Wharton Stories

How these EMBA Students Became Entrepreneurs Through Business Acquisition

Image: Robert Kress, WG’24 visiting a U.S. Navy boat maintained by Anchor Innovation (Photo Credit: Chief Brian Sheffield, U.S. Navy)
“If I hadn’t gone to Wharton, I’d still be on the corporate climb and wouldn’t have discovered this knowledge, passion and confidence for entrepreneurship,” says Caroline Chapdelain, WG’22.

For some students in Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives, the program is more than a career accelerator. It’s a direct catalyst for becoming business owners.

Here are the stories of three Wharton EMBA alumni, all military veterans, who acquired companies while enrolled in the program by leveraging finance and strategy courses, tapping into Wharton’s large network, and applying real-time insights from classmates and professors.

Caroline Chapdelaine, WG’22

CEO, Northstar Photonics | Salt Lake City, UT

A former U.S. Army intelligence officer, Caroline Chapdelaine was climbing the corporate ladder in the defense industry when she began exploring MBA programs.

 “I was doing what many do in my field: trying to get to a general manager role,” Chapdelaine says. “When I walked into HR and asked how to get there, they told me I needed an MBA from a top school. That led me to Wharton.”

However, during the EMBA program, Caroline’s vision for her future shifted, as she began thinking about entrepreneurship. “Early on, I pitched a startup idea to a professor who kindly tore it apart,” she says. “That moment helped me realize I didn’t want to start something from scratch. I wanted to buy a business and run it.”

Inspired by Professor Robert Chalfin’s course on Entrepreneurship through Acquisition (ETA), Caroline immersed herself in the ETA ecosystem. “I threw myself into it by reading books, listening to podcasts, and going to conferences. Prof. Chalfin’s storytelling style and real-world examples lit a fire. Right after the class ended, I started searching for a business to acquire.”

Photonics navigation equipment in use (Credit: Caroline Chapdelaine)
Photonics navigation equipment in use (Credit: Caroline Chapdelaine)

With her defense background, she looked for niche opportunities in government contracting. Her search ended when a Wharton classmate told her about the opportunity to acquire a small subsidiary that his company planned to shut down. She made a reasonable offer and closed the deal.

Today, Caroline leads Northstar Photonics, a manufacturer of advanced navigation equipment for GPS-denied environments. “Wharton taught me to analyze financials like a public company CFO, which was something I had zero background in. I also lean heavily on the Wharton network, calling classmates for advice and support.”

Despite early challenges and contract volatility, her business is growing. “If I hadn’t gone to Wharton, none of this would have happened,” she says. “I’d still be on the corporate climb and wouldn’t have discovered this knowledge, passion and confidence for entrepreneurship.”

 


Dan Zastrow, WG’20

Owner & Operator, Remedy Rooter | San Diego, CA

After eight years as a nuclear submarine warfare officer in the U.S. Navy, Dan Zastrow moved into medical technology, focusing on procurement and product development. But something didn’t feel right.

 “I wanted to run something, to be the final decision-maker but I had no idea how to get there,” he says.

During Wharton’s EMBA program, Dan discovered the Entrepreneurship through Acquisition ecosystem and search fund model. He recalls, “It sounded too good to be true. Investors give you money to buy a company and I get to run it?” 

He and a friend launched a traditional search fund, but after 18 months without finding a suitable acquisition, they made a risky pivot to self-funding.

“We had no income. It was an arduous, uncertain path,” he says. Eventually, they found success with  Remedy Rooter, a San Diego-based plumbing company. Dan explains, “I liked plumbing. It’s essential, technical, and scalable. The financials made sense, and I liked the owners.”

Today, he also co-owns In Bloom Flowers, Gifts & More in the Dallas Fort Worth area.

Dan Zastrow, WG’ 20, digging a hole to fix a sewer (Credit: Jesus Garcia)
Dan Zastrow, WG’ 20, digging a hole to fix a sewer (Credit: Jesus Garcia)

Running the business hasn’t been easy. “It’s like a can opener for self-growth,” he says. “Every problem traces back to you as the owner. But we’ve grown 20% year over year and have become much more stable.”

Dan credits Wharton with giving him both the skills and confidence to take the leap. “Wharton taught me how to differentiate between value creation and growth, the language of business, and decision making frameworks.  The Wharton brand opened doors that wouldn’t have opened otherwise.”

 

Robert Kress, WG’24

CEO, Anchor Innovation | Virginia Beach, VA

When Robert Kress left the U.S. Navy in 2022, he had managed major operations—including managing nuclear reactors and SEAL Team operations—but he knew little about business. “I didn’t know what P&L stood for. I was fluent in military language but needed to learn the financial side.”

Wharton was his bridge to the private sector. At Wharton, he met a fellow veteran who had acquired a business during the program. “That blew my mind. I didn’t even know companies were for sale. Within six months, I was exploring entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) as a real option.”

Rob teamed up with two other Navy veterans to search for a company in a space they knew well: government services. Their strategy? Find a defense contractor where their experience could add value and scale. In 2023, they acquired Anchor Innovation, a Virginia-based firm providing training and maintenance support to the Department of Defense.

Robert Kress with his business partners on Capitol Hill (Credit: Mary Oakley)
Robert Kress with his business partners on Capitol Hill (Credit: Mary Oakley)

“We closed with 85 employees, and now we’re at 160. We’re scaling fast, doubling revenue and headcount in two years. Our strategy for growth is playing out and it’s very meaningful taking care of the team and providing critical support to the US Navy,” he says.

Along the way, Rob turns to Wharton for support. “My classmates helped me write the business plan and prepare for underwriting with the bank. I crowdsourced deal advice from lawyers, bankers, entrepreneurs. I went to professors’ office hours for tax and negotiation strategies. I hadn’t even taken Prof. Chalfin’s class on Entrepreneurship through Acquisition yet, and he was advising me on the deal.”

Today, Rob says he is applying what he learned in real-time: “Wharton did more than just prepare me, it was critical getting me here.”

