Rashmi Shinde, Duke Fuqua MBA Class of 2027
Age: 27
Hometown: Shrirampur, Maharashtra
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Engineering in Textile Technology, VJTI Mumbai
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Miss International India 2024, Program Manager at a Group of Schools in rural India , NGO; Joint Secretary, model/influencer; 5+ years in education, sustainability, and social impact
Why did you make the decision to attend business school? Why now?
The decision to pursue an MBA is rooted in my aspiration to drive transformative change at scale.
Over the years, I have gained hands-on experience in social entrepreneurship, grassroots initiatives, and global advocacy, which has given me a nuanced understanding of the challenges communities face. My journey began with an engineering degree at VJTI, where I honed analytical and critical thinking skills, and evolved into leading initiatives as Joint Secretary of an NGO focused on empowering women and girls in rural India. Later, as Program Manager at a group of rural schools, I launched educational programs, improved infrastructure, and drove sustainability initiatives, further developing my leadership and problem-solving abilities. In 2023, I experienced a “now or never” moment that led me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a Miss India, transitioning to full-time modelling and pageantry to amplify my advocacy for education, women’s empowerment, and social impact. Winning Miss International India 2024 was not only a personal milestone but also gave me a global platform to refine my public speaking, team leadership, and communication skills.
These experiences, diverse yet interconnected, have fuelled my desire to create lasting, meaningful impact. An MBA is the natural next step to deepen my strategic and managerial expertise and transform my vision into sustainable, large-scale change.
Why did you choose Duke Fuqua? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
What drew me to Fuqua was the “Team Fuqua” spirit, which immediately felt like home. I’ve seen firsthand that lasting change happens when people come together with a shared purpose, not when working alone. During an admitted students’ weekend, a professor quoted, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together,” and that sentiment encapsulates both my leadership philosophy and the way I have approached community-driven initiatives in my career.
I am particularly drawn to Fuqua’s emphasis on social impact through programs like CASE i3, and the Client Consulting Practicum, which align closely with my interest in translating classroom insights into practical solutions for education and sustainability. Beyond academics, I am fascinated by Fuqua’s strong sports culture—there is something energizing about the sense of camaraderie, team spirit, and vitality it brings to campus life, which mirrors the values I carry from my own background in athletics. Above all, Fuqua’s intellectually vibrant yet supportive community offers the kind of environment where I can learn from diverse peers while contributing my own experiences, ensuring that growth is both personal and collective.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2027?
I bring a unique combination of the analytical mindset of an engineer, the empathy of a social advocate, and the composure of a national pageant winner. These varied experiences have taught me to adapt quickly, embrace challenges, and approach problems creatively.
Leading initiatives as a program manager and as Joint Secretary of an NGO taught me how to turn ideas into action, navigate complex stakeholder dynamics, and create meaningful impact in communities that need it most. Competing as a national-level skater and captaining basketball and athletics teams instilled resilience, teamwork, and a sense of energy and camaraderie that I carry into every collaboration. Winning Miss International India sharpened my leadership, communication, and ability to perform under pressure while amplifying causes I care about deeply, from education to women’s empowerment.
These experiences have instilled in me curiosity, resilience, and the courage to embrace challenges, which I hope to bring to Fuqua by fostering collaboration, inspiring peers to think beyond conventional boundaries, and contributing to a community that values both achievement and social impact.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
Giving my TEDx talk felt like a family relay: I was honored to be invited as a main guest speaker at the same TEDx event, where my mother had spoken two years ago. My brother helped my mom prepare her TEDx talk years ago, and now he helped me for my turn. Apparently, he’s our family’s behind-the-scenes wordsmith.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am interested in social impact consulting or management consulting, where I can combine strategic thinking with my passion for community development. I want to help organizations design solutions that improve education, sustainability, and women’s empowerment at scale. My goal is to translate grassroots experiences into measurable, sustainable outcomes that make a difference globally. An MBA will equip me with the frameworks, tools, and network necessary to pursue these ambitions effectively.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would relive the entire application journey because it encourages deep reflection, helping you understand your experiences, values, and goals. The process forces you to connect the dots of your life and articulate your impact, which is invaluable self-discovery.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I would be kinder to myself and trust my abilities, instead of overthinking every decision. It’s easy to doubt yourself in a competitive process, but focusing on growth rather than outcomes is far more rewarding. Our worth isn’t defined by the school we attend or the degree we earn; it’s determined by how we use our skills, passion, and opportunities to make an impact.”
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
If I could, I would skip the long waiting period after submitting my application. The days felt stretched, and it was easy to get caught up in anxiety about the outcome.
What helped me get through it was leaning on the unwavering support of my family, who reminded me to trust my efforts and perspective. I also focused on exploring alternative plans and preparing for different scenarios, which transformed a stressful period into a time of reflection, growth, and proactive preparation for the next steps in my journey.
What is your initial impression of the Fuqua students/culture/community?
I am amazed at how genuinely supportive and welcoming the community is. Everyone highly values diversity and is extremely willing to help, which immediately made me feel included despite my non-traditional background. I see collaboration and mutual respect in everyday interactions, not just as a slogan. It’s clear that students at Fuqua celebrate each other’s success and work together to achieve collective goals. This culture makes the learning environment inspiring and energizing.
What is one thing you have learned about Fuqua that has surprised you?
I’ve been impressed by how deliberately Fuqua has designed its team-based learning model. From day one, students work closely in teams, and it’s remarkable how effectively this structure fosters camaraderie, mutual support, and a sense of oneness. It’s not just a slogan about teamwork—every aspect of the program encourages collaboration, ensuring that students genuinely experience the power of collective effort. This intentional design has truly exceeded my expectations and shaped my learning in unexpected ways. Here, everyone wins together!
What student organizations do you hope to join and why?
I’m excited to join the Association of Women in Business, Net Impact, and the Consulting Club, as they align closely with my passion for social impact, sustainability, and helping women succeed professionally. Beyond these, I’m also looking forward to Fuqua’s sports clubs—being active and playing team sports has always been a source of energy, camaraderie, and joy for me. Participating in these organizations will give me the chance to contribute my experiences, learn from peers, and build meaningful connections both inside and outside the classroom.
What are you most excited about in your first year?
I am most excited about building lifelong friendships, learning from brilliant peers, and fully immersing myself in the Duke experience. I look forward to contributing to the community while growing as a leader and exploring opportunities in social impact, consulting, and global initiatives. Experiencing Fuqua’s collaborative and inclusive environment firsthand will be inspiring, and I can’t wait to combine learning with action to make a difference.
