Wharton Stories » From Venture Capital to Acquisition: One MBA Student’s Journey to Entrepreneurship at Wharton
Wharton Stories
From Venture Capital to Acquisition: One MBA Student’s Journey to Entrepreneurship at Wharton
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“The ETA community at Wharton played an enormous role in helping me pivot my career, so I’m committed to paying it forward.” – Jason Nguyen WG25
The following is Jason Nguyen WG25’s firsthand experience in making a career pivot into entrepreneurship during his time in the Wharton MBA Program.
Prior to Wharton, I worked as a venture capital investor in San Francisco and New York. I am a lifelong learner, so beyond the creativity and entrepreneurial aspects of the role, I loved having the chance to learn from startup founders working at the forefront of their fields. As an investor, I had the opportunity to invest in category-defining startups such as Stripe, Guardant Health, and Roblox which continue to reshape digital payments and fintech, precision medicine and oncology, and online gaming communities, respectively, to this day.
Working as a technology investor also meant constantly finding ways to improve how the world worked. I wanted to leave no stone unturned – if someone told me, “This is how we’ve always done it,” I knew there might be an opportunity to do it better.
My search led me to challenge my own assumptions about what it means to be an entrepreneur. Working in the venture ecosystem, I was hyper-focused on zero-to-one entrepreneurship, where talented founders built new products and hoped to achieve product-market fit. When I learned that a new class of entrepreneurs were acquiring small businesses, building large, impactful organizations, and upending what it means to be an entrepreneur, I was hooked.
By day, I continued to invest in cutting edge technology companies; and by night I was tearing through entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) related resources, like the HBR Guide to Buying a Small Business and the Stanford Search Fund Primer. My work as a venture capital investor was interesting and challenging in so many ways, but deep down I began to dream of leading my own company one day. I chose to pursue an MBA at Wharton to bridge the gap between the analytical skills I used as an investor and the managerial and strategy-setting skills I needed to serve as a CEO.
Entrepreneurship resources available to students at Tangen Hall. Photo: @weareventurelab
As an aspiring acquisition entrepreneur with no operating experience, I took full advantage of the resources available at Wharton. These ranged from courses like Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition taught by Professor Bob Chalfin and Search Fund Entrepreneurship taught by Professors Jim Vesterman and Charbel Zreik; to events hosted by the Venture Lab at Tangen Hall such as ETA-themed fireside chats, workshops, and roundtables featuring successful acquisition entrepreneurs like Richard Perlman (W’68) and Vijay Manthripragada (WG’06). These resources taught me to be scrappy and open-minded, and to doggedly pursue opportunities as they emerged.
As an MBA at Wharton, I’ve also had the opportunity to pursue professional experiences to validate my interest in ETA. Before school, I interned with a search fund and helped work on the acquisition of a $2 million EBITDA business in California which helped demystify the search and acquisition process. I also had the honor of interning with two traditional search fund investors, Anacapa Partners and ETA Equity (founded by Matthew Zucker WG’06 and Mark Sinatra WG’06), which helped focus my lens on what makes a great business to acquire.
Most importantly, engaging in the entrepreneurial and search fund communities helped me build the confidence to work on my own acquisition during my first year at Wharton. In early 2024, I acquired AZTAC, a healthcare regulatory compliance business representing intermediate care facilities that serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. AZTAC provides mission-critical administrative support to intermediate care facilities across Pennsylvania. Since acquisition, we’ve prioritized organic growth, launching new lines of business, and other value creation activities such as changing our revenue model and pricing strategies, and evaluating potential tuck-in acquisitions. I have been extraordinarily lucky with my first acquisition and look forward to building AZTAC into a leader in the human services industry.
Tangen Hall, Wharton’s entrepreneurship hub. Photo: University of Pennsylvania
The ETA community at Wharton played an enormous role in helping me pivot my career, so I’m committed to paying it forward. At Wharton, I currently serve as a co-president of the Wharton Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition Club, which hosts dozens of community events each year to help Wharton MBAs learn about ETA, build relationships with potential investors, and ultimately lay the foundation for a career as an acquisition entrepreneur. The ETA Club also hosts a large summit in the spring which is the launching point for search fund entrepreneurs from Wharton and many of our peer institutions. This year, we’ve partnered with industry organizations like the Women’s Search Network, Black Search Network, and Asian Search Network to host events to raise awareness of ETA as a career path for MBAs whose backgrounds empower them to approach ETA in new ways.
