Background
- Place of Origin: Nepal
- Undergraduate Degree: BBA – Accounting, UW Whitewater
- Pre-MBA Job: Accountant II, Spectrum Brands
- MBA Graduation Date: May 2027
- Hobbies: Traveling & Exploring
- Fun Fact: Richa speaks five languages—Nepali, Hindi, English, Maithili, and Odia.
- View Richa’s Resume
Born in Nepal and raised between Nepal and India, Richa grew up immersed in a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and perspectives that shaped a global and inclusive worldview from an early age. In 2014, she moved to the United States to begin a new chapter—navigating unfamiliar systems, building a support network from scratch, and adapting to a new culture. These formative experiences —initially seen as obstacles—instilled in Richa a deep sense of curiosity, resilience, and adaptability that continues to define both personal and professional growth.
Richa began her academic journey at Madison College before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in August 2020. During undergrad, she found purpose and community through involvement in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the Volunteer Center, and the Foundation Scholarship Program. As a new international student, Richa quickly recognized the challenges faced by others navigating college life—especially fellow international and first-generation students—and became a trusted peer resource, offering guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear.
MBA Experience & Career Goals
Professionally, Richa launched a career in public accounting, gaining hands-on experience as a tax intern and accounting generalist. After four years in the field, she transitioned into corporate finance at Spectrum Brands, where she joined a global finance team responsible for consolidating financial statements across international subsidiaries. This role introduced Richa to enterprise systems like SAP and deepened her understanding of large-scale financial operations. One of the most impactful projects she contributed to was the company’s migration to SAP S4/HANA Group Reporting—a complex, cross-functional initiative that required collaboration across IT and finance teams, and showcased her strengths in problem-solving, process development, and strategic thinking. This experience developed her appreciation for the strategic role finance plays in supporting business decisions and long-term growth — bringing together different systems, teams, and timelines to tell a financial story.
Drawn to the Wisconsin MBA for its rigorous curriculum and collaborative culture, Richa chose to specialize in Corporate Finance at the Wisconsin School of Business. Courses such as Financial Accounting, Business Valuation, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Multinational Finance directly align with her goals of mastering financial strategy and building technical expertise. She also wanted a program that would be challenging yet supportive. The Nicholas Center’s emphasis on experiential learning and mentorship further reinforced the decision, offering a supportive environment where Richa can grow both professionally and personally.
Looking ahead, Richa aspires to advance in finance roles that support strategic decision-making through data and analysis—particularly within FP&A or similar functions. With a strong foundation in GAAP, tax accounting, and ERP systems, she is passionate about using financial insights to drive clarity, improve processes, and shape the future of business. Through the MBA program, Richa aims to become a more strategic thinker and a collaborative leader who can bridge the gap between finance and executive decision-making.
Hobbies
Outside the classroom, Richa is an avid explorer and lifelong learner. A recent three-week backpacking trip across Europe—visiting cities like London, Munich, Prague, Vienna, Florence, Venice, and Rome—offered not just adventure, but meaningful connections with fellow travelers from around the world. Volunteering remains a core value, with contributions to Habitat for Humanity, local food banks, and community organizations that keep her grounded and engaged.
Richa speaks five languages—Nepali, Hindi, English, Maithili, and Odia. This multilingual ability reflects a lifelong commitment to cross-cultural connection and continues to open doors to meaningful conversations across communities.
Follow Richa’s career journey on LinkedIn!
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