The Value of Community: Reflections from Erb Dual Degree Student Leadership

The Erb Strategic Advisory Board (SAB) is the backbone of the dual-degree student experience—a group of dedicated student leaders who serve as resources across academics, careers, community, coaching, and more. At the helm are the Co-Presidents, who liaise directly with Erb staff to shape and steward the program, supported by Vice Presidents spanning each functional area.

We sat down with outgoing Co-Presidents Radhika Handa and Shivanee Shah, both MBA/MS ‘26 as they wrapped up their term and passed the torch to the next cohort of leaders.

What has been your favorite part of your Erb experience? 

Radhika Handa: Hands down, the community. From my very first coffee chat as a prospective student to my first day on campus to now at the very end of my third year, it has always been the people in Erb who have had my back. Having this built-in community of like-minded individuals is something I've never taken for granted. Even among our shared values, I still find that our Erb community is full of diverse thoughts, interests, and experiences. There is so much that I continue to learn from Erbers of the past, present, and future–and I’m deeply grateful for that.

Shivanee Shah: I echo everything Radhika said. The community was one of the primary reasons I chose the University of Michigan, and it truly delivered. Beyond that, having two distinct academic experiences equipped me with a diverse set of tools, resources, and perspectives. Rather than simply adopting one program's worldview, I developed my own ideas, values, and beliefs that sit at the intersection of the two programs. The additional time also opened doors beyond the Erb, SEAS, and Ross communities. I appreciated the ability to use my professional development funding to attend conferences to dig deeper into my areas of passion,  sustainable packaging and regenerative agriculture. It also provided me with freedom to explore the University’s broader offerings, including the U-M Campus Farm and lectures held across the university. 

What made you want to become Co-Presidents of the Erb SAB?

SS: Personally, I had received so much from the Erb community that I felt compelled to pay it forward and invest in it for future generations of Erbers. I believe that community doesn't sustain itself; it requires active effort to build, evolve, and participate in. For me, that meant carrying forward the beloved traditions SAB maintains, such as Erb Moth, Erb Coaching, and Erb Camping, while also embracing the opportunity to create new ones that reflect the changing needs and interests of an ever-evolving community.

RH: I agree with everything Shivanee mentioned. Something that's also meant a lot to me is that over the past several years, Erb has been led by a legacy of remarkable women who have kept the spirit and traditions of the student community alive. They've been sources of wisdom and support throughout my time here, so being able to follow in their footsteps feels like both a privilege and a responsibility I didn't take lightly. Beyond that, we kept noticing how many natural connections existed between students and Erb Institute staff that weren't being fully tapped into. We're often more aligned than people realize, and we saw an opportunity to bridge that gap by collaborating to create more opportunities for students to access the support and resources that staff are genuinely eager to offer. That felt like something worth showing up for. 

What’s been your favorite part of serving as Co-Presidents?

RH: It's genuinely been a joy getting to be the bridge between students and staff. It's deepened relationships and friendships on both sides and, honestly, pushed me to step up in ways I wouldn't have otherwise. Showing up in rooms and conversations beyond just the current student community has stretched me in the best way. This also marks three consecutive years of Shivanee and me working together on Erb SAB. From co-directors to co-VPs and now co-presidents, it's been incredible to look back and see how much we've both grown as individuals and leaders. Since we're roommates too, we renamed our house the "Presidential Palace," so there's always a level of silliness and fun woven into our work.

SS: This experience also helped me realize that one of my core leadership philosophies is that leadership is about giving people the platform and support they need to achieve their own goals. We made it a priority to keep an open door, actively listening to the challenges fellow students were facing, especially amid a shifting political and economic climate, and working together to find meaningful solutions. What struck me most was the genuine passion shared across the Erb Staff and SAB to make this experience better for everyone. 

What lessons will you carry into your next chapter?

SS: The power of community extends well beyond our time at school. Connecting with Erb alumni and hearing their perspectives has been invaluable in shaping my own career path and values. As I move into the next chapter, I look forward to maintaining the relationships I've built, developing new connections with future Erbers, and staying engaged with the Erb alumni community for years to come.

RH: As Shivanee said, community is everything – and I'd add that it's only as strong and fruitful as what you put into it. The lesson I'll carry most is to be brave and step up, even when you think you might not be cut out for a job or when no one else is willing to. Show up for your community, not for the recognition, but because it will benefit others. I found that ethos most strongly within Erbers, and it is that deep sense of community and belonging that I’ll miss most after leaving Michigan. Saying goodbye is hard, but I know the connections and friendships I've made will stand the test of time, and I can’t wait to see all the incredible things Erbers, old and new, will continue to do.