Sisters in More Ways Than One

In the mid-1980s, Roopa and Meera Dhanalal began their Bryn Mawr journey through a moment of pure serendipity. Roopa, captivated by a college brochure featuring cherry blossoms framing the campus’ iconic architecture, was drawn to the idyllic setting. Meera was similarly charmed when it came time to drop her sister off at college.

“I saw the Cloisters, and I don’t think I’d seen anything like that,” she explains. “It just seemed like everything we had read in books about what a college should be.”

With just 18 months between them, the Dhanalal sisters were inseparable long before Bryn Mawr. Raised in a family that prioritized education and personal growth, they approached college as a shared adventure. Their parents, first-generation immigrants living in Minneapolis, saw education as the ultimate pathway to success. Their mother, a feminist and advocate for education, became an enthusiastic supporter of the College, attending lantern nights, reunions, and campus events, often declaring, “My Bryn Mawr daughters can do anything!”

Roopa, Class of 1989, majored in biology with a minor in Literatures in English, while Meera, Class of 1990, focused on psychology and Growth and Structure of Cities. Both served simultaneously as class presidents, a testament to their leadership and collaborative spirit. Roopa became a customs head and traditions mistress, while Meera embraced the consortium experience, by taking classes at Haverford, Swarthmore, and the University of Pennsylvania. They were determined to maximize every educational opportunity. 

“We did everything,” Roopa says with a laugh.

Post-graduation, Roopa leveraged her scientific training to enter the tech industry, using her neurobiology background to craft compelling narratives in software and consulting. Meera explored financial services, launched a nonprofit, and embraced motherhood—all while maintaining her intellectual curiosity. 

They continued to stay involved with Bryn Mawr. Roopa regularly meets fellow alums during her work travels, organizing impromptu gatherings in cities such as Chicago, San Francisco, and New York. “Whenever I’m in a city, I ping my Bryn Mawr friends,” she says. “They always make time."

“Whenever I’m in a city, I ping my Bryn Mawr friends. They always make time."

The International Forum in London this past March was a particularly meaningful experience, reconnecting them with a network of accomplished alumnae/i and reinforcing their bond with the institution. 

Both sisters credit the College with teaching them more than academic skills. They learned precision, critical thinking, and the confidence to pursue diverse paths. Their message to young students remains consistent: study what fascinates you, work hard, and remain adaptable. 

“Coming to Bryn Mawr, this place that is so welcoming, so inclusive and free,” Roopa says. “We found our place where everything was possible.”

The Dhanalal sisters represent the quintessential Bryn Mawr experience—women who are intellectually curious, supportive of one another, and committed to making a meaningful impact. As they continue to write their stories, Roopa and Meera’s journey demonstrates that education is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about discovering one's potential to transform the world.