Meet UNSW Business School's 2026 UG EDI Student Rep

The UNSW Business School Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Committee drives organisational change to help UNSW Sydney be a leading exemplar in EDI matters. It fosters an inclusive environment where staff, students and community partners can thrive and support the University’s Social Impact strategic priorities.

Through education and capacity-building, the EDI Committee equips our community to create sustainable economic and social value while nurturing a culture that champions respect, prevents discrimination, and embeds inclusion in everyday practice.

The Business School also provides leadership opportunities for students who want to collaborate with staff to advance the EDI agenda. Student perspectives are essential to this work, and our Student Committee Reps play a vital role in advocating for their cohorts and contributing meaningful ideas that support positive change.

We are proud to introduce our 2026 UNSW Business School EDI Student Rep (Undergraduate): Hanisha Chawla, Bachelor of Commerce and Information Systems.

Dream career or industry to work at: I am passionate about working at the intersection of finance, technology, and data-driven decision-making. My long-term goal is to build my own start-up in the investments and business analytics space. 

A little about me

I’m Hanisha, in 2026 I’ll be a second-year student studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Information Systems at UNSW, and I’m the recipient of the International Scientia Coursework (100%) Scholarship.

I plan to major in Accounting and Cybersecurity, as I am passionate about working at the intersection of finance, technology, and data-driven decision-making. My long-term goal is to build my own start-up in the investments and business analytics space.

Beyond academics, I am deeply involved in leadership and student engagement at UNSW. I currently serve as Co-President of StartUp Link UNSW, Vice President of the UNSW Entrepreneurs Society, and a PASS Leader, while also working closely with UNSW Founders.

Outside of university, I enjoy playing basketball and cricket, and spending time with friends, which helps me stay balanced and connected.

Why did you choose to a Business Degree? And what led you to study at UNSW?

UNSW Business School provides a strong foundation in analytical thinking, financial literacy, and strategic decision-making skills that are essential for my interest in technology, accounting, and entrepreneurship. Pairing Commerce with Information Systems allows me to better understand how live tech and data shape modern businesses.

UNSW stood out to me for its global reputation and strong industry connections. The Business School’s emphasis on practical learning, alongside initiatives like UNSW Founders, made it the ideal environment for both academic growth and real-world impact.

How has your experience helped you make a positive impact in your degree, career and/or community?

Through my leadership roles at UNSW, I’ve helped build inclusive, supportive, and opportunity-driven student communities. Whether creating accessible pathways for students from diverse backgrounds to explore entrepreneurship and innovation, or supporting peers academically as a PASS Leader, I’ve focused on fostering environments where students feel confident to learn, ask questions, and grow.

These experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and mentoring skills while allowing me to make a meaningful impact on both my peers and the broader UNSW community.

Why did you apply to be a part of the UNSW Business School EDI Committee? and what do you hope to achieve?

I strongly believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to student success and innovation in business. As an international student and scholarship recipient, I understand the importance of accessible opportunities and representation.

Through this role, I not only want to be the voice of the students but also amplify the voices of those who speak for themselves, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.

I’d like to contribute to initiatives that improve belonging, accessibility, and engagement within the Business School. I also hope to help bridge the gap between EDI policy and student experience by ensuring initiatives are practical, visible, and impactful.

How is UNSW Business School helping to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion within the business school? Is this having an impact on the students?

UNSW Business School demonstrates its commitment to EDI through scholarships, academic support programs, leadership opportunities, and inclusive teaching practices. Initiatives such as PASS, CASE Programs and other student support services help level the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds.

The Business School also embeds EDI principles into its strategy by actively consulting students, supporting diverse representation in decision-making, and developing programs that promote cultural safety, gender equity, and accessibility. Through the EDI Committee, the School works to create an environment where all students feel respected, valued, and empowered to participate fully in their studies and community.

These efforts do have a positive impact; however, continued visibility and student engagement are key to ensuring all students are aware of and benefit from these initiatives.

What do you think we could be doing more of to help improve student belonging and engagement with EDI principle?

I believe the Business School could increase student engagement by embedding EDI conversations more directly into student-led initiatives, societies, and academic programs. Creating more open forums, collaborative events, and student storytelling opportunities would help make EDI principles more relatable and actionable.

What inspires you to champion EDI principles within your degree and/or prospective career path?

I believe that EDI is not optional, but essential.

What inspires me most is the belief that diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making and more ethical business practices. In fields like accounting, cybersecurity, and investments, trust, integrity, and fairness are critical.

As someone who aspires to build my own start-up, I want to champion inclusive leadership from the beginning by creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute. This motivation drives my involvement in EDI both during my degree and in my future career.

UNSW Business School strives to provide a vibrant, safe, and equitable environment for education, research, and engagement that embraces diversity and treats all people with dignity and respect. We believe equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to building a globally engaged, high-impact, and academically rigorous business school and achieving the university’s strategic priorities: Progress for All.

We are committed to reducing systematic barriers to opportunities available in the faculty, the university, and society by supporting our students and staff to be the best they can be and contribute to building a better, more sustainable future.

Find out more about our equity diversity & inclusion at UNSW Business School.