Sonia Kanda: Staying Connected and Giving Back After Graduation
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Graduation wasn’t the end of Sonia Kanda’s Hult journey. Since completing her Executive MBA in 2021, she has stayed closely connected to the community that shaped her growth. For her, having benefitted from a Hult scholarship, supporting the Hult President’s Fund is about giving others the opportunity to succeed and access the same guidance and enriching experiences that defined her time at Hult.
Hult: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what keeps you connected to Hult?
Sonia: I’m a commercial delivery manager at British Airways, working across the commercial business and supporting a wide range of projects—from service improvements to new customer proposals and IT-led initiatives. After nearly two decades in the same industry—and still loving the work—I chose to pursue an Executive MBA at Hult to enhance my skills, broaden my perspective, and gain insight into how other industries tackle similar business challenges.
What keeps me connected is the people. The relationships with classmates, alumni, faculty, and staff continue well beyond graduation. Through my work on the Hult Alumni Committee (HAC), I help develop mentoring programs that connect newer alumni with experienced graduates.
“I help develop mentoring programs that connect newer alumni with experienced graduates, which has been incredibly meaningful.”
H: Was there an experience at Hult that continues to influence how you work today?
S: Learning alongside people from different industries, cultures, and backgrounds had a lasting impact on me. That diversity challenged my assumptions and sharpened the way I think. After spending most of my career in one organization, the global exposure Hult offered was invaluable and truly transformational.
It gave me a broader, cross-industry lens for tackling complex problems. One example was returning to British Airways post-COVID, where I drew on a paper I’d written comparing BA and EasyJet’s pandemic strategies, alongside case studies from other industries. That experience reshaped my approach to leadership and decision-making. It also strengthened skills I use every day—critical thinking, empathy, adaptability, and confidence when working across cultures and with senior stakeholders.
“After spending most of my career in one organization, the global exposure Hult offered was invaluable.”
H: How have you continued to learn and grow through Hult beyond graduation?
S: Lifelong learning is a big reason I stay engaged with Hult. Through electives and campus experiences in cities like San Francisco, Boston, London, New York, and Dubai, I was able to continue growing well beyond the core program. These opportunities also allow me to connect with alumni and peers across industries. One example was attending an Xploration Day on AI in Dubai, which offered insights I could apply directly at British Airways, helping streamline daily tasks and support my team’s growth.
“Growth doesn’t end at graduation—lifelong learning is what keeps me inspired and engaged.”
H: Is there a moment when you saw the alumni community make a real difference for someone?
S: Many times. Hult alums often step in to support recent graduates navigating uncertainty or career transitions. A single conversation, mentor match, or introduction can spark a new opportunity or renewed confidence.
H: What motivated you to support the Hult President’s Fund, and why did you choose to give on Giving Day?
S: Giving back felt like a natural step after experiencing how supportive and invested the Hult network is—alums consistently offer time and guidance when it matters most. Contributing through the President’s Fund became especially meaningful after losing my father in 2024. He taught me the importance of education, resilience, and helping others grow, and doing it on Giving Day felt like a way to honor those values while supporting others.
“Donating allowed me to help create opportunities for future students, just as Hult did for me.”
H: Was there something in your own Hult journey that influenced your decision?
S: Absolutely. Experiencing the right support at the right time—through academic guidance, career coaching, and the energy of a truly global environment—made a real difference for me. Those experiences boosted my confidence and equipped me with the tools, mindset, and networks that propelled my career forward.
H: Is there something you hope the President’s Fund can expand or strengthen?
S: Earlier access to mentoring can make a real difference. Expanding this opportunity through scholarships and career development programs can help students unlock their potential sooner.
H: What would you say to alumni considering giving back?
S: Giving back doesn’t have to be large to make an impact—every contribution counts. It’s an investment in future students. It also supports the values that make Hult unique. If Hult shaped your growth, donating is a way to give back. Your support helps others benefit from the same learning, guidance, and sense of belonging you experienced.
“Hult alumni often step in to support recent graduates navigating uncertainty or career transitions.”