BY KAMAL KAUR
Khushi Malde is a Knight-Hennessy Scholar pursuing a Master’s in Learning Design and Technology at Stanford University. A graduate of UC Berkeley in Data Science and Business Administration, she previously led the growth team at Lumiere Education and founded a non-profit. Through her initiative, the Technology and Entrepreneurship Ladder (T&E Ladder), she provides entrepreneurship education to low-income students in sub-Saharan Africa, raising awareness of opportunities. Inspired by her experience as a first-generation university student, Khushi is dedicated to transforming lives through education.
What inspired you to pursue a Master’s in Learning Design and Technology?
After working at Lumiere Education and building T&E Ladder, I became confident that my purpose is to empower young students to build meaningful careers while ensuring that geographic location, background or financial constraints don’t become barriers. To achieve this, I needed to deepen my understanding of learning sciences and explore how technology can bridge these gaps in education. This led me to pursue a Master’s in Learning Design and Technology (LDT) at Stanford. The programme focuses on combining design thinking principles with research in learning sciences to create impactful solutions that revolutionise education.
What is your experience as a Knight-Hennessy Scholar and what does it mean for your future aspirations?
I am incredibly grateful to be a Knight-Hennessy Scholar. The programme has made it possible for me to pursue my degree at Stanford with full funding, covering travel, accommodation, food and other expenses. Beyond the financial support, the programme connects me to a community of brilliant, impact-driven individuals from over 50 countries. Creating global change in education requires collaboration across industries, and the Knight-Hennessy community fosters this through leadership development and meaningful conversations with fellow scholars. It’s an invaluable network that aligns with my aspirations for global impact.
What motivated you to establish the Technology and Entrepreneurship Ladder (T&E Ladder) and how has it impacted the communities you serve?
T&E Ladder is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing entrepreneurship education to students in sub-Saharan Africa. During my time at UC Berkeley, I was exposed to Silicon Valley’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem. I realised that to build future leaders who can innovate and create change, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset in students is essential. This mindset builds self-efficacy and empowers youth to take charge of their futures. Africa is rich in talent, but the lack of access to resources and opportunities often hinders this potential. T&E Ladder bridges that gap by providing a global curriculum, resources and expertise. Through our programmes, we empower young Africans to break cycles of poverty, create change and uplift their communities.
How do you define experiential learning, and why do you believe it is essential for young students?
I define experiential learning as “learning by doing” and reflecting on those experiences to develop knowledge, skills and values. The traditional classroom model – where a teacher delivers information from the front of the room – is not effective in preparing students for real life. Think about when you’ve learned the most – it’s often through experiences like driving a car for the first time or writing your first check. To equip young students with the skills they need for meaningful, successful lives, they must learn through hands-on experiences like internships, simulations, fieldwork, projects, case studies and community service. These experiences make learning engaging, memorable and transformative.
What are the biggest challenges facing low-income students in sub-Saharan Africa when it comes to access to education and opportunities?
Two key challenges are the lack of self-efficacy and the scarcity of high-quality resources, including education, mentorship and funding. Many students in Africa don’t feel empowered to innovate or create global change because they haven’t seen it happen around them. Unlike their peers in the West, who grow up witnessing technology breakthroughs and leadership on a global scale, African students often lack such exposure. It’s crucial to show them what’s possible and inspire confidence. Additionally, there’s a gap in access to high-quality resources. While many investors are interested in Africa’s potential, they often lack understanding of the context or doubt whether the talent meets global standards. Addressing these gaps through mentorship and resource development can unlock immense potential.
How has being a first-generation university student shaped your perspective on education and your career?
I have witnessed my parents sacrifice so much to ensure my brother and I could pursue our dreams. Their relentless efforts empowered me to aim high. When I started my university journey at UC Berkeley, I couldn’t have imagined how deeply it would transform my life. I became the first in my family to graduate, the first to pursue an international career, and the first to run multiple organisations and receive a full scholarship to Stanford. These achievements didn’t just change my life – they created ripple effects for my entire family, including new connections, financial stability, international exposure and increased confidence. Educating one person can uplift entire communities in ways that are hard to measure.
What advice would you give to young students who are trying to discover their passions and build meaningful careers?
Explore, explore and explore! Discovering your passion and building a meaningful career is a journey, not a destination. Start by exploring as much as possible – try new things, take risks and seek experiences that challenge you. Don’t box yourself into just one definition of success. Don’t be afraid to fail; each failure is a step closer to clarity. I have failed so many times. Most importantly, find mentors who can guide you through this process. Mentors provide invaluable insights, open doors to opportunities and help you navigate challenges. Never hesitate to reach out to people whose work inspires you – whether through a message, an email or in person. You’d be surprised how many are willing to share their time and wisdom.