2025 Best & Brightest MBA: Aarati Cohly, Wharton School by: Jeff Schmitt on May 01, 2025 | 781 Views May 1, 2025 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Aarati Cohly Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania “I drive transformative change through empathy, joy, and innovation, delivering impactful, sustainable results.” Hometown: New York City, NY Fun fact about yourself: My family is from an eco-village community in Agra and since I was a child I spent my summers volunteering in the community farms. The farm operates on a no-profit, no-loss model, ensuring that everyone in the community can afford basic necessities. Through this work, I not only learned the importance of selfless service, but also how to collaborate with other community members to achieve our shared mission. These values are still core components of who I am today and drive my passion for public service and inspired me to pursue a Fulbright grant on eco-village development in India. Undergraduate School and Degree: New York University, BA in International Relations and BA in Environmental Studies Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Chief of Staff, NYC Mayor’s Office of Engagement Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Over the summer, I had two roles: * MBA Summer Intern at Democracy Works (TurboVote): Collaborated with the Director of Sales to develop partnership strategies for 145+ Fortune 1000 companies to adopt TurboVote. Designed a simulation for the Director of Partnerships to anticipate and address challenges ahead of the 2024 presidential election. * Founder & Freelance Consultant at Cohly Consulting, LLC: Secured a $25,000 contract to develop a strategic plan for The Civic Engagement Commission’s (CEC) arts program, shaping NYC’s long-term approach to public art, setting key performance indicators (KPIs), and working to double funding streams. Secured sponsorships from Tony’s Chocolonely and Oatly and funded Colombian artist Yazmany Arboleda’s largest installation for National Voter Registration Day, driving 10% of the registration goal in 24 hours. Continuing my consulting work, I organized a convening at MoMA with 36 arts and civic engagement leaders, leading to three requests for proposals from leading NYC foundations. Where will you be working after graduation? I am currently recruiting and interviewing for marketing and strategy roles in the CPG/beauty sector. My goal is to find a role that aligns with my values, allowing me to bridge the private and public sectors to drive meaningful community impact. I am seeking opportunities where I can leverage my strategic expertise and passion for purpose-driven brands to create lasting change. Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: Wharton-Weitzman Future of Cities Conference, Co-Chair William P. Lauder Wharton Leadership Fellows Wharton Beauty Club, VP of Marketing Dean’s MBA Advisory Committee (DMAC), Member People Analytics Applied Insights Team Lead MBArk ‘24 Fellow (50 MBAs chosen by former CMO of Whole Foods) India Global Immersion Program Student Coordinator Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? The achievement I am most proud of during business school is my leadership in the Wharton-Weitzman Future of Cities Conference. Last year, as Co-VP of Content, and this year as Co-Chair, I have been deeply committed to shaping this event into a platform for meaningful dialogue and action. Leading a team of 30 MBA and graduate students, fundraising over $35,000, and securing high-profile speakers—including the Head of NYC’s City Planning, Dan Garodnick, and the iconic Judy Wicks—made planning this conference a significant undertaking. However, it was also an incredibly rewarding experience. The event brought together over 250 students, industry experts, and funders, fostering critical discussions on the future of cities. Some of the highlights for me included moderating a panel on the role of public art in building resilient cities and curating a fireside chat on Business Models for Change, which featured leaders from Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, Kiehl’s, and Tony’s Chocolonely, moderated by NYC’s Chief of Service and Volunteerism. This conversation perfectly illustrated how public-private partnerships are essential for driving systemic change. It was incredibly validating to see these speakers continue their discussions beyond the conference, exploring real-world collaborations that could emerge from the event. More than just a convening, Future of Cities was designed to inspire action. In a world where urban challenges can feel overwhelming, this year’s theme, Building for Belonging, was created with the hope of uplifting attendees—motivating them to dream bigger and find like-minded changemakers willing to join them in reimagining our cities. The conference wasn’t just about ideas; it was about catalyzing real change. Students left the event not only more informed but more empowered—seeing themselves as active participants in shaping the cities of the future. By connecting people who might not normally meet but, when working together, can drive meaningful impact, the conference sparked new relationships and problem-solving approaches that will extend far beyond the room. At its core, Future of Cities exemplifies my belief that large-scale impact requires bringing together diverse voices to collectively address the challenges ahead. What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? A professional achievement I am most proud of is integrating art and culture into my work at the NYC Mayor’s Office. Artists are among