2025 Inspiring Graduate | Manali Girish Narkhede

Manali Girish Narkhede is driven by a passion for creativity and innovation. Born in India, she grew up watching her father work as an electrical engineer for the state government and was raised with the values of integrity, humility and service. From a young age, she was encouraged to pursue a stable, practical career.

"The entire environment was about having a stable, practical career. But beyond that, I had a natural inclination toward the creative arts - like making drawings or digging trenches and gardening with my dad. All of that brought me great joy," Narkhede said.

Narkhede was also inspired by her uncle, a civil engineer who went on to build a successful real estate business in India while staying true to his values. His stories of working late on drawings - and building a career without political patronage - left a lasting impression on her and influenced her decision to pursue civil engineering.

"When I was thinking about going into engineering, civil engineering felt like the perfect blend of everything that satiated my curiosity - from building design and engineering drawings to structural analysis, geotechnical and environmental engineering, hydraulics, irrigation engineering and construction management," she explained.

Before enrolling at The University of New Mexico, Narkhede spent seven years in the energy industry, starting as a civil and structural engineer at Technip Energies - a world-leading engineering and technology company for the energy transition. Her ability to simplify complex business models into compelling narratives, paired with her strengths in data analysis and visualization, earned her recognition from the company's executive leadership team.

She led cross-functional teams and quickly gained the trust of both peers and senior leaders. That trust paved the way for her transition into the Projects team as a project engineer, followed by roles in business development as a proposal manager.

"It wasn't easy. Navigating male-dominated environments, taking ownership of high-stakes global projects, and building credibility as a young woman took grit, resilience, and deep integrity."

Her responsibilities extended beyond engineering, project management, and cost estimation - she also collaborated closely with commercial teams, including finance, legal, procurement, and strategy.

"Back then, I often thought - if only I had a stronger foundation in business and management, I'd feel more confident in my role."

Despite her professional success, Narkhede carried a personal ambition.

"I always had a calling to build something of my own - a business rooted in service, purpose and community. I believe in using my talents not for status, but for service. That belief is my compass."

To turn that vision into reality, she decided to pursue an MBA.

UNM stood out because of New Mexico's emerging role in climate tech and innovation. It felt like the right place to grow.

"UNM helped me grow in ways I didn't even expect. I got a lot of support from my academic advisors and professors who were truly invested in my goals."

One unexpected milestone: learning how to swim. Despite a lifelong fear of water, she conquered it through UNM's Recreational Services.

Narkhede was also connecting with other business professionals inside the classroom that helped her encounter new possibilities.

"The diversity in the classroom really opened my mind. My colleagues helped me develop new perspectives and think critically about the world around us."

During her time at UNM, Narkhede shared her career aspirations with her Business Development & Sales professor, Dimitri Kapelianis. Recognizing her clarity of purpose and strong performance in his course, he recommended her for the New Mexico Entrepreneur-in-Development Program, a proof-of-concept venture studio initiative focused on nurturing high-potential entrepreneurial talent within the state.

Through the program, Narkhede is now developing SoilIQ, an agtech solution that helps farmers track soil carbon in real time and build transparency creating new income opportunities through carbon markets. "This startup could foster regenerative agriculture and strengthen climate resilience in New Mexico. As the state emerges as a climate tech hub, I believe SoilIQ can meaningfully contribute to its sustainability goals."

As she prepares to graduate this May with a Master of Business Administration from UNM's Anderson School of Management, Narkhede reflects on the road that brought her here and the path she's building for others.

"New Mexico is a growing hub for people who want to pursue entrepreneurship and get into the startup world. It's a university where the professors and staff are genuinely invested in your personal growth. And there's a real sense of community here.

"Every experience I've lived - from engineering project sites in India to the classrooms and innovation hubs of New Mexico - has built a deeper resolve within me: to create a meaningful impact through innovation, service and sustainability.

"UNM gave me more than knowledge - it gave me clarity, courage and community. I leave here not just as a professional, but as a purpose-driven leader committed to serving others and shaping the future of innovation in New Mexico and beyond."