Wharton Stories: Community

“This trek reminded us that beauty is not just about products, it’s about people, passion, and purpose. It’s a space where creativity and commerce meet, where diverse perspectives can drive positive change, and where MBAs have a unique opportunity to lead with both intentionality and heart.” – Aarati Cohly WG25

Wharton Beauty Trek: Merging Fashion, Innovation, and Global Business

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

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

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

Sailboats with several people navigating on a body of water during a cloudy day. The boats have white sails and visible identification numbers.
An immersive look inside Team Sailing, a Wharton Leadership Venture designed to foster team cohesion in a high-pressure environment.

Trimming the Jib and Other Ways to Think About Business 

A small group of people posing together on a sports field, some wearing athletic shirts and one holding a soccer ball. They appear happy and celebratory.
What began as a fun way to unwind before Saturday classes has grown into a beloved tradition for many students in Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives.

Wharton EMBA Students Bond On and Off the Field

A diverse group of students in a classroom engaged in discussion and collaborative work. Some are using laptops, and others are reviewing documents. The setting is casual and interactive, suggesting a study session or group project.
Third-year Anthony Wright describes taking an Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) course that teaches West Philadelphia middle- and high-school students financial literacy

Wharton Field Challenge: Empowering Financial Futures

A pile of patriotic-themed buttons featuring stars and stripes, with a prominent button displaying
Third-year Chuby Madu, along with fellow Wharton students, launched Crayon Politics, a student-run platform dedicated to providing Gen Z with easy-to-understand data to be more informed voters.

Crayon Politics: Simplifying Complex Policy for Young Voters