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

“Our program seeks to help students fully tap into their potential and to ensure that we continue to develop bold thinkers who will be prepared for the challenges of new sources and new statistical problems.” – Dylan Small, the Universal Furniture Professor and Chair of Statistics and Data Science

Uniting Great Minds, Wharton’s Stat Bridge MA Program Takes Flight

“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’m excited to bring more of what I’m learning at Wharton to the Make the World Better Foundation (MTWB) to refine our community building process and share it with other cities around the country.” – Connor Barwin, WG’23

Connor Barwin, WG’23, on the Intersection of the NFL, Wharton, and Making the World a Better Place

“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

“Penn is a shockingly supportive place for an adventure like this. The plethora of resources for the whole community is staggering. If they can’t get something directly, the second-degree connections will take care of it. It surprised me in the best way possible.” – Ryan Torres W’25

Undergraduate to Cycle World’s Highest Volcano to Raise Funds for Cycling Access

“Natives at Penn is a very genuine and welcoming community. It is a small, tight knit group; and there, I felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable.” – Lauren McDonald

Two Native American Undergraduates Thrive at Wharton and in Business Education

Faculty across Wharton discuss greenwashing, Arctic ice caps, and more during Penn Climate Week.

Wharton Climate Prof Tackles Greenwashing and More

“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