How Risk Management Fuels This Grad Student's Entrepreneurial Success

What sparked your interest in entrepreneurship?

After completing my undergraduate degree in computer science, I began working as a software engineer at GlobalLogic, a digital services company that provides software development services under its subsidiary, Hitachi. After over a year in my role, I realized most companies focus on serving affluent communities, leaving underserved populations behind. Losing my father at a young age and growing up with a single parent, I know firsthand the transformative power of a supportive community and the ability to access equal opportunities to all, regardless of caste, creed, or background.

This gap motivated me to launch the start-up company Knot Hastags, a platform dedicated to empowering artisans and communities with limited resources by connecting them with global markets through technology.

Did you encounter any challenges when launching your start-up company? If so, how did you address them?

Building a cohesive team was a significant challenge in launching my start-up. It took 1.5 years of conducting interviews to assemble a team of six individuals who shared my vision and passion for innovation. 

In addition, a significant obstacle was securing funding. We pitched our idea to stakeholders; however, most told us to implement the concept and generate revenue before seeking financing. Drawing from my experience in Model United Nations (UN) conferences, I knew that organizations like the UN and its partners believe in community-driven initiatives, even in their early stages. So, we applied to the United People Global (UPG) sustainability program. Despite setbacks, our persistence paid off. Out of 10,000 applicants, we were selected as one of the 500 participants for the UPG Sustainability Leader 2024 title. The program involved three months of training and offered the top 60 participants an opportunity to attend a fully funded, one-week physical training at the Boston Scientific Center. The program also provides a platform to pitch directly to UN officials and influential global leaders. 

What prompted your decision to pursue a graduate degree, specifically in risk management?

Through launching and running the start-up, I learned that while I could handle the technological side of the business, becoming a proficient leader also required understanding the business side. Leading a team, creating effective strategies, and managing overall operations are critical skills I need to develop. That’s when I identified the importance of pursuing a master’s degree to complement my technical expertise with business acumen.

I chose to study Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) because risk is a cornerstone of any project. To grow as a leader, you need to understand how to efficiently manage and mitigate risks across an enterprise, while also seeing them as opportunities for growth. Studying ERM also provides a structured framework for identifying, assessing, and leveraging risks, making it the perfect program of study for those with entrepreneurial aspirations. 

What motivated you to choose the Enterprise Risk Management program at St. John’s University? 

I applied to more than 16 universities and was admitted to 15, including prestigious institutions like NYU, UIUC, Rice University, and the University of California. Ultimately, I chose St. John’s University for its strong alumni network. For instance, typing any company name on LinkedIn often shows several alumni working there, reflecting the strong professional connections this University offers. This network and access to mentorship and guidance made St. John’s the ideal place to fuel my entrepreneurial ambitions and professional growth. 

How has campus involvement at St. John’s played in your personal and professional growth?

My experience with the student-run consulting organization at the University, Consult Your Community (CYC), has been incredibly invaluable. As a team leader, I guide five business analysts in providing consulting for artisans worldwide. Currently, we are consulting a solo, female-owned business operation, providing strategic guidance and marketing research. 

This role has been transformative in several ways:

Understanding the US Industry: Working closely with local businesses has given me deep insights into the dynamics of the US industry, including market trends, operational challenges, and client expectations. This knowledge has been invaluable for my entrepreneurial and professional journey. 

Leadership Development: Leading a team of diverse, skilled individuals has honed my leadership skills, especially in delegation, motivation, and fostering a collaborative environment. It’s shown me the importance of balancing team strengths while aligning them toward a common goal. 

Problem-Solving: The nonprofit we consult for faces unique challenges requiring innovative and strategic solutions. This has sharpened my analytical thinking and ability to craft actionable recommendations tailored to real-world scenarios. 

Application of ERM Skills: My role at CYC allows me to apply concepts from my Enterprise Risk Management coursework, such as risk assessment and strategic decision-making, to address operational and sustainability challenges for the organization we consult. 

How has studying enterprise risk management advanced your entrepreneurial goals?

Earning a graduate degree at St. John’s University has been instrumental in shaping my leadership abilities. Throughout my entrepreneurial journey, I excelled in developing products, but leading a business required understanding risk management and strategic decision making. My coursework teaches me to see risks as opportunities for innovation and growth. In addition, St. John’s University’s strong alumni network has also opened doors to mentorship opportunities, such as CYC, giving me access to resources that accelerate my progress.

If you could go back, what strategies or decisions would you change in your career or entrepreneurial journey? 

One key strategy I would change in my entrepreneurial journey would be prioritizing mentorship earlier. When I launched KnotHastags, I knew I was passionate and focused on building the product. Still, I underestimated the value of having mentors who could provide strategic direction and connect me with resources sooner. Looking back, investing time to build a network of experienced advisers could have accelerated the process and avoided some missteps. However, every challenge taught me resilience, adaptability, and critical problem-solving skills, so while I would refine these strategies, I don’t regret the lessons learned along the way—they’ve shaped the entrepreneur and leader I am today.

What advice would you give to students pursuing entrepreneurship alongside their studies?

First and foremost, learning how to manage your time efficiently is essential. Running a business often requires juggling multiple tasks and dealing with uncertainty. I had to learn how to balance a business start-up while navigating life as a student, which provided me with valuable practical experience. 

Secondly, networking is essential. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people who motivate and believe in you is crucial.

Finally, you must possess both drive and resilience. It is vital to take risks, explore available resources, and put yourself out there while acknowledging and learning from your failures.

What are your next steps after graduation? 

I will continue actively focusing on securing funding to invest in the technology and expand the team. New York City offers immense opportunities for resources and mentorship, and I am actively seeking the right people to guide us. I am confident we will achieve our next milestone with persistence and support to take KnotHastags to greater heights.