Meet Mishthi Kapoor, the 2025 Spring Convocation student speaker!

Mishthi Kapoor is a senior at Michigan State University, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Public Relations. Originally from Punjab, India, Mishthi has been selected as the 2025 Spring Convocation student speaker.

Mishthi shared a bit about herself ahead of taking the stage at the Breslin Center as the 2025 Spring Convocation Student Speaker.

Kapoor will take the stage on May 2 at the 2025 Spring Convocation ceremony as the student speaker

I’ve always believed in the power of words to connect, uplift, and inspire. Over the past four years, my time at MSU has been about more than just academics—it’s been about discovering who I am, what I stand for, and what it means to belong. As someone who came here from another country and built a new life from scratch, I’ve felt the highs of accomplishment and the quiet struggles of doubt. When I applied to be the student speaker, it wasn’t just about giving a speech—it was about honoring a journey. Mine, yes, but also the collective journey of so many students who have navigated challenges, adapted, grown, and risen stronger. I wanted to be a voice for those stories and remind our graduating class just how far we’ve come together. It’s a role I don’t take lightly—and one that fills me with immense pride and gratitude.

Kapoor (second from left) celebrating Diwali at MSU

There are so many moments that stand out to me—being part of student org events, working as an RA, getting accepted for my first internship, and all the everyday memories that slowly made MSU feel like home. But one moment I’ll never forget is my first Diwali away from home. I was nervous that the day would feel quiet and a little lonely, but instead, I found myself surrounded by friends, vibrant lights, and a truly heartfelt sense of community. We celebrated right here on campus—dressed in traditional clothes, sharing food, laughter, and stories. And in that moment, even thousands of miles away from home, I felt so deeply connected. That night reminded me that MSU isn’t just a university—it’s a place where you can find your people, celebrate your culture, and carry, honor, and share the traditions that make you who you are.

MKT 410 – Product Innovation & Management was one of my absolute favorites. It gave me the opportunity to take an idea and bring it to life through strategy, creativity, and team collaboration—everything I love about marketing. The course was taught by Dr. Anita Pansari, whose teaching style left a lasting impact on me. She created such an engaging and thoughtful learning environment, and her passion for the subject truly brought it to life. Her ability to challenge us while also supporting us made a big difference in how I approached both the class and myself as a student.

The third floor of the Minskoff Pavilion was my favorite—specifically the chairs by the giant windows—I loved the natural light, especially during golden hour. When I needed a change of pace, the MSU Library’s quiet floors were my go-to for productive study sessions.

ISA International Student Celebration

I served as the Marketing Committee Chair for the Broad International Student Council, Director of Outreach for the International Student Association, and Director of Outreach for the Undergraduate International Indian Student Association. Each of these roles gave me the opportunity to blend creativity with community building, whether it was through events, campaigns, or meaningful conversations that brought people together, which I absolutely loved. I also worked as a Resident Assistant for two years, which taught me so much about leadership, empathy, and supporting others during big transitions. These roles really helped me grow as both a leader and a person. Each of these spaces gave me the opportunity to show up for others, while also learning how to show up for myself—something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.

That growth often happens quietly—behind the scenes, in moments of self-doubt, and in conversations you didn’t expect to impact you. MSU taught me to trust the timing of my journey and to embrace the ups and downs along the way.  More than anything, these past four years have helped me discover four core values that have become the foundation of who I am: consistency, persistence, patience, and faith. They’ve grounded me through challenges, reminded me to keep showing up—even on the hard days—and helped me stay rooted in the belief that everything always unfolds the way it’s meant to.  I’ve also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, the ones who push you, believe in you, and remind you who you are when you forget. Those relationships, and those lessons, are the ones I’ll carry with me far beyond graduation.

I’m returning to MSU’s Broad College this fall to pursue my Master of Science in Marketing Research & Analytics (MSMRA) degree, and I’ll also be stepping into a new leadership role as an Assistant Community Director (ACD) with MSU Student Life & Engagement (REHS). I’m so excited for this next chapter—it feels like the perfect blend of everything I’ve loved so far and everything I’m beginning to love learning more about – data, strategy, people, and impact. Long-term, my dream is to work in global brand strategy and eventually become a chief marketing officer. But beyond the title, what drives me most is the idea of creating space for others, especially women of color, international students, and aspiring leaders who just need someone to believe in them. And I want to use my platform to do exactly that!

Visit the MSU Commencement webpage to learn more about the featured speakers, schedule and FAQs.