By Meghan Laska

Posted: August 18, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Caroline Chapdelaine, WG’22 (Credit: Jeremy Francis)
Caroline Chapdelaine, WG’22 (Credit: Jeremy Francis)

Caroline Chapdelaine, WG’22 (Credit: Jeremy Francis) 

Cohort: San Francisco

Location: Salt Lake City, UT

Current Role: CEO, Northstar Photonics

Previous Education: University of Colorado, Boulder, BA Political Science

Dan Zastrow, WG’20 (Credit: Graham Warren)
Dan Zastrow, WG’20 (Credit: Graham Warren)

Dan Zastrow, WG’20 (Credit: Graham Warren)

Cohort: San Francisco

Location: San Diego, CA

Current Role: Owner, Remedy Rooter

Previous Education: U.S. Naval Academy, BS Electrical Engineering; Naval Postgraduate School, Master’s Electrical Engineering

Robert Kress, WG’24 (Credit: David Matasic)
Robert Kress, WG’24 (Credit: David Matasic)

Robert Kress, WG’24 (Credit: David Matasic)

Cohort: San Francisco

Location: Virginia Beach, VA

Current Role: Owner/Operator, Anchor Innovation; US Navy Reserve

Previous Education: George Mason University, BS Civil Engineering; Old Dominion University, Master’s Engineering Management

Wharton Stories

Conquering Motherhood, a Startup, and Seven Continents at Wharton

Image: Julie Zhao, WG’25, and Clement Lee, WG’24, in Antarctica (Credit: Matthew Wellens)
“That wasn’t just a Wharton highlight—it was a life highlight. It was a leadership journey that made me see myself differently,” says Julie Zhao, WG’25, of her experience in Wharton’s Leadership Venture in Antarctica.

Two years. Two majors. Four global courses spanning Sweden, Rwanda, Colombia, and Germany. Two Leadership Ventures in Antarctica and New Zealand. Seven continents visited. Twenty-three group projects, over 700 classroom hours, and more than 600 hours of self-study.

But those numbers only tell part of Julie Zhao’s, WG’25, journey in Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives.

Julie Zhao arriving at Wharton 36 weeks pregnant (Credit: Eric Cai)
Julie Zhao arriving at Wharton 36 weeks pregnant (Credit: Eric Cai)

Julie began the EMBA program 36 weeks pregnant—with a toddler already at home. Two weeks later, while taking an accounting quiz, she went into labor.

“Some called me crazy,” Julie admits. “But I didn’t hesitate. There’s no perfect timing because the best time is now.”

Her decision to apply to Wharton was inspired by the “amazing Wharton women” who came before her. “During a coffee chat, I met so many women who had grown their families during the program. They encouraged me to believe it was possible.”

Julie prepared for the challenge. Her mother came from China to help care for her toddler and newborn, and the family travelled together to Philadelphia during class weekends.

She also leaned on the Wharton community. “My class manager offered to connect me with alumnae who had kids during the program and ensured I had space for pumping. My classmates were incredibly supportive, carrying my luggage at Orientation and showing constant compassion. I felt the love everywhere.”

Managing time became critical, especially in the early months. “Not only was I adjusting to a newborn, but I had to re-learn how to be a student,” she says. “I had to plan every hour carefully.”

The situation became even more challenging when her mother returned to China and her father, who came to help, suffered a medical emergency. Julie suddenly found herself juggling work, school, parenting, and caregiving.

“I was completely overwhelmed,” she recalls. She reached out to a classmate—another mom in the program—who reminded her that “this is all temporary.” That perspective helped her push through. And things did get better.

Julie embraced the full spectrum of Wharton’s leadership and global opportunities. One standout was the Leadership Venture in Antarctica.

“That wasn’t just a Wharton highlight—it was a life highlight,” she says. “It was a leadership journey that made me see myself differently.”

Julie Zhao and Wharton students in Antarctica (Credit: Hannah Zhang)
Julie Zhao and Wharton students in Antarctica (Credit: Hannah Zhang)

On one glacier hike, volunteers were asked to carry extra gear. Julie, just six months postpartum, realized she physically couldn’t help. “As a Type A overachiever, that was hard to admit. But our guide said something powerful: that sometimes, the most important leadership act is letting go of your ego, knowing what you can and what you cannot do, and asking for help. That was a lightning-bolt moment for me.”

Another highlight was launching her own company. During an Entrepreneurship course with Professor Tyler Wry, Julie and her team developed ValueFurnish, a startup focused on selling returned furniture in like-new condition at a discount.

“It’s a win-win-win,” she explains. “Brands recoup losses, customers get a deal, and it’s good for the environment because furniture finds a home.”

After the class, Julie and a teammate continued building the company, with support from Wharton’s Venture Lab. Today, ValueFurnish is working with two furniture brands and planning to bring more on board.

“I always wanted to try entrepreneurship but never had a real opportunity before,” Julie says. “Wharton’s ecosystem gave me the tools, the support, and the network to make it real.”

Looking back, Julie says her time at Wharton was “absolutely worthwhile.” She explains, “This is a life changing experience. Each student grows so much in the program, getting stronger and better.”

By Meghan Laska

Posted: August 4, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Julie Zhao, WG’25 (Credit: Rob Aviles)
Julie Zhao, WG’25 (Credit: Rob Aviles)

Julie Zhao, WG’25 

Cohort: Philadelphia

Location: Parsippany, NJ

Originally From: China

Current Position: Manager, Technical Program Management, Uber, Cofounder of ValueFurnish

Previous Education: Harbin University of Commerce, BS Economics; New Jersey Institute of Technology, master’s in international business

Wharton Stories

Wharton EMBA Team Drives Cancer Innovation in Africa

Image: Dr. Bukhosi Dube, WG’24, Penn Medicine Prof. Bruce Levine, and Dr. Cynthia Obiozor, WG’24, at the World Cancer Congress in Geneva (Credit: Denis Migliorini, MD)
“I never imagined collaborating with Wharton and Penn faculty on something of this magnitude. Our research shows that CAR-T therapy can be within reach for countries that never considered it an option,” says Cynthia Obiozor, WG’24.

