Diversity brings different perspectives, influences, and values, which add to the learning experience for everyone. It’s also a cornerstone of Wharton’s EMBA program, where students learn as much from the faculty as they do from each other. LGBTQ+ students are an important part of this diverse community and their perspectives and viewpoints enrich the program experience. We asked several alumni and staff members to talk about what it’s like to be part of the Wharton community and the environment for LGBTQ+ students.
Craig Sharp, WG’17
Currently
Global Vice President of Connected Care, Cochlear
Based In
Sydney, Australia
Wharton Campus
San Francisco
Prior Education
University of California San Diego, B.S. Bioengineering
My Background
“I came to Wharton to gain the knowledge and tools needed to transition out of research and development and into more commercially-oriented roles. I had recently come out as gay when I came to Wharton, and I had a boyfriend when I started the program, who is now my husband.”
What It’s Like to Be LGBTQ+ at Wharton
“Being gay was a non-issue. My partner Mike was involved in all of our social activities and formed close friendships with many of my classmates. When the East Coast EMBA students came to the San Francisco campus for a week-long class, he connected with students who work in his industry. Everyone in the Wharton family, from the administration and faculty to the students and their partners, were incredibly welcoming. It was a great experience for both me and Mike.”
Why Diversity is Important
“Diversity is important because sharing different perspectives enhances learning. For example, during a class discussion on doing business in China, I shared how a former colleague asked me not to disclose my sexuality to our Chinese customers. I was lucky enough to have students from China in my class, and they shared experiences of how other LGBTQ professionals in China have successfully navigated this issue without having to hide part of themselves. Diversity is also important because it shows how to break barriers. For example, if you are one of the only LGBTQ people on your leadership team (like me), then it’s important for others to see someone with whom they identify in a senior role. It helps pave pathways for others.”
Advice for Incoming LGBTQ+ Applicants
“If you’re interested in a world-class education and learning from the best professors and talented students, then apply to this program. Wharton encourages diverse thinking and viewpoints, so you can be your authentic self. At Wharton, I took several Leadership classes where I learned the importance of authentic leadership and sharing parts of your personal story to build trust and rapport with others. Before Wharton, being gay wasn’t something I proactively talked about. Now, I openly share my background, which helps make me more open, honest, and approachable as a leader.”
Christina Ho, WG’20
Currently
Vice President, Con Edison
Based In
Spring Valley, NY
Wharton Campus
Philadelphia
Prior Education
The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, BS Chemical Engineering; Columbia University, Master’s in Earth Resources Engineering
My Background
“I’m a career-long electric utility professional. I’ve worked in areas ranging from power plant engineering to control center operations to strategy, business planning, and customer relationship management. I’m also openly gay and am an executive sponsor of the LGBTQ employee resource group at my company. I’m excited to be a voice for this population and to celebrate this element of my background.”
Why I Came to Wharton
“When I came to Wharton for my interview, I talked to the admissions representative about the dimensions of diversity in this program. I was impressed with how the Admissions Committee actively thinks about creating diverse cohorts of highly qualified candidates from many different backgrounds so that students can learn from each other. I felt extremely comfortable coming to this program and found that it is far more diverse than I expected across a lot of dimensions like work backgrounds, gender, and ethnicities.”
Why Diversity is Important
“Top MBA programs are training the leaders of the economic engine of this country and across the globe. To have the strongest businesses possible, we need diversity not only at top levels but across organizations. This will create growth, value, jobs, and economic opportunity. It’s also helpful to see leaders who are open and visible to pave the way for others who come after us. I want to provide motivation, pride, and encouragement to those who may feel like they aren’t represented.”
What It’s Like to Be LGBTQ+ at Wharton
“Everyone is open and welcoming. During Pride Week, many students dressed up in rainbow colors. The environment reflects the type of people who are admitted. They are open, curious, and want to find similarities with each other and understand our differences.”
Advice for Incoming LGBTQ+ Applicants
“This program is designed to provide a supportive network. This is a place for everyone. Students care about each other as whole people and that includes all dimensions of diversity. It’s also a great environment to explore entrepreneurship. The entrepreneurship resources are powerful for people who want to create their own businesses and safe spaces where you can control your own destiny. It’s a great place to explore and grow the things that are important to you.”
Thomas Gavin, WG’19
Currently
Director of Development, Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital
Based In
West Chester, PA
Wharton Campus
Philadelphia
Prior Education
University of Pennsylvania, B.F.A
My Background
“I’m trained as a sculptor, but instead of working in stone and metal, I create strategy and build systems and teams to better serve public health. Most recently I have led our hospital’s COVID-19 vaccination operations. As a gay man, healthcare equity is important to me and I have been working with historically under-vaccinated groups to provide education and access to the COVID-19 vaccines.”
