Broad Spartans excel as Excellence in Education Scholars

Two standout students from the Broad College’s top-ranked supply chain management program, Colleen Andrews (senior, supply chain management) and Aleeza Rana (senior, supply chain management), have been named the 2025 recipients of the Excellence in Education Scholarship from AWESOME Leaders, an organization dedicated to advancing women in supply chain. Now in its 12th year, this award offers each winner a $5,000 education stipend along with exclusive mentorship and access to a global network of industry leaders.

Colleen Andrews, senior supply chain management

Colleen Andrews, a senior honors student majoring in supply chain management with a minor in international business, currently serves as president of the MSU Supply Chain Management Association, where she has also held past roles as chief financial officer and treasurer. Her perspective was sharpened during a study‑abroad program in Chile, where she examined global supply‑chain operations across a range of industries and saw first‑hand how international networks drive business success. Andrews also takes part in the Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator, an experience that has reinforced her commitment to uplifting other women on their leadership journeys, an ethos that resonates with AWESOME’s mission. She shared that this scholarship represents more than financial support; it is a stepping‑stone toward the inclusive, globally minded leadership she hopes to cultivate. “I’m incredibly grateful for the Excellence in Education Scholarship, which not only supports my academic and professional journey but also connects me to a powerful network of driven women in the supply chain field,” she said. “Being part of this community inspires me to keep pushing boundaries and gives me the tools, mentorship, and confidence I need to grow into the thoughtful and impactful leader I aspire to be in this field.”

Aleeza Rana, senior supply chain management

Aleeza Rana, a senior studying supply chain management with a minor in global public health & epidemiology, brings a strong blend of leadership and service to the Broad community. She currently serves as Director of WISE (Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence) on the Supply Chain Management Association executive board, where she helps empower women in supply chain through collaboration, leadership, and community-building. Her experiences include a global supply chain internship at Eli Lilly and Company, along with leadership roles in Spartan Global Development Fund and the National WISE Advisory Board. She also serves as a teaching assistant for the Department of Supply Chain Management, reflecting her passion for helping others learn and grow into confident, capable leaders. Rana views this scholarship as an opportunity to deepen her impact in the field and continue building innovative, resilient systems on a global scale.“Supply chains are crucial to global resilience, they are essential for keeping the world running amid disruptions,” Rana said. “What excites me most is how data-driven planning can anticipate challenges before they arise and keep goods, services, and care accessible to all.”

Broad’s supply chain curriculum is nationally recognized for marrying theory with hands-on learning, from interactive simulation labs and international study experiences to internships with Fortune 500 companies. The Excellence in Education Scholarship amplifies these experiences by placing recipients in direct conversation with professionals who are redefining supply-chain sustainability, digital transformation, and risk management. As the global operating climate becomes more complex, Andrews and Rana will join an influential cohort of Broad Spartans ready to lead the next generation of business innovation.

Simone Peinkofer, associate professor of supply chain management, has worked closely with the AWESOME scholarship over the years, helping to nominate and guide student applicants. She noted that this year’s recipients embody the award’s spirit of forward-looking leadership.“Colleen and Aleeza have shown to be aspiring female supply chain management leaders which makes them very deserving of the scholarship,” Peinkofer said. “I am very proud of their accomplishments and am looking forward to their continued leadership. Both women will join an outstanding network of like-minded individuals providing unique opportunities to further grow into excellent leaders in supply chain management.”

Both scholars are set to be honored in July, where they will meet industry mentors, alumni donors, and peers, and share the insights that have already set their careers in motion.