Wharton Stories » How a Wharton Family is Disrupting the Beauty Industry
Wharton Stories
How a Wharton Family is Disrupting the Beauty Industry
Image: Issa Rae, Malick's sister and co-founder of Sienna Naturals. (Sienna Naturals)
“Keep sacred space for family connection… that’s really important for anyone who’s going to pursue business with their family,” Hannah Diop, WG’09.
The year was 2012, and Hannah Diop, WG’09, was determined to launch a hair-care company from her Harlem kitchen. The apartment she shared with her husband, Malick Diop also WG’09, was full of beakers, pH meters and samples of textured hair tresses, as she worked alongside a chemist to mix shampoos, conditioners and other hair products formulated for textured hair. Malick, then a managing director at Morgan Stanley, would offer encouragement, but there was an ingredient missing. “I felt pretty isolated sitting at home working on this business that existed in my head and not in the real world,” says Hannah.
That’s where Malick’s sister — actress, producer, and entrepreneur Issa Rae — came in. As Hannah was developing Sienna Naturals, Issa was often traveling to New York City for interviews and talk show appearances, and the newlywed couple’s home was the perfect place in which to crash. She became Hannah’s co-founder and contributed to formulas herself, with the Dream Curl Cream as her brainchild. Throughout Issa’s success in Hollywood — as the co-creator and star of HBO’s Insecure and, most recently, a cast member in the Oscar-nominated movie Barbie — Sienna Naturals remained the only beauty brand she endorsed. In turn, when Issa needed a CFO for her growing media company, Hoorae, Malick stepped into the role, drawing from his Wharton MBA, his background in M&A transactions and financial forecasting, and his familiarity with Issa’s voice and vision. The result was two businesses focused on the Black experience and fueled by family.
The couple’s American and African familial ties to the Black community are reflected in their work. While their businesses couldn’t be more different — media versus beauty products — they’re united by the goals of fostering inclusion and paying forward the pride Hannah and Malick felt in their culture at HBCUs and at Wharton.
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Wharton Stories
Investing in Love: Wharton’s “Pairfect” Match
Image: Matchmaker D’Jonita Cottrell, MSW ‘24 (left), Founder & CEO Annie Xu, WG & MSW ‘24 (center), and matchmaker Elyse Cinquino, MSW ‘24 (right) with Robert Indiana’s LOVE Statue. (Grace Meredith)
“Creating Pairfect has been the most meaningful experience I have had since coming to Wharton, and it was only through the people in this community that I was able to build this service…I am able to realize my dream of creating something in this often misunderstood intersection of social work and business.” – Annie Xu, WG’24
“Dehumanizing. Exhausting. Painful.”
These are just a few words that I have heard when my peers describe the current online dating scene. The words I wish I heard more?
“Exciting, Romantic, Promising.”
Online dating has become increasingly normalized, with a nearly 20% increase in year over year usage, but a survey from data analytics company Singles Reports concluded that approximately 80% of respondents experienced emotional burnout with online dating. A recent New York Times article highlighted the influence of dating apps on an individual’s mental health.
As a therapist, I am very concerned when someone asks me, “using apps almost always makes me feel worse about myself, but what other options do I have?”
Although the concept of matchmaking has been around for centuries, the idea of a matchmaker is often associated with an archaic method of setting people up for marriage, tailoring to an elite group of people, and charging enormous amounts of money, sometimes in the thousands of dollars, for a single match. My mission behind creatingPairfect is to make dating more personal, so that anyone seeking a meaningful relationship can find one. In other words, our goal is to make matchmaking, a deeply personalized service, more accessible and more affordable.
At the intersection of social work and business
Xu, center, brainstorms over coffee with her fellow matchmakers and social work classmates Cotrell, (left), and Cinquino, (right), outside of Huntsman Hall. (Image: Grace Meredith)
Before coming to Wharton, I studied Psychology and Economics at Yale and worked in management consulting. While I first embarked in graduate school here at Penn with the intention of combining my interests in mental health and management, I did not arrive with anyintention of formally pursuing entrepreneurship.
Once at Penn, I became fascinated with the current state of online dating. I was convinced there had to be a better and more personally rewarding solution. At first, I invited peers whom I knew to fill out a quick form so I could create matches among them myself. I pulled in my friends to then ask their friends, and we would make matches among our combined pools. The process was slow and manual, but I realized how much people appreciated the personalized efforts to support them in their dating journeys.
Word began to spread, and I started receiving requests from strangers to meet with me and share their dating preferences in hopes that I could match them. I relied heavilyon the skills I gained through being a peer counselor and social worker: active listening, asking open questions, and building trust. Now, Pairfect’s team has grown to 11 matchmakers who have backgrounds in social work, clinical psychology, or marriage and family therapy, and who actively devote their time to individually meeting with new Pairfect users.
Tabling outside of Penn’s Graduate Student Center, Xu is with Pairfect matchmaker Torie Ring, MSW’23. (Image: Annie Xu)
An ancient tradition turned new again
Since Penn’s founding, there have only been a handful of dual-degree MSW/MBA students, and I am the first student in over a decade. The dual-degree curriculum is structured so that the first year is devoted solely to the social work program. I spent my second year in the business school, and my third year in a blend of both. I am often met with surprise when I share that I study business and social work. Many wonder what I plan to do with that combination, believing that the two areas could not be further apart. Throughout my first year, I similarly questioned what this intersection would mean for my future career.
Now, I’m here, and establishing Pairfect as a business would not have been possible without the support of Wharton and Penn’s Venture Lab. I am especially thankful to David Hsu and Mark Zod, who are two professors who shaped how I approached Pairfect’s strategy and improved my ability to define our mission and deliver an effective pitch. Additionally, as a participant in the Venture Lab’s accelerator program over the summer, I consistently met with Jeff Babin and John Ondik as advisors who connected me with leaders in the industry, such as Elie Siedman, the former CEO of Tinder.
