Wharton Stories » Building Belonging: An Undergrad Creates Community for Students
Wharton Stories
Building Belonging: An Undergrad Creates Community for Students
Image: University of Pennsylvania Outdoors Club trip to Shenandoah (Laura Brodkey)
Laura Brodkey, W’25, is a natural community builder who creates spaces for students to be their authentic selves and make connections.
You’ll mostly likely find Laura Brodkey in the great outdoors backpacking or hiking, but not just because she loves spending time in nature.
“What I find most exciting is getting other people to build connections with others in those settings,” she said. “It pushes them out of their comfort zone and makes them spend a lot of time together without distractions.”
The rising fourth-year is passionate about forming intentional communities at Penn. That passion led the outdoor enthusiast to be involved in PennQuest and Penn Outdoors Club. Additionally, Brodkey is an instructor for Outward Bound, leading backpacking trips that emphasize leadership development and growth.
PennQuest gear return (Image: Laura Brodkey)
The Pittsburgh native is a mentor in PennQuest, a pre-orientation program aimed at fostering connections among incoming first-years through outdoor activities. Brodkey guides students through outdoor adventures and bonding activities, helping them establish a support network before starting their academic journey at Penn.
“By the time they come to Penn, they have this support network of mentors and friends, who really know them for who they are,” Brodkey says of the first-years. “Whenever you get bombarded with all of the different activities that you can join at Penn and intense social life, you have this safety net to fall back on.”
Brodkey, a PennQuest mentor since her sophomore year, says the program was foundational to her confidence and sense of belonging on campus.
Playing ultimate frisbee (Image: Laura Brodkey)
“You come in as this nervous first-year worried about how you’ll be perceived. Will you be included and appreciated for who you really are?” Brodkey said. “PennQuest makes you realize, ‘Oh, I can just be who I am and still be appreciated for that.’”
The experience encouraged her to take risks and pursue various clubs and activities, including women’s club soccer and women’s ultimate frisbee.
“I had this insane confidence boost where I could do whatever club I wanted,” Brodkey said of how comfortable she felt after finding groups that loved her true self.
Finding a Supportive Community at Wharton
A cornerstone of Brodkey’s community-building efforts is her involvement with Wharton Alliance, a student club for queer students in business.
When Brodkey arrived at Wharton, she thought that all the other students had a plan.
“They came in and they seemed like they knew exactly what they wanted to do, and I was not in that position,” she said. “I honestly did not care about going into the corporate world at all.”
As a first year, Brodkey sought a supportive community amidst what felt like an overwhelming business environment where she didn’t see much queer representation.
“Wharton Alliance seemed like a really cool place to meet interesting people and find a little family within Wharton that aligned with my values and helped me discover what paths I could take in the business world.”
The Wharton Alliance case competition committee (Image: Laura Brodkey)
Now serving as co-president, Brodkey focuses on expanding the group’s reach to all queer students across campus.
“My co-president and I want when people see our club, they immediately recognize the kind of culture that we provide and stand for, and it’s not just queer people in business,” Brodkey said. “We’re trying to make a space where any queer person across the entire university can come and feel welcome.”
That includes hosting collaborative events with other affinity groups and opportunities for students to have meaningful connections.
While Brodkey felt seen and accepted in her outdoor and sports clubs, she didn’t feel that way within Wharton initially.
“In my classes, I didn’t find that same sense of unconditional love that I found in my other groups,” she said. “That’s how I found Wharton Alliance, and I’m trying now to take Wharton Alliance and make it one of those spaces.”
The Essence of Business
Brodkey’s passion for public policy led her to business school, but so did knowing what she didn’t want to do.
“I looked through all of these subjects I had and checked off a bunch of boxes for things that I didn’t like or knew that I didn’t want to do,” she said. “I wasn’t going to go down the humanities track. I wasn’t going to sit behind a lab bench.”
The rising senior is concentrating in business economics and public policy (BEPP) and statistics and minoring in economics. After graduation, Brodkey is going into economic consulting.
“My background is not your traditional male-dominated, corporate investment banking track,” she said.
While her path may have been “atypical,” she is happy to have found what she enjoys.
“Business is fundamentally about making human connections. I conveniently found that thing that I really enjoy, which is the human connection part.”
Brodkey emphasizes the importance of a supportive community to help her succeed in tough environments.
“You can’t actually go into competitive sectors without a loving network that helps you prepare and feel like you belong,” she said.
That philosophy has guided Brodkey in building inclusive and resilient communities within Penn.
“If you don’t feel like you belong, how can you, or even pretend to, belong? How can you succeed in those areas?”
That is one of the main reasons why Brodkey works to create supportive groups, particularly for first-years and queer students.
“There’s a tangible beneficial impact on your future outcomes by finding a sense of belonging.”
Intentional Spaces
Members of the Herzog Collective (Image: Laura Brodkey)
Brodkey’s living arrangement reinforces her role as a community builder. She resides in the Herzog Collective on campus, a 10-person art collective that functions as a community hub.
“We put on all sorts of community events, volunteer together, and have communal dinners and communal groceries,” she said. “Being in the house means being part of a community.”
The communal aspect nurtured meaningful friendships, according to Brodkey. She says none of the housemates were close friends before moving in or associated with the same campus activities.
“It’s been super, super fun. I’ve met some of the coolest people that I didn’t know existed on campus.”
The main reason Brodkey pursued business was to have an impact and help others—something she’s already doing at Penn.
Concentrations: Business, Economics and Public Policy; Statistics
Minor: Economics
Activities: Wharton Alliance, PennQuest, Women’s Club Soccer, Women’s Ultimate, and Penn Outdoor Club
Favorite place on campus: Kelly Writers House because it is a little homey nook with the comfiest couches, eclectic events, and great conversations.
Kelly Writers House (Image: Weining Ding, W’27)
Favorite Penn tradition: Philadelphia Museum of Art Gala
Something you would tell your first-year self: Penn brings in so many high-profile speakers and professors. Take the time to build a breadth of knowledge. Sit in on seminars, lectures, and speaker events—even if they are completely unrelated to your field of study.
Wharton Stories
LDI & Wharton’s SUMR Program: 25 Years in Health Research Evolution
Image: Students participate in a critical writing workshop, learning effective techniques for health services research. (Image: Madison Sumners)
“We are very proud of our scholars and their accomplishments. 85% of program alum have continued on in health-related fields following college graduation.” – Joanne Levy, SUMR Program Co-Founder
A quarter-century strong, the Summer Undergraduate Mentored Research Program (SUMR) is where tomorrow’s health services leaders are born. What began as a small cohort of ambitious students has grown into a robust and impactful program that has created space for over 350 scholars from around the world and guide their journeys in advancing health equity.
