Women’s Leadership Institute Student Spotlight with Aanika Sanghvi
February 24, 2025 - Shelly DeJong
Meet Aanika Sanghvi, a senior psychology major with a minor in Leadership Organizations. Aanika is also a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI), a program at Michigan State University that is designed to support and empower women students with leadership aspirations.
Why are you a psychology major?
I chose psychology because I have always been passionate about helping people. By studying psychology, I can use this passion to understand why people do things the way they do. Specifically, being from Tanzania, I would like to research more culturally specific preventions and treatment that are not solely Western-based practices.
Why did you want to join WLI?
I wanted to join the WLI to be surrounded by other young female leaders who are and will be doing inspiring things. The executive board inspires me as they are so helpful, knowledgeable, and overall girl bosses who have achieved so much and continue to do so. They put so much back into seeing other women succeed which is so amazing.
Can you talk about your experience with the WLI so far?
The WLI has been the perfect experience, no matter what the occasion, from workshops, and coffee hours to our capstone events I have always learned so much and always leave grateful to be part of this organization. All of the girls are always so helpful and it's so cool to see how much they have done already as undergraduates.
What have you enjoyed the most so far?
Meeting high-achieving women at MSU that are doing great things for their future. Learning new things at every single event that we have.
What are your goals for the future?
My goals for the future include getting my master's degree and PhD in Child Clinical Psychology and then eventually moving back to Tanzania to practice.
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. Learn more about the institute, view application materials, and take advantage of their resources.