As a finalist of the Penn Venture Lab Start-up Challenge, Xu (center) receives the 2023 Ashton Family Award For Female Founders and 2023 Summer Venture Award. (Image: Annie Xu)
I was honored to be chosen asa finalist in the 2023 Venture Lab Start-up Challenge, whichopened the door to being a finalist in another pitch competition hosted by Contrary Capital and Maveron. My experiences as a Wharton student have demonstrated how Penn’s reach extends far beyond University City.
Pairfect and the perfect match
One of the most exciting realizations since creating Pairfect is that we are able to support people’s first steps in entering into long-term relationships. Since launching, we have had over 1,500 graduate students sign up and have facilitated in-person dates at 12x the average rates of what dating apps are currently observing. Being a proud Philadelphian myself, I am thrilled that Pairfect has several local partnerships with restaurants and bakeries to provide first date suggestions and discounts for our users.
Philadelphia residents enjoy a meal inside of one of Pairfect’s local restaurant partners, Malooga, a Middle Eastern restaurant located in Old City, Philadelphia. (Image: Annie Xu)
Pairfect has changed the paradigm, moving past the negativity associated with using dating apps. A 29-year-old man using Pairfect’s services expressed the following about the type of experience we have created:
“With dating apps, I’m not always sure that the people I talk to have the intention of actually wanting to meet me. With Pairfect, I felt more certain that I would actually be introduced to someone genuinely interested in meeting me.”
Moving forward, we will continue scaling Pairfect across Philadelphia to include more graduate universities and move beyond the graduate student population. Our goal is to become Philadelphia’s go-to matchmaking service and ease the burden on users who pursue online dating.
Creating Pairfect has been the most meaningful experience I have had since coming to Wharton, and it was only through the people in this community that I was able to build this service. Thanks to Wharton and the School of Social Policy and Practice, I am able to realize my dream of creating something in this often misunderstood intersection of social work and business.
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Wharton Stories
Celebrating 30 Years of the Wharton Africa Business Forum
“I applied to Wharton as an international student, so I understand that it’s always more helpful talking to someone that’s been in your shoes. I think having this programming is a great way for prospective students from Africa or of African descent to engage with other Africans at Wharton and ask specific questions about our MBA experience.” — Aramide Akinkugbe, WG24
The Wharton Africa Business Forum (WABF) allows MBA students from all backgrounds to engage with influential African leaders, delve into the latest African business trends, and ignite fresh ideas, collaborations, and opportunities. An entirely student-run annual conference, WABF features a captivating lineup of thought-provoking sessions, keynote addresses by industry leaders, interactive workshops, and networking events. This year, the Forum welcomed speakers from a variety of companies and industries to weigh in on the impact of the ever-changing African business landscape.
Celebrating WABF’s 30-year anniversary, the conference co-chairs developed the theme ‘Homecoming: Looking Inward, Looking Forward’ as a call to action to reflect on their roots, engage in meaningful dialogue, and collectively shape the future of the continent. Wharton MBA Admissions sat down with WG24 Aramide Akinkugbe to reflect on the 30th iteration of the Forum and the impact WABF continues to have on the Wharton community.
The Wharton Africa Business Forum welcomed attendees for the 30th anniversary of the conference on November 10 and 11, 2023. (Image: MAB Productions)
MBA Admissions: How was the Homecoming theme decided upon, and how did that theme show up throughout the weekend?
Aramide Akinkugbe: When the three co-chairs initially met, we wanted to make sure this was a year of celebration. We thought about the number 30 as it relates to age – as many of us have recently turned 30 or will soon, we realized a 30th birthday is a coming of age and often symbolizes a new layer of life. That brought us to our theme of “Homecoming.” We wanted to celebrate WABF’s 30th anniversary as a milestone and a time to reflect on the past and how to change and be better in the future, just as you would on your 30th birthday, so we added on “Looking Inward, Looking Forward.”
We wanted to create a safe space for Africans at Wharton to come together, learn, grow, and even encourage people to explore the African business landscape as a place to contribute to post-MBA.
Panelists Julius K. Oni, Katherine Marie Perry, and Menassie Taddese engage in a conversation on healthcare development in Africa. (Image: MAB Productions)
MBA Admissions: We noticed the first day of the conference is dedicated to prospective students – can you tell us more about how future Wharton students can get involved?
Aramide: This was one of the highlights of the weekend for us – in the past few years there hasn’t been any dedicated programming for prospective students, so we were happy to bring that back. I’m an Admissions Fellow so I often have conversations with prospective students, and I’ve gotten a handful of questions about WABF, so I felt like this was a population that we could engage with more, and that could add value to the forum.
I applied to Wharton as an international student, so I understand that it’s always more helpful talking to someone that’s been in your shoes. I think having this programming is a great way for prospective students from Africa or of African descent to engage with other Africans at Wharton and ask specific questions about our MBA experience.
We had five students sit on a panel to share advice, their experience in the Wharton MBA program, how to finance the MBA program, what they’ve accomplished here and so on. We then had an Admissions team member do a presentation on the specifics of the application, followed by a tour of campus.
I’m happy we were able to provide a dedicated space for prospective students to engage with us and each other before the beginning of the Forum. I’ve already heard from an attendee who has formed a group chat with other people she met that day to help each other with applications!
Amandla Ooko-Ombaka delivering the closing keynote on the state of the African continent. (Image: MAB Productions)
MBA Admissions: What are some of the ways WABF impacts the Wharton community?
Aramide: I think our biggest impact is inviting people outside of the Wharton community. A large portion of the conference attendees are not Wharton students; they are working professionals, and I think that a big part of the impact is encouraging them to apply to Wharton, or to consider business school in general. I think coming to a conference that is run completely by business school students highlights how we work together and what we can accomplish on a large scale, and that really goes a long way in changing someone’s mind about applying to business school.
In terms of the impact we make at Wharton, I think it brings people together to pour out their passions and interest in the African continent and business in Africa. McKinsey Africa is one of our sponsors and this year they hosted a highly attended session that allowed people to share stories about what it’s like to be a consultant in Lagos, South Africa, and Kenya. We hope to raise awareness about how it’s possible to achieve your goals working in Africa.