Founded in 2000 by the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI) and the Wharton School’s Health Care Management Department, SUMR was brought to life by the love and generosity of its founders, Mark Pauly and Joanne Levy. “The success stories of students conducting research on topics relevant to minorities, who then pursue Ph.D. programs and achieve academic success, are remarkable,” says Levy.
From Small Cohorts to Major Milestones
The SUMR program heats up the season by selecting undergraduate students to work with Penn faculty on various research projects throughout the summer. These projects range from seeking solutions for safe and affordable housing for vulnerable populations to exploring how policymakers can address substance use disorder, and advancing research on chronic diseases like breast cancer and hypertension. Over the years, the program has grown in size and prestige, introducing elements like GRE prep, lectures from leading experts, critical writing programs, and skill workshops to help support the scholars’ research careers.
SUMR scholar Patrick Arp introduces Rachel Werner, Executive Director of the Leonard Davis Institute, during a Lunch-and-Learn with fellow SUMR scholars. (Image: Madison Sumners)
As SUMR celebrates its 25th anniversary, the importance of diversity in health care becomes increasingly evident. “The more we can train scholars with an interest in these topics and with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, the more scientific evidence we will have to inform policy and reduce health disparities,” says Health Care Management Professor and SUMR Faculty Director, Claudio Lucarelli.
The program believes that solving disparities in health care—such as the higher rates of heart disease, many cancers, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and maternal mortality, among minority populations compared to white populations—requires health services researchers who understand the political, social, economic, and environmental realities contributing to these inequities.
Scholars on a Mission
The current cohort consists of 40 scholars from different universities (including Penn), countries, and diverse backgrounds, including first-generation, low-income, international, and LGBTQ+ students. These students, whether they come from the communities they are studying or have gained insight through their research and experiences, understand the healthcare disparities faced by these populations and are driven to create meaningful solutions.
Elizabeth Nguyen, a student at Washington and Lee University, exemplifies this drive. “As a woman of color and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, my approach is shaped by the lens of oppression,” says Nguyen. Nguyen is a 2024 SUMR scholar working on two projects connected to Penn’s Department of Family and Community Health focusing on harm reduction interventions and housing programs for people living with HIV. She is driven by her passion for community-based healthcare, acknowledging how trauma from an unfair system shapes lives.
Elizabeth Nguyen, a SUMR scholar and student at Washington and Lee University, Class of 2025, majoring in Neuroscience with a minor in Poverty and Human Capabilities Studies. (Image: Elizabeth Nguyen)
“For some of my friends who’ve been rejected by their families for simply being who they are, the cut never really heals,” she says. Coming from Washington and Lee University in Virginia, Nguyen is grateful for the opportunity SUMR offers to engage in this passion here at Penn. “I’m looking forward to the future of Philly’s transitional housing as well as the hospital-based, full-spectrum addiction service program my work will inform,” she says.
Tyasia Canon, a Penn student and member of the current cohort, brings a personal connection to the work she’s doing in the program. “As a student who comes from a low-income, underinsured household, I’ve had to deal with many problems when it comes to health disparities,” she says. “Remembering the countless times that the healthcare system has disappointed my family has really motivated me to understand why this is happening, to whom this is happening, what interventions are possible, and how future policies and guidelines can improve this situation,” says Canon.
Tyasia Cannon, a SUMR scholar and student at the University of Pennsylvania, Class of 2026, majoring in Neuroscience with minors in Sociology and Chemistry. (Image: Tyasia Cannon)
Alumni Impact
The impact of SUMR is also evident in the achievements and sentiments of its alumni. Elorm Avakame, a 2011 alum, reflects on his experience: “It was absolutely integral to my early career development. It was my first time being at such a prestigious and competitive institution and gave me confidence that I could succeed at this level.” Avakame will return to Penn in August 2024 to begin his faculty career as a pediatric critical care physician at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Lorraine Dean, an alum from the 2001 cohort and Associate Professor of Epidemiology at Johns Hopkins University recalls that when she started the program, there were only four students, all from Penn. “It’s amazing to watch this program blossom so that it can reach so many more students, and train students who are from a wide variety of institutions beyond Penn,” says Dean.
The Next Twenty-Five Years
As SUMR looks ahead to the next 25 years, the program remains focused on championing diverse voices, driving innovative research, and advancing health equity. “We are very proud of our scholars and their accomplishments,” says Levy. “85% of program alum have continued on in health-related fields following college graduation.”
Abril Coselino, an international student from Argentina studying Psychology and General Biology at Keystone College, participates in a critical writing workshop. (Image: Madison Sumners)
This program is laying the groundwork for a future where healthcare access and quality is the norm, not the exception. “The combination of Penn being a top research institution, with a dedicated department of Health Care Management at the Wharton School, provides a unique opportunity to effectively study the supply side of the health sector and how to improve disparities in the provision of healthcare,” says Lucarelli.
Founded in 2000 by Penn LDI and the Wharton School’s Health Care Management Department, this summer internship program helps advance equity in the health care professions.
Since 2000, more than 350 undergraduate students have participated in SUMR. Of those 350 undergrads, 85% have gone on to have careers in health care.
Participating scholars work with Penn faculty on mentored research projects, attend the Academy Health Annual Research Meeting, and present on their projects at the SUMR Research Symposium.
The SUMR/LDI partnership introduces talented undergraduate students with a demonstrated commitment in advancing the needs of underrepresented groups in health services to research in this field.
Wharton Stories
Meet Seven New Members of Incoming MBA Class of 2026
Image: Wharton MBA students gather in Huntsman Hall for community building activities. (Samantha Oyola)
“Take some time for some introspection to figure out who you are, what makes you stand out, and your ‘why’. The application process may seem long and daunting, but if you believe in yourself and your ‘story’, it will make the journey worthwhile.” – Veronica Rivera, WG’26
The incoming MBA Class of 2026 is a few months away from the start of their life-changing MBA experience. In April we welcomed ~400 members of the class and their partners to campus to learn more about what’s in store for the next two years. During their weekend on campus, students had the opportunity to get to know fellow admits, take a masterclass with Vice Dean Nicolaj Siggelkow, and listen in on student panels that provided a candid look at the MBA experience.
Between events, we caught up with seven incoming students to hear what excites them about Wharton, and what led them to join the Wharton MBA community.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Henri Mattila
Hometown: I was born in Helsinki, Finland but moved with my family to Haverford, Pennsylvania when I was in third grade.
Previous Education: B.S. in Applied Economics and Management from Cornell University.
