Women in Leadership (WiL)
Women in Leadership (WiL) is an independent student club operated through the Associated Students of Management (ASM) at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management.
Our Mission
The goal of Women in Leadership is to convene, connect, support, and develop GSM’s future gender-inclusive leaders and equip them with the tools to succeed through professional, educational, and social activities.
Women in Leadership will achieve this goal by:
- Cultivating collaborative leadership and collective success through interactive meetings.
- Engaging students in contemporary managerial practices that impact women and non-conforming gender behaviors based on factual evidence.
- Creating a safe space for students to vocalize their thoughts while acknowledging comfortability levels.
- Providing rewardable leadership opportunities.
- Acquiring strategies that advocate for gender-inclusive workplaces.
- Encouraging students to have a growth mindset.
Board Fellowship
The UCD GSM Board Fellowship Program places students on the boards of partner nonprofit organizations as non-voting or adjunct members. The program expands the pipeline of qualified and experienced MBA students for future roles in business leadership. It also allows students to contribute their skills and time to help solve business challenges faced by partner organizations.
This is a one-year commitment with an obligation of about 10 hours per month or less. You are expected to attend monthly board meetings and may be assigned to work on a project or business issue faced by the partner organization.
Current Partner Organization
- Woodland Opera House
- YoloArts
- Davis Foundation Schools
- DDSO
- Eskaton
Contact
Disha Gupta
President
Disha Gupta is a 2026 MBA candidate at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management with a focus on sustainability.
Gupta’s career began in Goldman Sachs’ securities and regulatory division, where she guided Fortune 500 clients through capital-raising and compliance challenges. Eager to put finance to work for the planet, she moved to the Middle East as a climate risk consultant, helping banks and energy companies quantify and mitigate climate-related financial risk. This summer she will join Delta Air Lines’ sustainable business team, advancing projects that accelerate aviation’s transition to net zero.
A firm believer that inclusive leadership drives better results, Gupta mentors women entering finance, volunteers with local food-security nonprofits and is leading an effort to weave AI and climate literacy into the MBA core. When she’s not crunching numbers or organizing events, you’ll find her on a yoga mat, discovering new cuisines or planning her next community service project.
Prasanti Cuttalambakkam Nadadur
Co-Vice President
Prasanti Cuttalambakkam Nadadur is an MBA candidate with a strong foundation in strategy, operations and consulting. Prior to business school, she spent six years at Deloitte, where she led large-scale digital transformation initiatives for global e-commerce clients.
As co-vice president, Nadadur is passionate about fostering an inclusive, supportive community. She is dedicated to designing programs that promote leadership development, meaningful mentorship and bold conversations around equity in the workplace.
Originally from India, Nadadur holds a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering. She brings a global perspective and is especially committed to uplifting underrepresented voices in business and technology.
Outside the classroom, Nadadur enjoys exploring national parks, learning about different cultures through food and building community through storytelling and peer mentorship.
Keerthana Subrahmanya Hegde
Hegde is a seasoned M&A Professional and STEM MBA Candidate with a rich background in finance, strategy and accounting. With extensive experience in conducting due diligence, analyzing financial models, and refining competitive landscapes, Hegde is passionate about leveraging her expertise to fortify profits and provide valuable insights to support strategic decision-making.
Beyond her professional pursuits, she finds joy in the arts and exploration. She intertwines her passion for dancing and painting with her work, recognizing the parallels between the discipline and expression required in her profession and the freedom of artistic expression. Having worked at Deloitte for over four years and being a participant in the Women's Excellence Program, Hegde is dedicated to fostering inclusivity and diversity within the industry while empowering women to excel in their careers.
Additionally, her love for traveling complements her role by fostering adaptability, cultural awareness, and a global perspective, enriching her ability to navigate diverse business landscapes and identify emerging opportunities.