We’re also spreading the message that the Africa we envision can only be that Africa if people like us eventually go back and commit to making an impact. I think Africa is a continent to watch over the next few years. Africa is going to be the most populated continent I believe in the next 10 to 20 years, and Nigeria is going to be one of the most populated countries in the world.
There’s a lot of potential and opportunity sitting in Africa. In terms of the impact of WABF over the next few years, I want to see continued conversation on success and growth in Africa and calls to action on how we can improve it.
To learn more about the Wharton Africa Business Forum, visit here. To connect with Aramide or another Admissions Fellow, visit here.
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Wharton Stories
How Five Wharton MBA Students Spend Opportunity Weeks
Image: Capetown, South Africa is one of a myriad of destinations to which Wharton MBA students can travel for an Opportunity Week. (Ben1183)
“These are great times to travel, building meaningful relationships and deeper connections away from the hustle and bustle of school. These trips have really accelerated bonding and I’ve left every single one closer with at least 2-3 people who I then regularly engage with back at Wharton.” — Max Kneis, WG’24
Wharton MBA Opportunity Weeks provide students with valuable time to explore unique programming throughout the semester, both credit-bearing and extracurricular. Occurring four times during an academic year, these weeks give students time off from their regular academic schedule, providing autonomy to enrich their Wharton experience on their own terms. Many students will use these weeks to travel abroad with a Global Immersion Program (GIP) or Global Modular Course (GMC), sharpen their leadership skills in real time through a Leadership Venture, recruit for internships or a post-MBA role, travel with a student club, or enjoy some much-deserved down time.
To learn more about the many ways MBA students utilize Opportunity Weeks, we asked five current students how they spent their last Opportunity Week in October, and how they plan to spend their next one in January.
How did you spend Opportunity Week in October?
My first year I spent the October Opportunity Week recruiting for internships. This past October, I went on a Leadership Venture to the Atacama Desert.
What are your plans for Opportunity Week in January?
Last January I participated in a Global Modular Course in Paris that was life changing! This upcoming January, I’m excited to go on another Leadership Venture sailing Tall Ships around New Zealand.
What do you feel are the best benefits of Opportunity Weeks?
Leadership Ventures have been my best experiences at Wharton; leveraging Opportunity Weeks to expand my global horizon, build connections, challenging myself, and hone leadership skills.
How did you spend Opportunity Week in October?
Last October I spent Opportunity Week recruiting. This past October, I spent time traveling in Peru with business school friends.
What are your plans for Opportunity Week in January?
Last year I was traveling with a GIP and going straight into internship interviews! This year I will be attending a Leadership Venture in Antarctica and then traveling to the Patagonia region.
What advice would you give to future students on how to make the most of their Opportunity Weeks?
My first year, Opportunity Week was all about dialing into the recruiting process and exploring what companies were good fits/interviewing. It’s a great time to focus on your job search because you can quiet a lot of the noise from the rest of your MBA life. I’m excited this year to take advantage of personal travel with friends as well as a Leadership Venture. Opportunity Weeks are a great way to build in some stretch experiences and travel to hard-to-reach places because you have so much time off from class.
Christopher Maddox, WG’24 Majors: Real Estate, Finance Career Plans: Private Equity/Venture Capital
How did you spend Opportunity Week in October?
I traveled to South Africa with a small group of second year MBA students.
What are your plans for Opportunity Week in January?
I’ll be participating in the Saudi Arabia Trek and then going skiing in Chamonix!
What do you feel are the best benefits of these weeks?
The biggest benefit is having extended quality time with your classmates to solidify connections made in class by exploring new cultures together.
Max Kneis, WG’24 Majors: Management, Marketing Career Plans: Consulting
How did you spend Opportunity Week in October?
I took a trip with friends to the Azores in Portugal.
What are your plans for Opportunity Week in January?
I’ll be participating in a GIP in India, then going on a European Ski Trek with Wharton Ski Club!
What advice would you give to future students on how to make the most of their Opportunity Weeks?
These are great times to travel, building meaningful relationships and deeper connections away from the hustle and bustle of school. These trips have really accelerated bonding and I’ve left every single one closer with at least 2-3 people who I then regularly engage with back at Wharton.
Lucy An, WG24 Major: Business Analytics Career Plans: Health Care, Consulting
How did you spend Opportunity Week in October?
I traveled to Greece with some friends.
What are your plans for Opportunity Week in January?
I’m excited to ski in Switzerland on the Wharton Ski Club Trek!
What advice would you give to future students on how to make the most of their Opportunity Weeks?
If you’re not using the time to recruit, use the week to travel and bond with your classmates! I know I won’t have dedicated leisure periods like this once I rejoin the workforce, so I’m trying to take full advantage of every one of these weeks.
To learn more about Opportunity Weeks, visit here. Connect with any of the students featured in this story here.
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Wharton Stories
How Two MBA Students Made an Impact with Wharton Global Health Volunteers
Image: Mumbai Harbour during Summer 2023 (Surya Sundararajan)
“Wharton Global Health Volunteers solidified our commitment to leveraging our skills at Wharton to create a brighter and healthier future for those in need around the world.” — Surya Sundararajan, WG’24
International travel opportunities give MBA students the opportunity to gain global perspectives and apply their learnings to real-world business problems. One of these incredible offerings is Wharton Global Health Volunteers (WGHV), a unique experience where students work as impact consultants with an international healthcare-related organization for a full semester.
The project culminates in a client site visit to validate findings and present insights. The following is a first-hand account from Surya Sandararajan, WG’24, and Komal Vaseer, WG’24, both of whom documented their experience participating in a WGHV trek to Mumbai, India.
