My first introduction to the amazing and welcoming community at Wharton was in 2011 at the Whitney M. Young conference. At that point, I had no interest in pursuing my MBA and had simply been invited to accompany a good friend, who was a student at the time and wanted to hear from one of the renowned speakers at the conference. I could dwell on how she flaked on me after I registered for the conference, which resulted in me attending the conference alone, but her flakiness actually makes my testament of the WMY conference hold truer.
There I was entering a conference by myself, at a school that I had no interest in attending, to listen to a speaker that I was not familiar with, surrounded by people that I did not know. What I left with was something far beyond my expectations: 1. A group of new friends and a sneak peak into a community that I now call my family; 2. Inspiration from speakers and attendees which was enough to motivate me to pursue an MBA at Wharton; 3. The best time ever at the stellar black tie gala/after party filled with laughter, motivational beverages, great food and dancing!
So what is this Whitney M. Young Conference that you speak of? It is an incredible conference, inspired by the legacy of a visionary leader Whitney M. Young, an avid advocate of equality and economic empowerment for all, put on by Wharton’s African American MBA Association (AAMBAA).
What does it have to offer me? This year we have panels ranging from Data & Analytics, to Entrepreneurship and Leadership featuring industry experts. In addition you will have ample opportunities to network, pitch your business plan and of course dance the night away at our legendary black tie gala. What more reasoning do you need?
Can you address the elephant in the room? Sure! You do not have to be black to attend 
Every year the conference is attended by everyone and anyone who would like to be inspired, uplifted and entertained! Bring your good energy and get ready for the time of your life!
If this isn’t enough, check out the top 10 reasons to attend the WMY conference in the Wharton Journal here!
We hope to see you on Dec 6th, 2014 at the Union League of Philadelphia. Register now at www.wmyconference.com. I promise you won’t regret it!