Previous Career Experience: Most recently, I have worked in corporate development in the pharmaceutical industry, and prior to my pivot into pharma I worked in a strategic finance role at a tech and media conglomerate.
Fun Fact: In college, I co-founded a magazine with a mission of fostering respectful, civil dialogue across ideological lines called Merion West—the fun fact being that against great odds, it’s still going strong!
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? Shortly after being admitted, I was invited to a local Wharton student-organized party for the class of 2026. There, I met some of the most remarkable people and immediately knew I would have great company for the next two years, and hopefully beyond.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? I’m most looking forward to trying out the different clubs I’ve heard so much about, from tennis to the Health Care Club. And though a younger version of me would be shocked to hear this, I’m also looking forward to taking some classes and learning from top-rate professors.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? As someone who’s lived in many other cities as well as Philadelphia, Philly is kind of a perfect town for MBA students. It’s very walkable and bike-friendly, and the restaurant scene is strong but still doesn’t break the bank. Also, it’s very much worth mentioning that both New York and D.C. are a quick Amtrak train ride away (from a seasoned Amtrak rider: if you book a little in advance, tickets can be as low as 25 bucks!)
Image: Samantha Oyola
Samuel McDaniel
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Previous Education: Vanderbilt University
Previous Career Experience: I started my career in management consulting before transitioning to various product management and sales roles in the SAAS space. Most recently, I’ve been working in software sales and leading operations for my family’s business.
Fun Fact: Every year my mother and I venture to a new NFL stadium. Our goal is to knock out all stadiums by 2030. So far we’ve been to Atlanta, Oakland, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. I’m looking forward to knocking out Philadelphia next year!
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? Wharton has always been on a short list of potential MBA programs based on my interactions with alumni, the Wharton brand, and the strength of their entrepreneurship through acquisition programming. My experience at the Explore Wharton program really confirmed that this would be the right place for me. The ability to have dedicated facetime with leaders from the career, graduate affairs and financial aid offices really helped me envision how I could maximize my two years on campus. Lastly, I’ve been impressed with the well roundedness of the students I’ve interacted with. I’m excited to be part of the work hard, play hard culture and continue to build my network.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? As an athletic person, I’m looking forward to diving into the sports-based clubs on campus — Boxing, Rowing, Golf & Hockey. Outside of athletics, I really want to be active in AAMBAA and the ETA Club.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? Talk to as many students as possible and try to visit campus. During my research, every person I spoke to had a unique Wharton experience from their social life to professional goals. These conversations really helped me add a layer of intentionality and genuineness to my application that I believed helped me standout.
Image: Veronica Rivera
Veronica Rivera
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Previous Education: University of Florida, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance; Minor in Retail
Previous Career Experience: Management Consultant, Boston Consulting Group
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Operations, Information and Decisions
Fun Fact: I bake the world’s best chocolate cake* (based on unbiased feedback from my friends and family)
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? I spoke with alumni of varying degrees, from students who graduated last year, and alums who graduated 10-20 years ago. Recent grads gushed over the exceptional community and experience, while more seasoned alums emphasized the unparalleled network and its lasting impacts on their career. While I was excited about the buzz from such a vibrant student experience, I really was inspired by the idea that this program opens doors to career, and life changing opportunities.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? Too many to choose from already…but, the Wharton Graduate Retail Club, Yoga & Wellness Club, and Food Club.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? Get to really know yourself as you consider the Wharton MBA. Take some time for some introspection to figure out who you are, what makes you stand out, and your ‘why’. The application process may seem long and daunting, but if you believe in yourself and your ‘story’, it will make the journey worthwhile.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Wesley Suggs
Hometown: Washington, D.C.
Previous Education: BA in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia
Previous Career Experience: I was a Teach For America Corps Member in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. I taught High School History and then became an Assistant Principal. I currently work as a Strategist and Partnership Manager at Grammarly.
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Finance and Social and Governance Factors for Business
Fun Fact: In college, I played on the Varsity Soccer Team and won the Division 1 Men’s Soccer NCAA National Championship
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? I knew Wharton was the right fit for me after I attended the Explore Wharton event this past November. I got to converse with current BIPOC Wharton MBA students and hear about their experiences. I was also able to glean insights from the Admissions Office on how to craft a compelling application. After having soaked up that energy and gained invaluable advice, I felt a surge of confidence in my application. Wharton wasn’t just a prestigious business school anymore; it felt like a supportive community where I could thrive. The BIPOC students I met radiated a passion for making a difference, and their stories mirrored my own desire to bridge the opportunity gap. The admissions team’s guidance demystified the application process, and I knew I could tailor my strengths and experiences into a compelling narrative. Explore Wharton wasn’t just an event – it was a turning point.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? I am looking forward to learning from and growing with my learning team. Wharton does a great job of building a culturally and professionally diverse class, so I know that I will be exposed to a wealth of perspectives and experiences that will challenge my own thinking and push me to grow in unforeseen ways. I am eager to become an active member of AAMBAA. The resources that the club afforded me during my application process were invaluable, and I can’t wait to contribute to its tradition of Black excellence.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? If you come from a non-traditional background, it is important to know that Wharton will appreciate your unique experiences and has a lot to offer you! If you are passionate about making a social impact, Wharton is the perfect place to thrive. They will provide you with the necessary knowledge and resources to leverage your unique talents and achieve your goal of becoming a positive force for change. It is a place where you can develop the skills and make meaningful connections that will enable you to make a real difference in the world.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Astha Berry
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin / Irvine, California
Previous Education: Medicine, Science, and the Humanities (undergrad) and Molecular Microbiology and Immunology (grad) at Johns Hopkins
Previous Career Experience: Strategy Consulting
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Fun Fact: I read 200 books / year
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? Wharton was my dream school for an MBA – I visited friends at Penn during undergrad and always had an amazing time. I spoke to multiple friends from my undergrad who are current students or alumni at Wharton and when I visited it immediately felt like home. Then, to seal the deal, over Christmas, I ran into a group of Wharton students on a cruise in Antarctica. Turns out Wharton students are truly everywhere.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? I can’t wait to get plugged into VIP-C and VIP-X at Tangen Hall, Follies,
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? Talk to students who are doing the things that you want to do, visit campus to get a feel for the student body, and see if you can picture yourself there.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Matthew Keepman
Hometown: Minnetonka, Minnesota
Previous Education: BA in Latin American Studies and Spanish from Brigham Young University
Previous Career Experience: Most recently I was a private equity associate at DW Healthcare Partners and prior to that I was an investment banking analyst at Piper Sandler.
Fun Fact: I listen to Disney music when I’m stressed.