This past summer, we had the incredible opportunity to participate in a WGHV project for ImpactGuru which was one of the biggest highlights of our first year at Wharton. It was an amazing experience that combined our passion for international work with a desire to make a positive impact on healthcare access in the developing world. The project aimed to improve access to healthcare and services for underserved and uninsured populations by collaborating with ImpactGuru, a donation based crowdfunding platform based in India, which enables patients to raise funds for medical treatments. Excited to test the skills we learn at Wharton at play in the real world, our team of five Wharton students embarked on a semester-long project to develop a US business expansion strategy for ImpactGuru, with the goal of helping them scale their operations and reach even more patients in need.
Surya Sundararajan and Komal Vaseer with their partners at Impact Guru. (Image: Surya Sundararajan)
The experience began with our team syncing with ImpactGuru’s Chief of Staff to better understand the problem at hand and co-create a project plan. Impact Guru has grown at a rapid pace over the past few years and has been able to reach millions of patients in India. Their goal of expanding globally has already taken them to the UK but entering the US market came with a different set of challenges given the vast differences in the healthcare systems between India and the US. They knew that strategies that worked in India might not work in the US and that is where they saw a key area for our involvement. We kickstarted the project conducting primary research to identify the target patient and donor segments in the US and then developed marketing plans to reach out to these target segments in the most efficient way. During this process, the ImpactGuru team proved to be invaluable partners in proactively providing us with essential data to guide our analysis. Frequent touch points allowed us to fine tune our answers and ensure that our recommendations were actionable and aligned to the organization’s goals.
The partnership culminated with our team flying to Mumbai, where we were warmly welcomed by the ImpactGuru team at their headquarters. We had the privilege of meeting their leadership team to understand the mission of each division and how the divisions form a value chain from patient identification to provision of financial assistance for critical medical treatments to those who cannot afford them. Witnessing the dedication and compassion of the ImpactGuru team inspired us to work even harder to support their noble cause.
While working closely with the team at their headquarters, we learned about the healthcare system in India in depth and recognized how every single step in patient care is extremely challenging from a financial standpoint, especially for those who need the most care. It was an eye-opening experience that fueled our determination to develop a robust and realistic business expansion plan for ImpactGuru.
In between intense brainstorming sessions, we found ourselves exploring the vibrant city of Mumbai. From marveling at the iconic Gateway of India to enjoying pizza while overlooking Marine Drive, the city’s energy and diversity left a strong impression on us. We also went shopping at Colaba Market, where we found unique clothes and souvenirs to remember our journey.
An assortment of Indian spices and chutneys from one of the local restaurants both women enjoyed on their trip. (Image: Surya Sundararajan)
One memorable aspect of our daily routine was discovering a charming chai (tea) and vada pav (local Mumbai snack) stand located just opposite the office. The ImpactGuru team frequented the place, and it quickly became our favorite spot to unwind and chat with our teammates, while sipping on the delicious cutting chai that soon became an integral part of our Mumbai experience.
Our Key Takeaways
The opportunity to work on such an impactful project alongside ImpactGuru taught us invaluable lessons in providing value to our clients. We learned to adapt and stay flexible when certain aspects of the project direction changed while we were on-site, highlighting the importance of agile problem-solving in a dynamic environment.
Sundararajan and Vaseer pose on one of Mumbai’s crowded corners. (Image: Surya Sundararajan)
Additionally, learning about some of the unique aspects of the Indian healthcare system, immersing ourselves in the local culture, and embracing the city’s lifestyle allowed us to better understand the needs and aspirations of the people we were working to serve. It reinforced the significance of tailoring our strategies to align with the unique context and challenges faced by our client.
Lastly, the simple yet profound lesson of “eating where the locals eat” stayed with us. By embracing the local way of life, we not only discovered delightful experiences but also built meaningful connections with the community we were supporting. The small chai stall became a symbol of the genuine connections we forged during our time in Mumbai.
Overall, WGHV was a transformative experience that showcased the power of collaboration and the potential to drive positive change through business initiatives. It solidified our commitment to leveraging our skills at Wharton to create a brighter and healthier future for those in need around the world. As we returned home, we carried the memories and lessons from Mumbai, knowing that this journey had only marked the beginning of our endeavors to make a meaningful impact in global health.
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Wharton Stories
An Officer’s Story on Unleashing Resilience at Wharton and Beyond
Image: Nugent at the 2023 Invictus Games, where he won a bronze medal for powerlifting. (Patrick Nugent)
“We may not always choose what happens to us, but we always have the power to choose how we respond. I hope that my story stands as a testament to the human spirit’s incredible capacity to overcome, grow, and thrive – no matter the circumstances.” – Patrick Nugent, WG’22
My name is Patrick Nugent. I am a Wharton MBA alumnus, Harvard-educated Master in Public Administration, a Marine Corps Captain, and an adaptive sports athlete. I completed my MBA in May 2022 and then earned my Masters in Public Administration in 2023. This was made possible via an extraordinary educational opportunity offered through the three-year Wharton + Harvard Kennedy School MPA/MBA Dual Degree program.
I embarked in this rigorous endeavor fueled by relentless self-determination. It was a hard-fought and hard-won journey to find faith in myself after a gunshot wound abruptly ended my Marine Corps career; a sudden moment of agony that changed my life forever.
Planting the seeds of service
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, I grew up in a loving family with a strong military heritage. My grandfather served as a Naval Aviator in World War II, and my father served as a Marine during the Vietnam War. When it came down to deciding which college I should attend, I applied to only one school. To my delight, I gained acceptance to The Citadel; or, the Military College of South Carolina. Ever since my childhood, I considered The Citadel as the place best equipped to prepare my becoming a military officer. Once I arrived, I immediately fell in love with the camaraderie, the challenges, and the noble sense of purpose and service offered by the military.
Excelling at The Citadel both academically and as a leader, I experienced the honor of being named Regimental Commander. This position is reserved for the number one cadet of the College, chosen to lead the student body out of 2,200+ of my fellow classmates. The experience of supporting and leading my peers as Regimental Commander confirmed my belief, deeply held since childhood, that the military was the right path for my life choice.
