Washburn University Student Sangya Yogi Receives 2022 Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship

      Topeka, Kan.- Washburn University student Sangya Yogi could teach a class herself on utilizing resources at Washburn University to not only pursue her education but also how to fund that education and really get the most from one’s college experience. This junior took advantage of the university's vast resources and became a recipient of the 2022 Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship. She was one of 37 women to receive the competitive, international scholarship.

      The Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship is an award sponsored by the Zonta International program. The scholarship helps women pursue undergraduate and master's degrees in business management, and overcome gender barriers from the classroom to the boardroom. 

      The scholarship has an extensive application process that requires two recommendation letters, a personal essay and a transcript. The program operates at the club, district, region and international levels. Zonta International offers 37 scholarships, each worth $5,000. In addition to the financial aspect of the award, recipients also gain notoriety and networking opportunities in the business career field.

      Yogi is an international student from Dang, Nepal. When she researched colleges internationally to attend, Yogi concluded that the Washburn School of Business would be the best fit for her. She is double-majoring in business data analytics and finance and will graduate in May.

      “I chose the Washburn School of Business because it is very reputed and has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB),” said Yogi. “Washburn is also pretty affordable compared to other schools at the same level. I was able to get a good departmental scholarship and was also impressed by the comparatively lower cost of living in Topeka.”

      Yogi feels engaged and prioritized at the Washburn School of Business due to class sizes and the experienced faculty and staff. 

      “Sangya Yogi took online financial management during the spring of 2022 when she was a junior studying data analytics and finance. At that time, she worked as a management information system tutor for the [Washburn] School of Business,” said Rob Hull, Clarence W. King endowed chair in finance business at the Washburn University School of Business. “Sangya had a positive attitude and she did well in the course with a score that tied for a rank of first in a class of 25 upper level students, many of whom were seniors and above her junior status.”

      The Office of International Programs (OIP) at Washburn assisted Yogi in the transition to the university. The program allowed Yogi to integrate with students, clubs and into events happening at Washburn University while having access to resources such as international student and scholar services, study abroad, intensive English and other programs and initiatives. The OIP serves as a support center for international students and Washburn endeavors to promote global understanding, diversity and inclusion within the university learning community and beyond. 

      “Yogi is an exceptional student. Her drive and work ethic made her the perfect choice for a presidential ambassador for international students,” said Baili Zhang, director of international programs at Washburn University. “She sets a great example for international students, so putting her in the role of ambassador, campus tour guide and orientation assistant for new arrivals seemed like the best use of her skills.”

      While balancing school, tutoring and her job as a student coordinator for the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion at Washburn, Yogi and her mentors stayed up-to-date on upcoming scholarships she could apply for to help pay for college. When she became aware of the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship in 2021, she submitted an application.

      The first time Yogi applied, she was not chosen as one of the recipients. While this was discouraging, she took the setback as a learning opportunity.

      “After getting rejected, I analyzed what I lacked and took some time to reflect on my experiences and skills,” said Yogi. “I sought help in other areas like [Washburn] Career Services to see how I could build my resume and develop my skills.”

      Yogi took on roles and extracurriculars such as student coordinator for the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion, teaching assistant for management information systems at Washburn, Washburn Institute of Management Accountants (Washburn IMA), Washburn Finance Society, presidential ambassador for international students (PAIS), Washburn student media, student orientation counselor, peer educator for the Washburn first year experience class and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. She is also part of the Beta Gamma Sigma, NONOSO and Beta Alpha Psi honor societies.

      Yogi wanted to apply her experience directly from the classroom as well by pursuing an internship in her field. In May of 2022, she accepted the position of business systems analyst intern at Security Benefit, one of the many businesses in Topeka that partners with the Washburn School of Business to recruit students for internships and full-time jobs after graduation. These community partnerships serve as a catalyst for economic development and provide access to professional and civic business resources.

      When Yogi applied again in 2022 she was notified she was one of the 37 women chosen for the prestigious scholarship. This comes six months after winning the American Business Women’s Association Scholarship.

      “Sangya is an amazing student, full of so much potential,” said Isaiah Collier, director of student involvement and development at Washburn. “When she decided to apply for this opportunity, I knew the scholarship committee would see exactly what we at Washburn have been seeing for quite some time. She will go on to change the world after graduating and I couldn't be more proud of her.”

      “As a woman studying business, you undoubtedly face unique challenges and opportunities,” said Yogi. “You have to take logical risks, learn to navigate success and failures, seek out mentors who can guide you and encourage you along the way and utilize every opportunity that comes your way.”

      For more information on the scholarship and to read Yogi’s bio, visit: https://www.zonta.org/Web/Programs/Education/Women_in_Business_Scholarship

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