For those interested in entrepreneurship in all forms, Wharton offers countless opportunities to accelerate your goals. From the classroom to Tangen Hall and all the student clubs in between, there is a thriving entrepreneurial community at Wharton ready to help you grow into the entrepreneur you want to be.
Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) involves buying and growing an existing small business that has already demonstrated product-market fit. Individuals who pursue this path are commonly called ‘searchers’.
Venture Lab’s Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) program provides training, funding, and guidance to Wharton and Penn students interested in pursuing entrepreneurship by acquiring a small- to medium-sized business to operate, optimize, and grow. Eligible students can do the following:
Receive financial support through the Perlman ETA Fellowship
Take academic courses for credit that focus on a variety of ETA models
Participate in hands-on workshops
Network with passionate peers and accomplished alumni
Develop the skills needed to be a successful searcher and business operator
Photo: Wharton MBA Career Management
Jason Nguyen WG25
Wharton Major: Management Previous Career: Venture Capital
Wharton Stories
A Wharton MBA’s Guide to Philadelphia’s Best Restaurants
Image: Vivian Tseng
“One of the highlights of living in Philadelphia is its food scene. It’s a delicious microcosm of the city’s soul—a place where flavors tell stories, and every meal is an adventure.” — Vivian Tseng, WG25
The following is Vivian Tseng WG25’s personal guide to some of the best places for students to dine in Philadelphia.
Food, for me, is a powerful medium of connection that bridges cultural divides. Sharing a meal creates an intimate space where stories are told, and communities are built. Each dish carries tradition and personal history, inviting people to understand one another beyond surface differences. When we gather around a table and share food, we turn strangers into friends, transforming individual experiences into a collective narrative of warmth and understanding.
One of the highlights of living in Philadelphia is its food scene. It’s a delicious microcosm of the city’s soul—a place where flavors tell stories, and every meal is an adventure. From street corners to upscale dining rooms, these restaurants aren’t just serving food; they’re serving up the heart and history of the city, one dish at a time. Enjoying Philly’s many restaurants is one major way that I’ve been able to meet new people at Wharton and strengthen my community. Here are five places that I’ve had the pleasure of eating at in the last quarter.
Hardena
Tucked in a corner of South Philly, Hardena is an incredible Indonesian spot that does more than just serve amazing food. During a South East Asia (SEA) Club small group activity, I experienced how a simple meal can bring people together. The restaurant’s unassuming space became a gathering point where new friendships formed over shared plates of traditional dishes. The rendang, a slow-cooked beef braised in a symphony of coconut milk and spices, became a conversation starter, drawing people together and breaking down barriers. I realized that Hardena offers more than just a meal—it provides a space for community, understanding, and shared culinary discovery. If you’re looking to dive into authentic Indonesian cuisine and maybe make some new friends, this place is your perfect go-to.
Members of the South East Asia Club at Hardena. Photo: Vivian Tseng
Almyra
Following the success of the Wharton Women in Business (WWIB) Women’s Summit, our conference team chose Almyra as a place to reconnect—and what a perfect choice it was. Nestled in the heart of Philadelphia, the restaurant brings Mediterranean flavors to life. The space gave us just the right setting to decompress and celebrate our wins without the conference-planning stress. It felt like taking a mini vacation right in the middle of Philadelphia, trading conference talk for genuine conversations and incredible food. The menu at Almyra offered a delightful exploration of Mediterranean cuisine. To start, the spreads we selected, including the spicy feta and edamame hummus, were creamy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. The crisp pita bread provided the ideal vessel for scooping up every last bite. For our main dishes, the lavraki, a whole roasted European seabass, was a standout. The fish was cooked to perfection, with a delicate, flaky texture and bright, Mediterranean flavors from the lemon, capers, and herbs. The modern space and incredible dishes felt like a reward for our collective effort—each bite told a story of teamwork, friendship, and the joy of bringing something meaningful to life together.