Regimental Commander Nugent, right front, marches at The Citadel. (Image: Patrick Nugent)
How an Earth-shattering injury changed life changed forever
On July 12, 2017, just five days into my second deployment, tragedy struck. Fired during a nighttime exercise, a single bullet left me with shattered bones, internal injuries, and excruciating pain. In an instant, my legs went numb and I fell, unable to move from the waist down. At first, I thought I was dreaming; then, reality hit, and I experienced the worst pain of my life. Urgently airlifted to a nearby hospital, I underwent numerous surgeries that both saved my life and attempted to repair the bullet wound’s damage.
Captain Nugent is on the far right in this photo, snapped while patrolling on deployment with his fellow Marines. (Image: Patrick Nugent)
In the depths of despair, I clung to glimmers of hope where I found them. Every day, I dedicated countless hours to rebuilding my strength and reclaiming control over my body. Through unwavering resolve and a tireless commitment to my various forms of physical therapy, my recovery defied expectations. Over time, my injury saw gradual improvement.
Nugent begins his journey to healing in 2017 at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, MD. (Image: Patrick Nugent)
From hope to despair and back again
The path was not easy. For close to a year after my injury, I remained confined to a wheelchair, using an ostomy pouch, and fed a steady stream of antibiotics through an intravenous catheter in my arm. During my recovery, I encountered the concept of post-traumatic growth, which the American Psychological Association defines as when someone is able to “endure psychological struggles following adversity, leading to profound personal growth.” Borrowing inspiration from this, in addition to philosophers like Viktor Frankl, who wrote extensively about the importance of adapting one’s attitude to meet life’s circumstances, I made the conscious decision to embrace a post-traumatic growth mindset. It is within this framework that I actively worked to cultivate my own resilience.
Though my military career was abruptly cut short, I refused to let my injuries define me, and set my sights on attending graduate school. In 2020, I earned admission to both the Wharton School of Business and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.
Nugent holds his Harvard Master in Public Administration degree from Harvard as he stands with parents Donald Nugent and Lynn Burnett. (Image: Patrick Nugent)
A path forward at Wharton
I initially battled imposter syndrome when I started at Wharton, feeling out of place among my (very) accomplished peers. But, harnessing my new mindset of growth and resilience, I sought guidance from professors, pushed myself academically, and delved into professional pursuits. My hard work paid off when I accepted a full-time job offer to work for Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in New York City upon my 2022 graduation from Wharton.
The School provided a supportive and welcoming environment that nurtured my transition out of the military. I engaged in “stretch experiences” that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. I performed at Battle of the Bands, danced at the Dance Studio Showcase, modeled at the Penn Charity Fashion Show, shared my story at Storytellers, and studied abroad at Wharton INSEAD in Singapore. By the time I graduated, I had grown immensely. No longer the imposter-on-campus, I felt a strong sense of belonging and a love for my newfound community.
Staying cool in Singapore, Nugent is pictured with friends during his trip abroad to Singapore with Wharton INSEAD. From left to right: Molly Lohry, Patrick Nugent, Naya Frazier, and Peter Vale, all WG’22. (Image: Patrick Nugent)
A new captainship takes hold
Adorned with medals, Nugent smiles on stage at the Department of Defense’s 2019 Warrior Games in Tampa Bay. (Image: Patrick Nugent)
Throughout my graduate studies, I also pursued adaptive sports, preparing for the 2023 Invictus Games, which is an international event for wounded service members. The 2023 occurrence of the Games was held in Dusseldorf, Germany. Selected as Team USA’s captain, I showcased my athleticism in rowing, cycling, and powerlifting competitions when I crossed the Atlantic. There, I earned a bronze medal in powerlifting, an honor that represents the culmination of my recovery journey. Through this achievement, I aim to inspire others through highlighting the importance of cultivating a growth mindset in the face of adversity.
Nugent with former UPenn president and now Ambassador to Germany Amy Gutmann, who attended the games in Dusseldorf. (Image: Patrick Nugent)
We may not always choose what happens to us, but we always have the power to choose how we respond. I hope that my story stands as a testament to the human spirit’s incredible capacity to overcome, grow, and thrive – no matter the circumstances.
Mentally, physically, spiritually, I thank Wharton for helping me to see new dynamics of my true and best potential.
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Wharton Stories
In Honor of Deaf Awareness Month, Meet the Pioneering Sheila Xu
Image: Xu stands in front of the AeroAccess' Zero Gravity simulating plane. (Sheila Xu)
“I hope my story inspires others to navigate their life challenges successfully, pursue their passions, and recognize that an MBA education is within reach.” – Sheila Xu, WG’24
The following is Sheila Xu WG’24’s firsthand experience navigating the Wharton MBA Program as part of the Deaf community. Wharton Stories also invites you to listen or read a transcript of theKnowledge at Wharton podcast in which Miss Xu speaks more on improving accessibility in the workplace and the aeronautical industry writ large.
Born deaf to hearing Chinese immigrant parents who moved to the U.S. for higher education, my life has been a unique journey of resilience, determination, and self-advocacy. I received a Cochlear Implant at the age of three and was raised speaking English – at that time, the prevailing thought was that deaf children could not learn multiple languages, a notion now disproven by recent research.
My time at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) marked a pivotal period in my life. While pursuing a joint undergraduate major in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences and Science, Technology, and Society, I immersed myself in Boston’s deaf community and learned American Sign Language (ASL). There, I further developed the ability to adapt my mode of communication depending on the person and situation with which I am interacting.
Sheila making history as the first deaf Asian female pilot. (Image: Sheila Xu)
My undergraduate internships at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (NASA JPL) and the Department of Transportation sparked my interest in the aviation and aerospace sectors. Then, in 2021, I made history as the first deaf Asian female pilot, joining the ranks of the approximately 200 deaf pilots nationwide and pushing the boundaries of what is deemed achievable for people like me. These experiences above have shaped my Deaf identity and fueled my drive to break barriers and stereotypes for the deaf and hard-of-hearing.
Navigating the Wharton MBA Program
Now, as someone entering my final year of graduate school whilst enrolled in both Wharton’s MBA Program and Harvard’s Master of Public Policy Program via a dual degree program supported by both schools, I am navigating and applying my unique perspective to two demanding academic programs.