When Prof. Stephen Sammut, WG’84, asked his Healthcare Entrepreneurship students whether Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell therapy (CAR-T) cancer therapy could be brought to the African continent, he expected a thoughtful discussion. What followed was far more impactful: an interdisciplinary research project that culminated in publication in Cytotherapy, a leading journal in cell and gene therapy.

Sammut had previously led a similar feasibility study on CAR-T therapy in Costa Rica, working closely with Penn Medicine’s Dr. Carl June, MD and Dr. Bruce Levine, PhD, pioneers of immunotherapy. That study explored how to implement this complex treatment—one that involves genetically engineering a patient’s immune cells to target cancer—outside the developed world.

“CAR-T is incredibly promising but also incredibly expensive,” Sammut explains. “Its application in low-resource settings is limited, but the need is great, especially in Africa where cancer is a leading cause of death alongside heart disease.”

A Student Team with Purpose and Expertise
Inspired by Sammut’s question in class about whether CAR-T cancer therapy could be brought to Africa, several EMBA students turned it into an Independent Research Project. Among them were Dr. Lukejohn Day, WG’24, a Chief Medical Officer with a passion for global health equity; Dr. Cynthia Obiozor, WG’24, a hematologist-oncologist and Medical Director at Amgen, leading global oncology trials; Dr. Bukhosi Dube. WG’24, a healthcare consultant and former Chief Medical and Health Integration Officer; and Isaac Edrah, WG’24, CEO of Paramean Solutions, specializing in healthcare actuarial consulting.

Prof. Stephen Sammut with Drs. Cynthia Obiozor and Lukejohn Day, WG’24 and other Wharton students during a Global Modular Course on healthcare in Ghana. (Credit: Labadi Beach Hotel)
Prof. Stephen Sammut with Drs. Cynthia Obiozor and Lukejohn Day, WG’24 and other Wharton students during a Global Modular Course on healthcare in Ghana. (Credit: Labadi Beach Hotel)

Obiozor had first connected with Sammut during a Global Modular Course on healthcare in Ghana and was immediately intrigued by the possibility of making CAR-T therapy accessible in Africa. 

“Given my background, I understood the therapy’s potential and wanted to explore its global scalability,” she says.

Day was drawn to this project because it combined his interests in global health equity, implementation science, and systems thinking.

 “I saw an opportunity not just to analyze a complex challenge, but to help shape a real roadmap for change backed by rigorous research and collaborative innovation,” he says.

With Sammut’s guidance and connections to June and Levine, the team quickly gained momentum.

“One of Benjamin Franklin’s guiding principles was to be useful,” says Levine. “The students were not engaging in hypothetical exercise. They wanted to convert research into something practical, to expand access to this therapy beyond Penn and beyond the U.S. to all patients who could potentially benefit.”

Research Findings: Cost, Infrastructure, and Opportunity

The student team conducted extensive interviews with African healthcare providers and analyzed models from global studies. They concluded that while CAR-T therapy is not immediately scalable across all of Africa, targeted implementation is feasible, particularly in countries like South Africa, where infrastructure is more robust.

“We can’t just copy and paste the U.S. model,” Obiozor explains. “So we focused on developing  tailored, cost-effective approaches and identifying opportunities to build capacity sustainably.”

Their study outlined financial and logistical barriers, proposed solutions, and emphasized the importance of localized strategies. The final paper, published in Cytotherapy, provided a framework for how this life-saving treatment could be introduced and maintained in select African settings.

Going Beyond the Classroom
For Day, the project embodies the essence of the Wharton MBA.

“It pushed me beyond the classroom to apply what I was learning—finance, strategy, policy, and leadership—in a high-stakes, real-world context,” he says. “I collaborated with classmates from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique insight to the table. Together, we developed an actionable plan, grounded in both science and business, that could inform policy and investment decisions on the ground in Africa. It was one of the most intellectually and personally rewarding experiences of the program.”

“Wharton gives you the frameworks, mentorship, and peer collaboration to build solutions that matter.” He adds, “This wasn’t theoretical—we were creating a scalable, implementable plan with real partners, in real time. Wharton gave me the platform to do that—and to think bigger than I ever had before.”

Obiozor echoes the sentiment. 

“I publish regularly in my professional role, but I never imagined collaborating with Wharton and Penn faculty on something of this magnitude. Our research shows that CAR-T therapy—a treatment for cancers that don’t respond to traditional interventions—can be within reach for countries that never considered it an option.”

“Our paper sets the stage for how truly transformative this can be if it goes into effect. Car-T therapy treats cancers that have failed traditional interventions and gives people hope,” she says. “To go into countries where people aren’t even thinking about this as an option and show that it is feasible is amazing.”

Read the article in Cytotherapy

By Meghan Laska

Posted: July 14, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Prof. Stephen Sammut (Credit: The Wharton School)
Prof. Stephen Sammut (Credit: The Wharton School)

Prof. Stephen Sammut

Cohorts: Philadelphia, San Francisco, Global

Current Role: Adjunct Associate Professor, Wharton Management Department; Senior Fellow Health Care Management; Coordinator, Wharton EMBA health care concentration; Visiting Professor, Indian School of Business; Visiting Professor, Strathmore University Business School in Nairobi, Kenya; Chair of Industry Advisory Board of Alta Semper Capital (a private equity impact fund focused on healthcare investing in Africa)

Education: Villanova University, BA Humanities; Villanova University, MA Philosophy/Literature; Wharton School, MBA; Temple University, PhD

 

Dr. Cynthia Obiozor WG’24 (Credit: Chidimma Christine Amagwula)
Dr. Cynthia Obiozor WG’24 (Credit: Chidimma Christine Amagwula)

Dr. Cynthia Obiozor WG’24

Cohort: San Francisco

Location: Houston, TX

Current Role: Physician Executive Clinical Research Medical Director, Amgen

Previous Education: University of Texas at Arlington, B.S. Biology and Biochemistry; Ross University School of Medicine, MD; University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Internal Medicine Residency; University of Kansas Medical Center, Medical Oncology and Hematology Fellowship

Dr. Lukejohn Day, WG’24 (Credit:UCSF Health)
Dr. Lukejohn Day, WG’24 (Credit:UCSF Health)

Dr. Lukejohn Day, WG’24 (Credit:UCSF Health)

