Wharton Stories: Nontraditional

“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

In Honor of Deaf Awareness Month, Meet the Pioneering Sheila Xu

“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

Navigating Autism, Importance of Service, and Pursuit of a Wharton MBA

“When you go through [mental health struggles], you go to dark places where it feels like it’s only you. But only in those times do you really find out who you are, what you stand for, what’s important to you. And from that, you’re built back up and you understand yourself better.” – Brandon Brooks

From Super Bowl Champion to Championing Mental Health: Brandon Brooks at Wharton

“If we want to create a world that’s a better place, we need people who can bring that sense of social justice and combine it with some practical Wharton toolkits so that they can be more impactful.”

From Peace Corps to Wharton

In lieu of its in-country immersion program, which was canceled because of the pandemic, the Lauder Institute incorporated community engagement projects that connected students with communities in Philadelphia and beyond.

Lauder Students Put Language Skills Into Practice

Learn about student programming, events, and other ways to get involved with the Wharton Social Impact Initiative for the Spring 2021 semester.

Students, Get Involved With Social Impact This Semester

Matt Stephenson, WG’11, founded his nonprofit Code2College after many years of working in finance and education. He reflects on the current opportunities and challenges in the STEM field, and how the Bendheim Loan Forgiveness Program impacted his career.

How This Bendheim Awardee Is Championing More Diversity in STEM

Although campus programs, events, and classes were remote this semester, students stayed connected more than ever. Wharton Social Impact students reflect on how they finished the semester virtually while prioritizing impactful activities.

Why These Wharton Students Stayed Involved with Social Impact Remotely

WISE Fellows Qarina Mannaf, WG’21, and Jess Stokes, WG’21, worked with Philadelphia Zoo to help them expand a student-driven program from a local footprint to a national initiative, as well as brainstorm digital marketing strategies to engage their audiences in the realm of COVID-19.

Resiliency and Creativity: How These Wharton MBAs Helped Philadelphia Zoo Innovate during COVID-19

Learn about student programming, events, and other ways to get involved with the Wharton Social Impact Initiative for the Spring 2020 semester.

7 Ways for Students to Get Involved With Social Impact This Semester