Sheila (second from right) and her Wharton Learning Team. (Image: Sheila Xu)
Being the sole deaf student at Wharton, self-advocacy and seeking help when needed became crucial skills. With the support of theWeingarten Center and Wharton, I established an accessible system for myself to ensure a full, high-quality, and equitable participation in all aspects of academics and student life. This included a dedicated on-site ASL interpreter and coordinator who liaised with faculty and administrators, managed a team of ASL interpreters to provide full coverage, and relieved me of additional tasks of setting up access services, allowing me to focus on my studies and student life.
My graduate studies are equipping me with the tools and network to push for systemic changes that benefit the DHH and disability community within and out of Wharton. I may be the only deaf student at Wharton, but it doesn’t mean I can’t build a supportive community around me.
Flying in zero-gravity with a mission: AstroAccess
Beyond academics, my passion for the space sector led me toMission: AstroAccess (“AstroAccess”), a nonprofit dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in space. Since mid-2022, I’ve been volunteering with this organization, and now serve as Deputy Director of Development and Treasurer. In this role, I apply the business acumen gained from my Wharton education to devise strategies for the organization, which includes securing corporate contracts and sponsorships, forging partnerships, and managing finances.
My journey with AstroAccess took off during a commercial analog astronaut training program at Biosphere2 and University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, in November 2022. Alongside two other AstroAccess members, I participated in various training sessions, such as spacecraft fire emergency procedures, Mode 8 egress, and spacesuit pressurization training. This marked a historic moment, as it was likely the first time deaf participants underwent a commercial analog astronaut training, proving that deaf people can indeed be trained as astronauts.
Sheila and her husband before her AstroAccess launch. (Image: Sheila Xu)
I also had the opportunity to conduct experiments in a zero-gravity environment on a Zero-Gravity Corporation’s parabolic flight in Houston, Texas, alongside 14+ AstroAccess crew members comprising groups of varying disabilities (blind, mobility, and DHH) and other supporters. My deaf colleague and I were tasked with evaluating the legibility of ASL communication in abnormal orientations in zero-gravity. We partnered with SonicCloud and Sony to adapt SonicCloud’s personalized hearing software with Sony headsets for noise control in a zero-gravity environment for both DHH and hearing crew. Even while we were conducting our experiments, the sensation of floating, leaping, and executing flips in a lunar, martian, and zero-gravity is an unparalleled and exhilarating experience like no other.
Our zero-gravity parabolic flight and experiments aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of astronauts and space explorers with disabilities. It underscored the importance of universal design in the space sector, proving that systems designed with people with disabilities in mind benefit everyone, regardless of their abilities.
How Wharton tied it all together
None of those experiences would have been possible without support from a Wharton professor who acknowledged the profound impact of my work and provided financial support for my research work with AstroAccess. Under the mentorship of Assistant Professor of Management Stephanie Creary, I authored a case study focusing on strategies for disability and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the space sector, using AstroAccess and my own experiences as examples.
This case study offers an in-depth exploration of disability DEI challenges and advancements in the space industry, as well as a personal narrative of breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes of people with disabilities as potential astronaut candidates. The professor plans to incorporate this case study into their future curriculum, providing a real-world perspective and encouraging Wharton students to challenge the status quo in their chosen fields.
My journey as a deaf student at Wharton and an aspiring deaf astronaut, along with my work with AstroAccess, is preparing me for a leadership role ready to make an impact at the intersection of space, business, policy, and disability. I hope my story inspires others to navigate their life challenges successfully, pursue their passions, and recognize that an MBA education is within reach.
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Wharton Stories
Back-to-School Wisdom From a Wharton MBA Leadership Fellow
Image: Rendition of “Circle of Life” for Wharton’s Got Talent. Ganz (right) Dempsey J. Simonis, WG ‘24 (left). (Image: Ariyon Fountaine)
“At Wharton, you can truly customize your experience and tailor it to your goals. I realized there were so many things I could do and consider, but having my top priorities in mind at all times helped prevent analysis paralysis and maximize my time effectively.” – Sara Ganz, WG’24 and MBA Leadership Fellow
As new academic years unfold at the University of Pennsylvania, the Wharton School continues to engage in the annual back to college season. While an air of festivity settles across campus in Philadelphia, it’s understandable that some students might feel occasionally overwhelmed as they get into day-to-day life at Wharton.
How does one navigate this new ecosystem? Just ask MBA Leadership Fellow, Sara Ganz, WG’24, who is gearing up to mentor Wharton students stepping foot on campus for the very first time.
“From the get-go, understand that Wharton is ever-changing. In the beginning, your week-to-week experience can and will change,” says Ganz. “There’s so many people who find their core group of friends during the second term instead of their first, while others discover their niche clubs and passions right away. Trust the process, and know this: everyone is on their own journey.”
Miami-native Ganz, who considers herself as the “unofficial hype squad of the MBA Office of Student Life,” shares her tips-and-tricks and best advice for first-year MBA students looking to kick-off their inaugural semester on campus.
Sara Ganz, WG’24, outside of Wharton’s Steinberg-Deitrich Hall. (Image: Sara Ganz)
Why Wharton + how to avoid FOMO at School
“At Wharton, you can truly customize your experience and tailor it to your goals,” Ganz advises. Also noting that everyone is on their own journey in terms of what and with whom they connect right away, Ganz seeks to reassure other MBA students that they have more time and space to figure out exactly what they want to prioritize in terms of their overall Wharton experience and to make meaningful connections. “I recommend that everyone make a list of their top three priorities at Wharton and to weigh every decision against those three main criteria. With an over-abundance of career opportunities, clubs, treks, and classes to choose from, having my top priorities in mind at all times helped me to maximize my time more effectively and avoid analysis paralysis”
Each semester, Ganz evaluates the order of importance for those three goals — which include her social priorities, building entrepreneurial skills, and maintaining excellent academics, though not necessarily in that order every semester — which shift depending on Ganz’ short-term goals.
