Introducing the 2025–26 Sanger Student Ambassadors

The Sanger Leadership Center is proud to introduce our 2025–26 Sanger Student Ambassadors (SSAs)! These 12 students represent a wide range of programs and experiences, all united by a passion for leadership and community at Michigan Ross.

You’ll meet all of our SSAs below—and hear directly from five who shared personal reflections on what leadership means to them, their favorite spots on campus, and advice for fellow students exploring their own leadership journey.

Emily Africk, FTMBA ’26
eafrick@umich.edu

The Big House reminds me what it feels like to be part of something bigger than yourself — a community that shows up, supports one another, and takes pride in growing together. That’s what Sanger has been for me at Ross. It’s given me the courage to take risks, speak up, and grow into my own leadership style. I’m excited to be a Sanger Student Ambassador and help others find the same sense of community and confidence that has shaped my experience here at Michigan.

Ask Me About: Leadership Crisis Challenge, Legacy Lab, Leading Inclusive Teams, MRLE, Story Lab, Collaboration Lab

Zach Hart, BBA ’27
zachhart@umich.edu

“Great leadership starts in stillness. Nature teaches us that reflection isn’t retreat, it’s renewal. When we take time to recharge, we return ready to lead with intention.”

Furstenberg Nature Area is tucked away in Ann Arbor and is a place for me to reflect, reset, and realign with my goals. It’s where I go to find clarity and perspective. Leadership isn’t about constant motion but about balance, awareness, and knowing when to pause so we can move forward with purpose. As a SSA, I’m excited to help others find their own moments of stillness and lead with clarity. My advice for peers is to take time to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with what drives you. When you do, you return stronger, more focused, and ready to make a meaningful impact.

Ask Me About: Leadership Dialogues, Legacy Lab, MRLE, Story Lab

Jiya Sheth, BBA ’26
Jiyakps@umich.edu

Looking back as a senior, the Blau Colloquium holds a lot of meaning for me because it’s where I first encountered imposter syndrome, and later, where I learned to overcome it. As a freshman, I remember sitting in mass meetings during club recruiting season, surrounded by driven, confident students, and feeling like I didn’t quite measure up. Blau became the place where I questioned whether I belonged here at Ross. A couple of years later, standing on that same stage to present in front of over 200 students, I realized that courage doesn’t come from certainty. It comes from showing up anyway.

That’s why becoming a Sanger Student Ambassador (SSA) means so much to me. Sanger has shaped my journey from quiet self-doubt to confident, purpose-driven leadership. Through the Ross Leaders Academy, I learned that leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about knowing who you are, showing up with authenticity, and lifting others as you grow. I’ve carried those lessons into every role I’ve taken on, from building teams and mentoring students to launching my own start-up. As an SSA, I’m excited to create spaces where students can see that same transformation within themselves, where they feel seen, supported, and inspired to lead from a place of purpose rather than pressure.

If I could share one piece of advice, it would be this: lean into the rooms that make you doubt yourself, because they’re often the ones that reveal who you’re becoming.

Ask Me About: Ross Leaders Academy, Story Lab

Britt Van Antwerp, BBA ’26
brittv@umich.edu

The Big House represents community to me. My leadership philosophy centers on lifting others up and working together toward a shared goal—whether that’s coordinating with friends to hold seats or supporting the team on game day. The words above the tunnel, ‘The Team, The Team, The Team,’ capture that spirit perfectly. The stadium is a constant reminder that no individual wins alone—it’s the power of the team, and the community behind it, that leads to true success.

I’m thrilled to serve as a Student Ambassador because the Sanger Leadership Center has been transformational in my journey as a leader. Through Sanger’s programs, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect deeply alongside peers, mentors, and coaches—experiences that helped me understand my values and how to lead with authenticity and purpose. What’s been most powerful is how quickly I’ve been able to put these learnings into action—strengthening my ability to collaborate, inspire others, and drive meaningful impact in my work and community.

My advice to peers is to stay curious. Curiosity has been a guiding principle throughout my experience in the Ross Leaders Academy and has shaped how I approach leadership. If you’ve ever imagined yourself leading a company or driving change in your field, take the time to reflect on the kind of leader you want that version of yourself to be. Through Sanger’s programs, you have the chance to explore different leadership styles, gain hands-on experience, and discover what truly aligns with your values and vision.

Ask Me About: Leadership Dialogues, Ross Leaders Academy

Aakanksha Vyawahare, FTMBA/MHSA ’26
aakankv@umich.edu

This selfie was taken outside my car at the Michigan Stadium parking area, where I park daily. It’s a spot that feels special to me because it marks the transition between home and campus — the moment I shift gears, both literally and mentally. My car has become a space for reflection during those drives — a time to think, plan, and reset. I’m excited to be an SSA because it gives me the chance to share how Sanger has shaped my leadership journey and transformed my life, and as an ambassador, I continue to learn and grow along the way. My advice to peers is to stay focused not just on doing things, but on reflecting on what you’re learning and how you want to carry those lessons forward in your life — something Sanger has truly helped me realize.

Ask Me About: Leading Inclusive Teams, MRLE, Ross Leaders Academy, Story Lab