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? I had always known that Wharton was a world renowned business school but when I learned about the healthcare management program and spoke with current students I knew it was a perfect fit for me.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? The Wildmen Hockey Club.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program? Consider how you want to learn and grow during business school, both personally and professionally, and figure out how Wharton will help you to achieve that growth.
Image: Daniele Anderson
Daniele Anderson
Hometown: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Previous Education: Undergrad: United States Naval Academy; Master’s: Columbia University (NY)
Previous Career Experience: From 2013 to 2018 I served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the US Navy. I left the Navy to work on issues of economic inequality in the social impact sector. I’m currently a research director at a civil rights organization.
Intended Wharton Major/Program: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Fun Fact: I love music and collect records as a hobby. My next goal is to learn how to DJ!
When or how did you know that Wharton was the right fit for you? I was looking for both flexibility and community in an MBA program. I am interested in launching my own digital health company, Wharton’s flexible curriculum gives me the ability to tailor my academic experience across my three interests, healthcare, technology, and entrepreneurship. After I attended ‘Explore Wharton’ day and saw how tight-knit students were and how welcoming they were to us prospective students, I knew Wharton was the right place for me.
What are you most looking forward to being a part of when you get to campus in August? I’m looking forward to building meaningful relationships with my classmates and working on my health-tech venture. I’m also looking forward to joining the African American MBA Association and Veterans Club, both were instrumental resources during my application process. I’m excited to pay it forward and help other veterans and BIPOC prospective students along their MBA application journey.
Every year, the Office of MBA Admissions and Office of MBA Student Life partner to plan Welcome to Wharton events in January and April, welcoming recently admitted MBA students to campus for a weekend of programming designed to showcase all aspects of life at Wharton.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Staff and current students eager to welcome recently admitted MBA candidates to campus.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Panelists Samimi Haroon WG’24, Vice Dean Maryellen Reilly, Loyd Bradley WG’24 and Director of Student Life Eddie Banks-Crosson discuss life at Wharton, and what’s next for the MBA program.
Image: Samantha Oyola
Admitted students sit in on mock classes, sessions led by Career Management, and student panels throughout the weekend.
Wharton Stories
A Brand Built by Fathers and Sons
Image: Clement Pappas, WG'09, in the foreground of his personal distillery, which also doubles as a bar and tasting lounge. (Courtesy of Clement Pappas)
“Somehow, over the generations, everyone has young kids, and somehow, everybody comes out just fine.” – Clement Pappas, WG’09
A hard work ethic has driven Wharton Executive MBA alumnus Clement Pappas, WG’09, to follow in his father’s footsteps as a business owner while raising two sons himself. His sense of loyalty and his philanthropy have built his vodka brand,Stateside, into a nationwide presence, and the company recently debuted Surfside, a “ready to drink” alcoholic beverage thatForbes has called the “fastest-growing canned cocktail.” Last year, roughly 2.5 cases of Surfside were sold every minute.
Pappas sponsors Major League Baseball teams, including the Philadelphia Phillies and the Atlanta Braves, and donates to up to 10 local charity events a week. But the most personal way in which he gives back is through thePeter Joseph Pappas Fund, a research-grant fund named for his first son, whom the family lost to complications from HELLP syndrome, a severe form of preeclampsia. “It’s a way to honor Peter,” he says. “We continue to keep his memory alive.”
Today, Lauren and Clement’s sons Paul and Joey are five and seven.
Balancing the business and fatherhood keeps Pappas busier than ever, but the time he spent pursuingWharton’s Executive MBA program was invaluable despite the crush, he says: “Somehow, over the generations, everyone has young kids, and somehow, everybody comes out just fine. Same thing for people going through WEMBA. They come out loving the experience. It is a lot to juggle, but you find a way — and you’ll be happy that you did it.”
Pappas with his wife Lauren and sons Paul (right) and Joey (left). Image courtesy of Clement Pappas)
Wharton Stories
How an Executive Navigates Identity and Inclusion in Business
Image: Hig Roberts, WG’ 25, competes on the World Cup Circuit, Alta Badia, Italy. (Agence Zoom)
“There are a lot of changes I would like to see and be a part of in sports. The diversity of thought that Wharton provides is crucial for me at this point in my career.” – Hig Roberts, WG’25
By age 23, Hig Roberts, WG’25, had already achieved what many elite skiers only dream of—competing on the World Cup circuit. He went on to win two national slalom titles and serve as an alternate at the 2018 Olympics before hanging up his skis to pursue a new track. In 2020, Hig became the first professional men’s alpine skier to publicly come out as gay, a milestone for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in winter sports.
Now, as a Wharton MBA candidate, he’s aiming to create more space for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, women, and underrepresented athletes in the sports industry. Hig shares why he is pursuing his Executive MBA from the Wharton School, what it means to be a role model for young athletes and sports executives, and how to manage work and school as a new father.
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA at this point in your career?
I love learning from smart people. My years working as an athlete and agent have given me incredible experiences, and ultimately, I love the competitive, fast-paced nature of the industry. In sports, we are surrounded by people who are similar to us; we all want to win and be the best. I wanted to learn from people who come from different backgrounds than I did, and who may approach opportunities differently. Wasserman is a leading agency in the Olympic space and I wanted a top-tier MBA program which would allow me to keep working full-time while learning valuable new skills.
Roberts with his learning team in the San Francisco cohort at their Fed Challenge in Year 1’s Macroeconomics class. Pictured from left to right: Hig Roberts, Kelly Kamienski, Prakash Chockalingam, Toms Zvidrins, Molly Gosse, Zifu Wang (Image: Hig Roberts)
I chose Wharton to give me the best foundation in management, teamwork, operations, and broader organizational strategy. There are a lot of changes I would like to see and be a part of in sports. The diversity of thought that Wharton provides is crucial for me at this point in my career.
What inspired you to come out at this stage in your life?
I struggled a lot as an athlete trying to reconcile who I was as a person and who the world wanted me to be. What does it mean to be an all-star athlete? Growing up, I was praised for my athletic achievements, while internally struggling with my identity. After I left the sport, I lost my younger brother tragically and suddenly. His loss has the biggest impact on me. It makes me realize that life is short and we only have one shot at it. When I came out, I felt empowered and learned a huge lesson: people are better than you think.
Roberts skis with his partner, Luke Macfarlane in Kitzbühel, Austria in 2024 (Image: Hig Roberts)
I was so hesitant to come out as an athlete but have felt remarkably supported working in this industry as an openly gay man. There’s a huge movement in sports happening and we can see attitudes transforming. I’ve always known sports to be the most prime arena for acceptance– after all, the clock does not care who you are, but how hard you are trying. I want to give back to the space, serve as a role model, and put more power in the hands of athletes who have traditionally been left out of the sports industry.