Why Diversity is Important
“Diversity drives innovation. A diverse set of people brings with them a broader base of life experiences, education, skill sets and perspectives that foster creativity and can be leveraged for problem solving. Additionally, a diverse environment signals to people that it’s safe to fully be themselves, which can free them to do their best work.”
What It’s Like to Be LGBTQ+ at Wharton
“I had a great experience at Wharton where I felt supported by classmates and the administration, alike.”
Advice for Incoming LGBTQ+ Applicants
“Wharton is looking for people who stand out. You will bring the most value to the program and get the most value from the program when you present your authentic point of view. Your diversity is an asset.”
Lauren Schmidt, WG’21
Currently
Chief Business Officer, POINTiS Orthopaedics
Based In
Boise, ID
Wharton Campus
San Francisco
Prior Education
Stanford University, BS Human Biology
My Background
“I’m openly gay and married my wife a few months into the program!”
What It’s Like to Be LGBTQ+ at Wharton
“Even though I have been openly gay for years, it is hard to not approach new situations and new people with some apprehension. Any concerns or discomfort I had going into the program was immediately dispelled after coming onto campus. I met an alum on my admissions visit who invited me to go surfing with her and her wife, the Admissions Committee told me about the inclusivity of the cohorts, and when I eventually started the program my classmates were warm and welcoming (and asked to see lots of wedding pictures!)”
“The quality of the education is on par with the exceptional quality of the people you are surrounded by at Wharton. While I feel like I bring a unique perspective as an LGBT student, I feel as though I have learned so much more from the people I am surrounded by.”
Why Diversity is Important
“Diversity is important because it provides different perspectives and frameworks of thinking, and these new frameworks help us be more well rounded (and ultimately more successful) leaders. Having the ability to approach a situation or decision from several different vantage points is a massive competitive advantage from a business perspective, because it allows us to see around corners and anticipate what the world could look like in the short and long term. Exposure to new perspectives and frameworks of thinking also allows us to be better employees, employers, and global citizens.”
Advice for Incoming LGBTQ+ Applicants
“My advice would be similar to anyone else entering the Wharton program. Be yourself, and embrace your campus visit. Wharton is a place where people surprise and impress you, and if you are open to those exchanges you will have the opportunity to meet and learn from some incredible people.”
Kim Cowperthwaite
Currently
Associate Director/Class Manager, Wharton EMBA Program
Wharton Campus
San Francisco
Prior Education
University of San Francisco, BS Management
My Background
“I’m openly gay and have been married since 2014. I share that information on the MyWharton platform for incoming classes.”
How I Support LGBTQ+ Students
“As a class manager, I support my cohorts from orientation to graduation. I help develop schedules, plan menus, and plan social events. I also serve as an academic advisor, a shoulder to cry on, and a cheerleader. I support LGBTQ students in the same way that I support all students. As for events, the Pride Parade goes right by our building, so I invite everyone to watch the parade. I also highlight Pride Month in our cohort newsletter and encourage everyone to be proud of who they are and what they have accomplished.”
Why Diversity is Important at Wharton
“Our students are further along in their careers, so it’s less common to network outside of their areas. If you work in finance, you probably only talk to finance people. And you may only talk to a doctor when you need medical attention. In this program, you talk to people who do entirely different things and hear insights and perspectives from different fields. That contributes to an enriching learning environment. Diversity increases the value of everyone’s education. It also leads to making deep friendships with people you otherwise would not meet.”
Advice for LGBTQ+ Students
“It’s important to show up and be who you are and allow other people to be who they are. This program only gets better from people bringing their whole selves here. You’ll find a challenging academic program and an excited and friendly cohort of students.”
Amy Myers
Currently
Associate Director/Class Manager, Wharton EMBA Program
Wharton Campus
Philadelphia
Prior Education
Temple University, BBA Business
My Background
“I’m openly gay and married – and I assume everyone knows this.”
How I Support LGBTQ+ Students
“I support all students and their families in the same way. I’m the ‘go-to person’ for my cohorts. I help out with anything and everything from lodging, meals, and course selections to advice and logistical planning for family visits. When a student in a prior class and her wife adopted a daughter, and I supported her needs in the same way that I would for anyone. I also helped a student put together a list of LGBTQ students from past classes so that they could better network. I want students to know there is a community of supportive alumni out there. And I attended Peter Hanna’s Human Rights Campaign event along with other students and staff.”
What to Expect at Wharton
“This is an open and accepting community. It’s a safe place where people come from different religions, cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, etc.”
Advice for LGBTQ+ Students
“My advice is the same for all students. Be open to meeting different kinds of people than you, and don’t be afraid to be yourself. This is a very accepting environment.”
— By Meghan Laska
Posted: June 1, 2020
