PSY Student Spotlight: Dhwani Rakesh Bagrecha

November 8, 2024

Meet Dhwani Rakesh Bagrecha, a fourth-year psychology major with a double minor in Leadership of Organizations and Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Dhwani is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI), a program at Michigan State University that was designed to support and empower women students with leadership aspirations.  

 

Why do you study psychology? 

I’ve always been deeply curious about emotions and why people are the way they are. Growing up in India, a country full of rich and diverse perspectives, only amplified my desire to understand the world and the people in it. One of my greatest strengths is empathy—being willing to learn and truly understand others. My goal is to make a meaningful difference by bridging the stigma around mental health and creating spaces where people feel heard and supported. What I love most about psychology is how it allows me to explore these questions and continue my journey of lifelong learning.  

 

What interested you about WLI? 

I was in the WLI cohort last year, and I’m thrilled to reconnect with all the board members and my peers. The WLI offers a plethora of opportunities to grow as a leader, which is what initially drew me to the program. It provides an incredible sense of community and support within the College of Social Science, giving me the chance to continue expanding my leadership skills. 

I'm deeply involved on campus. With my involvement on campus as the president of the Human Resources Association, the Director of Human Resources for the Residence Hall Association, an RA, and a member of the Dean's Student Advisory Council, the WLI has been a perfect space for me to grow even further. Learning alongside such aspiring peers, who are also leaders in this space, makes it even more special.

 

What are you looking forward to this year with WLI? 

I’m excited to further develop my leadership skills and continue the self-reflection that the WLI fosters. As a person of color, this space has given me the confidence to fully embrace my identity and step into my leadership role with pride. WLI provides a unique opportunity to reflect on my experiences, grow, and expand my perspective alongside a diverse group of peers. It's going to be an enriching year!

 

What are your goals for the future? 

The world is my oyster, and I’m excited to see what’s next! I’m applying to graduate programs in Human-Computer Interaction, which combines my love for psychology with the tech world. Alternatively, I might take a year to work in Human Resources, utilizing my background in I/O psychology before pursuing my master's. Either way, I'm ready for whatever comes next!

 

Is there anyone at MSU that has helped you along the way? 

I’d love to shout out Lindsey Spitzley from the Psych Department, who has been such a fantastic support during my CPT process this past summer! I also want to recognize Dr. Amanda Guilbot, the director of the WLI program—she’s been a true mentor who is always there to listen and guide me.

Additionally, I want to express my gratitude for the MRULE ICA program! I also want to say thank you to all my friends who have become like family to me. I'm incredibly thankful for everyone I've crossed paths with at MSU, and each connection has played a meaningful role in my journey.

 

The WLI’s mission is to ignite women leaders while their vision is to advance leadership equity for women globally. The program aims to create a sustainable community by providing high quality programming for MSU’s students, faculty, and community. To learn more about the institute, view application materials, and take advantage of their resources, visit their website at: https://socialscience.msu.edu/research/centers-institutes/wli/wli-about.html.