Building entrepreneurial leadership beyond the classroom
Wakeling-Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholar Sakshi Rajput reflects on leadership, innovation and the experiences that shaped her during the 2025-26 academic year.
During the 2025-26 academic year, students in the Stephen Wakeling & Erin Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholars program explored opportunities to learn, lead and innovate beyond the classroom. Designed for a select cohort of driven students, the program provided leadership development, mentorship and networking opportunities that extended beyond traditional academic experiences.
What distinguished this WGE cohort was not only its focus on entrepreneurship, but also its emphasis on connection. Scholars served as bridges across campus, linking departments, programs and peers while helping expand opportunities for others. Whether supporting initiatives like TEDx, participating in entrepreneurship events or leading outreach efforts, WGE students played an active role in fostering a collaborative and innovative campus culture.
A transformative experience beyond campus
A defining highlight of the program this year was the scholars' immersive trip to Orlando, an experience that brought entrepreneurship to life. Through visits to innovation hubs, startups and established organizations, students gained firsthand exposure to one of the country's most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems.
For Sakshi Rajput, an accounting and finance major from India, the experience was nothing short of transformative.
"Seeing a master-planned, innovation-driven community like Lake Nona made me realize that entrepreneurship is not just about an idea, it's about building a community," she shared. Rajput emphasized how the interconnected nature of businesses in Orlando reshaped her understanding of innovation. Rather than operating in isolation, organizations worked collaboratively, demonstrating that shared vision and partnerships are essential for sustainable growth.
From observation to action
The Orlando experience challenged students to think bigger and act bolder. For many, it was an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and grow as emerging leaders.
Rajput reflected on her personal development: "Leadership is not about having all the answers; it's about showing up, being curious, and inspiring those around you."
This mindset shift reflected a central goal of the WGE experience. Students explored entrepreneurship while developing the skills and confidence to lead within it.
One idea that particularly resonated with scholars was the concept of collaborative spaces such as business incubators. Inspired by what she observed, Rajput hopes to see similar environments at CMU, spaces where students can innovate, collaborate and access resources to bring their ideas to life.
Strengthening a culture of collaboration
The lessons from Orlando influenced how scholars approached student engagement, partnerships and opportunities for their peers back on campus. More importantly, the experience reinforced a core principle of the program: entrepreneurship thrives in community. By working together across disciplines and backgrounds, WGE students helped build an ecosystem where ideas could grow and innovation could flourish.
Beyond the trip, the WGE program helped shape students' personal and professional journeys. Through mentorship, networking and hands-on experiences, scholars gained the tools and confidence needed to pursue ambitious goals.
"The program has helped me network more meaningfully, grow as a leader, and dream bigger than I ever did before," Rajput said. That sense of growth was echoed across the cohort, where students consistently challenged and inspired one another.
A community of support
The success of the 2025-26 WGE cohort was also driven by the individuals who made these experiences possible. Students expressed deep gratitude to alumnus and CMU supporter Jon Voightman for his dedication to planning the Orlando trip and investing in their growth as future leaders. Additional appreciation was extended to Dean Chris Moberg and program director Julie Messing, whose support helped strengthen the program and its impact on students.
For this year’s scholars, the Wakeling-Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholars program provided opportunities to develop leadership skills, build meaningful connections and explore entrepreneurship beyond the classroom. Through shared experiences, mentorship and collaboration, scholars strengthened their ability to connect ideas, people and possibilities while creating opportunities for others along the way.
