A native of Kakamega, Kenya, Pascale Khayeri Mwavaga is graduating from the University of Delaware’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics with an M.S. in business analytics and information management.
Mwavaga was nominated for this series by Academic Program Coordinator Sarah Dix who compliments her on her growth and developed confidence from her time at UD.
In this profile, Mwavaga shares her favorite UD memories, how she has changed during her time at UD and her plans following graduation.
Lerner: How do you think you have changed from your first semester at UD to now?
Mwavaga: I have become more resilient. I have faced a range of obstacles that have tested my adaptability. These experiences have not discouraged me – instead, they have motivated me to think more strategically, remain persistent, and develop creative approaches to overcome barriers.
Lerner: What have been some of the challenges you have faced during your college experience and how did you overcome them?
Mwavaga: I have faced challenges adjusting to a new environment and navigating a highly competitive job market. To overcome the emotional impact of being far from home, I turned to simple solutions such as cooking Kenyan dishes. On the professional front, I consistently engaged with the Lerner Career Services Center for career mentorship, and took initiative to learn from accessible platforms like YouTube and Instagram to better understand how to build my personal brand.
Lerner: What was your favorite signature UD experience and why?
Mwavaga: My team ‘Synergy’ won the 2025 Carol A. Ammon Case Competition. It was an incredible opportunity to present to industry professionals.
In addition, I was honored to receive an offer for the highly competitive graduate internship program at JPMorgan Chase & Co. after going through multiple rounds of interviews. Being selected from among many accomplished candidates was both humbling and affirming.
Lerner: Did you have a Lerner professor or staff member that had a big impact on your UD experience?
Mwavaga:
Sarah Dix has been a constant source of support, offering strategic guidance during key moments as I navigated the unique challenges of being an international student.
Dr. Andrea Everard provided thoughtful academic advising, helping me make sense of course options and how they align with career goals which is often an overwhelming process.
Dr. John D’Arcy, whom I worked with as a TA, encouraged open dialogue and welcomed my input. Through him, I gained hands-on experience with grading and exam proctoring.
Dr. Ellen Monk reignited my passion for SAP ERP. With my background in the field, I appreciated the chance to deepen my knowledge through her SAP S4 HANA ERP course.
Dr. Asli Basoglu recognized my extra effort in assignments. Her feedback inspired me to explore video editing tools, which added a new skill to my toolkit.
Lerner: What does being a “Lifelong Lerner” mean to you?
Mwavaga: Being a Lifelong Lerner means having the resilience to adapt in the face of challenges, using setbacks as stepping stones toward future success.
Lerner: What advice would you give to incoming freshmen to make the most out of their college experience?
Mwavaga: Returning to the academic world in my mid-30s has taught me the value of learning, unlearning, and relearning. To incoming freshmen, especially those beginning later in life or transitioning careers, don’t be afraid to start over. Apply for those internships and entry-level roles, and stay open to growth.
Lerner: What are your plans following graduation?
Mwavaga: I plan to continue networking as I pursue a full-time opportunity where I can thrive and apply both the technical and soft skills I have developed at UD. As a recruiter once told me, “The world is your oyster.” I am embracing that mindset as I take the next steps forward.