Nabiha Keshwani
Cornell University, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
“An intellectually curious dreamer who loves to explore and meet new people.”
Fun fact about yourself: I got stuck on a zipline 10,000 feet in the air in Costa Rica. It was kind of terrifying but also kind of fun.
Hometown: New Hyde Park, N.Y.
High School: Herricks High School
Major: Applied Economics and Management
Favorite Business Courses: Women Leadership and Entrepreneurship; Social Entrepreneurship Field Study, Honduras; Global Business Trip, South Africa; Business Computing
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:
Founding President of Dys ID (Dyson Inclusion and Diversity); Active Brother and Diversity and Inclusion Chair for Delta Sigma Pi; Senior Analyst for the Cornell Consulting Group; Business Manager for the Cornell Business Review; New Member Coordinator for Pi Beta Phi; Vice President of Public Relations for the Class of 2017; Frank and Rosa Rhodes Scholar
Where have you interned during your college career?
Nielsen, New York, N.Y.: Innovation analytics intern
The Mosaic Project (youth development camp), New York, N.Y.: Content facilitator
Vodafone, Mumbai, India: Human Resources intern
Describe your dream Job: I would love to own a restaurant or café. I’ve always been inspired by food’s ability to bring people together, teach about culture, and generate inspiration. This venture would allow me to combine many of my interests, including food, entrepreneurship, social impact, and global cultures.
Who is your favorite professor? It’s difficult to pick just one when so many of my professors have inspired me in varying ways, but Cindy van Es and Deborah Streeter have been instrumental in my development through college. Professor van Es is the type of person who comes up with a crazy idea that seems impossible — and then makes it happen. I’ve always been an advocate for dreaming big, and she constantly reminds me of why it is important to do so. Professor Streeter inspires through her brilliant, calm energy and has taught me a great deal about emotional intelligence and being a great leader. I’m always in awe of the dedication they both put into mentoring students and feel very fortunate to be part of that group.
What did you enjoy most about majoring in a business-related field? I enjoyed the new lens it gave me with which to see the world and its relevance to everyday life. Whether I was learning behavioral economics theories or about the relationship between honeybees and our economy, I was able to see and understand stories at a different level.
What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? Be confident and take risks.
Where would you like to work after graduation? I’ll be working at Deloitte as a strategy and operations analyst in New York.
What are your long-term professional goals? I’m really excited to work in management consulting after I graduate. I also hope to participate in social impact, work internationally, and eventually go to graduate school. Long term, I hope to have my own business one day.
“I knew I wanted to major in business when…I participated in my first business case competition in high school through DECA.”
“If I didn’t major in business, I would be…a food scientist. One of my best friends studies food science at Cornell and is always working on the most fascinating projects.”
“Before I entered business school, I wish I had known…the importance of being knowledgeable about what’s going on in the world — whether or not it’s related to business.”
What was the happiest moment of your life? It was the last day of my semester abroad in Florence, and my friends and I decided to take one final hike to Piazzale Michelangelo, which has an incredible panoramic view of the city. Looking out, I felt so grateful and elated to have been given the opportunity to travel the world and participate in so many cultures. We’re often so busy with our day-to-day lives that we forget to take time to reflect, and that moment was when it all hit me.
Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I’ve been involved with the Mosaic Project — a youth development camp for 6–13 year olds — my entire life. The achievement I’m most proud of is mentoring a young participant who was constantly misbehaving and refused to participate in any activities. I ended up breaking through to him and this past summer saw true evidence of his growth when he participated in a leadership position at the camp. My mother is a teacher, and I’ve always valued the importance of education and mentorship, so being able to make that impact on someone else was so important to me and further invigorates me to continue social impact work — particularly in education.
What animal would you choose to represent your professional brand? A zebra. They’re highly social animals and have the unique ability to stand out yet blend in.
Who would you most want to thank for your success? My entire family — from my parents and sister to my entire (large) extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Everyone has been so incredibly supportive of my learning journey, and I honestly would not be here today without them.
What would you like your business school peers to say about you after you graduate from this program? I would hope they’d say I was always dedicated, passionate, and ready to converse with and help anyone I crossed paths with.
Favorite book: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
Favorite movie: Elf
Favorite musical performer: Drake
Favorite vacation spot: Cape Town, South Africa. I fell in love with it on a class trip to that beautiful country and have some of my best memories from that experience.
What are your hobbies? Traveling, cooking, listening to podcasts, trying new restaurants, event planning
What made Nabiha Keshwani such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2017?
“Nabiha Keshwani specializes in Strategy in the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics Management. She was a teaching assistant for Introductory Statistics, Business Inclusion and Diversity Skills, as well as Women in Leadership. She was among the first group of students to take part in a study trip to South Africa, and she expanded her breath of experiences by studying abroad in her junior year. Nabiha was the founding President of DysID, the Dyson Inclusion and Diversity student club. The prime objective of this group is to improve academic and social integration. She was instrumental in establishing an executive board, forming subcommittees and establishing the framework for a sustainable, active organization. The foundation she built will allow the club to continue enhancing the environment for her fellow undergraduate students.”
Cindy Lynn Van Es
Ph.D., Statistics
Professor of Practice
Director for Undergraduate Studies
Director for Business Inclusion and Diversity
Cornell University, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
DON’T MISS: THE FULL HONOR ROLL: THE BEST & BRIGHTEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2017
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