A meal at Almyra. Photo: Vivian Tseng
Osteria
Situated along North Broad Street, Osteria became a sanctuary from our typically hectic lives. Amidst the restaurant’s rustic space, with its exposed brick and warm lighting, my friends and I carved out a moment to truly connect. The menu highlighted Osteria’s commitment to homemade pastas and wood-fired pizzas, and we dove in enthusiastically. The Funghi pizza, topped with oyster mushrooms, truffle béchamel, caramelized onions, and melty taleggio, was an earthy, decadent delight. The Parma pizza, featuring prosciutto, fontina, and peppery arugula, offered a perfect balance of salty and peppery flavors. Beyond the pizza, the Baked Ricotta was a standout – a creamy, lemon-kissed ricotta served with grilled focaccia for dipping. And the Rigatoni, tossed with rich chicken liver, sweet cipollini onions, and fragrant sage, was a comforting pasta dish that warmed the soul. We spent the evening catching up, laughing, and remembering why we became friends in the first place. Each bite felt like a reminder that life isn’t just about assignments and deadlines—it’s about these moments of connection.
Vivian (center) and friends at Osteria. Photo: Vivian Tseng
Perla
The Food Club’s restaurant takeover at Perla was a culinary journey into Filipino tradition through their spectacular Kamayan feast. Spread out on banana leaves, the communal-style meal was a vibrant explosion of flavors that told a story with every bite. The chicken inasal was impossibly tender, while the lechon kawali offered that irresistible crispy pork that crackled with each bite. Lumpia rolled with ground pork, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms provided a perfect appetizer, and the whole fried pompano was a showstopper. The ginataan—a medley of eggplant, long beans, cauliflower, and zucchini—brought a rich balance to the spread. We ate with our hands, connecting not just with the food but with each other, transforming the meal into a shared experience. I bumped into friends I hadn’t seen in a while and met new club members, all while exploring these incredible flavor combinations. Perla proved that food is about so much more than just eating—it’s about creating connections, sharing stories, and building community.
A traditional Kamayan meal at Perla. Photo: Vivian Tseng
Rex at the Royal
Our Learning Team’s brunch at Rex at the Royal was filled with good food and even better company. The restaurant’s warm, rustic space provided the perfect backdrop for catching up with teammates I hadn’t seen in some time. I ordered the Cheesy Egg Hash Skillet, a hearty combination of home fries, sautéed onions and peppers, melted cheddar-jack cheese, and perfectly cooked over-easy eggs was both comforting and crave-worthy. But beyond the food, this brunch was really about reconnecting with my learning team. As we shared stories, laughed, and reminisced about our time together, Rex became more than just a restaurant – it was our temporary home base, a space where we could truly enjoy each other’s company and remember why our team works so well together.
Vivian and her learning team at Rex at the Royal. Photo: Vivian Tseng
Student clubs shape the Wharton MBA experience across a multitude of areas. They focus on interests ranging from social, cultural, athletic, and professional.
The Wharton Graduate Association (WGA) is the student government organization of The Wharton School’s graduate program. Incorporated in 1994, the WGA a non-profit organization that governs all MBA student clubs and conferences at The Wharton School. Throughout the year, the WGA coordinates, manages, and hosts student activities and initiatives. The WGA enables countless opportunities for students to develop relationships and explore your interests.
Vivian Tseng, WG25
Wharton Majors: Organizational Effectiveness,
Operations, Information and Decisions Previous Career: Aerospace & Defense Career Plans: Consulting
Wharton Stories
A Conversation on Mental Health during your MBA
“We work on clarifying core values, realigning with our strengths, and reconnecting with why students originally applied to Wharton. Ultimately, this helps students build confidence around individual recruiting plans.” – Maria Halpern, W’03
As students prepare for the anticipated rigor of the Wharton MBA program, one aspect often overlooked is the profound impact mental health can have on career outcomes—especially during the high-stakes recruitment process. We sat down with Maria Halpern W’03, Well-being Coach from Wharton’s Office of MBA Career Management, to discuss the intersection of well-being and career success. With a unique perspective as a Wharton alum, Maria sheds light on how stress, anxiety, and burnout can affect even the most promising job searches, and how prioritizing mental, emotional, and physical health can empower students to make meaningful career transitions.
Maria Halpern, W’03, Well-Being Coach in the Office of MBA Career Management (Image: Maria Halpern)
MBA Admissions: Can you tell me how you came into your role as a Well-being Coach, and what your goals have been since joining the MBA Career Management team?