Wharton Professor Adam Grant (left). (Image: Sara Ganz)
Maximizing your MBA Orientation experience
So far, some of Ganz’ most profound Wharton experiences came during her first semester at Wharton, where she learned to develop her personal leadership style during her early weeks on campus via the School’s veneratedManagement 6100 course. A required weeklong course for all MBA students, Ganz experienced eye-opening moments that enlightened her perspective.
“My biggest takeaway from Wharton is to always assume good intent.” Ganz says. “Everyone is fighting their own invisible battle, and the frameworks we learned in pre-term and Management 6100 continually help me to reframe and navigate through conflict from a place of greater empathy, understanding, and willingness to address and resolve personal blind spots.”
During her own Orientation Week, Ganz especially appreciated how Wharton intentionally structures multiple touch-points to help MBA students connect with their classmates.
“Rather than dropping you with 900 other MBA students, Wharton does a phenomenal job connecting new students on a more intimate level during pre-term,” Ganz explains.” “Whether it’s small group dinners, your cohort, pod or Learning Team, there are really beautiful moments to connect with classmates at the micro-level before being thrown into the macro.”
In this same spirit of slowly-walking one’s way into the MBA Program’s immersive experience, Ganz also recommends that first-year MBA students not feel a need to lock into commitments too quickly.
Orientation Week is a wild ride for most. A self-described non-athlete, Ganz was still eager to participate in the Wharton Olympics, a beloved Orientation Week activity. As a member of her class’ Lion Cluster, Ganz championed the African board game, mancala, during the Wharton Olympics; she also wrote the lyrics and music-directed her cluster’s rendition of the “Circle of Life” for Wharton’s Got Talent. By fully embracing the silliness, the connections, and diving into every opportunity, any incoming MBA student can ensure that they will genuinely enjoy the beginnings of their Wharton experience.
Proud members of the Lion Cluster, Ganz alongside her learning team members, Najib Zgheib and Hannah Zhang, all WG’24, at the Wharton Olympics. (Image: Sara Ganz)
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Wharton Stories
Wharton MBA Pre-Term: An Unforgettable Orientation Experience
Image: Laura Williamson
“You are going to meet people at Pre-Term who are going to be in your life for the rest of your life, so take time to get to know everyone around you.” — Kristen Auch, Director of External Strategy, MBA Admissions
The MBA Class of 2025 has arrived in Philadelphia!
Three weeks before the official start of classes, eager members of WG25 arrive on campus for Pre-Term, ready to embrace their new home and seize the opportunities that lie ahead in the forthcoming academic year at Wharton. This three week-long student orientation helps new students build connections and community before fully immersing themselves in academics.
MBA students meet their new classmates during the Pre-Term Welcome Ceremony. (Image: Shira Yudkoff)
Pre-Term is one of the oldest Wharton MBA traditions. From competing in the spirited ‘Wharton’s Got Talent’ show, to collaborating with their learning teams, and concluding with a meaningful MBA Convocation ceremony and reception, there is never a dull moment during Pre-Term.
Every year, Pre-Term kicks off with a highly anticipated Welcome Ceremony, and lots of swag. In the days that follow, students meet their Academic and Career Advisors, select classes, and network with their new classmates. In the evenings, small group dinners are planned around Philadelphia to allow students to relax and unwind in a more intimate setting while getting to know their new city. The second week includes an immersive leadership experience, a full day of Learning Team bonding, and interactive workshops that discuss diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. In the final week of Pre-Term, the incoming MBA class takes MGMT 6100, a simulation-based class that sets the tone for the academic experience at Wharton.
Incoming MBA Classes meet their cohorts for the first time at Pre-Term. (Image: University of Pennsylvania)
To help students prepare for Pre-Term, we turned to those who know it best – the Wharton staff members who plan and execute these events – for their favorite traditions and best tips to maximize the experience.
Kristen, Director of External Strategy, MBA Admissions
“Pre-Term is a marathon, not a sprint. My best advice is to be willing to get rest every night and be willing to say yes! The stretch experience starts now – get comfortable with embracing discomfort, that’s a recurring theme during your two years at Wharton. You are going to meet people at Pre-Term who are going to be in your life for the rest of your life, so take time to get to know everyone around you. You never know what you will gain from them.
This is a special and memorable time. Relish the accomplishment of where a lifetime of hard work has gotten you. And of course, it’s hot in Philly in the middle of August – remember to hydrate!”
Ericka, Program Coordinator, Office of MBA Student Life
“My favorite part of Pre-Term is the addition of Wharton’s Got Talent. I am in awe of the talent and creativity of the class and what they create in such a short time! It’s an unmissable experience and provides students with a creative release during a time where they’re taking in a ton of information.”
Students show off hidden talents at Wharton’s Got Talent. (Image: Derek Rodenbeck)
Abby, Associate Director of Marketing and Communication, MBA Admissions
“I love that Pre-Term gives MBA students time to really explore Philly before hitting the ground running at Wharton. Take advantage of Small Group Dinners to check out the amazing food scene and use the weekends to walk around different neighborhoods!”
Kacey, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Communications, Office of the Vice Dean
“This is one of the only periods of time during your MBA that there are no other competing priorities – we intentionally make Pre-Term a time where there are no assignments or deadlines so that you have uninterrupted time to learn about all that Wharton has to offer. At its heart, the goal of Pre-Term is to allow you to acclimate yourself to a new environment, so completely immerse yourself in it and enjoy the ride!
Based on feedback from students in previous years, we have revamped the check-in experience for the Class of 2025. In the past, students checked in on campus at the same time, and then went into a full day of programming. This year we are offering a staggered check-in process, welcoming each cluster at a different time during the day, to give students more down time in the first day of Pre-Term to move into their apartment, set up internet, get their Penn IDs, or complete other tasks to help them reduce overwhelm as they arrive on campus.”