Cohort: San Francisco

Location: San Francisco, CA

Current Role: System Chief Medical Officer at UCSF Health; Physician, UCSF; President, Association of American Indian Physicians

Previous Education: Yale University, B.S. Chemistry; Stanford University School of Medicine, MD; University of California, San Francisco, Internal Medicine Residency Program; University of California, San Francisco, Gastroenterology Fellowship

Dr. Bukhosi Dube. WG’24 (Credit:The Wharton School)
Dr. Bukhosi Dube. WG’24 (Credit:The Wharton School)

Dr. Bukhosi Dube. WG’24 

Cohort: San Francisco

Location: Portland, OR

Current Role: Consultant, Graybeard Healthcare Consulting

Prior Role: Chief Medical and Health Integration Officer, Cascadia Health

Previous Education: St. Mary’s College, B.S. Chemistry; University of Utah School Of Medicine, MD; University Of California at Los Angeles Olive View Medical Center, Internal Medicine Residency.

Isaac Edrah, WG’24 (Credit: Nick Stoianof – Studio Redleaf)
Isaac Edrah, WG’24 (Credit: Nick Stoianof – Studio Redleaf)

Isaac Edrah, WG’24 

Cohort: Philadelphia

Location: Charlotte, NC

Current Role:  CEO and Founder, Paramean Solution

Previous Education: George Washington University, BA Math; George Washington University, Master’s Statistics

Wharton Stories

MBA Success: Transforming Her Health and Career

Image: Priyanka Vergadia, WG’25 (Credit: Rohita Kotagiri)
“It became clear that physical activity and nutrition were lifting my mood in ways I had never experienced before,” says Priyanka Vergadia, WG’25, about her focus on health during the Wharton EMBA program.

As a first-year student in Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives, Priyanka Vergadia, WG’25, was excelling professionally and academically but she realized that she was neglecting something important: her health. Her “aha” moment came unexpectedly during a routine doctor’s visit.

“My doctor showed me a chart with my numbers going in the wrong direction,” Priyanka recalls. “It was a trend I had to reverse. That fear pushed me to make real changes.”

Building a Healthier Routine, One Habit at a Time

Priyanka’s first step towards better health was joining a small-group fitness program. She committed to attending a morning class five days a week, determined to create a lasting habit.

Priyanka Vergadia with her husband on a daily morning walk
Priyanka Vergadia with her husband on a daily morning walk (Credit: Shashank Thakur)

“Within two months, I felt more energized and excited about life,” she says. “I wasn’t seeing physical changes yet, but emotionally, I was in a much better place.”

Adding a nutrition coach to her routine accelerated her progress. She lost 15 pounds and began to feel significantly healthier and more balanced. “It became clear that physical activity and nutrition were lifting my mood in ways I had never experienced before.”

She also restructured her mornings. Priyanka set aside a dedicated, phone-free hour each morning just for exercise. Afterward, she and her husband began taking 20-minute walks with their dog, a new daily ritual that gave them quality time together and helped her feel more in control of her day.

That simple shift sparked a larger change. The couple also made a weekly date night, a non-negotiable part of their schedule. “If we didn’t plan it, it wouldn’t happen. Intentional time together became essential,” she says.

A Journey from India to Wharton and Google

Growing up in a small town in India, Priyanka learned the value of setting goals early. After earning her undergraduate degree in India, she set her sights on graduate education in the U.S., enrolling at Penn for her master’s degree in computer & information technology.

Watch Priyanka’s journey from India to Penn to Google

Her career path led her to customer-facing technical roles, and ultimately to Google, where she became Head of North America Developer Relations and helped build the Google Cloud Tech YouTube channel leading a team of developer relations engineers.

Throughout that time, she thought about getting an MBA. 

“The seed was planted when I was in the master’s program at Penn and took Negotiations and Entrepreneurship classes,” She explains, “I realized how those classes would be even more valuable if I could apply them in real-time to a job and decided to come back to Wharton after I gained more work experience.”

When she had 10 years of experience, she applied to Wharton. “I didn’t apply anywhere else because I had seen the value of the Penn Engineering brand and network and wanted to join that same type of community at Wharton,” she says. “And with Wharton’s West Coast campus in San Francisco, travelling for class weekends only required a one-hour train ride from San Jose.

Health First, Then a Career Leap

Priyanka Vergadia with her dog on the beach
Priyanka Vergadia with her dog on the beach (Credit: Shashank Thakur)

As Priyanka prioritized her health at Wharton, a surprising side effect emerged: renewed confidence and energy to make a career shift.

“I had been approached by Microsoft when I started the program, but I wasn’t interested in making that kind of change,” she says. “By the second year, I had the clarity and headspace to revisit the opportunity.”

The more she explored the role at Microsoft—focused on developer go-to-market strategy and global training—the more it felt like the next leap in her career with an undefined space to define and chart a new direction in developer space for Microsoft.

Serendipitously, she was also taking Negotiations with Professor Mary-Hunter (Mae) McDonnell. “It was perfect timing,” she says. “The class helped me understand my market value and negotiate a fantastic offer applying the negotiation frameworks.”

Soon after, she began applying lessons from another course, Scaling Strategy with Professor Gad Allon, to her new role. “I was immediately using what I learned to shape how I grew my team and influence at Microsoft.”

A Lifelong Network

Now a proud Wharton graduate, Priyanka reflects on the broader impact of her MBA experience.

“Working in tech, my network was mostly tech,” she says. “Wharton changed that. Now I have a network of astronauts, doctors, lawyers, and professionals in just about every industry. They’re more than classmates. They’re lifelong friends.”