Any highlights from your first year in the Wharton MBA Program for Executives? It’s really special to get back into the classroom and meet so many new people. My classmates have seen success already in their careers and know who they are. Like me, they’re curious about learning more, rounding out their weaknesses, and enhancing their strengths. We chose this program because it’s the real deal. It’s challenging and competitive, but the environment is incredibly collaborative.
The WEMBA 49ers Soccer Team playing before classes. (Image: Hig Roberts)
I feel confident saying that I have the best learning team to ever be assembled. We have a U.S. Diplomat, a CFO, an energy engineer, a Googler, and a preeminent Vanguard rockstar. We’re all so different not just in professional background, but also in the way we problem solve. It’s incredibly humbling having these profound conversations with classmates at lunch or walking to a class. I constantly think how lucky I am to be in the same room as them.
What advice do you have for LGBTQ+ individuals navigating the professional landscape?
I always try to hold the positive mindset that people are better than you think they are. There is no reason to underestimate the good in people. I have found that people are more willing to accept me and care about what makes me “me”.
Roberts stands with his partner, Luke Macfarlane, at the finish line of the 2024 NYC Marathon. The couple raised over 20K for Beyond Type 1 Diabetes in honor of Roberts’ late brother, Murphy. (Image: Hig Roberts)
Ownership of who I am and my story is so critical to the well-being of myself, my family, my team, and my company. Sure, sometimes it feels exhausting to come out and be that person, that representative for the community. But I didn’t see athletes or executives doing it in the sports world when I was young, so I want to make sure I show up now. If I can impact one person, it is all worth it. At Wharton, there is a healthy LGBTQ+ alumni community across the country and world, and I’m proud to be part of it.
What is it like being a student and balancing life as a new parent?
It’s all about perspective. My husband and I welcomed our baby daughter last year during the first week of class. When I got to campus, I quickly found out four other classmates recently had babies and two more were expecting children that summer. I felt the immense pressure melt away when I realized I wasn’t alone. Even better, I am now part of the most amazing network of parents.
Roberts, center, with his learning team. All are participants in a bike-building community service event, which occurs during every EMBA student’s first week of classes in Philadelphia. (Image: Hig Roberts)
Every class weekend, we get together to swap stories, the good and the ugly. Balancing work, school, and parenthood has given me a perspective unlike any other throughout my life. Like many athletes and MBA students, I consider myself a go-getter and sometimes bite off more than I can chew. Having a child has slowed me down and helped me realize what can wait until tomorrow and what can’t.
Currently: Sports Agent, Wasserman Based in: Los Angeles, CA EMBA Cohort: San Francisco Previous Education: Bachelor of Arts, Economics and American Studies, Middlebury College
Wharton Stories
My Global Business Week Experience: Argentina
Image: La Boca district, Buenos Aires, Argentina (Armando Oliveira)
This is the first of several installments in the “My Global Business Week” series.
Share in the journeys of Wharton EMBA students who venture across the world to learn with Wharton’s acclaimed Global Business Week program.
Each year, second-year students in the Wharton MBA Program for Executives embark on Global Business Week, a week-long course taught by Wharton faculty. Students from all three cohorts choose from several destinations, meaning each course enrolls a mix of Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Global cohort students.
Glory Durham, WG’24 (Image: Glory Durham)
Glory Durham, WG’24, is the Director of Operations at Penn Health-Tech, Penn’s health-tech innovation center. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Neuroscience from the University of Pittsburgh. Before enrolling in the Wharton MBA Program for Executives, she earned a Master of Public Health in Infectious Diseases and Microbiology from the University of Pittsburgh.
Below, Durham shares her Global Business Week experience studying Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Turbulent Times with Prof. Zeke Hernandez in Argentina.
Why did you choose the Argentina Global Business Week destination?
I come from a public health background, and currently work at Penn Health-Tech, a center supporting faculty from Penn and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as they develop medical technology ideas into products. I’m passionate about solving healthcare problems and supporting innovators in their go-to-market strategy.
Wharton EMBA students enjoying a cultural enrichment experience in Argentina. (Image: Glory Durham)
I chose Argentina because I wanted to learn how to operate in a market that is constantly changing and evolving. This knowledge will help me become a more resilient and adaptable innovator and support like-minded individuals and teams.
Can you tell us about some highlights from the week?
Professor Hernandez provided necessary context of the complex market dynamics in Argentina, influenced by the economic and political situation. We also met with senior leaders from various sectors and industries who shared their insights and experiences with us. They helped us understand Argentina’s role in the South American and global markets, with an emphasis on entrepreneurship.
There were several memorable visits from the trip. We visited a mid-stage fintech startup where we discussed how leaders cope with the challenges and opportunities of the Argentine economy and politics. Hearing their insights on the impact of geopolitical influences and how culture and commerce interplay with one another was fascinating. Another highlight was Estonia Ranch, a cattle ranch, where we got an economics lecture from an agricultural perspective. It was interesting to see how they plan and prepare for recessions, and how they decide when to borrow, buy, or scale back.
Dining with students from the Philadelphia and San Francisco cohorts on the last night in Argentina. (Image: Glory Durham)
Some other notable visits included a fireside chat with the COO of an early-stage biotech firm, a meeting with a healthcare company expanding to Europe, and a visit with Mercado Libre, the “Amazon” of South America. These visits showed us the diversity and innovation of the Argentine business landscape. The interweaving fabric of the course was how to anticipate and respond to unexpected events, such as a recession, and how to make smart business decisions in any context.
How did you and your classmates spend time outside of class and corporate visits?
Beyond the class lectures and corporate visits, I enjoyed some meaningful and fun activities with my classmates in Argentina. One of them was visiting a nonprofit organization, Sumando Energiás, that provides solar-powered plumbing for low-income areas. As an immigrant from Nigeria, I could relate to the challenges of poverty and lack of basic amenities. I was happy to help the organization by making water heating devices from recycled soda cans. The work we completed provided hot water for three families. It was a great way to bond with my classmates and give back to the community.
Wharton EMBA students giving back to the community in Argentina at Sumando Energiás. (Image: Glory Durham)
Another aspect of Global Business Week that I loved was the opportunity to connect with classmates on a personal level. You’re waiting with them at the airport in sweatpants, which broke the ice and made us more casual and comfortable than we usually get to be in the classroom. When we were together, we often prioritized connecting with classmates we may not have had the chance to get to know yet. We had dinners, learned tango dancing, visited Uruguay by ferry, and had a lot of fun! The trip was also a bittersweet reminder that our wild, unbelievable two-year WEMBA journey is coming to an end soon, which made me appreciate it even more. – Glory Durham
Class photo with Jacobo Cohen Imach, Senior Vice President General Counsel at MercadoLibre, Inc. (Image: Wharton MBA Program for Executives)
Wharton’s Executive MBA program requires students to participate in Global Business Week (GBW) in the beginning of their second year.