Maria Halpern: The importance of well-being is something that is very personal to my own professional journey. When I was a Wharton student (many years ago!), my dream was to be a marketing executive. After graduating, I landed a great job at American Express and was ultimately promoted to Chief of Staff supporting the Head of Global Advertising and Brand Management. I was the epitome of a “successful” Wharton graduate and on the path towards my dream job, but the reality was I didn’t have the tools to help me manage stress and anxiety and I developed many unhealthy coping habits. I also have an autoimmune condition that is triggered by stress, so I was frequently getting sick and began reflecting on whether the corporate environment was the right fit for me. I realized how much I enjoyed helping others thrive in their careers, and that led me to become a career advisor at Wharton and for companies like Shift.org and IDEO where I was also supporting high-impact career transitions. While these roles were rewarding and I had left the corporate world, I was still struggling with anxiety and putting so much pressure on myself to be “perfect” that it took a serious physical toll. That’s when I decided to get educated on how our mental, emotional, and physical health is interconnected, so I became a health & wellness coach, certified through the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching. I was thrilled when Wharton’s MBA Career Management team hired me back as the team’s dedicated well-being coach because as a former career advisor (and student), I knew how valuable this new resource could be. My primary goal is to help students see their well-being as a key aspect of the recruiting process and provide them with the support and tools they need to focus on their mind, body, and authentic self.
MBA Admissions: How do you work with MBA students? What kind of issues can students discuss with you?
Maria: Students can sign up for well-being coaching the same way they sign up for a career advising appointment. These sessions cover a wide range of issues and students will often book several sessions to build some accountability towards the goals we set. Some students schedule time to discuss developing healthy habits around nutrition, movement, and sleep. Others want to think through strategies for managing stress and anxiety or prioritizing time across academics, community-building, and recruiting. Staying motivated, combatting imposter syndrome, and being true to your own sense of self throughout the recruiting process are also common topics.
MBA Admissions: What unique mental health challenges do students struggle with during networking and job recruiting?
Maria: We often liken the recruiting process to an endurance sport because it requires resilience, stamina, and a growth mindset. Students dedicate a lot of time to drafting resumes, networking, applying to jobs, and interviewing and in each of these stages, there will inevitably be some setbacks. Whether it’s not getting selected to interview, not hearing back from an alum you were hoping to connect with, or ultimately not getting an offer from a company you had your heart set on, those feelings can be hard to navigate. There are also marketplace challenges that are out of the student’s control, so it ultimately comes down to understanding what we can control… which is our mindset and the story we tell ourselves. We use research-backed positive psychology exercises and practices to help build resilience and motivation. Recruiting can also feel overwhelming if students are unsure of what direction they want to take or if students feel pressured to pursue a path because they see others doing it (we call this the “herd mentality”). When students pursue opportunities that are not aligned with their own interests, strengths, and values, they experience more stress and may end up in roles that are ultimately not right for them. This is another way well-being coaching can be helpful. We work on clarifying core values, realigning with our strengths, and reconnecting with why students originally applied to Wharton. Ultimately, this helps students build confidence around individual recruiting plans.
MBA Admissions: How can students maintain their mental health as they transition from 2 years in an academic environment back to their career?
Maria: The post-MBA career path is often associated with things like performance reviews and promotions, which places a lot of emphasis on outcomes and results. While I’m all for achieving career goals, when we focus too much on outcomes, we tend to get caught up in worrying about the future or ruminating about the past (i.e. Will I ever make it to the next level? Why didn’t I perform better in that meeting?) and we lose sight of the process itself, which is where all the learning and enjoyment tends to live. So, I’d encourage students to build consistency around a ritual that provides an opportunity to get back to the present and connect with themselves, or with a trusted person or community. Perhaps it’s a standing FaceTime call with a long-distance friend from childhood, or a simple meditation or journaling practice. Ideally, this is something that also helps connect you to the larger whole of life. For me, running in fresh air helps me feel more connected with the world around me and the intense physical activity forces me to stay grounded in the moment!
Our MBA Career Management team is dedicated to connecting students with a wide range of employers from the Fortune 500 to start-ups. Wharton MBAs are in high demand because they create immediate and sustainable value for corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations around the world.