Joe, Associate Director of Student Life, Office of MBA Student Life
“Pre-term will be the first opportunity for you to meet your next best-friend or cofounder! Take advantage of this time and be open to experiencing all that Pre-Term has to offer. Be curious and ask questions, trust the process and most importantly, be yourself! Given this is my first pre-term with Wharton, I look forward to meeting my cluster and partnering with my students to make the most of their Wharton experience. GO DRAGONS!”
Students show off pride for their Cluster at Pre-Term. (Image: Shira Yudkoff)
To learn more about Pre-Term and the MBA student experience, visit the Office of Student Life.
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Wharton Stories
Navigating Autism, Importance of Service, and Pursuit of a Wharton MBA
Image: LeoPatrizi
“I knew that I could use my skills and talents to help others in the neurodiverse community. After reflecting on the most effective ways to drive change, I realized that business school would be the best place to grow as a social impact leader.” – Edwin C. Portugal, WG’25
Nestled within Wharton’s halls lies a vibrant community, where the School’s students each contribute their own unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Without the diverse tapestry of individuals that make up its uniquely non-homogenous student body, Wharton would simply not be Wharton. It is within this ecosystem that student activists are rising to the forefront, advocating for causes that extend far beyond the classroom.
One such remarkable individual is Edwin Portugal, WG’25, an incoming MBA student who is also a proud advocate for the rights of neurodivergent people. Cleveland Clinic defines “neurodivergent” as “a term that describes people whose brains develop or work differently for some reason. This means the person has different strengths and struggles from people whose brains develop or work more typically.”
For Portugal, who is autistic, applying to Wharton as a neurodivergent person was a task that felt daunting at times.
“When I was applying to business school, some people said not to mention neurodiversity,” he says. “They had good intentions – they knew that unconscious bias is rampant in our society. I knew this too. I struggled with this knowledge. I could take a safe, typical route, focusing on other aspects of my personal and professional life.” Instead, Portugal embraced his unique perspective via his Wharton application, wherein the first sentence of his admissions essay read: ‘I am autistic and aim to improve life outcomes for people like me in the neurodiverse community.’
Now that he’s learned of his acceptance into the School, Portugal now finds himself looking forward to joining Wharton’s campus in Philadelphia this fall. Here, read more about Portugal’s journey navigating not only his MBA application; but his experiences as a National Guardsman, as a husband, and as a proud advocate for the rights of other neurodivergent people everywhere.
Meet Wharton MBA candidate, Edwin Portugal
Edwin Portugal, WG’25. (Image: Ali Bennett Photography)
Portugal grew up in a small town of about 2,000 people in upstate New York, where he nurtured his deep interest in public policy and political systems, taking particular interest in the history of the Soviet Union. These childhood interests carried over into his undergraduate years at Brown University, where he earned his BA after he majored in public policy and Slavic studies. Despite his commitment to his double-major, Portugal felt called to serve his country and found time to enlist in the National Guard at the age of 18, during his freshman year at Brown.
As the child of Filippino immigrants who underscored to Edwin the values of patriotism and love of country from the days of their son’s early childhood, Edwin enlisted because, he knew that if he didn’t, he would have regret.
“I also come from a policy background, but I think that service is such an important, beautiful thing. I encourage people to find ways to serve your country, or however you most define community,” Portugal explains.
The twenty-eight-year-old also found that he thrived under the structure of the National Guard and found it brought order to his life; which, later, he realized may have related to his autism diagnosis, which came shortly after he discharged from his military service in 2020.
As a Communications Specialist with the National Guard for over six years, Edwin has high-level expertise with satellites and radios. (Image: friend of Portugal)
How seeking help helped Edwin put the pieces together
Even though Portugal both graduated on time from Brown and went on to work in high-functioning positions around local, national, and international nexus of political power, Portugal still sensed that he behaved differently and faced certain challenges, especially socially. He struggled with organization and sought therapy to address these difficulties during the pandemic, with the support of his fiance at the time, Emma, who Portugal married in early June of this year.
He initially booked an evaluation with a hunch it would result in a diagnosis of ADHD, but left the appointment with a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) instead. And while Portugal is now fully open about his ASD diagnosis, it took a full year before he began disclosing his condition more publicly. But ever since he felt ready to dive into truly understanding how his autism impacted his life in both Portugal’s past and his present, his perception of his diagnosis is now a source of strength.
“So much makes sense, now that I know my diagnosis and what autism is. I’ve learned more about my own form of ASD, it’s been such a big insight into the challenges I’ve faced in my life, and my strengths and weaknesses,” he says.
Love on the spectrum: hear how Portugal’s wife, Emma, continues to support and encourage Edwin to pursue his dreams
Newlyweds Edwin and Emma, pictured on their wedding day on June 3, 2023. (Image: Kadri Photo)
Portugal’s relationship with his now-wife, Emma, serves as one of the primary cornerstones of support upon which Portugal depends for success. The couple met during Portugal’s internship in Washington, D.C., while he worked for Quicken Loans before joining the United States Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe as a policy intern.
After Portugal’s autism diagnosis in 2020, Emma’s continuous love and support served as a major source of strength for Portugal as he absorbed the news for the very first time. “Emma was so supportive. She understands that the person who I was when I met her was autistic then, too; we just didn’t know it yet. When I got the news, she just said something to the effect of: ‘I don’t have any like negative connotations around [your diagnosis], and I love you as you are.’
“A common misconception about autistic people is that we have no emotions. But the truth is that we perform our emotions in a different way, and you can absolutely be on the spectrum and still find love and be married,” Portugal says.
Portugal formally begins the full-time MBA program this fall.
Hannah Diop (left), WG’09, pictured with her sister-in-law and co-founder Issa Rae. (Image: Wharton Magazine)Malick and Hannah Diop, both WG’09. (Image: Wharton Magazine)
“We’re both pretty unserious people in our spare time,” says Malick Diop, WG’09. “We can take a break from the business side of things and still be silly. That’s what has endured.”
Sunny Jiang, WG’24
Macaela Seward Schumacher, WG’24
Christopher Maddox, WG’24
Max Kneis, WG’24
Lucy An, WG24
