Meet the MBA Class of 2025: Shiney Fotedar, Notre Dame (Mendoza)

Shiney Fotedar

Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame

“Former metalhead turned jazz enthusiast who loves art, music, and Monty Python.”

Hometown: Kashmir, India

Fun Fact About Yourself: I play the sitar.

Undergraduate School and Major: Université de Perpignan Via Domitia

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Business Development lead at a Singapore-based startup

When you think of Notre Dame, what are the first things that come to mind? How have your experiences with the Mendoza program thus far reinforced or upended these early impressions? When I first learned of the Mendoza College of Business, words like “ethics,” “community,” and “leadership” came to mind. I was seeking an MBA program with a deeper sense of purpose. My experiences as a student here have reinforced what makes Mendoza so unique.

The culture lives up to its mission of “growing the good in business to improve the human condition in an ever-changing society.” Through a highly experiential curriculum, and class discussions, we confront real-world ethical issues while developing into principled leaders with sound judgment.

Equally impressive is the genuine sense of community — a spirit that brings out the best in people. I am part of a close-knit cohort where everyone is deeply invested in each other’s success, while our professors and the business school staff go above-and-beyond to help us succeed. With rigorous courses and professors at the forefront of their fields, Notre Dame delivers on its reputation for academic excellence. Yet, the deep commitment to ethics and service-oriented leadership is what truly sets this program apart. I could not imagine a better place to become a well-rounded, values-driven business leader. The acclaimed Notre Dame alumni community has surpassed my expectations. Alums take extra efforts to connect, engage, and champion your victories.

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of the Mendoza MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The unparalleled Experiential Learning opportunities played a pivotal role in my decision to attend the Mendoza College of Business. As someone transitioning from an atypical background, the ability to put classroom knowledge into practice through real-world projects was extremely valuable to me.

I am especially excited about the immersive Business on the Frontlines (BOTFL) module next semester which will give me the opportunity to consult for real social enterprises and NGOs on pressing global issues. It is an impactful learning experience I couldn’t find anywhere else. Having partnered with organizations ranging from Accenture and General Electric to Catholic Relief Services and World Vision, BOTFL offers unique hands-on projects across industries – from supporting women’s enterprises in the West Bank to advising on urban farming initiatives in Chicago to enabling renewable energy growth in Tunisia. The complex, ever-changing realities of BOTFL projects epitomize the type of real-world challenges I aim to tackle in my career. Immersed in global business on the frontlines, we gain skills and perspective found nowhere else.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Mendoza? As a graduate student at the Mendoza College of Business, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Grow the Good Gala event. The event was conceived by forward-thinking MBA students who realized the immense potential of Mendoza graduate students to make a real difference in the community. The gala rallies and energizes all Mendoza graduate students to come together in support of a South Bend nonprofit’s mission. It brings students, faculty, and staff from across Mendoza’s Graduate Business programs for an evening focused on altruism, unity, and celebration. This year, the Gala featured a silent auction, dinner, dancing, and speakers. The mission for the Gala was to raise funds to support Mercy Works, a division of campus ministry that helps students to connect and serve the wider community; past initiatives have focused on feeding the hungry, tutoring adults on the road to recovery, playing with children, and much more.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: I spearheaded a business pivot for a Japanese company that expanded and diversified their revenue channels across Asia. Through this strategic shift, I helped broaden their client base by over 60%.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far?
Taking courses and participating in extracurricular activities which are outside of my comfort zone. The support provided by the professors and the Mendoza Business School administration has made this easier.

Mendoza is known as a purpose-driven MBA program that asks students to “Grow the good in business.” What is your mission and how has Mendoza been helping you realize it? I aspire to drive the development of visionary technological solutions that unleash boundless potential in people and unmatched greatness in humanity. I am also deeply passionate about facilitating meaningful employment and fulfillment opportunities for the visually impaired. My personal experiences have given me deep insight into the suffering caused by visual impairment. Through a distinctive focus on ethical questions and innovation, the Mendoza MBA has emboldened me to pursue both my goals with confidence and conviction.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? A well-known Notre Dame tradition is the Opening of the Academic Year Mass, which signifies the commencement of a new year of scholarly pursuit. I had the opportunity to attend this year as an incoming graduate student. I studied at a Catholic school, so this brought back great memories! The meticulously orchestrated event proved to be a poignant celebration of both academic excellence and spiritual reverence.

DON’T MISS: MEET NOTRE DAME MENDOZA’S MBA CLASS OF 2025