Wharton Stories: Social Impact

“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

“The value in Professor Phillips’ course and Resilience Education: Wharton WORKS is just as much in the act of empowering these justice-impacted individuals as it is changing our own views and preconceived notions about prison in this country.” – Alec Shah, WG’24

Unlocking Potential Through Resilience Education | Wharton WORKS

“I wanted to scale my impact to help more girls find home in both athletics and the world of adventuring at large. Here, at Wharton, I’m finding ways to do just that.” – Deeya Bajaj WG’23

How Climbing Mount Everest Led This Advocate for Girls’ Sports to Pursue 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

“In recent years, our students have challenged us to do more to prepare them for the new realities of leadership, which involve creating and sustaining diverse, equitable, and inclusive organizations.” – Stephanie Creary, Associate Professor of Management

Wharton Welcomes Two New Majors and Concentrations: DEI and ESGB

“We have a read to admit philosophy, which means that in every application we are looking for reasons to admit you and not reasons to deny you. We are looking for your best day and not your worst.” – Blair Mannix, Director of Admissions

Application Tips from the MBA Admissions Committee

“I was fortunate to grow up playing competitive sports, which helped me build a sense of belief that I could bounce back from any setback. I firmly believe that SuperBetter can develop those same capacities.” – Jan Jaro, WG’23

How WIVA Students Are Advocating For Youth Mental Health With A Startup

He and his team of lawyers, all of whom identify as LGBTQIA+, argued successfully to decriminalize homosexuality in the Indian Supreme Court.

Udai Bhardwaj Decriminalized Homosexuality In India. Now, He’s Coming To Wharton.

Jay Bishen, WG’22, reflects on his internship at the Development Finance Corporation, a U.S. government agency.

Investing in Emerging Markets One Social Enterprise at a Time