ASU triple major finds purpose in tech, teamwork and community impact
Outstanding Graduating Senior Rashi Duttagupta is graduating with three bachelor's degrees: computer information systems, business data analytics and artificial intelligence in business, all from the W. P. Carey School of Business. Photo by ASU Brand Team
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
For Rashi Duttagupta, finding the right path did not happen overnight.
"My decision to study computer information systems was inspired by my dad, who once walked the same path as an ASU CIS and finance student," says Duttagupta. "But due to a lack of passion, I was reluctant to pursue a degree in technology."
But everything changed when Duttagupta enrolled in a CIS 236 class, where she met one of her best friends, Greta Stolte, and discovered her passion for teamwork and problem-solving in the information systems space. Now, the triple major is preparing to graduate with additional degrees in business data analytics and artificial intelligence in business and is looking forward to a career in business technology.
Beyond the classroom, Duttagupta's experience has been equally transformative. As a 2025 W. P. Carey School of Business Turken Family Outstanding Graduating Senior, she has made the most of her time at ASU, giving back to her community while growing academically.
She has served as executive director of the Arizona Microcredit Initiative (AMI), an ASU student-led nonprofit that supports underserved entrepreneurs through free business education, consulting services and low-interest microloans, and was one of four juniors awarded the 2024 McCord Scholarship for academic excellence and commitment to community involvement.
While serving as director of operations and president of New Venture Group, a W. P. Carey undergraduate consulting organization, she spearheaded the organization's inaugural Women in Consulting Panel event to foster inclusivity in the industry by highlighting the journeys of five accomplished women leaders in business. Duttagupta was also the spring 2024 W. P. Carey President of the Year award recipient for her impact on undergraduate student peers.
"Community impact will always be important to me because, like leadership, it thrives on people supporting each other," Duttagupta says. "Each of these organizational and personal initiatives has made me proud to be a part of incredible work, and I’m excited to continue making an impact in the future."
She is looking forward to continuing purpose-driven work as a business technology solutions consultant at Deloitte Consulting this fall.
Duttagupta's academic career has been filled with learning across disciplines, from coding to data visualization to clay sculpting in an unexpectedly challenging ceramics class. Here she shares more about her time at ASU.
Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: One of the most surprising lessons came from working with local entrepreneurs through the AMI. Since my first year at ASU, I have had the pleasure and opportunity to work with amazing entrepreneurs who have so much passion and determination. My definition of “entrepreneurial spirit” completely shifted when I witnessed the creation of something with limited resources and experience. AMI taught me that impact does not always require scale but needs the right support system to foster success.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: In the spring of my junior year, I took a beginner ceramics class with Susan Beiner, the Joan R. Lincoln Endowed Professor. I thought this class would be easier than my major-specific classes, but I was so wrong. Not only did Professor Beiner teach me how to work with clay, but she also showed me the value and impact of creating something with your hands.
My majors are all about technology: research, coding and data analysis. If I need help, I can probably find the steps to an answer on the internet or by reading a book. That is not the case in a class like ceramics — you truly have to build and rebuild something with your hands. This process requires patience and time, which challenged me to show up ready to work every day — even if that meant I would fail. It was truly a demanding yet rewarding experience that I am very grateful for.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: My professional advice for those still in school would be to try what you think you are not interested in. I never thought I would create websites from scratch or build an artificial intelligence tool. It’s far better to try something and see if it resonates with you than to shut yourself off from a new experience or interest altogether.
My advice is to expand the definition of love beyond romantic relationships. Often, we place a lot of importance on love as a romantic feeling — something we don’t have much control over. It’s so important to acknowledge the love right in front of you — friends, family, colleagues and even the work you do! While you will continue to build new relationships everywhere you go, make sure to nurture the ones right in front of you.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you
tackle?
A: There are so many underserved communities around the world where people have the potential to impact the people around them, but the resources to support them lack visibility. With $40 million, I would create a simple, open-source AI tool that uses real-time geographic data to map and create directories of local resources: clinics, microloan programs, food banks, legal aid, shelters and more.
This tool would be distributed through smartphones in collaboration with local youth who can build skills in the collection and analysis of data. It’s important to support communities in supporting their people. Not only does this create access, but also builds digital skills in youth, generates more jobs and empowers people to take ownership of their potential to make an impact.
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