Students choose from several locations for GBW, which means each location will have a mix of Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Global students.
Recent choices have included customer centricity in Sweden, entrepreneurship and innovation in Argentina, cryptocurrency and the next generation of finance in Switzerland, and ESG Issues in Australia.
During this intensive week of corporate visits and lectures, students engage with senior management to discuss topics relevant to the region.
Following the trip, they have the opportunity to reflect on the insights gained from the experience and present their findings.
Next up in the “My Global Business Week Experience” content series: Switzerland.
Wharton Stories
How Wharton’s Disability Empowerment and Action League (DEAL) Transforms Campus
Image: From left to right: Xu at a club event with fellow DEAL members Greg Young, Letícia R. Cavalcanti, and Maximilian Tang, all WG'24 (DEAL).
“By fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding, we can attract more talented prospective students with disabilities to Wharton and have them to believe they can make a meaningful impact in their careers beyond Wharton.” – Sheila Xu, WG’24
Sixty years after the founding of the first Mental Health Awareness Month in May 1949, Wharton students are united in creating an intentional community dedicated to supporting the many neurodivergent and disabled students who live, work, and thrive on campus. Meet Wharton’s DEAL Club, the School’s student-founded, student-run Disability Empowerment and Action League, the mission of which is “to build a supportive community for people with disabilities at Wharton in order to make Wharton more inclusive and accessible to all.”
This is why opening DEAL’s doors beyond Wharton, to all of Penn, remains one of the most significant decisions executed by DEAL student leaders upon the club’s founding in Fall 2023. Today and moving forward, all club activities and events are available to all Penn students, club partners, and allies alike.
DEAL club members enjoys a regular lunch together on campus. On the left side of the image: Portugal is second-right; Xu is at the end of the table. On the right: Burgoyne is pictured in the back. (Image: DEAL)
Navigating the diverse needs within DEAL requires a commitment to inclusivity. Neurodivergent conditions such as autism and ADHD are most commonly identified by DEAL group members, while others navigate disabilities like deafness, blindness, plus a variety of other mental and physical health challenges – all while earning their degrees and supporting one another.
How DEAL Went From Idea To Inception
Outgoing DEAL president and club co-founder Sheila Xu, WG’24, is a deaf-signing woman who remembers arriving on campus feeling highly visible, yet also somewhat isolated, from her peers. “Many of my Wharton peers confided in me about their own disabilities, but feared disclosing due to stigma and lack of understanding from others,” Xu says. “This realization sparked my desire to create a safe space for students with disabilities and allies to connect, share experiences, and advocate for inclusivity and accessibility at Wharton.”
Portugal (top row, far left) and Xu (bottom row, left of center) at the DALSA and DEAL joint event. DEAL event with club members and allies. (Image: DEAL)
Also reflecting on DEAL’s genesis, board member John Burgoyne, WG’24, notes that he and his fellow co-founders discovered inspiration in each other’s respective leadership styles and vision.
“I wanted to be a founding board member for DEAL,” says Burgoyne. “Seeing the evolution of the club from a small group of passionate individuals into a community of people supporting each other and advocating for accessibility has been so exciting.”
Inclusion’s Winding Road
The journey toward the creation of DEAL, plus its mission of inclusivity for all student members, was not without bumps in the road. Edwin Portugal, WG’24, due to serve as DEAL’s incoming 2024 – 25 Club President, highlights his own challenges in the context of the need for DEAL on campus.
“The reason why I joined DEAL is deeply tied to my journey of understanding my past challenges, and the challenges facing many other people with disabilities,” reflects Portugal, who received an autism diagnosis at age twenty-five. This combination of empathy and self-awareness is a running theme for DEAL and its members, many of whom face similar hurdles as Portugal, whether in that same sphere of neurodivergence or through navigating other disabilities.
Because club leadership is mostly of Wharton students, many of DEAL’s initiatives focus on championing disability inclusion in business education and in the business world writ large.
Portugal (right) stands with professional advocates who lend their time to disability advocacy in the workplace at a DEAL event. (Image: DEAL)
“Even with DEI’s growth, we still see too many businesses neglecting aspects of identity related to disability,” says Burgoyne. “When a company intentionally weaves accessibility, intersectionality, and belonging into their work, that’s a great signal for potential talent, in addition to a differentiator for the team.”
Xu echoes Burgoyne’s perspective with numbers to back up this claim. “With 1 in 4 people globally having a disability and the disability market worth $13 trillion, it’s crucial we tap into this overlooked sector,” she says. “By promoting visibility and inclusion, we empower our nondisabled allies to become more aware and thoughtful leaders in their career, especially when working with their colleagues or clients with disabilities.”
DEAL’s philosophical foundation of intersectionality lends itself to supporting its student members’ post-grad journeys. DEAL leadership organized a panel with Penn’s Office of Student Affairs that focused on hiring and supporting employees with disabilities through an event co-sponsored by Wharton’s Human Capital Club.
Through active bridge-building and the spearheading of other collaborative efforts, now visible throughout both Wharton and student life throughout the broader University, DEAL continues to amplify the voices of those often marginalized in corporate discourse.
By Opening Its Doors, DEAL Broadens the Wharton Student Experience
Networking with other students across Penn is a cornerstone of DEAL’s commitment to building a safe and supportive community that extends beyond Wharton’s tight-knit campus community. Other events DEAL leadership organized include a lunch meet-and-greet with the Disabled and Allied Law Students Association (DALSA) out of Penn’s acclaimed Carey Law School.
From DEAL’s “Ask Me Anything” event with Wharton’s Office of Student Life . (Image: DEAL)
In addition, over a dozen events took place across the 2023 – 2024 academic year, both hosted independently by DEAL and with partnering organizations. A few of these events also hosted expert disability advocates from outside of Wharton and Penn, who met with DEAL members and allies to workshop how students can achieve future success in conjunction with their current challenges.
Xu offers advice for anyone looking to advocate for the neurodiverse and disabled community, and anyone within the community themselves. “I encourage others to be fearless and speak up when necessary, as change requires courageous leadership,” says Xu. “As I’ve learned at Wharton, if you want to see change, be the leader and set an example for others to follow.”
