2026 ‘PGN Rising Star’ Award Winner: Niranjana Arulmanikandan
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS - DALLAS
Class of 2028
“I’m really grateful to be part of PGN as it’s given me a strong sense of community and helped me find my place on campus while pushing me to get more involved and take on new opportunities.
One value that’s really stuck with me is integrity. It’s shaped how I carry myself, how I lead, and how I show up for others, and it’s pushed me to stay consistent and genuine in everything I do. Winning the Rising Star Award honestly feels really special, it means a lot to be recognized for the effort I’ve put in, and it motivates me to keep growing, giving back, and making a bigger impact. “
-Niranjana Arulmanikandan, 2026
PGN Rising Star
Niranjana Arulmanikandan is the 2026 winner of the PGN Rising Star award. This award recognizes the emerging leader who has strong executive board potential. Their record reflects a hunger for responsibility and a history of effective execution skills. Successful candidates are in their first 1 - 3 semesters, have not yet obtained an executive-level position, but their track record reflects high potential.
About the Award
The PGN MVP Awards program is designed to recognize members who have gone above and beyond to further the success of their chapter, to showcase the best-in-class examples of leadership, and to celebrate the diversity of talent amongst our membership. PGN members Haylee Campbell, Sunny Bobnick, Anastasia Accarpio, and Madison Noel worked across schools to create this unique program.
Current role: On Campus, Peer Mentor in Pathways to Supply Chain
PGN role: Vice President
About Niranjana According to Her Peers:
“Niranjana embraced that responsibility fully and consistently exceeded expectations in the way she represented her class. Whether it was communicating concerns, organizing her peers, or ensuring everyone felt informed, she approached every situation with maturity and confidence. Her willingness to advocate for others with empathy, professionalism, and integrity made her a trusted voice and a natural leader throughout the new member education process.”
