The Entrepreneurial Spirit Runs Through the Class of 2028
There are a few universal truths of a Babson undergraduate education: You will have ample opportunities to collaborate. You will dive into hands-on learning immediately. You will go beyond a traditional business education to learn the practical alongside the theoretical.
And, the most universal of them all is that you will emerge an entrepreneurial leader, someone who sees opportunities when others see challenges. Someone eager and equipped to tackle the world’s most pressing problems.
For members of the Babson Class of 2028, the education is just beginning but the entrepreneurial spirit is a stalwart of their lives. You can call them innovators. They are actors, designers, and dancers. They’ve started nonprofits and clubs, motivated by family stories, their cultures, and a passion for activism.
Through their accomplishments and their ambitions, the desire to go beyond the expected has fueled them. It’s now time to see where a Babson education will take them.
Gaurang Agarwal ’28
Gaurang Agarwal ’28 co-founded KidFin with two friends; it’s an organization where Agarwal teaches financial literacy to high school students in India. A self-proclaimed “Bollywood fanboy,” you can also find Agarwal acting on the stage.
You teach personal finance with help from board and video games. What is that experience like?
“As we designed the online app to build games and came up with the first prototype, the design thinking process was so enriching. Testing it in the markets also gave us insight into real-life applications. I enjoyed pitching this idea to investors—and winning and losing B-Plan competitions—because it tested my skills as a founder and risk-taker.”
Riva Babaria ’28
Growing up in New Jersey, Riva Babaria ’28 would max out her library card’s book limit. Though an avid reader, she struggled to find characters that reflected her culture. She now helps children of color find books they can see themselves in.
You started Read the Room Diverse Children’s Books. What sparked your interest?
“I began noticing the issues with poorly written representation: ambiguous characters of color, harmful stereotypes, and a lack of intersectionality. These problems have a far-reaching impact, from limiting the identities and aspirations of children of color to reinforcing harmful, systematic stereotypes.
“I thought I could start with something simpler like children’s books to help diversify children’s literature in my own way, collaborating with people from different cultures in my town to create authentic stories. I’ve published my first book, Slipping in Sarees, with my friend and illustrator, Isabella Collazo, about my own culture. Through this experience, I’ve learned that execution is progress. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to feel like your vision is fragile, but I realized acting is always better than doing nothing. Even if I failed, I’d learn something valuable.”
Alessandra Chiara Halim ’28
When starting her organization Kasih Edukasi, Alessandra Chiara Halim ’28 worked with three partners and over 70 students and volunteers. As a result, she now aids the learning journeys of underprivileged children in Indonesia. She’s also the head of design for the fundraising art exhibition Asmaraloka.
How do you approach your work as a graphic designer?
“I craft distinct brand identities and strategically think of ways to make designs eye-catching. When I break down a design, I can connect it to so much more—the blue is the serenity of the Pacific by noon, or the crowding between fonts and text sizes stand out like an argument. Every little detail adds to a larger picture, just as in a community, where everyone’s unique perspectives matter.”
Ananya Gandikota ’28
After immigrating from India to Arizona, Ananya Gandikota ’28 says she struggled with never feeling completely Indian or completely American. Through dance, she found an outlet into her culture. Additionally, she served as the Youth Board President of the India Association of Phoenix throughout high school.
What does dance mean to you?
“When I began practicing Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance form, I felt the missing piece between me and my culture start to vanish. As a Bharatanatyam student, not only did I get the privilege of learning the dance form, but I also deeply understood the Hindu stories that each movement and expression represented. … Since this dance journey successfully brought me closer to my culture, I became a Bharatanatyam teacher.”
Selvin Perdomo ’28
Selvin Perdomo ’28, a first-generation student from Florida, saw the importance of community as his family dealt with a health scare while living in rural El Salvador. It led to a passion for giving back and inspiration for his accounting company, Z-Wealth, which aims to narrow the wealth gap.
What do you hope to accomplish at Babson?
“I’m excited for opportunities through the Natalie Taylor Scholars program, particularly in the humanities and community service sectors, and to continue my volunteer work. Professionally, my intention is to combine my education in finance with my interest in volunteer work by finding ways of using financial skills for community needs. This would mean student organizations, local nonprofits, or campus initiatives. I look forward to applying my finance background in service to make a meaningful difference and contribute positively to the community.”
Posted in Community