By Meghan Laska

 

Posted: July 1, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

    

Priyanka Vergadia, WG’25
Priyanka Vergadia, WG’25 (Credit: Shashank Thakur)

Priyanka Vergadia, WG’25

Cohort: San Francisco

Location: San Jose, CA

Originally From: Ujjain, India

Current Position: Senior Director Developer Engagement Strategy, Microsoft; Member of Board of Advisors, Penn Board for Online Engineering Education

Prior Position: Head of North America Developer Relations, Google

Previous Education Shri. G. S. Institute of Technology and Science, B.E. Electronics and Telecommunication; master’s degree, Computer & Information Technology, University of Pennsylvania

Learn more about Priyanka  

Wharton Stories

Student Journeys: Exploring Wharton’s Global Cohort Experience

Image: Global cohort students in Bangkok. Credit: Bee Xuto
“I really appreciate the global diversity within the cohort. Class discussions bring in unique perspectives from various industries, markets, and countries around the world, which enriches the learning experience,” says Sona Sundaramurthy, WG’25.

The Global Cohort of Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives is opening up a lot of doors for ambitious students around the world who otherwise would be unable to attend had it not been for this new hybrid format. But how exactly does this work? Do students in this cohort have the same learning and bonding experiences as the San Francisco and Philadelphia cohorts?

We asked two second-year students in the Global Cohort to tell us about their Wharton journeys. Here is what they said:

Sona Sundaramurthy, WG’25

On Choosing the Global Cohort:
“I live in a rural town in Indiana, and traveling to Philadelphia would take an entire day. On top of that, I manage a global team and frequently travel for work. With family commitments, commuting to the East Coast every other weekend just wasn’t feasible. The Global Cohort offered the flexibility I needed to pursue my MBA at Wharton.”

On a Typical Class Weekend:
“Classes are held on Thursday evenings and Friday and Saturday mornings. The virtual classroom is highly interactive, and the professors are genuinely engaged with us. You can raise your hand, ask questions, and receive real-time feedback. What I really appreciate is the global diversity within the cohort. Class discussions bring in unique perspectives from various industries, markets, and countries around the world, which enriches the learning experience. We stay connected through online discussions and chats—it’s truly engaging.”

On Student Bonding:
“Outside of class, our community thrives through Slack and WhatsApp groups where we celebrate birthdays, family milestones, and even festivals. The sense of community is so strong. For example, when we had an in-person class in Panama, a classmate organized a one-day sailing trip. Though I’m afraid of water, my classmates’ support encouraged me to join in, and it turned into an unforgettable experience. There’s no shortage of bonding opportunities.”

Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25

On Choosing the Global Cohort:
I had been considering an MBA for a long time, but taking two years off became less feasible as I progressed in my career. I looked into Wharton’s EMBA program, but the requirement to fly to San Francisco or Philadelphia every other weekend wasn’t compatible with living in Benin. When the opportunity arose for the Global Cohort, it was a perfect fit.”

On Student Bonding:
“We are so thankful for opportunities to spend time together and make the most out of it. We are really intentional about making dinners and non-virtual coffee chats happen when possible.”

On Academic Rigor:
“It is very rigorous and there are no days off from juggling work and school. The time difference to the East Coast can also be challenging because classes are sometimes in the middle of the night for me. But the classes are highly engaging, as the professors don’t just teach, they encourage us to engage in thought-provoking discussions. It’s not just about learning from the professors but also learning from our peers.”

By Meghan Laska

Posted: June 16, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Sona Sundaramurthy, WG’25
Sona Sundaramurthy, WG’25
Credit: Anantha Puthucode

Sona Sundaramurthy, WG’25

Currently: Senior Director, Global Platform Services, Zimmer Biomet

Based In: Warsaw, Indiana

EMBA Cohort: Global

Previous Education: University of Madras, Chemical Engineering; University of Illinois Chicago, Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering

Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25

Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25
Credit: Tricia Assogba Studio, Benin

Yemi Ahouanmenou, WG’25

Currently: Deputy CEO at Bénin Textile SA

Based In: Cotonou, Benin

EMBA Cohort: Global

Previous Education: Concordia University, Finance; EDHEC Business School, Risk & Asset Management

Wharton Stories

How a Wharton MBA is Adding Value for the Mavericks General Counsel

Image: Sekou Lewis, WG’25, at the Mavericks practice facility in Dallas. (Photo by Vernon Bryant/Dallas Mavericks)
“I wanted to put myself in the best position to grow and learn from the best. At the end of the day, I’d be a better lawyer for having a business education,” says Sekou Lewis, WG’25.

Sekou Lewis, WG’25, a former international professional basketball player and the current General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer for the Dallas Mavericks, credits his family and basketball legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson for inspiring his decision to pursue an MBA at Wharton.

A pivotal moment in Sekou’s career trajectory occurred during his time in law school in Philadelphia when his sister, Deja Lewis Chamberlain, WG’10, and Arthur Chamberlain, WG’10, invited him to a Wharton Social Impact Club conference featuring K. Bobby Turner, W’84, and Magic Johnson as the guest speakers.

“I remember Magic talking about how many people who looked like him played basketball, but not many had reached the executive and ownership level,” Sekou recalls. “Magic said that he wanted to see that change, and that really stuck with me. It planted the idea to someday get an MBA.”

A Growing Interest in Business

After graduating from law school, Sekou focused on corporate law in private practice where he discovered an interest in business and strategy while working on merger and acquisition deals. Several years later, he landed the job at the Dallas Mavericks and began thinking about pursuing an MBA.

Man presenting information to a group of people
Sekou Lewis, WG’25, presenting at a Business of Basketball meeting at the Dallas Mavericks headquarters in Dallas. (Photo by Vernon Bryant/Dallas Mavericks)

“I realized I could learn about business on the job, but I also could go back to school and learn from top professors and smart students to accelerate that process,” he explains. “I learned about basketball through full immersion in the sport, always seeking to compete against or play with the best, and I wanted to use that same approach to learn about business.”

Sekou also wanted to build a network of classmates who would serve as a sounding board for business issues, similar to the network he built as a young associate in private practice.

“I wanted to put myself in the best position to grow and learn from the best. At the end of the day, I’d be a better lawyer for having a business education. I saw it as a win-win opportunity,” he says.

A Full Circle Moment

When Sekou decided to pursue his MBA, coming to Wharton felt like a “full circle moment,” as the original idea for business school began on the Wharton campus at Johnson’s talk. And the EMBA program was a great fit because he could continue working for the Dallas Mavericks while in school.