Wharton’s MBA Career Management team helped 650+ companies make offers to Wharton students. MBA Career Management helps students leverage and build upon previous professional accomplishments and provide personalized support on the journey to achieve internship and full-time success.
Wharton Stories
Write Your Own Story: How the Moelis Advance Access Program Unlocks Opportunity for Students
The Moelis program “gives someone who thought they had to check a box for their business-school application a different opportunity,” says Ken Moelis W80 WG81.
Patricia Tang WG26’s admission to Wharton’s Moelis Advance Access Program changed her career trajectory. Tang, who began her MBA this fall, had planned to follow a traditional path to business school after graduating from Northwestern University: She would spend a few years as a consultant before pursuing her graduate education. But the program, which enables students to defer admission to Wharton’s full-time MBA program while they work for two to four years after college, “motivated me to think about different paths and what I truly wanted to do,” she says.
The Moelis program, which selected its first class in 2018, was established with philanthropic support from Ken Moelis W80 WG81 and Julie Taffet Moelis W81 to offer students a sense of professional license early in their careers. “It gives someone who thought they had to check a box for their business-school application a different opportunity,” Ken Moelis explains. In a sign of quick growth for the program, Tang and other Moelis Fellows — as students in the program are known — make up about one-tenth of the School’s newest full-time MBA class. “Part of the appeal is the assurance that you can do the things you care about. For some, it’s an opportunity to gamble, because they know they have their Wharton acceptance,” says program director Jake Kohler.
Tang’s self-reflection following her admission to the program ultimately led her to transition from a role in consulting to a post at online clothing reseller ThredUp, whose social mission fit with her own ambitions. “I was starting to think about how I could pursue a more impact-focused career in parallel with the fact that I had the MBA in my back pocket,” Tang explains. “The MBA was the push I needed to pursue my passion for sustainability.” Her product-management job at ThredUp also provided foundational on-the-ground experience at an up-and-coming organization, which affirmed for her that she wanted to fund rising businesses herself someday. Now while at Wharton, Tang is also an investor at Virta Ventures, a venture capital firm founded by Russell Sprole WG11 that backs companies working on climate-technology solutions.
Customizing My Wharton MBA: From Innovation to Inclusion
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“Add on a major that terrifies you (quantitative finance, anyone?) Get to know your professors and the amazing work that has brought them to the University of Pennsylvania. And most importantly: go beyond the Wharton bubble and get involved in the greater Philadelphia community that boasts a rich history and dynamic population.” — Chelsea Perry, WG’24
One of the unique features of being an MBA student at Wharton is the opportunity to specialize and choose one or more concentrations (majors) in academic coursework. When applying to Wharton, I elected to study Entrepreneurship & Innovation if admitted. Prior to Wharton, I was a product development manager at CVS Health where I led efforts to disrupt the progression and treatment of chronic kidney disease impacting millions of underserved communities. Though I had laid the foundation for an incredible career, I was aware of technology’s unrelenting influence on disrupting and reforming the healthcare industry and knew I needed to evolve my skillset and business acumen as rapidly as healthcare delivery was changing before my eyes.
As a first-year student at Wharton, my company interests ranged from digital health startups such as TruePill and Cityblock Health to large tech companies with healthcare subsidiaries such as Amazon Health Services or Google Health. Choosing the Entrepreneurship & Innovation major seemed like a natural fit because it would allow me to develop acumen in technical and strategic functions such as financial modeling, decision-making analytics, and growth marketing to identify megatrends and opportunities in the burgeoning post-COVID digital health landscape. For these reasons, I was eager to explore Wharton’s ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation in and out of the classroom. Courses offered in the Entrepreneurship & Innovation major such as New Product Development and Healthcare Entrepreneurship, would equip me with the analytical tools and field project exposure to pitch product ideas in addition to gaining access to Wharton’s global entrepreneurship network. Little did I know that I would pick up an additional major in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in my second year at Wharton.
