DARTMOUTH, Mass. (Diya TV) — Nishita Roy-Pope, an Indian-origin entrepreneur and leadership advocate, will receive an honorary degree from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth during its 2026 commencement ceremonies, the university announced March 10.
Roy-Pope serves as the chief executive officer of Courage Builder, a workforce development company that focuses on leadership, innovation, and emerging industries. University officials said the honor recognizes her professional achievements, leadership,p and contributions to education and workforce development. Two other recipients, Richard Lafrance and Jacqueline G. Somerville, will also receive honorary degrees during the ceremonies.
The honorary degree represents the highest distinction awarded by UMass Dartmouth. The university gives recognition to individuals whose work reflects its values and inspires graduating students.
Officials said Roy-Pope’s career demonstrates a strong commitment to leadership, innovation,n and community engagement. Her work focuses on preparing students and young professionals for rapidly evolving industries such as technology, life sciences, entrepreneurship,p and the blue economy.
The recipients will receive the degrees during the Doctoral Commencement ceremony scheduled for May 21. University leaders said the ceremony will celebrate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their industries and communities.
Roy-Pope built a reputation as an entrepreneur, speaker, and corporate leader. She now leads Courage Builder, where she helps organizations and students develop leadership skills and prepare for future careers. Her company works with universities, businesses,s and nonprofit groups to connect talent with opportunities in high-growth sectors. Roy-Pope frequently speaks about innovation, career development,t and inclusive leadership.
Through Courage Builder, she supports programs that help students gain real-world experience. These programs often include internships, industry conferences, and mentorship initiatives. Her work has helped expand opportunities for students interested in technology and other emerging fields.
Before launching Courage Builder, Roy-Pope held leadership roles at Dell Technologies. During her time there, she helped design programs that supported global innovation and early-career talent.
She launched a global innovation program that encouraged employees and young professionals to develop new ideas and solutions. The initiative helped build a culture of creativity within the company. Roy-Pope also created an early-career talent initiative that gained industry recognition. The program helped recruit and train young professionals from diverse backgrounds.
In addition, she helped lead a global sales-leads program valued at about $150 million. The effort strengthened partnerships and expanded business opportunities across international markets. Her leadership experience in the corporate sector shaped her approach to workforce development and education.
Roy-Pope has built a strong relationship with UMass Dartmouth students over the years. She has worked closely with the university through conferences, internships,s and experiential learning programs. University officials said she has engaged more than 500 students through these initiatives. Many students gained practical skills and professional exposure through the programs she supported.
More than 40 UMass Dartmouth students later secured jobs at Dell Technologies, the university said. Faculty members said these opportunities helped students build careers in competitive industries. Roy-Pope’s efforts created a bridge between education and employment, they added.
Roy-Pope has received several leadership awards during her career. Organizations have recognized her for her work in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and mentorship. She also serves on multiple nonprofit boards. Through these roles, she supports education initiatives, leadership development, and community programs.
University officials said her dedication to empowering young professionals makes her an ideal honorary degree recipient. They noted that her achievements show students how leadership and service can create meaningful change.