the most powerful storytellers, yet they are often underpaid and undervalued. Ensuring that public dollars support this vital field has been a personal priority, and I have found meaningful ways to make that happen. During the 2021 June Primary in New York City, I was the Creative Director for our $15 million dollar Ranked-Choice Voting campaign, collaborating with creative vendors to design ads that elevated local artists. One of the most impactful pieces featured Fanta Ballo, a Black, Harlem-based youth poet, whose video highlighted voting as a way to celebrate Juneteenth. Our efforts contributed to the highest voter turnout for a mayoral primary in 30 years, underscoring my belief that art and music are powerful tools for healing, community-building, and social change. Beyond campaign work, I have collaborated extensively with People’s Artist Yazmany Arboleda, who transformed a former Rikers-bound bus into a mobile community center. I have used this space to engage disenfranchised New Yorkers, connecting them to government through beauty and art. I am currently consulting with Yazmany to help secure corporate funding to sustain and expand his work. These experiences have solidified my passion for using storytelling, creativity, and brand strategy to drive impact—ultimately leading me to pursue a major in marketing for my MBA. As an MBA student, I see marketing as a natural extension of my previous work—leveraging the power of art, culture, and storytelling to shape how people connect with brands, communities, and each other. Whether through public campaigns or consumer brands, I believe marketing has the ability to inspire action and create meaningful change at scale. My experiences have shown me that businesses that authentically align with culture and values can build deeper, more lasting relationships with consumers, and I am eager to explore how to bring this approach to the private sector. Why did you choose this business school? I chose Wharton because I want to become a private-sector leader who drives meaningful change in the communities I work in. While I have extensive experience in the public sector, I knew that to build credibility and influence in the for-profit world, I needed to attend a school with unparalleled business expertise—and Wharton was the perfect fit. Beyond its strong quantitative foundation, what truly drew me to Wharton was its emphasis on leadership development and team-based collaboration. From taking the Management 6100 Leadership Simulation in my first days at Wharton to later serving as a Leadership Fellow—where I TA’d the course and coached first-year students—I have grown as both a leader and a mentor. In the process, I have applied the lessons I learned in my first year to help others navigate the MBA journey. My experience as a Leadership Fellow allowed me to strengthen my ability to lead diverse teams, think critically under pressure, and foster environments where collaboration drives impact. Coming from a public-sector background, through Wharton courses and leadership roles, I have pushed my peers to think beyond traditional corporate metrics and consider the broader social impact of their work. Many of my classmates come from private-sector backgrounds and have not had the opportunity to engage deeply with issues of social equity, public-private collaboration, or community impact. I saw this firsthand in Management 6100, where I was able to draw from my experiences leading large-scale civic initiatives to challenge my peers to think more critically about how the business we were running in the simulation could be a force for social good. At Wharton, I’ve not only gained the skills to transition into the private sector, but also helped shape the way my peers view their roles as future leaders—encouraging them to think bigger about the impact they can have. Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite professor at Wharton is Professor Annie Wilson. I took her Consumer Behavior course in the fall of my second year and was immediately drawn to her engaging teaching style, dynamic case selections, and the interactive way she commands the classroom. Her course gave me a new perspective on how marketing and branding shape consumer behavior. I found it so impactful that I am now working with her on an Independent Study, writing a case on Tony’s Chocolonely. Through this case, we are examining how impact-oriented brands leverage their story for marketing—both as a strength and a potential challenge, something that will be especially insightful for my career post-Wharton. Additionally, we are exploring how Tony’s Chocolonely, which first launched in Europe, has adapted its U.S. distribution strategy and the trade-offs it faces in balancing mainstream growth with its mission-driven identity. As someone aspiring to a career in marketing and strategy post-MBA, I have gained invaluable insights from Professor Wilson’s mentorship, and I look forward to applying her lessons in the real world. What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course at Wharton has been Decision Making in the Leadership Chair, taught by William P. Lauder. Through direct engagement with top executives, the course has provided invaluable insights into leadership, resilience, and strategic decision-making. One of the most impactful conversations was with Bob Gamgort, Chairperson of Keurig Dr Pepper, who spoke about leading from a place of ‘being enough’—understanding what truly motivates you and distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy ambition. His perspective resonated deeply, especially in an environment like