Having gone to law school in Philadelphia, he wanted to experience a different part of the country, so he started the EMBA program commuting from Dallas to Wharton’s West Coast campus in San Francisco and later took advantage of the ability to take classes on both campuses by enrolling in electives in Philadelphia and online with the Global cohort in his second year.

As a recent graduate, Sekou reflects on how his Wharton MBA is currently shaping his work as General Counsel for the Mavericks.

His Management Communication course with Seth Barad, for instance, has proven invaluable. “It’s paid for itself many times over,” Sekou says, explaining how the class gave him the tools to navigate challenging media situations with confidence.

He also points to frameworks from Professor Zeke Hernandez’s (Max and Bernice Garchik Family Presidential Associate Professor) Global Strategy class as a key resource when thinking about potential deals in international markets and navigating negotiations where parties may have significant differences in culture, business practices, and underlying beliefs.

People cheering on sidelines with a mascot for a game
Sekou Lewis, WG’25, at the Dallas Mavericks court dedication in Madrid. Credit: Dallas Mavericks

Another highlight of the EMBA program has been the community of classmates that Sekou has encountered. From diverse industries to varied backgrounds, his peers have proven to be an invaluable resource.

“They’re brilliant, and I now have a trusted network of friends I can turn to for advice or help with business deals across a range of industries,” Sekou shares. “That’s something you can’t put a price on.”

In addition to meeting fellow professionals from the sports world, such as a Super Bowl MVP from the Seattle Seahawks, former Olympians, and the head of marketing for the Golden State Warriors, Sekou found camaraderie with students who, like him, had children during the program. The shared experiences of balancing family, work, and academics helped foster deep bonds.

“It was fun to swap parenting stories with classmates, offer advice, and build deep friendships over our experiences,” he says.

As Sekou reflects on his journey, he believes the value of his Wharton MBA will continue to grow and evolve along with his career. “The value of my Wharton MBA will continue to show up in ways that I can’t predict, and I know it will pay itself back ten-fold.”

By Meghan Laska

Posted: June 2, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Man in a suit holding a basketball
Sekou Lewis, WG’25, at the Mavericks practice facility in Dallas. (Photo by Vernon Bryant/Dallas Mavericks)

Sekou Lewis, WG’25

Currently: General Counsel & Chief Ethics Officer, Dallas Mavericks

Based In: Dallas, TX

EMBA Cohort: San Francisco

Previous Education: American University, BA Criminal Justice; Drexel University, JD

Wharton Stories

Wharton MBA Exec Mom is Revolutionizing the Baby Gear Industry

Image: Bo Zhao, WG'18, walking with her toddler daughter. 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.

When Bo Zhao, WG’18, graduated from Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives, she had plans to continue her role as vice president of her family’s furniture business in Michigan. A former engineer, Bo had enrolled at Wharton to gain the skills to run the business and potentially step into the CEO role one day. At the time, entrepreneurship was so far from her plan that she hardly took any entrepreneurship classes.

But just months after graduation, Bo’s life took an unexpected turn. Her mother, the CEO of the family business, had an accident that left her unable to continue in her role. At the time, Bo was living in Philadelphia with her husband and was nine months pregnant with her first child. Moving to Michigan to take over the business wasn’t feasible, so her brother stepped in as CEO.

After her child was born, Bo began exploring new opportunities and soon found herself venturing into entrepreneurship. She recalls, “Babies require so much gear, and new parents are overwhelmed by the marketing, unsure of what they truly need. Plus, there’s no easy way to try baby gear before committing to it. I also saw the pile of outgrown baby gear accumulating in my home – the one almost every parent has until they figure out where to donate or sell it.”

Bo Zhao walking with her toddler daughter in a stroller on a stone path through greenery. Credit: Cham Zhao
Bo Zhao walking with her toddler daughter
Credit: Cham Zhao

That’s when, in a true lightbulb moment, Bo realized she could use her Wharton MBA to solve these problems and Baby Gear Group was born. The model is simple, offering customers the flexibility to rent baby gear as needed or subscribe to a monthly service that delivers selected items each month. When the items are no longer needed, customers return them, ensuring that the gear stays in circulation. Baby Gear Group currently operates in five locations across the U.S., with plans to expand further.

Bo describes her business as “like Rent the Runway, but for baby gear.” She adds, “I’m making the sustainable choice the easiest choice. Baby gear is only needed for a short period, so why let it accumulate in your home when you can rent it and return it, keeping it in use and out of landfills?”

Bo credits her Wharton education with giving her the confidence to start the venture. “The core business classes have been incredibly valuable because founders need to be knowledgeable about a range of topics from accounting and finance to marketing and pricing.” She says that her library model has been a success, enabling customers to save 82% compared to retail, while also reducing waste and promoting sustainability.  

She also highlights the Wharton network as a key part of her success. “I’ve reached out to my classmates for advice on validating my business model and whether to pursue venture capital funding,” says Bo. “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. I’m even taking a virtual corporate governance class now offered to alumni.”

Bo Zhao, WG'18, and husband Ian McLaughlin with two daughters.Credit: Ian McLaughlin
Bo Zhao, WG’18, and husband Ian McLaughlin with two daughters.
Credit: Ian McLaughlin

Reflecting on her journey, Bo admits that starting a business while caring for a newborn was challenging. But she insists, “The hardest goals are the ones most worthy of pursuit.” She encourages fellow Wharton students and alumni who are new parents to look for ways to innovate in the parenting space, even when sleep deprived. “Combining first-hand experience with a Wharton MBA is powerful,” says the mother of two.

She adds Wharton empowered her to think deeply and differently about the world, and to challenge the status quo. “For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just about business, it’s about creating a legacy of positive change.”

Read more about Bo and her business. 

By Meghan Laska

Posted: May 9, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Bo Zhao, WG’18Credit: Cham Zhao
Bo Zhao, WG’18
Credit: Cham Zhao

Bo Zhao, WG’18

Currently: Founder and CEO, Baby Gear Group

Based In: Philadelphia, PA

EMBA Cohort: Philadelphia

Previous Education: MIT, BS Materials Science and Engineering; Northwestern University, PhD Materials Science and Engineering

Wharton Stories

Education Without Borders

Image: Global cohort students in Berlin (left) and Bangkok (right). Credit: Wharton Alumni Magazine
Members of Wharton’s first Global Executive MBA cohort reflect on their academic journeys and the opportunities the program’s hybrid design unlocked for them.

