For Kukreja, Economics offered more than a major — it offered a lens through which to understand the world. “Economics sits at the intersection of logic, data, and decision-making,” he shares. Courses such as Economic Development and Economics of China challenged him to think critically about how systems evolve and how innovation takes shape. These lessons echoed his own life experience, shaping how he understands leadership, growth, and human potential.

Kukreja’s academic success is grounded in persistence and purpose. Earning a place on the Dean’s Honour List and receiving prestigious awards like the Edward Blake, Walter Koenig, and Andrew Grant scholarships — each granted to only one student per year — reaffirmed his commitment to excellence. But he credits much of his success to the faculty who recognized his potential. “What made the biggest difference were the professors who believed in me,” he says. That encouragement guided him into a transformative co-op experience with the Government of Ontario, where a four-month placement grew into a 12-month contract, a full-time Summer 2025 role, and a guaranteed return for Summer 2026. Working on financial systems and automation projects allowed him to blend analytical thinking with innovation, reinforcing the discipline and accountability he developed in the classroom.

Leadership for Kukreja has never been defined by title, but by responsibility. At The Spoke, he began as a line cook and quickly rose to Student Supervisor, even stepping in as Site Manager on weekends — a role typically held by senior management. Leading a team of more than 100 student staff during busy campus periods taught him how to balance empathy, efficiency, and operational excellence.

His involvement with ACE Western, where he served as Vice President of Marketing, expanded his impact even further. He led campaigns that helped Western win the national attendance award and mentored emerging student leaders. These experiences shaped his belief that leadership is rooted in trust, initiative, and the courage to step forward when it matters most.

Entrepreneurship has been woven into Kukreja’s life from a young age. His journey began on MasterChef Junior India, where creativity and adaptability under pressure took centre stage. Those early lessons later inspired him to launch two successful takeaway restaurants in Delhi — Tuscan’s and Kuk’s Shack. Reaching break-even within the first month and maintaining profitability, these ventures taught him strategic thinking, financial discipline, and the art of building community. Managing a business while studying abroad required unwavering focus, but it also reinforced his belief that innovation thrives where passion and discipline meet.

Looking back, Kukreja sees his greatest achievement not in titles or awards but in the people he has empowered: the teams he has coached, the peers he has mentored, and the communities he has strengthened. “Whether in a kitchen, a classroom, or a government office, I’ve learned that leadership means leaving every place better than you found it.”

Kukreja’s advice for future students is grounded in honesty and courage. He entered Western with a clear goal of attending Ivey and secured AEO status, but one grade kept him from progressing. Retaking the course was financially out of reach as an international student. Instead of letting disappointment define him, he chose a new path. “If one door closes, another will open,” he reflects. Shortly after, he received his government co-op offer — a turning point that reshaped his future.

“Success is not about perfection,” Kukreja says. “It’s about showing up, being consistent, and believing in yourself even when things don’t go as planned.”

Celebrate Arnav Kukreja’s inspiring journey with us, and discover how the Faculty of Social Science encourages resilience, leadership, and limitless potential. Stay tuned for more incredible stories from our students who continue to make their mark at Western and beyond.