Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I am Arini Santosa from Indonesia, Bali. I graduated in Industrial Engineering, and I spent three years working across international relations, business development, human resources, and operations within the same company and its subsidiary in Indonesia. I was also involved in the subsidiary’s start-up, including feasibility study and building systems within the company.

Beyond my professional background, I am also passionate about sports, particularly basketball. Sports represents powerful examples of teamwork, leadership, resilience, and strategic thinking while also showing how culture, community, and business intersect.

What motivated you to apply for the Inspiring Females scholarship?

Growing up and working in environments where leadership spaces were often male-dominated. Back home, I always see women leading, but often in the background. There I saw how women sometimes hesitated to step forward or were not given the same visibility. Therefore, I knew I wanted to represent something larger. When I saw this scholarship, I was excited to show my contribution to a future where  women in business are not overlooked.

What does the scholarship mean to you?

It is not just about financial support, but it is a chance in making a difference. It represents validation, on the work I have done, the risks I have taken, the person I aspire to become, and that having a dream is possible. Being recognised as an “Inspiring Female” pushes me to hold myself to a higher standard, to lead with integrity, and to use my MBA experience to make a change.

How have you been championing equality, both in industry and within your MBA?

In my professional experience, I was involved in building systems from scratch, allowing me to embed fairness into the foundation of the organisation. I was the field coordinator of the new subsidiary, leading the startup from nothing to operating.

I am currently serving as Vice President of the Women in Business Club at Warwick Business School, helping to create safe conversations spaces for women in their non-linear journeys.

How have you been embodying Warwick Business School’s Change Maker values and having an impact on society during your MBA?

Warwick Business School’s Change Maker values emphasise leadership, impact, and global perspective. I am working in embodying these through both academic work and non-academic. Embodying by being a person who listens, shares knowledge and guidance, cares and understands other people, steps up when needed, and works hard to achieve goals.

What impact has the scholarship had on your academic and personal goals?

The scholarship has given me greater confidence to pursue higher goals, especially in leadership opportunities, wherever there is, in a small or big group, reminding me that representation matters.

Do you have any advice for others considering applying for a scholarship?

Be honest in your story. Reflect on the impact you want to create and the challenges that have shaped you. Never underestimate your experiences. Sometimes the things that feel “normal” or “small” to you, such as leading small teams, navigating cultural transitions, are exactly what make your journey powerful. And most importantly: apply even if you doubt yourself. It is better to do something and fail, than not doing anything and never knowing what would have happened!