Biosketch
Hilde Axelson is a chemical engineering student and one of eight members of the inaugural cohort of the Shah Academy’s Scholarship for Leadership and Innovation. She grew up in Massachusetts, moving from town to town during her childhood and throughout high school. She now lives in the city of Hopedale with her sister, her mother, two dogs and three cats.
Hilde has always loved learning, so attending college was a natural choice — despite being the first person in her family to pursue a four-year degree. While her mother didn't have the same opportunity, Hilde entered higher education with enthusiasm, even if she felt like she was stepping into it “totally blind.” At UMass Lowell, she has found a deeply supportive community that has made her first two years of college truly amazing.
When Hilde first heard about Shah Academy, she was skeptical and didn’t believe she’d be selected. Applying felt like a leap — why invest time and effort into something that might result in rejection? But her interest in the program outweighed her self-doubt. A month after completing the application and interview process, she was thrilled to learn she had earned a spot.
Since joining Shah Academy, Hilde has begun to gain a clearer vision of her future — one that now includes leadership, something she hadn’t initially considered for herself. Through mentorship and program experiences, she’s learned that success isn’t a solo journey. It’s built on relationships and shared growth. A good leader, she believes, lifts others up, earns their trust, and fosters mutual learning. These insights were deepened through her relationship with a mentor she was matched with through the program.
Entering college, Hilde wasn’t sure what path to take. She was strong in math and science, but it was discouraging at times to realize how much effort she had to put in compared to peers for whom these subjects came more naturally. During the beginning of her sophomore year, she began to question whether she truly fit in her major.
But Shah Academy helped her recognize the value of her unique strengths. While she is confident in her scientific and technical skills, she’s also discovered a talent for communication and personal connection—skills that complement her engineering knowledge. The program’s most meaningful lesson for her had been that there is no single, defined path.
Hilde envisions a future that blends chemical engineering, hands-on work, and strong interpersonal engagement, beginning with her upcoming role as a LEAF student in the physics department in the spring 2026 semester. She wants to be part of teams where she not only contributes technically but also supports, mentors, and leads others in ways that make them feel seen, valued, and excited to collaborate.