Two Tepper School Alumni Named to CMU’s 2025 Tartans on the Rise

The Tepper School of Business is proud to celebrate two of its exceptional alumni who have been named to this year’s Tartans on the Rise class: Shriya Boppana, TPR ‘21, and Barry Rabkin, MBA '14.

Carnegie Mellon University recently announced its 2025 class of Tartans on the Rise, honoring alumni who have graduated within the past decade and are already making a significant impact in their fields. This prestigious recognition, now in its fourth year, highlights CMU graduates who are leading with innovation, leadership, and groundbreaking accomplishments.

Boppana is a true force for social change, founding two impactful initiatives: Becoming a Voice, a startup dedicated to preventing sex trafficking, and another venture aimed at involving young people in global climate change discussions. Beyond her entrepreneurial efforts, Shriya hosts her own TV show on Fox 5 Plus, leveraging media to amplify critical issues. 

Inspired by a family legacy of service, she has forged connections with organizations such as the Malala Fund and the Obama Foundation, further solidifying her commitment to making a difference.

“I’m beyond honored to have my CMU family supporting me, years beyond my time on campus,” Bopanna said. “It’s reassuring to know that the work I do resonates with others and that my CMU community is still in my corner, cheering me on. It reminds me that no matter where life takes me, I’ll always be connected to this incredible network of support.”

As Director of Marketing at Near Earth Autonomy, Rabkin is shaping the future of aviation through “flight beyond sight.” His strategic leadership is driving Near Earth’s revolutionary autonomous aircraft technology, forming key partnerships with the U.S. Department of Defense and leading aircraft manufacturers. 

With a passion for customer-centric solutions and empowering people, Rabkin is playing a pivotal role in the transformation of autonomous flight, making him a fitting recipient of a Tartans on the Rise award for his innovative contributions and leadership in the field.

“CMU has this inspiring culture where innovation and impact go hand in hand.  We don't just build technology and businesses,” Rabkin said of the recognition. “We build a better world. That mindset is what makes our community so successful and such a strong force for good.”

Boppana and Rabkin were recognized at the Tartans on the Rise Reception on April 5, celebrating their remarkable achievements and dedication to excellence. Their contributions embody the culture of interdisciplinary collaboration at the Tepper School, and serve as an inspiration to the entire university community.

“From day one at the Tepper School, I was surrounded by brilliant classmates with impressive quantitative backgrounds. You learn to recognize complementary strengths, communicate across disciplines, and lead teams that are more than the sum of their parts,” Rabkin said. “That kind of multidisciplinary leadership is more than just a ‘nice to have’  – it is the only way to achieve transformative innovation at scale.”

Learn more about the 2025 class of Tartans on the Rise and celebrate the impact of these outstanding alumni.