Discovering My Favorite Courses: A Deep Dive into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
During my third semester at Wharton, I took a slight detour from my Entrepreneurship and Innovation coursework to study a topic I was deeply passionate about: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This was the first year the DEI major was being offered and I was keen to explore topics such as workplace discrimination, gender equality, and the historical economic exclusion and its consequences for marginalized ethnic groups in the United States. Having experienced the impact of structural discrimination and racism on the healthcare system in America, I looked forward to learning more broadly about the relationship between corporate firms’ performance and their purported endeavors to dismantle such injustices in a post-George Floyd society. Taught by Dr. Corinne Low, Associate Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy, Economics of Diversity & Discrimination was the litmus test and class that ultimately led me to pursue DEI as a double major.
Another popular course and major requirement for DEI majors at Wharton is Reforming Mass Incarceration and the Role of Business. This class is the brainchild of Dr. Damon Phillips, a leading researcher and social justice expert acclaimed for his former leadership of Columbia University’s Tamer Center for Social Enterprise and current leadership of Wharton’s Coalition for Equity and Opportunity. His unique course offering introduces future leaders to mass incarceration in the U.S., its effect on employment and entrepreneurship prospects for formerly incarcerated people, and how the business community can contribute to the success of those impacted by the criminal justice system. One highlight of the course is the “Re-entry Simulation”: a virtual simulation that places MBA students in the shoes of someone who was just released from prison. Students experience how frustrating and near impossible it is for formerly incarcerated people to get on their feet post-release. Simple tasks, such as obtaining an ID card, visiting a parole officer, navigating public transportation, and adapting to new technology—all while managing on a limited budget—highlight the minimal structural support available to those reentering society after serving time. Many students who take this class and simulation end up enrolling in a follow-up experiential course wherein student volunteers serve as professional mentors and teach inside SCI Chester, a medium-security, all-male correctional facility in Chester, Pennsylvania.
Erin Guder, WG’24, Simone Hinson, WG’24 & Joshua Blatt, WG’24 after teaching a class on entrepreneurship and innovation at SCI Chester. Photo: Chelsea Perry
Seeing my friends and classmates become instructors actively engaged in lifechanging prison education inspired me to get more involved. I enrolled in the experiential course and joined the recruitment, education, and marketing team, helping coordinate efforts to expose more Wharton students and members of the Penn community to Professor Phillips’ incredible work. One of my favorite memories as a DEI major was visiting SCI Chester and observing a student-led course on tech entrepreneurship and innovation. Walking through the facility and learning from the brilliant course participants left a profound impact on me. In April 2024, I was also able to volunteer at the Business Case for Second Chance Employment Conference hosted by the Wharton Coalition for Equity and Opportunity. Co-sponsored by JP Morgan Chase and the Eaton Corporation, the conference brings together business leaders, academics, administrators, state leaders, and justice-impacted communities for discussions on creating pathways to sustainable employment for individuals who are formerly incarcerated.
Guest speakers at The Business Case for Second Chance Employment Conference hosted by the Wharton Coalition for Equity and Opportunity. Photo: Chelsea Perry
Overall, graduating Wharton as a dual major in Entrepreneurship & Innovation and DEI was a transformative experience that I will look upon fondly for years to come. As a Wharton student, I was fortunate enough to be put in positions to shed light on the privilege it is to be a student at this illustrious institution. My advice for current and future students: don’t take it for granted. Add on a major that terrifies you (quantitative finance, anyone?) Get to know your professors and the amazing work that has brought them to the University of Pennsylvania. And most importantly: go beyond the Wharton bubble and get involved in the greater Philadelphia community that boasts a rich history and dynamic population. Don’t squander an opportunity to leave this place better than you found it and unlock new interests and passions along the way.
Bridging Ambitions and Innovations: Semester in San Francisco
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“The SSF program is uniquely designed for students like me who are deeply passionate and looking for pivotal opportunities in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and technology. It provided a rare opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Bay Area’s dynamic tech scene.” — Sunny Jiang, WG’24
During the Fall 2023, I embarked on an extraordinary journey with a cohort of like-minded students as part of the Semester in San Francisco (SSF) Program. Nestled in the heart of the world’s technology and innovation hub, this program was more than a unique academic endeavor; it was one of the most significant chapters of my Wharton experience; filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories with lifelong cohort friends.
