Bheema Kunwar

Washington University, Olin Business School in St. Louis

“Finance professional from Nepal with global work experience, passionate about empowering women and driving positive impact.”

Hometown: Waling, Syangja, Nepal

Fun Fact About Yourself: I enjoy sharing Indian and Nepali chai (Milk Tea) and cuisines with friends, including MBA classmates, and love their reactions!

Undergraduate School and Major: University of Delhi and Major: Accounting, Finance, Economics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Employer – British Telecom Group as a Financial Analyst

What has been your favorite part of St. Lous so far? What makes St. Louis such a great place to earn an MBA? St. Louis offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences—I enjoyed the Diwali Festival (India), Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and many others. Its affordability and professional opportunities make it a fantastic place for MBA students. The city’s thriving startup ecosystem, access to Fortune 500 companies like IBM, Accenture, and British Telecom Group, and its strong sense of community provide an ideal environment for learning and growth. Personally, I’ve loved exploring Forest Park, St. Louis downtown with the Gateway Arch at night, savoring diverse cuisines, and connecting with St. Louis’ welcoming community. I’m also falling in love with the fall weather—everything looks so beautiful!

Aside from the global immersion, what was the key part of Washington Olin’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? One key aspect of Washington Olin’s MBA program that drew me was its small class size and personalized learning experience, where every professor knows your first name. The intimate class environment fosters meaningful connections with professors, peers, and alumni; it creates an ideal space for collaborative learning and in-depth discussions while offering opportunities to understand each other’s cultures and values. This year, Olin has students from 29 countries, which is a source of pride for us as WashU MBA students, with more than 53% being women. This was important to me because it aligns with my goal to engage deeply with diverse perspectives, gain tailored mentorship, and build lifelong relationships. I believe this close-knit environment will maximize my learning and growth, both academically and professionally.

What course, club or activity have you enjoyed the most so far at Washington Olin? There are many great clubs at Olin, but one of my favorites is the Olin Women in Business (OWIB) Club. It has been an incredible platform to connect with inspiring women leaders, exchange ideas, and learn from diverse perspectives. The club fosters a supportive environment, where members help each other by sharing internship and job application tips. This is particularly true during events like Career Journey Unplugged sessions and virtual alumni panel discussions featuring professionals from top companies. These events offer valuable insights into diverse career paths and practical advice. The club’s focus on empowering women through mentorship, workshops, and networking events resonates deeply with my personal passion for supporting women in business. Being part of OWIB has not only enhanced my leadership skills, but also allowed me to contribute to fostering a more inclusive and supportive community at Olin.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: One of my biggest career accomplishments was in my previous organization, leading a critical project at British Telecom Group to resolve a $4 million supplier finance variance across multiple regions within a tight one-month deadline. This required coordinating with over 40 stakeholders across three continents, bridging knowledge gaps, and aligning on deliverables despite the complexity of the task. I fostered a collaborative team environment, ensured regular follow-ups, and provided clear guidance to all stakeholders. Through persistence and teamwork, we successfully cleared the variances within the timeline, exceeding expectations. This experience not only honed my project management and problem-solving skills, but also earned me recognition from senior leadership for delivering impactful results under pressure.

Additionally, being admitted to WashU Olin Business School as part of the Class of 2026 as a Dean Scholar is another proud achievement, marking a significant milestone in my journey toward leadership and excellence in business.

Describe your biggest achievement in the MBA program so far: My biggest achievement in the MBA program so far has been building meaningful connections within the diverse Olin community while balancing academic rigor and extracurricular involvement. By participating in events like Career Journey Unplugged sessions and leading discussions in the Olin Women in Business (OWIB) Club, I’ve contributed to fostering an inclusive environment. Collaborating with peers from over 29 countries on case studies and projects has expanded my global perspective and enhanced my teamwork skills.

A particularly memorable milestone was during the global experience in Barcelona, Spain, where I worked with my team to adapt a St. Louis food service business model to the Spanish market. This involved addressing key business aspects like positioning, offerings, service delivery, competitive advantage, profitability, implementation, and promotion. By engaging directly with locals, exploring streets, markets, and business hubs, we gained valuable insights into customer preferences and pricing strategies. This hands-on project deepened my understanding of creating a global business model, honed my cultural adaptability, and strengthened my problem-solving abilities. It was a defining moment in my MBA journey, equipping me with practical skills for diverse global markets.

What has been your best memory as an MBA so far? My best memory as an MBA so far has been the Global Experience in Washington, D.C., and Barcelona, Spain. In D.C., I gained a deep understanding of how to analyze global issues, improve communication, and develop strategies that align with both public and private sector expectations. These skills are crucial for leadership roles in a dynamic, interconnected global business environment. In Spain, I worked with my classmates on adapting a St. Louis food service business model to the Spanish market was an unforgettable experience. We explored local streets, markets, and business hubs; talked to locals to understand their preferences and expectations; and crafting a tailored business strategy was both challenging and rewarding. Beyond the academic project, the shared moments with classmates—celebrating milestones, embracing new cultural experiences, and building lasting friendships—made it truly special. It was the perfect combination of academic growth, cultural immersion, and personal connection.

DON’T MISS: MEET WASHINGTON OLIN’S MBA CLASS OF 2026