Meet Maansi Nema, a senior at the University of Michigan majoring in Computer Science, and one of the many students shaping the future of entrepreneurship through the Center for Entrepreneurship’s (CFE) Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (ELP). We sat down with Maansi to hear about her journey with the CFE, her passion for innovation, and her advice for future students.
Building an Entrepreneurial Mindset
Maansi has been building an entrepreneurial mindset long before she stepped foot on campus. In high school, she founded a 501(c)(3) nonprofit called STEM Without Boundaries. “Our goal was to help other high school students host STEM nights in their communities,” Maansi explains. “These events brought families and students together to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities with professionals.” Through this experience, she saw how entrepreneurship can spark curiosity and passion in others, something she continues to explore today.
Making a Difference at Michigan
At U-M, Maansi has kept up her momentum. She’s a part of Atlas Digital, a student-run organization that provides tech and design solutions to businesses and startups. “Being in Atlas Digital has been amazing—I’ve met some of my closest friends and really grown my technical skills,” Maansi says. “We have a tight-knit community where our passion for innovation helps us turn ideas into reality.”
In addition to her work with Atlas Digital, Maansi serves as an Instructional Aide for ENTR 599: Creativity & Product Development. “Being an IA has been an incredible experience,” she shares. “I really enjoy the CFE’s classes, and this role allows me to continue learning while helping other students with their entrepreneurship ideas.”
From Innovation Challenge to ELP
When Maansi decided to participate in the CFE’s yearly Innovation Challenge, she had no idea what an impact this event would make on her. “It was such a fun experience creating drone robots and meeting others who were into entrepreneurship like me,” she recalls. It was at this event that Maansi heard about the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. “I’ve always been interested in startups and maybe having my own company one day, but I wasn’t sure how to get started until then.”
Armed with the resources, guidance, and mentorship provided through ELP, Maansi is channeling her passion for education and technology into her capstone project, Community Connects. “This project helps 6-12th grade science teachers find community partners, get custom resources, and connect with PBL (Project-Based Learning) experts,” she explains. “It’s exciting because I can make education more accessible and impactful for students!”
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Maansi is focused on making an impact through tech and innovation. “My goal is to keep learning and to make the most of every opportunity,” she says. “That means connecting with people, taking the initiative, and building things I’m proud of.”
Advice for Future CFE Students
For anyone thinking about getting involved with the CFE, Maansi’s advice is simple: “Take ENTR classes! There’s such a wide variety of topics—from EHour to Venture Capital—and it’s refreshing to hear from real-world folks.”
As Maansi wraps up her time at Michigan, she’s most excited to spend time with friends and family, enjoy football season, and continue playing pickleball in her free time. It’s clear that Maansi’s entrepreneurial journey is just getting started, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!