On April 20, 2026, the Sanger Leadership Center celebrated this year’s Michigan Ross Leader Endorsement (MRLE) graduates with a closing ceremony at the Ross School of Business. A record 130 students earned the endorsement this year, with 126 graduating this May.
The evening brought together students, family members, faculty, and staff to recognize a cohort that has intentionally developed how they lead themselves, others, and teams. Through a combination of coursework, co-curricular experiences, and reflection grounded in the Michigan Model of Leadership, these students developed the ability to navigate tension, adapt across contexts, and lead with intention.
The celebration featured remarks from three student speakers—Bizzy Webb (BBA ’26), Neha Sathish Kumar (MSCM ’26), and MJ Gellada (WMBA ’26)—as well as recognition of graduates and closing remarks from Associate Dean S. Sriram. The evening concluded with a reception, creating space for connection and reflection.
In their remarks, these graduates emphasized a shared theme: leadership is not a static skillset—it is a daily practice shaped by reflection, feedback, and experience.
Below, they reflect on their MRLE experience, the moments that shaped their thinking, and what they’re taking with them next.
Bizzy Webb, BBA ’26
How did MRLE shape your understanding of leadership?
The Michigan Model of Leadership helped me understand that leadership is full of tension—and that the goal isn’t to choose one side, but to learn how to hold both. That idea really clicked through my experiences in MRLE.
What experiences stand out from your journey?
Legacy Lab pushed me to think beyond what felt expected and imagine multiple possible futures for my life. It reframed innovation for me—not just as creating something new, but as challenging your own assumptions and asking “what if?” without shutting it down too quickly.
At the same time, experiences like being a Sanger Ambassador showed me what real collaboration looks like—no ownership over a single idea, just a team building something better together.
What does leadership look like for you now?
It’s about knowing how to flex. When to collaborate, when to provide structure, when to innovate, and when to drive results. MRLE helped me build that range—and the awareness to know when each is needed.
Neha Sathish Kumar, MSCM ’26
What was a defining moment in your MRLE experience?
One of the most memorable experiences for me was the Leadership Crisis Challenge. It was intense, challenging, and honestly unforgettable. It pushed me to stay calm under pressure, trust the process, and make thoughtful decisions even when I didn’t have all the answers.
How did MRLE shape how you think about leadership?
Before this experience, I may have thought leadership was mostly about making decisions or taking charge. MRLE helped me see that it’s really about how you show up for others—how you support your team, navigate uncertainty, and stay grounded in moments that matter.
What are you taking with you after graduation?
I’m walking away with a clearer sense of the kind of leader I want to be—someone who leads with confidence, empathy, and purpose. I know I won’t always get everything right, but I’ll continue to grow and lead with intention.
MJ Gellada , WMBA ’26
What was a defining moment in your MRLE experience?
For me, it started with the Michigan Model of Leadership 360 Assessment. I expected it to reinforce how I saw myself as a leader—but instead, it showed a gap between my self-perception and how my team actually experienced me. That was a turning point. It forced me to confront the reality that I wasn’t leading as effectively as I thought I was.
How did that insight change how you lead?
I started treating Ross—and MRLE specifically—as a laboratory. I tested what I was learning in real time at work. I shifted from being the person with the answers to someone who asked better questions, focused more on people, and rebuilt a sense of community on my team.
What are you taking with you after graduation?
Leadership isn’t something you “achieve” and move on from—it’s a commitment you renew every day. The biggest shift for me has been recognizing that self-awareness and reflection are not optional. They’re the work.