Edmond Chan, WG’25, had always dreamed of earning a Wharton MBA. But with a young family in Hong Kong and work that required frequent travel, he found the commute to Philadelphia or San Francisco for the School’s traditional Executive MBA program simply not feasible. That all changed in 2023 with the launch of the program’s Global cohort. That cohort, which will graduate its first class of students in May, combines online and in-person learning, making the prestigious Wharton MBA more accessible for professionals worldwide.

Before Chan became part of the cohort, though, he had one final hurdle to consider: He was transitioning from a role at financial technology firm ZA to the helm of ZeroPlus Group, a company in the accessories and toy space with locations across Asia. Could he manage the responsibilities of growing a company, raising two children, and traveling around Asia, all while pursuing an MBA? Chan decided the challenge was worthwhile. “My background was in business development and entrepreneurship, but to successfully scale my business, I needed the advanced financial skills a Wharton MBA could provide,” he says. “I was eager to apply what I’d learn directly to my new role and scale the company regionally or even globally. Given the new program format, I could manage my commitments much more effectively.”

Alfonso L. Corcuera, WG’25, a director at ACON Investments, found himself in a similar position. The long and unpredictable commute from Mexico City to Wharton kept the Executive MBA program out of reach for him. With the announcement of the Global cohort, though, Corcuera saw the opportunity to pursue his dream. “I had transitioned from investment banking to private equity and became heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of our portfolio companies,” he says. “I wanted a Wharton MBA to deepen my understanding of business and join a community of top private equity professionals. Wharton is the best business school in the world, and I wanted to be a part of it.”

Even though she is based in the U.S., Sona Sundaramurthy, WG’25, faced comparable commuting challenges. She lives in a small town in rural Indiana where the nearest airport is 60 miles away, so making it to Wharton would have been a logistical nightmare. But the Global cohort changed her calculus. “I was managing a team of 170 employees across the U.S., Colombia, Ireland, and Switzerland,” recalls the Zimmer Biomet senior director. “When Wharton announced the Global cohort, my COO said, ‘High potential goes to Wharton. You should go to Wharton.’ The hybrid format and focus on global business were a perfect fit for my career.”

Read the full story in the Wharton Alumni Magazine

By Meghan Laska

Posted: May 5, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Credit: Anantha Puthucode

Sona Sundaramurthy, WG’25

Currently: Senior Director, Zimmer Biomet

Based In: Warsaw, Indiana

EMBA Cohort: Global

Previous Education: University of Madras, Chemical Engineering; University of Illinois Chicago, Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering

Credit: Wharton Alumni Magazine

Edmond Chan, WG’25

Currently: Partner, Group CFO, ZeroPlus Group

Based In: Hong Kong

EMBA Cohort: Global

Previous Education: The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Psychology; University of Oxford, Philosophy

Alfonso L. Corcuera WG'25
Credit: ACON Investments

Alfonso L. Corcuera, WG’25

Currently: Director, ACON Investments

Based In: Mexico City

EMBA Cohort: Global

Previous Education: Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico, Economics

Wharton Stories

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

Image: Sarela Herrada 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.

After Sarela Herrada, WG’25, co-founded SIMPLi, a regenerative organic food business, with her husband Matt Cohen in 2020, she faced a pivotal decision. Should she learn to scale the business through hands-on experience, or should she pursue an MBA to fill the knowledge gaps that came with entrepreneurship? Ultimately, she chose the latter and joined Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives in Philadelphia in 2023.

Sarela Herrada, WG'25 Credit: SIMPLi
Sarela Herrada, WG’25 Credit: SIMPLi

“I reached a point where the business was expanding rapidly, and I needed to evolve with it at the same pace,” says Sarela. “I realized an MBA would expose me to all aspects of business, particularly areas like finance where I lacked experience. With 20 employees, taking two years off wasn’t an option, so Wharton’s EMBA program was the perfect fit.”

Giving birth to their first child right before starting the program, Sarela says it took some creative juggling to balance running the company, school, and being a new parent – and then giving birth to her second child later in the program.

She quickly found community with her classmates. 

“The first week of school was humbling,” she recalls. “I met Navy SEALs, Olympians, PhDs, people who speak seven languages—it was intimidating. But soon, I realized we had so much in common. We were all there to learn from each other, and I knew I had found my people.”

As a new mom, Sarela wasn’t alone. She discovered a strong support network across the EMBA cohorts, particularly among the 10 other women who had children in the program. 

“We all supported one another, sharing parenting tips and advice,” she says. “Everyone is juggling something—whether it’s running a business or working on incredible projects. It was refreshing to be in a community where everyone understood the challenges, because they were experiencing their own versions of the same struggles.”

A Passion for Regenerative Organic Agriculture

Sarela’s career in the food industry began long before she co-founded SIMPLi. After college, she worked as a supply chain consultant before transitioning into food manufacturing, where she built international supply chains. Following a six-month backpacking trip through South America, she joined the startup Cava, where she led the food and beverage team and gained valuable experience.

In 2020, Sarela and her husband launched SIMPLi, a company that goes a step beyond traditional organic farming. 

“We wanted to create a model that not only provided healthy, sustainable products but also supported the health of ecosystems and the workers involved,” she explains.

Learning From Wharton’s World-Class Faculty and Peers

Sarela Herrada, WG'2Credit: Matt Cohen
Sarela Herrada, WG’2
Credit: Matt Cohen

Working on SIMPLi, Sarela began noticing knowledge gaps that she wanted to fill. In particular, she wanted to feel more comfortable in finance during talks with potential investors. 

At Wharton, Sarela took classes to fill in those gaps and learn the frameworks needed to successfully scale a business. For example, in Prof. Zeke Hernandez’s (Max and Bernice Garchik Family Presidential Associate Professor) class on Global Strategy, she learned new ways to understand cultural differences. With offices in Philadelphia and Lima, Peru, and farmers based around the world, the ability to understand cultural differences and how to adjust communication and leadership style has been invaluable.