Wharton, where it’s easy to chase prestige over genuine alignment with long-term goals. Ambition has driven many of my accomplishments, but recently, I’ve been reflecting on how to balance it with focus—paring down commitments to ensure they align with my priorities. Bob’s journey reinforced that success isn’t about chasing titles but about mastering the work in front of you. He didn’t set out to be a CEO; he focused on being the best brand manager he could be, and that dedication led him to leadership. His story has helped me reframe my own approach, emphasizing depth over breadth in pursuit of meaningful impact. What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite Wharton tradition is Storytellers, a student organization that gives every Wharton student the opportunity to share personal stories that engage, inspire, and build community. Held once a month at Helium, a comedy club and open mic space, Storytellers has provided a rare opportunity to slow down and connect on a deeper level in an otherwise fast-paced business school environment. Beyond simply attending, Storytellers has changed the way I engage with my community. In moments when I’ve felt stressed or disconnected, it has given me the space to pause, reflect, and re-evaluate what truly matters. Listening to my classmates’ diverse backgrounds and experiences has broadened my perspective, sparking conversations I might never have had and deepening relationships in unexpected ways. These moments of shared vulnerability have made me more intentional in how I build connections, reminding me that leadership isn’t just about strategy and execution—it’s about understanding people, their stories, and the perspectives they bring. What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth about Wharton is that it is strictly a finance school. While Wharton is renowned for its finance curriculum, my experience has shown that it offers just as much depth in social impact, marketing, strategy, and leadership development. Some of my most engaging courses have been in non-traditional areas, including Strategy and Sustainability, The Economics of Diversity and Discrimination, and Influence—classes that not only develop critical skills but also explore how businesses can drive meaningful change. Wharton has made a concerted effort to attract students from diverse backgrounds and expand its offerings beyond finance. Initiatives such as The Future of Cities Conference, The Social Impact Club, and Impact Communities provide dynamic opportunities for students with a wide range of career interests. I’ve also found that my non-traditional background has been welcomed and valued. For example, I recently organized an event with the Beauty Club and Social Impact Community, bringing in the Head of Impact & Communications at Glossier and the Founder of Pound Cake, a Black-owned, female-founded brand they’ve funded. With support from the Social Impact Community, I secured funding to host this event, which not only explored trends in the beauty sector but also highlighted the critical role of diversity, representation, and social impact in shaping the future of consumer brands. Experiences like these have reinforced that Wharton is not just a finance school—it’s a place where students across industries can thrive, innovate, and create lasting impact. What did you love most about your business school’s town? I love the food scene in Philly! As a vegetarian, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the incredible variety of vegetarian and vegan options. From world-renowned restaurants like Zahav to plant-based favorites like Charlie Was a Sinner, the city offers something for everyone. But beyond just great food, Philadelphia’s dining scene has been a way for me to connect with a diverse group of people in meaningful ways. Philly’s incredible range of cuisines—from Indonesian to Ethiopian—has made these experiences even more special. I firmly believe that sharing a meal is one of the most powerful ways to bring people together. Through food, I’ve been able to explore different cultures, hear my classmates’ stories, and introduce them to my own. This year, as a TA for Wharton’s Global Immersion Program in India, I had the opportunity to introduce classmates to Indian culture through food. Recently, we hosted a reunion at Amma’s Indian Cuisine, where we reminisced about our trip over delicious Indian dishes. It was a reminder of how food transcends language and background, creating space for connection and shared memories. What movie or television show (e.g. The Big Short, The Founder, Mad Men, House of Lies) best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it? The movie that best reflects the realities of business school for me is Legally Blonde. Coming from a non-traditional background, I’ve sometimes felt like a fish out of water in certain business settings, much like Elle Woods navigating law school. Her journey highlights the challenges of breaking into new industries, overcoming stereotypes, and proving your value in unfamiliar environments. One of the biggest lessons from Legally Blonde is the power of confidence, adaptability, and leveraging unique strengths. Elle succeeds not by trying to conform but by embracing her distinct perspective and applying creative problem-solving—whether it’s cracking a legal case or winning over skeptical peers. Similarly, in business, success isn’t just about technical expertise but also about relationship-building, resilience, and thinking differently. When I first arrived at Wharton, I struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning how my