based learning opportunities have you participated in? What did you find most valuable about the experience?
One of the most impactful action-based learning experiences I participated in at Ross was the Sanger Leadership Center’s Leadership Crisis Challenge. I was on a team with people I had never met before, and we had to quickly build trust while navigating a fast-moving, high-pressure situation. In real time, we were responding to evolving updates, media inquiries, and stakeholder concerns. It forced me to think critically and stay grounded even when everything around us was shifting. What I found most valuable was learning how to lead with intention under pressure. I had to maintain composure and adaptability, ready to make decisions while also thinking about how those decisions would be received.
Presenting to a room of accomplished alumni pushed me to step fully into my voice. Being recognized with the Executive Presence Award was meaningful, not just because of the recognition, but because it reflected my growing ability to show up in high-stakes moments. That experience reinforced something I carry with me: leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about how you show up when the answers are not clear. I continued to apply those same skills through my role as president of BBUS, where I led initiatives, created opportunities, and built connections that extended beyond the organization.
What are some of the most valuable takeaways you’ve gained so far from your degree program?
Throughout my experience, I have learned the importance of staying grounded in my own path. In an environment like Ross, it is easy to look around and measure yourself against others. But growth really happens when you take the time to understand what genuinely excites you and pursue that with intention. I think of it as having horse blinders on. You stay focused on what is in front of you, while still allowing yourself to occasionally look up and take in what is around you.
I have also learned that life is not linear. When you try to plan everything out, you can unintentionally limit yourself and close yourself off to opportunities that may be life-changing. Some of the most meaningful moments in my college experience were not planned; they were the ones that found me. Embracing the ability to pivot has been important. Sometimes things fall apart so better things can fall into place. At the end of the day, I have learned that growth is about continuing to move forward with intention. Progress will always matter more than perfection.
What are your plans for the future after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in commercial real estate finance. I am excited to further explore how capital shapes communities and creates opportunity.
What advice would you give students considering applying to the Ross BBA Program?
Do it. Truly. I have never met someone who regretted coming to Ross. For many people, it becomes one of the most defining decisions they make. Be intentional about why you are choosing Ross. Take the time to understand what the program offers, what it values, and how it aligns with who you are. Ross will give you access to incredible opportunities, but what you gain from them depends on how you choose to show up. Walk in with curiosity, stay open to change, and trust yourself enough to take paths that may not look like everyone else’s. The experience is what you make of it, and that is where the real value lies.