In Prof. Patti Williams’ (Ira A. Lipman Associate Professor of Marketing, Vice Dean, Wharton Executive Education) class on Strategic Brand Marketing, Sarela discovered how to build brands that speak to specific audiences. 

“We learned that your most loyal customers aren’t always your biggest revenue drivers,” she says. “Understanding how to engage with various customer segments was an important lesson.”

And in Prof. Gad Allon’s (Jeffrey A. Keswin Professor, Director of the Jerome Fisher Program in Management & Technology) class on Scaling Operations, she gained a scaling framework that she uses every day in her business. 

In addition to classes, Sarela says the faculty are always available to provide advice and feedback. When she was working on packaging for SIMPLi, she turned to Marketing Prof. Barbara Kahn (Patty and Jay H. Baker Professor), whose constructive feedback influenced much of the company’s branding and helped propel it into the next stages.

Sarela also benefited from her classmates’ diverse perspectives. “Running a business can sometimes feel isolating because you’re so focused on your own company,” she says. “Wharton exposed me to peers in different industries with different expertise. Having a support system like that has been invaluable.”

The Road Ahead

Sarela Herrada, WG'25, and cofounder Matt Cohen in Philadelphia Credit: SIMPLi
Sarela Herrada, WG’25, and cofounder Matt Cohen in Philadelphia
Credit: SIMPLi

Reflecting on her Wharton experience, Sarela says, “Wharton has broadened my perspective, strengthened my knowledge, and challenged me to think differently. I could have continued learning about entrepreneurship on the job, but Wharton taught me to think beyond the day-to-day operations. I now feel confident in all aspects of my business and I’m excited for the future.”

Today, SIMPLi partners with more than 3,000 small farmers worldwide and its products are sold at over 3,000 retail locations and 3,000 restaurants nationwide, including several quick-service restaurants such as Sweetgreen, Chopt, and Just Salad.

Click here to learn more about Sarela and SIMPLi.

By Meghan Laska

Posted: April 1, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Sarela Herrada, WG’25

Cohort: Philadelphia

Location: Philadelphia

Originally From: Peru

Current Position: Co-founder and Co-CEO, SIMPLi

Previous Education: Penn State, B.S. Industrial Engineering

Sarela Herrada, WG’25Credit: SIMPLi
Sarela Herrada, WG’25
Credit: SIMPLi

Wharton Stories

From Cockpits to C-Suites: How Wharton’s EMBA Propelled a Military Career into Finance Leadership

Image: Alex Daie (Credit: Rozanne Daie)
Within two months of graduating, Alex Daie, WG’24, transitioned from flying jets for the US Navy to becoming the CFO of a $100-million revenue business.

Alex Daie, WG’24, came to Wharton’s MBA Program for Executives with a clear goal: to transition from a successful military career to the world of finance. Within two months of graduating, he achieved that goal by becoming CFO for a $100-million revenue business.

“I would not have this job if I didn’t have a Wharton MBA,” Alex reflects. “Wharton gave me the foundational knowledge and strategic skills to view a business through the lens of a CFO. I learned to speak the language of finance, assess a company’s financial health, prioritize key metrics, and allocate capital effectively—all of which were completely new concepts to me.”

From Flying Jets to Entrepreneurship

Alex began his career in the US Navy, flying F18 Super hornets, with a combat deployment flying missions in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and later serving as a flight instructor. 

“My childhood dream was to fly cool jets and be part of something bigger than myself and I achieved that dream; however, after I was married and had four daughters, I wanted to be home more and start a new chapter in my career,” he says.

During his military service, Alex identified an opportunity to improve the readiness and performance of Department of Defense aircraft. He developed a software application that captured vital post-flight data to enhance mission success rates and optimize maintenance efforts. He partnered with a defense technology firm to take the software to market and joined the company in a civilian role. This entrepreneurial experience sparked his desire to learn more about business, particularly finance.

“I knew I had a lot of gaps in my knowledge when it came to scaling businesses, negotiating deals, and developing a solid business plan,” Alex says. “I wanted to work in finance, but I needed a strong foundation of business knowledge and skills to make the leap.”

 Finding a “Great Fit” at Wharton

Living in California and working full-time, Alex found Wharton’s EMBA program to be an ideal choice. “I’m someone with a ‘go big or go home’ mentality, and Wharton in my mind is the best business school for finance,” he says. “I also wanted the challenge of a program with the same rigor as a full-time M

BA, and the opportunity to learn alongside other experienced professionals from various industries who were similarly committed to advancing their careers.”

Alex Daie with classmates in Switzerland
Alex Daie with classmates in Switzerland (Credit: Alex Daie)

At Wharton, Alex immersed himself in the resources available to EMBA students. He participated in career development programs that helped him assess his strengths, align his interests, and learn how to effectively translate his military experience to the private sector. He also spent time with faculty discussing potential career paths in finance and brainstorming ideas.

Alex points to the Wharton faculty and his classmates as highlights of his time in school. “Even when we were all exhausted from a long class weekend, the professors brought amazing energy and enthusiasm to classes and made an effort to get to know and support students. And my classmates became lifelong friends and mentors. Whenever I face something new in my current role, I reach out to a classmate for advice. That’s priceless. It’s a trusted network for life.”

Advice for Military Applicants

Reflecting on his experience, Alex encourages military applicants to seriously consider Wharton’s EMBA program.

This comprehensive learning not only facilitates future career transitions but also equips students to think strategically in unprecedented ways. Reflecting on the experience, Alex notes that it’s an opportunity he’d eagerly embrace again without hesitation.

By Meghan Laska

 

Alexander Daie Wharton Graduation Speech 2024

 

Posted: March 10, 2025

EMBA Program

Wharton MBA Program for Executives

Alex Daie
Alex Daie (Credit: Kilean Hernandez)

Alex Daie, WG’24

Cohort: San Francisco

Location: Hanford, CA

Current Position: CFO, Renewable Solar, US Navy Reservist

Prior Position: F-35C Instructor Pilot in the US Navy; Board Member: 51 Vets

Prior Education: U.S. Naval Academy, Economics

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