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the term “neurodivergent” describes people whose brain differences affect how their brain works. That means they have different strengths and challenges from people whose brains don’t have those differences. The possible differences include medical disorders, learning disabilities and other conditions.
Like a person’s fingerprints, no two brains — not even those of identical twins — are exactly the same. Because of that, there’s no definition of “normal” capabilities for the human brain.
More about DEAL at Wharton
DEAL strives to build a supportive community for people with disabilities at Wharton in order to make Wharton more inclusive and accessible to all. We are open to all, including students and partners with disabilities, and allies.
Currently, DEAL has five club officers, over 180 club members, and looks forward to hosting even more events on campus.
Wharton Stories
The Advocate: An Undergrad Fosters Educational Equity
Image: (Getty Images)
In the wake of the SCOTUS ruling on Affirmative Action, Xavier Shankle, W’24, told the White House they needed to do something, and they did.
As president of Penn’s Undergraduate Assembly, Xavier Shankle identified problems and worked to find solutions. He did the same thing at Wharton as co-chair of the Wharton Dean’s Undergraduate Advisory Board (WAB). That mindset catapulted him into a national conversation about inclusion and diversity in higher education.
Shankle’s journey started with his high school in Atlanta that offered a business-education program with monthly case studies and onsite presentations to companies.
“I was like, ‘Okay, I like the way we’re learning and that we learn things in theory and then apply them to the practice of a company,’” he said.
The focus was community-oriented cases and public-policy solutions. That’s when Shankle knew he wanted to go to business school.
Building Better Pipelines
“Generally speaking, people from my high school, from my community, don’t make it to college, let alone to the University of Pennsylvania,” said Shankle. “It’s not that I was lucky, but I was incredibly fortunate and had an opportunity that’s not afforded to everyone in my community.”
Shankle credits the people from his community who invested in him, and he wanted to do the same for others.
“It would almost be wrong of me to come here and not try to build better pipelines or systems that make it easier for people who come after me,” said the senior. “It feels like I had to beat the odds to get to Penn. I don’t want the next person who applies from South Atlanta to feel like they have to beat the odds to get here.”
His Wharton activities reflect his dedication to creating equity for others.
“My activities let me change the odds to build a more inclusive institution so that others can feel like this is somewhere they belong and they too can come to Penn,” he said.
Equal Opportunity
With US Representative David Scott, WG ’69, outside the Capitol (Image: Xavier Shankle)
That passion for inclusivity would soon lead to his most memorable accomplishment while at Wharton.
A former high school class president, Shankle has always liked government and spent his junior summer interning for the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. That same summer, the Supreme Court struck down the use of affirmative action in college admissions.
“I remember feeling incredibly upset or angry,” he said. “I felt really weird when that officially came out because I was literally sitting in one of the Congressional Office Buildings.”
He recalls waiting for anyone on Capitol Hill to respond beyond written statements.
“I was like, ‘How am I in the center of power in America and this big decision that impacts racial equity is made and it was very, very much inertia?’” he recalled.
He went home and drafted a letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris that stated he was an African-American student leader and the administration needed to do something. He reached out to the student-body presidents at Harvard and University of North Carolina, the two universities the ruling was against.
The student leaders workshopped the letter and sent it. They quickly heard back that the President and Vice President had seen the letter and wanted them at a summit.
“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh, this actually worked,’” he said.
National Summit on Equal Opportunity in Higher Education
At the National Summit with student body presidents and Dr. Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Education (Image: Xavier Shankle)
Shankle was one of six students invited to the National Summit on Equal Opportunity in Higher Education hosted by the Biden-Harris administration to discuss strategies and resources to expand access to higher education.
The daylong event at the Department of Education is where Shankle shared ideas on how to advance equity with university presidents from across the nation and senior administration officials, including staffers from the White House, the U.S. Domestic Policy Council, and the Office of the Vice President.
He was in a breakout session with the deputy secretary of the Department of Education.
“I was able to engage directly with her in the group about, as an African-American man, how this decision makes me feel and what I think will be really good to continue to encourage students of color to apply to institutions.”
Shankle and a few other students were invited to continue the discussion at the Vice President’s office a few days later.
“It was just crazy. I was sitting in her office and looking around,” he said. “Here I am, this kid from South Atlanta talking to the VP’s policy staffers in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. That was an incredible day.”
In the fall, Shankle was invited once again by the White House to participate in their webinar to contribute to the Department of Education’s new guidance around the issue they were launching.
Back on Penn’s campus, Shankle continued the discussions around how to build and maintain inclusivity.
“Although the decision is purely legal and a checkbox on the application, the impact of the ruling reverberates through the educational landscape, and you feel it when you’re in the classroom,” Shankle said.
Equitable landscape at Wharton
At the WAB end-of-year celebration (Image: Xavier Shankle)
Shankle has made inclusivity a priority while at Wharton. As part of WAB, his focus has been on classroom innovation and equity the last four years.
His first year at Wharton was remote due to COVID, and Shankle, as part of a WAB team, presented to the dean on ways professors could continue inclusive teaching in an online environment. The team presented at faculty meetings, coordinated professor roundtable discussions, and created faculty toolkits.
Shankle says he was happy to learn professors use the inclusive teaching toolkits.
“That means that a group of 40 or 50 students now have a marginally better experience, right?” he said. “You multiply it out over a couple years, you’re able to impact a lot of students.”
Upon graduation, Shankle will be a business analyst at McKinsey & Company in his hometown of Atlanta. He plans to go law school and eventually enter the public policy field where he can continue to craft solutions to close equity gaps.
‘Take your own path through Wharton’
Meeting with Provost Jackson (Image: Xavier Shankle)
Shankle pursued his passions of equity and inclusion, and his advice to others is to do the same.
“Real trailblazers, they make their own path,” he said. “[Students] think that the only way you can be the best at Wharton is if you follow a certain path, but it’s perfectly okay to take your own path through Wharton.”
He encourages students to follow their interests beyond predefined clubs or career paths.
“You’re helping the entire community when you do that because you show people, it is okay if I don’t do consulting and banking. It is okay to venture off and join this club or take this unique niche internship.”
He says he wants students to understand that they are at Wharton and they’ll be okay, no matter what.
“It helps show future generations, ‘Hey, there’s not only one type; there’s 2,500 different types of Wharton students.’”
