Although Jennifer Liu (M’98) was initially skeptical of her former company’s motto “Change Energizes Us,” she now fully appreciates its value.
Over time, she has come to embrace change and encourages others to step outside their comfort zones—and, through the study-abroad scholarship she created at Purdue, the United States.
“One of my biggest regrets is that I never studied abroad during my time at Purdue,” she says. “Growing up in an immigrant household, however, I was exposed to different cultures early on. It gave me a global perspective, and I had opportunities to travel before college. International travel energizes me, and I always try to bring back something that helps me both personally and professionally.”
Liu now serves on the alumni board for Purdue’s Mitch Daniels School of Business and has mentored some of its students.
“Many of the students I’ve mentored aspired to work for global companies but had never traveled outside the United States,” she says. “I felt this lack of exposure to international cultures put them at a disadvantage. In large global companies, you work with people from different backgrounds, and the more you understand and empathize with those differences, the more successful you’ll be in the workplace. That’s why I established the scholarship—I want students to broaden their perspectives and widen their understanding of humanity as they enter a global workforce.”
Liu’s scholarship is already making a positive impact. Last fall, a team of graduate students applied to attend the Global Logistics Forum in Saudi Arabia, which focuses on reshaping global trade and supply chains. One of those students was Keyur Nandu (MS M’24), whom Liu had mentored a year earlier.
“I was just starting my master’s program and struggling with the transition,” Nandu says. “Jennifer guided me through the challenges, helping me understand how to communicate technical concepts effectively in business terms.”
The two also talked about strategies for career advancement.
“We had a long discussion about internships, professional experience, and interview skills,” Liu says. “Afterward, we connected on LinkedIn, and I followed his professional journey.”
When Nandu and three other graduate students were accepted to attend the conference, he learned about Liu’s scholarship.
“Thanks to her, we had a successful trip to Saudi Arabia,” Nandu says. “We gained valuable knowledge and met industry experts—all because of her support. This experience has expanded my horizons and will definitely help me in my career.”
Liu is thrilled to have made a difference in Nandu’s life. He now works at Adobe, and Liu continues to lead in her role as vice president of operations for PCI Federal’s Professional Services sector.
Liu and her husband, Brett (LA’97), whom she met as a student intern at Purdue, now live in Washington, DC, with their twin sons.
“We gained valuable knowledge and met industry experts—all because of her support. This experience has expanded my horizons and will definitely help me in my career.”
—Nicolle DeWitt
