In this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Prasanna, a first-year student at Rice University, incoming O-Week Coordinator for Chao College, and student leader deeply involved in campus life. Prasanna shares how curiosity—not a rigid plan—has guided his leadership journey, from stepping into roles like Parliamentarian and Floor Representative at Jones College to building community through small, meaningful events. He reflects on balancing structure with fun, leading without having all the answers, and the power of simply reaching out.

From navigating unexpected challenges to learning how to delegate, adapt, and lean on others, Prasanna offers honest insights into what it’s like to lead early on at Rice. He also shares advice for new students feeling overwhelmed: take it one step at a time, stay open to opportunities, and trust that growth will follow.

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• Summer registration will open in April 10, 2026! Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log

Today’s guest is Tranell, a standout MBA student at Rice Business whose leadership is defined by community, accountability, and heart. Tranell currently serves as Co-Executive Chair of the Texas Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Conference, Co-Social Chair of the Black Business Student Association, and VP of Parents in Business. Plus much more!

From leading one of the largest ETA Conferences in the state — bringing together more than 450 attendees — to mentoring prospective students and uniting MBA cohorts, Tranell has built his Rice experience around one simple belief: it’s all about connection.

In this episode, he shares what it takes to build trust across diverse teams, how fatherhood has shaped his approach to leadership, and why food, culture, and connection are central to who he is — both as a person and as a leader. Plus, he gives a peek inside life as a Rice MBA student.

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• Summer registration will open in April 10, 2026! Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log

In this episode of the Leading Owls Podcast, we sit down with Neya, a first year at Rice University’s Brown College and an emerging campus leader already making an impact through student government.

Neya shares what drew her into leadership from the very beginning of her Rice journey, including her roles as Brown College Freshman Representative and Student Association New Student Representative. She reflects on how Rice’s culture of openness and collaboration has shaped the kind of leader she wants to become—one grounded in listening, community-building, and advocacy.

Throughout the conversation, Neya offers a behind-the-scenes look at planning college events that bring people together, what she’s learned about creating meaningful student engagement, and how balancing multiple leadership perspectives has helped her grow.

Neya also discusses her powerful personal experience founding Unbound Angels, an organization inspired by her time in India supporting children who lacked access to medical care—an experience that continues to shape her vision for service and impact at Rice.

The episode closes with thoughtful advice for new students who want to get involved but don’t know where to start, and a reflection on what legacy means as a young leader just beginning her college journey.

Whether you’re a first-year student stepping into leadership for the first time or someone looking to make change through community and service, Neya’s story is an inspiring reminder that leadership is built through showing up, listening, and taking initiative.

The Leading Owls Podcast is hosted and produced by the Doerr Institute for New Leaders.
Edited by: Blake C. Hollaway

Ready for more insights from inspiring leaders at Rice University?
Subscribe to the Leading Owls Podcast and stay updated on our latest episodes!

The Doerr Institute for New Leaders helps Rice students unlock their leadership potential.

Because leaders are not born; they are grown.
We offer programs to Rice University students that expand upon your diverse qualities and increase your capacity to make a difference in the world.

Connect with the Doerr!

• Summer registration will open in April 10, 2026! Sign-up to be notified when new programs launch!
• Follow Doerr on TikTok
• Follow Doerr on Instagram
• Get Matched! Take the Doerr Institute Match Survey and find the perfect program to start your leadership journey.
• Download our Leader Development Log