Wharton Stories: Diversity

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Personal experience and selfless family sacrifice led Tsion Bezabih, W’27, to create a nonprofit aimed at helping young people connect.

Bridging the Cultural Divide

A singing group of ten individuals dressed in traditional attire performs on stage. A colorful abstract design is displayed on a screen in the background.
“It was just unreal. You put all your time into making a mix, and then you put it on Spotify, and you go to Paris.” – Ajay Kilambi, W’25

Penn Masala’s Olympic Performance

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Laura Brodkey, W’25, is a natural community builder who creates spaces for students to be their authentic selves and make connections.

Building Belonging: An Undergrad Creates Community for Students

The image shows the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C., surrounded by trees and a green lawn under a partly cloudy sky.
In the wake of the SCOTUS ruling on Affirmative Action, Xavier Shankle, W’24, told the White House they needed to do something, and they did.

The Advocate: An Undergrad Fosters Educational Equity

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The student club Wharton Women seeks to foster a community of support and collaboration and create a comfortable space for female-identifying students.

Wharton Women: “Girls Supporting Girls”

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Founded in 1975, Black Wharton Undergraduate Association is an undergraduate student club at Wharton with more than 150 active members from all four class years and Penn’s four undergraduate schools.

Black Wharton: Empowering Excellence at Penn

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“We do a really good job at making Wharton Latino feel like home; for everyone, Wharton or not, Latino or not…[the club] is about finding a new home that cares about you and your growth.” – Leah Mizrachi, W’24, President of Wharton Latino

In Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Wharton’s Latinx Community Comes Together

A historic stone building with green accents is adorned by blossoming cherry trees with white flowers.
“I met a lot of wonderful people, and the exercises in which we’ve engaged really broadened my perspective, even within my own Asian community. We share experiences…and recognize each other on our respective journeys.” – Winni Zhang, W’23

At Wharton, Three Students of Asian Heritage Found An Abundance of Community

A large group of people wearing red and white-striped hats holding wooden canes gather outside a historic stone building with arched windows and entrance, surrounded by trees.
“I’ve gotten involved in two healthcare startups, and have really come to appreciate the lessons you learn at such an early stage of a business. I’ve also taken entrepreneurship courses, and even got involved with Venture Lab, two things I never saw myself doing.” – Sahiba Baveja, W’23

A Senior Reflects on Her Wharton and Penn Experience

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“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