public-sector background fit into a business school environment. Over time, I realized that my experiences weren’t a limitation but a strength. At the NYC Mayor’s Office, I became adept at advocating for resources, navigating complex stakeholder relationships, and leading high-impact initiatives—skills that proved invaluable in my Negotiations class. Drawing on this background, I excelled in strategic deal-making and was ultimately nominated Best Negotiator by my 60+ classmates. This recognition reinforced the power of staying true to myself and demonstrated that diverse perspectives are essential in shaping strong business leaders. Ultimately, Legally Blonde reinforces that success in business isn’t about fitting a mold—it’s about embracing your own strengths, pushing past doubt, and proving that different perspectives add value. What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? Wharton has deeply integrated AI into its programming, with professors actively encouraging its use across various courses. In my Innovation class, our professors challenged us to leverage ChatGPT to generate more creative and disruptive startup ideas, demonstrating AI’s potential to enhance ideation and problem-solving. Beyond the classroom, Wharton provides all students with licensed OpenAI accounts, ensuring AI is accessible for refining ideas, brainstorming, and improving communication through more precise and visual language. Additionally, career advisors advocate for AI-powered research, encouraging students to use ChatGPT for market analysis and company insights to make more informed career decisions. These experiences have shown me that AI is not just a tool for efficiency but a catalyst for innovation and strategic thinking. In my Executive Leadership course, Professor Michael Parke emphasized how AI enhances communication by making abstract goals more concrete. I applied this insight while leading the Future of Cities Conference, using ChatGPT to refine our mission statement and event objectives, ensuring clarity for stakeholders and attendees. I have also used AI to structure goal-setting frameworks for student organizations, translating ambitious ideas into actionable plans. These applications have reinforced my belief that AI is a strategic asset in leadership and decision-making. Which MBA classmate do you most admire? This is a challenging question because there are so many MBA classmates I admire. If I had to choose one, it would be my dear friend and classmate, Haley Coller. As a first-generation college and MBA student, Haley has broken countless barriers to be at Wharton, demonstrating resilience and determination every step of the way. Beyond academics, she is an incredible content creator and is deeply engaged in the Wharton community—chairing the Whitney M. Young Conference, leading marketing for Follies, and serving as a Leadership Fellow alongside me. Her energy, passion, and dedication to every initiative she takes on are truly inspiring. What I admire most about Haley, however, is her unwavering commitment to her friendships. Despite her many responsibilities, she always makes time to check in, celebrate milestones, and support those she cares about. Her ability to balance ambition with deep, meaningful connections is something I aspire to emulate, and I feel incredibly grateful to call her a friend. What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? The top two items on my professional bucket list are the following: 1. Launching or leading a purpose-driven consumer brand – I am passionate about brand strategy, marketing, and storytelling, and I aspire to work with (or build) a company that blends innovation, social impact, and consumer engagement—similar to brands like Tony’s Chocolonely, Patagonia, or Keihl’s sustainability initiatives. I want to create or shape brands that are not only commercially successful but also drive meaningful change in their industries and influence consumer habits. 2. Collaborating with my mom, one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs I know – my mom. She earned her MBA in India and was a trailblazer in the travel industry, becoming one of the first women to work at her company post-MBA. Throughout my life, I saw her lead with innovation, resilience, and vision, but I didn’t fully appreciate the impact of her work until now. I would love to find a way to partner with her—whether through business, mentorship, or a shared venture—to continue her legacy of breaking barriers and driving meaningful change. One idea I’m especially excited about is co-writing a book or launching a podcast together, sharing stories of women who have paved the way in business and travel What made Aarati such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025? “Aarati is a highly deserving candidate for this nomination due to her exceptional leadership and engagement within the Wharton community. As a strong student leader, she played a key role in coordinating a thoughtful and culturally immersive Global Immersion Program in India over the Winter Break, ensuring a meaningful experience for all thirty-five Wharton participants. She is actively involved in several clubs and fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, making a positive impact on her peers through her warm and approachable personality. Aarati exemplifies balance and dedication, thoughtfully managing academics, recruiting, and extracurricular commitments while maintaining a high level of engagement and excellence.” Alyssa Swanson Senior Associate Director MBA Co-Curricular Programming DON’T MISS: THE 100 BEST & BRIGHTEST MBAS: CLASS OF 2025