Honors: Named to Poets & Quants for Undergrads’ 100 Best & Brightest Undergraduate Business Majors, Class of 2024: Profile; selected to be the Class of 2024 Graduation Student Speaker; received the 2024 Wharton School Dean’s Award for Excellence
Wharton Stories
How Wharton’s “New Parents Accommodation Policy” Supports Young Families
Image: Nancy's baby shower, thrown by her fellow Wharton classmates. (Nancy Yuan)
“Being at Wharton is actually a great time to start a family. It certainly takes a village – but you have so much support here. Wharton gave me more decision-making power and flexibility in becoming a mother than I would have ever imagined.” — Nancy Yuan, WG’24
Meet Nancy Yuan, WG’24 , who balanced pregnancy and childbirth during her first year at Wharton. Now expecting her second child after completing an MBA Major in Organizational Effectiveness and ESGB, Yuan is officially graduating and will serve a Leadership Rotation with the American Red Cross.
The following is Nancy’s firsthand experience navigating the Wharton MBA Program as a new mom, and the support she received from her Wharton community.
I came into my first year at Wharton pregnant and delivered my daughter right before winter break. I gave birth two days after my Management exam and that was, as you can imagine, a little crazy. Now, I’m pregnant with my second child and I’ll be delivering my son in a few weeks after graduation.
Nancy Yuan WG’24 (right) and her husband, Fangzhou (left). (Photo: Nancy Yuan)
At Wharton, we’re fortunate to be very close to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where I gave birth. It was extremely easy to have my OBGYN literally across the street so I could schedule appointments right before or after classes.
I must include that my husband and my family are extremely supportive. My husband has been phenomenal in understanding that Wharton is a special experience, as well as being a mother, and has been helpful in balancing the two. Before Wharton I was working in consulting at Bain and would be traveling four to five days per week. We knew we wanted children, but as two people with ambitious careers and learning objectives, we didn’t know when it would be a good time to start a family. When we started to think about it, we realized that the time I spent earning my MBA would also make a great time to have children. I have classes four days a week, but I can manage my schedule on my own terms. Having no classes on Fridays at Wharton also helps – where else are you going to get three-day weekends?
Support from the Wharton Community
I was worried about what people would think about me getting my MBA while pregnant. I assumed there was going to be a lot of travel and parties that I wouldn’t be able to partake in while pregnant, and I didn’t know how that was going to affect me socially. But in fact, my experience has been quite the opposite. The communal support has been lovely and overwhelming, and I think that just highlights that there really is a place for everyone here. My Wharton friends even threw me a baby shower during my first semester!
I found a huge sense of community through Moms@Wharton – it was really beneficial to connect with other ambitious mothers who are balancing school, family, their career and other commitments. They were so supportive and gave me advice on everything; from what pumps to buy for breastfeeding, to babysitting and organizing play dates, to reassuring me when I had “mommy guilt” for being away from my daughter during treks. I decided to lead Moms@Wharton in my second year to pay it forward.
We’re also fortunate to have hospital grade lactation suites on campus – they’re like the “Cadillac” of breast pumps. That alone makes me feel supported as a mother here.
Making time for Extra-Curriculars
I did both the Quantico Military Simulation and FDNY Firefighter Simulation while pregnant. I went on the Columbia GMC three months after giving birth and I was worried about participating while breastfeeding. The professors on that trip were extremely accommodating and let me excuse myself to pump as much as I needed. I really struggled with making the decision to participate in some of these larger ventures, but I want to have great stories to tell my children, and I know I’ll be a better role model for them if I don’t give up my hopes and dreams. I’m really grateful that Wharton still allowed me to have these opportunities.
Nancy during her Quantico Intensive. (Photo: Nancy Yuan)Nancy on her trek to Antarctica. (Photo: Nancy Yuan)
On Wharton’s new Parent Policy and how current students made it happen
This initiative was in process before my time here, but through Moms@Wharton, we had a lot of meetings over the past year with Dean Erika James and other leaders at Wharton. It was a very collaborative process – they were able to help us understand what barriers and limitations were on the school side, and we were able to highlight our experiences as parents and bring to their attention the needs of students. When I was pregnant with my daughter, there was not a formal leave policy in place. I was lucky enough to give birth to her over winter break, and when I returned to campus I worked with professors on a one on one basis on my needs. I’m very grateful that Wharton has taken action on having a parental leave policy for students, because a lot of other schools don’t have one in place. My hope is that Wharton can be a leader in other innovative policies for parents.
Nancy at her Wharton baby shower. (Photo: Nancy Yuan)
Advice for MBA parents
Being at Wharton is actually a great time to start a family. It certainly takes a village – but you have so much support here. Wharton gave me more decision-making power and flexibility in becoming a mother than I would have ever imagined. I would almost consider parenthood a different “extracurricular” for students here because after speaking with more and more classmates about my experience, many of them expressed wishing they had planned this into their life sooner. Becoming a parent won’t hinder your career but will add to it. We’re all here to become business leaders, and together we can better understand the needs of parents having this shared experience during their MBA, and ultimately bring more empathy for parents into our careers.
The difficult balancing act of being a parent (or parent-to-be) in an MBA Program has now gotten a little bit easier here at Wharton. Wharton’s administration has developed a New Parents Accommodation Policy that offers a range of flexible options and aims to support student parents as they navigate the demands of parenting and higher education simultaneously.
More on Wharton’s Childbirth and New Parents Accommodation Policy
The Wharton MBA program’s flexible curriculum allows new parents to create a reasonable plan that addresses their specific needs without compromising their graduation timeline. It encourages expecting mothers, surrogates or gestational carriers, as well as parents of a newly adopted child, to work closely with their academic advisors to ensure a smooth transition during this important phase of their lives.
Supporting New Parents
If a student is delivering a child, they have the option to request up to two weeks of excused absences. During this time, academic deadlines are postponed, alleviating the pressure on students. It is important to note that students are still responsible for meeting their academic obligations, and if necessary, can take a leave of absence to fully focus on their family responsibilities. In addition to a full-semester leave of absence, new parents also have the option to pause their studies for one quarter during or after the birth of their child while maintaining their full-time status.
Accessing the Policy
To explore any of the new policy options, we encourage students to reach out to their academic advisors or the MBA Program Office. They will guide individuals in understanding the available accommodations and assist in developing a personalized plan that ensures both academic success and a smooth transition into parenthood.
Wharton Stories
Photo Essay: A Year in the Life of STEP
Image: Anthony Yang, W'24
Anthony Yang, W’24, photographed the Successful Transition and Empowerment Program (STEP) from fall 2022 through summer 2023.
“I documented STEP because I wanted to capture moments that others can enjoy – more of giving back to a community that gave so much to me.” — Anthony Yang, W’24
Successful Transition and Empowerment Program (STEP) is a four-year program that introduces undergraduate students to important Wharton and Penn resources, fosters connection and community development, and helps members build skills to effectively navigate college, both academically and socially.
