Angel Fortuna Maharani Finding her ‘Way’ Beyond Academic Success
Angel Fortuna Maharani’s journey at SIM reflects a discovery of her purpose and passion beyond her academic success. Pursuing Data Science and Business Analytics at SIM-University of London, she has combined academic excellence with meaningful contributions beyond the classroom. As a recipient of the SIM Award, supported by the SIM Impact Fund, her story highlights the power of opportunity in shaping future-ready leaders.
Growing up, Angel Fortuna Maharani believed that education was a pathway to opportunity, a belief shaped by her mother’s encouragement and strong emphasis on learning. While she consistently achieved strong academic results, she found herself grappling with a deeper question: who was she beyond her grades?
At SIM Global Education, where she is pursuing Data Science and Business Analytics with the University of London, that question became the start of a journey defined not just by achievement, but by growth, courage, and impact. Her commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement would later earn her the SIM Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund that recognises outstanding students who excel both within and beyond the classroom.
Finding Confidence Through Action
Despite her academic strengths, confidence did not come easily. Speaking up in class or contributing to discussions often felt intimidating, especially when surrounded by equally capable peers. Yet instead of holding back, she made a conscious decision to lean into discomfort by challenging herself to participate, engage, and take small but meaningful steps forward. Over time, those moments compounded. What once felt daunting became familiar. More importantly, it reshaped how she defined growth as the willingness to act despite uncertainty.
This growth became increasingly evident through opportunities beyond the classroom. One example was volunteering at the SIM IGNITE Career & Internship Fair, where she supported employers and worked closely with fellow volunteers.
“Growing in confidence has gradually changed the way I engage with others. I've become more willing to speak up, share my ideas, and step into situations that push me out of my comfort zone, such as pitching ideas or taking on responsibilities I wouldn't have considered before.”
The experience reinforced a lesson that continues to guide her today. “Instead of waiting until I feel fully ready, I've learnt to take initiative and figure things out along the way.”
Leadership as Trust, Not Control
This willingness to embrace challenges also shaped Angel’s leadership journey. Her first experience leading a team during a small business project taught her an important lesson. Initially, she took control by making independent decisions and advancing her own ideas. The result was low engagement and limited collaboration.
Recognising this, she changed her approach. By listening more intentionally and creating space for others to contribute, she saw a transformation in team dynamics. Collaboration improved, engagement grew, and outcomes became stronger. It was a defining moment that shaped her leadership philosophy: leadership is not about control but about trust, empathy, and enabling and rallying people towards a shared purpose.
Driven by this mindset, Angel became involved in supporting the development of a crochet club as part of a school project. The initiative provided a space where students could come together, learn from one another, and build confidence through shared experiences. Through her involvement, she contributed to growing a supportive community, reinforcing her belief that impact often begins with simple actions.
Beyond this, her involvement in the SIM Young Entrepreneurs Network (SIM YEN) further deepened her resolve to make a difference beyond the sphere of influence. From mentoring peers to supporting student initiatives, she consistently sought to create opportunities for others to grow.
Bridging Learning with Real-World Impact
Alongside her leadership journey, Angel has remained committed to academic excellence. Drawn to Data Science and Business Analytics piqued by her interest in problem-solving, she is fascinated by the stories hidden within data. “I've always enjoyed working with numbers and finding patterns. I love the idea that behind every number, there's a story and an insight waiting to be discovered.”
Through her studies, she has developed technical skills in Python, R, SQL, and Tableau while gaining a deeper understanding of how data can support decision-making and solve practical challenges.
Beyond the classroom, she has actively applied these skills in practical settings. “Studying Data Science and Business Analytics has made me more aware of how technology can make everyday tasks easier and more efficient.”
Through one of her co-curricular activities, Angel used simple tools and scripts to streamline outreach efforts, including generating customised documents and supporting email processes. She has also participated in competitions focused on real-world challenges, contributing to the development and deployment of a website prototype. These experiences have strengthened both her technical capabilities and her belief that technology should be used to solve meaningful problems.
Building Skills for the Future
In recognition of her academic achievements, leadership contributions, and active involvement in the student community, Angel was awarded the SIM Award. “Receiving the SIM Award was more than just recognition. It was a signal that I was heading in the right direction and that the effort I put into my studies truly mattered.”
The award also motivated her to continue pursuing opportunities beyond the classroom. “It also gave me a sense of responsibility, not just in my studies but outside the classroom too, to keep pushing myself and make the most of every opportunity.”
Looking ahead, Angel hopes to pursue a career where she can use data and technology to support better decision-making and solve meaningful problems. “Regardless of the industry I enter, I hope to use technology and data in a practical and meaningful way.”
Angel remains committed to helping others navigate their own journeys. “I hope to support others by sharing what I've learnt and helping people who are still figuring out their own path, the way others have helped me.”
Through the SIM Award, supported by the SIM Impact Fund, Angel’s story attests to different growth opportunities offered to SIM students, enabling them to grow in confidence, discover their passion and turn their aspiration to meaningful action and impact.
About the SIM Award
The SIM Award, a programme under the SIM Impact Fund, recognises high-achieving local and international undergraduates who combine academic excellence with leadership. Backed by the SIM Impact Fund — a $60 million, 10-year initiative that creates pathways and boosts employability of learners — it supports students to pursue their ambitions and work towards their goals in confidence.