A catalyst for transformation, steadfast in her belief that the unreachable is simply the unexplored, meet Seshu Bharathi Katari. Her journey is a testament to embracing challenges as gateways to uncharted opportunities and encapsulates the spirit of "Impossible Is Nothing."
Seshu defines herself through five aspects: igniting passion, defying expectations, breaking stereotypes, a quest for growth, and the triumph of persistence. Reflecting on her path, she shares, "My immersion in an NGO's work unveiled the ramifications of financial illiteracy within underserved communities, igniting a fervent commitment to finance's pivotal role in reshaping lives and communities. Defying expectations, my Bachelor of Commerce laid a robust foundation for financial analysis and management, leading me to pursue a PGDM (MBA) in finance at the Institute of Management Technology in India. Securing a pioneering internship at a government advisory firm, I shattered barriers in my business school, subsequently spearheading transformative infrastructure projects as a finance consultant for AP Urban, a Government Advisory Firm. Resilient amidst skepticism, particularly as a woman with ambitious aspirations in finance, I challenged misconceptions, with every success becoming a testament to breaking barriers and reaffirming that limits exist only in the absence of determination. Believing in the power of continuous learning, I am pursuing a Master of Science in Finance at Portland State University, drawn by its acclaimed finance education and practical orientation toward real-world solutions. To those who doubted, I proved that being a woman and ambitious is not a hindrance; it's a catalyst for rewriting norms and achieving the seemingly impossible."
Furthering her education has always been important to Seshu, and she credits her parents and husband for their unwavering support. Her parents instilled in her the importance of education and valued academic growth over traditional expectations. Her husband has been a constant support throughout her educational journey.
Business has always appealed to Seshu because it combines her innate analytical skills with her passion for creative problem-solving, providing her with a platform to make a meaningful impact. Her time at The School of Business taught her the importance of creating a community, emphasizing, "The interactions with peers and mentors have taught me that business success often comes from dedication to learning, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas."
Seshu advises future students to trust in themselves and their capabilities. She encourages them to stay focused and enjoy the process of learning, just as she has.