Women in Leadership and Allies (WiLA)
Women in Leadership and Allies (WiLA) is an independent student club operated through the Associated Students of Management (ASM) at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management.
Our Mission
The goal of Women in Leadership is to convene, connect, support, and develop GSM’s future gender-inclusive leaders and equip them with the tools to succeed through professional, educational, and social activities.
Women in Leadership will achieve this goal by:
- Cultivating collaborative leadership and collective success through interactive meetings.
- Engaging students in contemporary managerial practices that impact women and non-conforming gender behaviors based on factual evidence.
- Creating a safe space for students to vocalize their thoughts while acknowledging comfortability levels.
- Providing rewardable leadership opportunities.
- Acquiring strategies that advocate for gender-inclusive workplaces.
- Encouraging students to have a growth mindset.
Board Fellowship
The UCD GSM Board Fellowship Program places students on the boards of partner nonprofit organizations as non-voting or adjunct members. The program expands the pipeline of qualified and experienced MBA students for future roles in business leadership. It also allows students to contribute their skills and time to help solve business challenges faced by partner organizations.
This is a one-year commitment with an obligation of about 10 hours per month or less. You are expected to attend monthly board meetings and may be assigned to work on a project or business issue faced by the partner organization.
Current Partner Organization
- Woodland Opera House
- YoloArts
- Davis Foundation Schools
- DDSO
- Eskaton
Contact
Disha Gupta
President
Disha Gupta is a 2026 MBA candidate at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management with a focus on sustainability.
Gupta’s career began in Goldman Sachs’ securities and regulatory division, where she guided Fortune 500 clients through capital-raising and compliance challenges. Eager to put finance to work for the planet, she moved to the Middle East as a climate risk consultant, helping banks and energy companies quantify and mitigate climate-related financial risk. This summer she will join Delta Air Lines’ sustainable business team, advancing projects that accelerate aviation’s transition to net zero.
A firm believer that inclusive leadership drives better results, Gupta mentors women entering finance, volunteers with local food-security nonprofits and is leading an effort to weave AI and climate literacy into the MBA core. When she’s not crunching numbers or organizing events, you’ll find her on a yoga mat, discovering new cuisines or planning her next community service project.
Prasanti Cuttalambakkam Nadadur
Co-Vice President
Prasanti Cuttalambakkam Nadadur is an MBA candidate with a strong foundation in strategy, operations and consulting. Prior to business school, she spent six years at Deloitte, where she led large-scale digital transformation initiatives for global e-commerce clients.
As co-vice president, Nadadur is passionate about fostering an inclusive, supportive community. She is dedicated to designing programs that promote leadership development, meaningful mentorship and bold conversations around equity in the workplace.
Originally from India, Nadadur holds a bachelor's degree in electrical and electronics engineering. She brings a global perspective and is especially committed to uplifting underrepresented voices in business and technology.
Outside the classroom, Nadadur enjoys exploring national parks, learning about different cultures through food and building community through storytelling and peer mentorship.
Shubhi Gupta
Co-Vice President
Shubhi Gupta is a 2026 MBA candidate at UC Davis with a background in technology and product management. Prior to business school, she worked at Adobe and InMobi, where she led cross-functional product initiatives across AI, video technology and advertising—earning a patent and global recognition for her work.
As co–vice president of Women in Leadership and Allies, she’s passionate about creating spaces where women uplift each other, share stories and grow into confident changemakers.
She believes small conversations spark big shifts and brings that spirit to every event she helps shape. Outside the classroom, you’ll find her exploring food and trails or dreaming up her next passion project.
Sachi Nandedkar
Co-Director of Operations & Logistics
Sachi Nandedkar is a first-year STEM MBA candidate with a background in biotechnology and technology management. She brings experience in project coordination, event operations and process improvement through roles with TEDxUCDavis, Flex BioCulture and UC Davis Venture Catalyst. As WiLA’s co-director of operations and logistics, she is excited to streamline event operations and help foster an inclusive, supportive community for all women and allies at the GSM. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, creating art and traveling the world.
Tarun Gautam
Director of Marketing & Communications
Tarun Gautam is a Master of Management candidate at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management. With a background in computer science and experience across business operations, technology and leadership, he brings a strong interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.
As director of marketing and communications for Women in Leadership and Allies, Gautam is dedicated to elevating the club’s voice, strengthening its brand presence and fostering meaningful engagement within the GSM community. He is passionate about exploring new business ideas and continues to seek opportunities that blend creativity, strategy and impact.
