Wharton Stories: Philadelphia

Lush garden filled with colorful blooming flowers, including roses and foxgloves, with a white bench and wooden trellises in the background.
One student’s quest to help classmates see that the Wharton undergraduate experience is about more than grades and job offers.

Stopping to Smell the Roses

A large group of people in matching Wharton School t-shirts posing in front of a building sign that reads
“Don’t wait to be chosen—lead where you are. Wharton is full of stages. Sometimes you choreograph the routine. Sometimes you run the show. Either way, the spotlight’s big enough for all of us.” – Kelsey Spencer WG25

Leadership Evolution: From Dance to Design Thinking

Bo Zhao walking with her toddler daughter in a stroller on a stone path through greenery. Credit: Cham Zhao
“Wharton doesn’t just provide you with knowledge for two years—it gives you a lifetime of resources and connections that continue to support you long after graduation,” says Bo Zhao, WG’18.

Wharton MBA Exec Mom is Revolutionizing the Baby Gear Industry

Amanda Cui reclines on a red blanket, holding a square mirror that reflects her face and upper body. She wears a metallic, deep red pleated top. Her reflection in the mirror shows a composed, introspective expression.
Amanda Cui, W’25, started Humans of Penn as a way to have numerous conversations and capture the various perspectives across Penn’s campus.

Major: Economics. Minor: Humanity. The Storyteller behind Humans of Penn

Wide-angle image of William’s Cafe's front area, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere and a bustling coffee shop environment.
How Olivia Turman, W’26, found community, leadership, and clarity through Williams Café.

Brewing Business: A Wharton Undergrad’s Experience Managing Penn’s Student-Run Café

Sarela Herrada, WG'25, and her cofounder/husband Matt Cohen in a farmer’s field in Peru. Credit: SIMPLi
“Wharton has broadened my perspective, strengthened my knowledge, and challenged me to think differently,” says Sarela Herrada, WG’25.

Balancing Entrepreneurship, School, and Parenthood While Scaling a Global Business

A virtual meeting with a diverse group of eight individuals displayed in a grid format, each in their own frame. Some people appear to be smiling, and one person is giving a thumbs-up gesture.
“The nonprofit sector is a major part of the global economy. This course gives students the chance to gain practical experience and fill in a missing piece of the puzzle for those interested in social impact,” says David Rhode.

Wharton Launches Social Impact Practicum for EMBA Students

A small group of people in a meeting, gathered around a table with laptops, charts, and documents labeled with terms like
“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

From Venture Capital to Acquisition: One MBA Student’s Journey to Entrepreneurship at Wharton

Aaron Ishikawa, WG'21, and Kyle Mounts, WG'21
“We are a testament to the strength of Wharton relationships and using what we learned in class to build financial businesses that are really thriving,” says Aaron Ishikawa, WG’21.

Wharton EMBA Alums Leverage Education and Network to Launch VC Fund

Students walk through the splash fountain in front of City Hall
Wharton first-years helped pilot a new activity that familiarized them with Philadelphia and connected them to each other in a meaningful way.

Finding Camaraderie by Finding City Hall