The SSF program is uniquely designed for students like me who are deeply passionate and looking for pivotal opportunities in entrepreneurship, venture capital, and technology. It provided a rare opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Bay Area’s dynamic tech scene with a campus a block from the iconic Bay Bridge and a short drive from Silicon Valley . This experience wasn’t confined to classroom walls; it was about venturing out into the industry, connecting with leaders, and gaining insights that are only possible through firsthand interaction. Looking back, there are the three most valuable aspects of the SSF experience: 1) immersive real-world learning opportunities in technology and innovation; 2) tailored academic offerings and access to world-class faculty members; 3) lasting memories through activities on the West Coast.
Sunny and her 2023 SSF Cohort. (Image: Sunny Jian)
Real-world Learning Opportunities
Proximity creates opportunities. One of the most enriching aspects of the program was the closeness to the world’s most bustling entrepreneurial ecosystem. We were blocks away from a wide network of venture capitalists, startup founders, and tech executives. Every week during lectures, we had Wharton alumni who are industry leaders in innovation come to campus, sharing with us their career journey and industry insights. C-level executives regularly visited campus as guest speakers to connect with us and discuss the real-world challenges they’re solving day in and day out.
Internships played a crucial role in our experiential learning. More than half of the cohort, including myself, leveraged the opportunity to work for startups and venture capital funds. The flexible class schedule allowed students to maximize their time in harnessing internship opportunities. These in-semester internships gave us the opportunity to apply classroom theories; and serve as a testbed for our entrepreneurial skills and a chance to contribute meaningfully to cutting-edge projects.
Sunny and her classmates on the last day of classes during SSF. (Image: Sunny Jiang)
My fellow students in the SSF cohort all proactively leveraged their networks in the Bay area to organize student-run treks and contributed to collective learning. We frequently drove down to Silicon Valley to visit companies and host happy hours with alumni. These events opened additional avenues for networking and learning, allowing us to engage with industry leaders who are shaping the future of technology.
Tailored And Immersive Academic Offerings
The program provides class offerings that are tailored towards the professional interests of SSF students. A lineup of top Wharton professors flies to SF each week and teaches a customized curriculum. Our academic offerings included Scaling Operations from Gad Allon, Venture Capital and the Finance of Innovation from David Wessels, Strategy Equity Finance from David Musto and Dave Erickson, and Marketing Strategy for Technology Platforms from Pinar Yildirim.
Sunny (center) at a small group dinner with Professor Gad Allon. (Image: Sunny Jiang)
The connection with professors was another cornerstone of SSF program. Our relationships with faculty members were significantly enhanced by the program’s intimate setting. We discussed trending innovation topics over small group dinners and morning office hours, which provided a unique setting to discuss academic topics, personal development, and aspirations. These interactions helped us to gain insights from our professors’ vast experiences and wisdom, adding a personal touch to our professional growth.
Building Lifelong Friendship and Memories
Beyond academics and professional growth, the semester was also full of personal connections and fun. The friends I made within the cohort are one of the top reasons I chose to do the SSF Program. Similar career interests and hobbies helped us bond on the first day. There were a ton of fun group activities, from story-teller nights to themed parties and cultural celebrations.
The memorable experiences our cohort shared outside the classroom helped us embrace the special opportunities made accessible by being in the Bay area during the fall season. We hiked the breathtaking trails of North California, sailed on the serene waters of the San Francisco Bay, and created moments of joy and camaraderie which played a critical role in balancing the rigorous demand of our MBA program with creating deep, meaningful, and lifelong relationships.
The chance to explore entrepreneurship, technology, and recruiting in the Bay Area — it’s what draws many MBA students to the Semester in San Francisco program.
The learning opportunities extend beyond classrooms on campus to business networking events, connections with entrepreneurs, and full immersion in the West Coast and Silicon Valley scenes.
About a third of students take internships with local companies during the program.
Some get a headstart by securing summer gigs, and almost all take advantage of recruiting, site visits, and career treks throughout the region.
Wharton Stories
How MBA Students Make the Most Out of Summer Internships
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“The mentorship and guidance I’m receiving this summer are setting me up for success in a full-time role and confirming my interest in working at the intersection of Product, Strategy, and Tech.” — Karina Patel, WG’25
The summer between the first and second year of the Wharton MBA program marks an exciting time for students. After spending their first year acclimating to a new city, working on projects with new classmates, and building their network, students spend the summer putting knowledge into practice in their summer internships. By obtaining an internship, students have the chance to showcase their new business skills, and potentially secure a full-time role upon graduation.
