March is Women's History Month. The Division of Diversity & Inclusion is highlighting women whose work makes a positive contribution to the RIT community. 

Shal Khazanchi

Department Chair and Professor, Department of Management, Saunders College of Business

How long have you been at RIT?

Since August 2005; 15 years.

What do you like about your role here?

I feel very fortunate to be able to do the work that I truly love and enjoy.  I research (and ramble) about relationships at work and workspace design or spatial context, and their impact on important outcomes such as creativity, innovation and, more recently, entrepreneurship and inclusive culture.  I love teaching negotiations in Saunders’ MBA and Executive MBA programs – it is exciting to be a part of student learning and growth. And, believe it or not, I also enjoy the administrative role and responsibilities as the department chair of Management, and it is so, mostly because of a great group of colleagues and friends that I have the privilege to work with on initiatives aimed at advancing the departmental goals relating to research impact, curriculum, and student and faculty success.  

March is Women’s History Month. Do you have a favorite quote that inspires you?

Not really but here is one that my father had shared a long (long) time back, but it has stayed with me ever since: 

“The power to question is the basis for all human progress” – Indira Gandhi, First Female Prime Minister of India. 

Any advice on leadership for RIT students/other women?

Always remember your roots; where you came from, and who gave you strength and contributed to your success.

All of us, especially, women need to proactively support and mentor other women to “Rise-up”. 

Fun Facts:

Most weekends you will find me:

With a book at home or a coffee shop (in pre-pandemic days); or in the kitchen, cooking/trying something new from different cuisines – we are all foodies in my family!! 

Best vacation:

There are many but a more recent one is when we visited Ecuador – Galapagos Islands with my family. 

Surprising fact that most people do not know about me:

That I do oil painting – mostly abstract depiction of human form, and buildings/structures.