Below, read how three current students are spending their summer and gaining valuable experience through their internships.
Simran Ahuja, WG’25 Corporate Strategy Intern, Humana
What projects/assignments are you supporting this summer?
I am working on the GenAI strategy for Humana across the insurance, primary care and home health business. The company’s goal is to realize $1B net value improvement through GenAI initiatives and I am working on identifying use-cases and to inform the build vs buy decision.
In addition, my manager is WG’10 and was very excited about my learnings from Professor Ethan Mollick’s class on AI that I took last semester and so, I have also been asked to identify internal GenAI use-cases for the Corporate Strategy team and build a business case.
How is this internship supporting your post-MBA career plans?
Through my work in consulting and as an operator in the healthcare space, I’ve been driven by the mission of making healthcare accessible, affordable, and understandable. My time at Wharton has been spent deepening my understanding of the U.S. healthcare system, and this role at Humana feels like a natural progression.
The payer/provider dynamic in the U.S. is unique and unlike anywhere else in the world. I see this internship as a launchpad to arm and enable myself to improve health outcomes for the population segments that need it the most, and to go deeper into the system here.
Elizabeth Niersbach, WG’25 Global Menu Strategy Intern, McDonald’s
How did you find your summer internship?
I used Wharton Career Management to navigate the complexities of recruiting in another area of the country (the Midwest). To find my role at McDonald’s, I primarily used LinkedIn to connect with current employees and learn more about the organization ahead of interviewing.
How is this internship supporting your post-MBA career plans?
This role will allow me to get tactical experience in marketing and consumer-forward goods ahead of my return to consulting. This is a brand-new industry and type of work for me, and I’m eager to learn if it’s what I hope to specialize in post-MBA. Working for a brand with a large global scale and diverse business was incredibly important to me as I considered my opportunities to really learn what it means to lead an organization.
What projects/assignments are you supporting this summer?
This summer, I am a Senior Product Manager intern for Amazon Renewed, a trusted destination for pre-owned, refurbished products. My projects involve improving customer experience, enhancing product quality standards, and developing strategies to increase customer trust in refurbished items. I am excited to work on initiatives that drive sustainability and provide customers with high-quality, affordable alternatives to new products.
How did you find your summer internship?
I primarily used Wharton’s internal job portal to search for summer internships. I applied to all the Product Manager roles available, which fortunately included most of the companies I was interested in. After submitting several applications, I received an interview invite from Amazon. With the support of fellow Wharton students and the Career Management office, I prepared through mock interviews, which helped me feel confident in my skills and experiences.
Additionally, I participated in coffee chats arranged by Career Management and joined career treks to build my tech network. These experiences were invaluable in securing my internship and gaining a deeper understanding of the tech industry.
How is this internship supporting your post-MBA career plans?
When I applied to business school, my short-term career goal was to pivot from Consulting to a Product Manager role in tech. This internship is a direct step towards that goal, giving me the chance to experience the PM role first-hand. The mentorship and guidance I’m receiving this summer are setting me up for success in a full-time role and confirming my interest in working at the intersection of Product, Strategy, and Tech.
Our MBA Career Management team is dedicated to connecting students with a wide range of employers from the Fortune 500 to start-ups. Wharton MBAs are in high demand because they create immediate and sustainable value for corporate, nonprofit, and government organizations around the world.
Wharton’s MBA Career Management team helped 650+ companies make offers to Wharton students. MBA Career Management helps students leverage and build upon previous professional accomplishments and provide personalized support on the journey to achieve internship and full-time success.
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.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering the Wharton MBA Program?
Whatever business school you end up attending, know your story and be confident in your abilities. Many people will have impressive backgrounds but you bring unique skills and experiences as well. Know your unique value add, and be able to articulate it. If you’re a veteran there is a lot you don’t know about different industries and sectors but it also means there is space for exploration for the first time in your professional life. Take advantage of that. Talk to as many people as you can, so you can be armed with the information you need to be in the driver’s seat of your professional life.
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 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.
Simran Ahuja, WG’25
Elizabeth Niersbach, WG’25
Karina Patel, WG’25
